Text messages are one of the easiest ways to ask for a Google review because most people read them quickly and can tap a link right away. A short, friendly SMS sent at the right moment often works better than a long email. Here’s how to do it politely, legally and with scripts you can use today.
- Only text customers who have agreed to receive messages from you.
- Send the request soon after a completed visit or job.
- Keep it under about 300 characters with one direct review link.
- Ask every customer the same way, with no gating and no incentives.
Before you send: consent and rules
Business texting in the US is regulated, and the rules around consent are strict. Only message customers who gave you their number and agreed to receive texts, and include a simple opt-out like “Reply STOP to opt out.” If you’re unsure what applies to your business, check with your texting provider or a legal advisor.
Google’s review policies also matter here. Google prohibits review gating, which means filtering customers so only happy ones are asked, and it prohibits offering incentives for reviews. The FTC’s rule on fake reviews, which took effect in October 2024, also addresses incentives tied to positive sentiment. Ask everyone, and ask for honest feedback.
Get your direct review link
A link that opens the review form directly removes a step for the customer. In your Google Business Profile, look for the option to ask for reviews or share a review form, then copy the short link. Test it on your own phone before you start sending.
When to send the text
- Restaurants and retail: the same day, within a few hours of the visit.
- Salons, clinics and appointments: later the same day or the next morning.
- Home services and contractors: right after the job is finished and the customer has seen the result.
- Longer projects: after final walkthrough or delivery, not mid-project.
Avoid late-night or very early messages. Normal business hours are the safe default.
What makes a review SMS work
- Identify yourself in the first few words so it isn’t mistaken for spam.
- Personalize with the customer’s first name and the service if you can.
- Make one ask with one link.
- Keep it short. Long texts can split into multiple messages and feel pushy.
- Include opt-out language where required.
SMS scripts you can adapt
General thank-you request
Hi [Name], it’s [Business]. Thanks for coming in today! If you have a minute, we’d appreciate an honest Google review: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Home services
Hi [Name], this is [Tech name] with [Business]. Thanks for having us out to fix your [service]. Would you share your experience on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Appointment-based business
Hi [Name], thanks for visiting [Business] today. Your feedback helps us and helps neighbors find us. Leave a quick Google review here: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Restaurant or takeout
Thanks for ordering from [Business], [Name]! How did we do? Share your thoughts on Google: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Owner-signed message
Hi [Name], it’s [Owner first name], owner of [Business]. I really appreciate your business. If you’re willing, an honest Google review would mean a lot: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Single polite follow-up
Hi [Name], just a quick reminder from [Business]. If you have a moment, we’d value your Google review: [link]. No worries if not. Reply STOP to opt out.
Follow-up rules
One reminder is reasonable. Send it two to four days after the first message, then stop. Multiple reminders can annoy customers and cost you goodwill that matters more than a single review.
Keep a simple record of who has been asked so you don’t text the same person twice for the same visit. A spreadsheet with the customer’s name, the visit date and the date of each message is enough for most small teams. If your texting platform tracks this automatically, check it weekly to make sure opt-outs are being honored.
Mistakes to avoid
- Asking “Were you happy? If yes, leave a review” and sending unhappy customers elsewhere. That’s gating.
- Offering a discount, entry into a drawing or freebie for a review.
- Asking for “a 5-star review” instead of an honest one.
- Texting purchased lists or people who never shared their number with you.
- Using a long link that looks suspicious.
Write your scripts faster
Our free Review Request SMS Generator, part of the iFilePost com free reputation tools, creates short, polite text drafts you can tailor to your business type. If your customers prefer email, see our review request email templates. More ideas live in the review requests category.
Once reviews start arriving, plan how you’ll respond. Our 5-star review reply examples help you thank customers quickly, and the Google Business Profile section covers managing your listing.
FAQs
Is it allowed to ask for Google reviews by text?
Yes. Google allows businesses to ask customers for reviews. Just follow texting consent rules, ask all customers rather than only happy ones, and don’t offer incentives.
How long should a review request text be?
Short enough to read in a few seconds. One or two sentences plus the link and opt-out language is ideal.
Should I send the text from a personal phone?
A business number or texting platform is better. It keeps records organized, handles opt-outs, and makes the sender recognizable.
What if a customer replies with a complaint?
Respond personally and try to fix the problem. Don’t stop them from leaving a review, and thank them for telling you directly.
Conclusion
A good review request text is short, personal, timely and honest. Get consent, use a direct link, ask every customer the same way, and follow up once at most. Over time, a simple routine like this builds a steady flow of genuine reviews.
