⏱️ Quick answer: to get more Google reviews, ask for them yourself, ask every customer, at the moment they are happiest (when bringing the bill, at the end of an appointment, on delivery), with one short sentence and a direct link or QR code. Follow up with an email the next day. No gift for a review, and no sorting between happy and unhappy customers.
Most happy customers never leave a review on their own. Not because they do not want to, but because they do not think of it or do not know where to click. A simple, well-timed request changes that. Here is a complete method with ready-made scripts.
Three ingredients of a request that works
- The right moment: right after a good experience, not three weeks later.
- A personal ask: one sentence from you or your team beats a poster on its own.
- A short path: a direct link or QR code to your review form. See how to find your Google review link.
When to ask, by business type
| Business | Best moment | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, bar | Bringing the bill, or when a guest compliments a dish | QR code on the table |
| Hair or beauty salon | In front of the mirror, when the client sees the result | QR code at the till + email next day |
| Bakery, shop | At payment, with a regular | QR code next to the card reader |
| Tradesperson | When the job is finished and checked | Link sent by message that evening |
| Hotel, B&B | At check-out or by email after the stay | Email + QR code at reception |
What to say
Restaurant: "Did you enjoy it? If you have a minute, a Google review helps us a lot. The QR code is right there on the table."
Salon: "Happy with the result? If you like, you can say so on Google, it helps new clients find us. The QR code is at the till."
Tradesperson: "All done. Call me if anything isn't right. And if you're happy, a Google review helps me a lot: I'll text you the link tonight."
None of these says "give us 5 stars". You ask for a review, not a rating.
Adapt these to how you actually talk. A sentence that sounds natural in your mouth works far better than a perfect script read from a card. And if a customer says no or looks busy, simply thank them and move on.
Email template
Subject: Thanks for your visit, [First name]
Hi [First name], thanks for coming to [Business] yesterday. If you have two minutes, your Google review helps us improve and get known: [review link]. And if something wasn't right, tell us too: we read everything. See you soon, [Your name]
One gentle reminder a few days later is fine. More than that annoys people.
What not to do
- No incentive for a review: Google forbids it. A game like a prize wheel must be open to everyone with no review condition: see the prize wheel rules.
- Do not ask only happy customers: Google expects you to ask everyone.
- Never write reviews for customers or have friends and staff post them.
- Do not push: one ask, one reminder.
Printed text you can reuse
- Business or loyalty card: "Enjoyed it? Tell others on Google. Scan here."
- Table tent: "Your opinion matters. One minute on Google helps us a lot."
- Receipt: "Thanks for your visit! Your review: [short link]"
- Bag or packaging: "A Google review? Scan the QR code."
You can make the QR code for free with our Google review QR code generator.
Get your team on board
If you are not alone, asking for reviews should become a team habit, not the owner's chore. Agree on one sentence everyone is comfortable saying, define the exact moment ("with the bill", "at the till"), and read new reviews together at the morning briefing. When a customer mentions a waiter or stylist by name, say so: it is the best motivation. And repeat the rule: offer it to every customer, no sorting, nothing promised in return.
What if a customer says they were not happy?
It will happen. Thank them for telling you, ask what went wrong and fix what you can on the spot. You can offer them a way to write to you directly, but never discourage them from posting a public review: it is their right, and Google requires it. A critical review followed by a calm, useful reply often reassures readers more than a row of perfect ones.
Once reviews come in
Reply to each one within a few days. Our guide to replying to Google reviews has the method, and the free AI review reply generator drafts replies in your tone. To see how many reviews you need to reach a target rating, try the review calculator.
Want to automate part of it? The Review collection module (€29/month excl. VAT) gives you a review page, QR code, printable materials, an optional prize wheel and an email sent about 24 hours after each online booking. Try it for 30 days: see pricing.