1. Get your review link and save it
Your Google Business Profile has an option to ask for reviews that gives you a short link. Copy it and save it as a note or text shortcut on your phone, so asking takes ten seconds.
Guide for UK trades
How to ask customers for Google reviews
Most happy customers would leave a review. They just don't think to, or it feels like a hassle. The fix is simple: ask at the right moment, send the link, and keep it short. Here's how, with five scripts you can copy.
Four habits that get reviews
None of this costs anything. It just needs doing every time.
2. Ask when the job is done and they've seen it
The best moment is when the customer is looking at the finished work, or that evening. A week later the good feeling has gone and so has the review.
3. Ask everyone, the same way
Don't pick and choose. Ask every customer with the same message. That's fairer, it's what Google's rules expect, and it gives you a more believable spread of reviews.
4. Reply to every review you get
A quick thank-you under each review shows the next customer there's a real person behind the business. It also nudges more people to leave one.
Five short scripts to copy
Swap the [brackets] for your details. Keep it in your own words if that feels more natural.
Text message, same day
Hi [Name], thanks for having us round today. If you've got a minute, a quick Google review really helps a small local business like ours: [link]. Cheers, [Your name]
WhatsApp, with a job photo
Hi [Name], here's a photo of the finished [job]. Thanks again for choosing us. If you'd be happy to leave a short Google review, here's the link: [link]. No worries if not.
In person, at the end of the job
"Before I go, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Most of our work comes from people finding us there. I'll text you the link so it's easy."
Email with the invoice
Hi [Name], your invoice for [job] is attached. Thanks for your business. If you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a short Google review: [link]. It helps other people in [town] find us. Kind regards, [Your name]
One gentle reminder, a few days later
Hi [Name], just a quick follow-up in case my last message got buried. If you're happy to leave a Google review, the link's here: [link]. Thanks either way.
The rules to stay inside
- No incentives. No discounts, freebies, cash or prize draws in exchange for a review.
- No review gating. Don't ask "were you happy?" first and only send the happy ones to Google.
- No fake or friendly reviews. No reviews from friends, family, staff or anyone who wasn't a real customer.
- No writing it for them. Don't hand customers words to post. Let them say it their way.
- One reminder at most. More than that starts to feel like pressure.
Want the full setup in one go?
The Google Business Profile Starter Kit for UK Trades has a setup checklist, trade-friendly profile copy, a photo shot list, 10 first post ideas, honest review-request scripts for SMS, WhatsApp, email and in person, and a 30-day plan.
£19 once · instant download on Gumroad · no subscription · templates only.
Get the Starter Kit (£19) See the free sample
Once the reviews come in, you'll need to answer them. The £29 Reply Pack has 50 ready-to-adapt replies, and our free guide covers how to reply to a negative review.
General guidance and templates only. Not legal advice. Results are not guaranteed. Follow Google's review policies: no fake reviews, no paid incentives, no review gating.
Common questions
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google's policies don't allow offering money, discounts, freebies or prize draws in exchange for reviews, even for honest ones. Just ask, and make it easy.
Can I only ask the customers I know were happy?
No. Asking only happy customers, or screening people first and sending only the happy ones to Google, is called review gating and Google doesn't allow it. Ask every customer in the same way.
Where do I find my Google review link?
In your Google Business Profile there's an option to ask for reviews, which gives you a short link to copy. Save it in your phone so you can paste it into a text or WhatsApp in seconds.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
Soon after the job is finished and the customer has seen the result, ideally the same day or the next. People are far less likely to bother a week later.
Can my family or friends leave reviews?
Not unless they were genuinely customers. Reviews from friends, family, staff or anyone with a conflict of interest break Google's rules and can get removed.