For the general method, with templates for every kind of review, read the Google review reply guide.

⏱️ Quick answer: yes, you should reply to a Google review with no text, even if it's only stars. One or two sentences are enough: a thank-you for a good rating, or an invitation to say more (with a way to contact you) for an average or low one.

Many Google reviews are just a rating: the customer tapped the stars and closed the app. With no text, it's hard to personalise a reply, so many owners skip it. Yet these reviews count in your rating like any other, and your reply stays visible to everyone reading your profile. This article adds the star-only case to our general guide to replying to Google reviews.

Why reply to a review with no text?

  • Consistency — readers notice when only some reviews get an answer.
  • The customer is usually notified when the owner replies: a chance to thank them or find out what went wrong.
  • A silent low rating worries readers. A calm, open reply reassures them.

The golden rule: short, polite, no invention

You don't know what the customer experienced, so don't pretend. No “glad you enjoyed the tart” if nothing says so. Stay simple and sign with your first name.

5-star, no text

Simple

Thank you so much for the 5 stars! The whole team is delighted. Hope to see you again soon. Sophie

With an invitation

Thanks for the great rating! Next time, tell us your favourite dish — we love knowing what you enjoyed.

Tradesperson

Thank you for your trust and the 5 stars! Don't hesitate to call us for your next project. Julien

4-star, no text

Thanks + opening

Thanks for the good rating! If one detail could have made your visit perfect, we'd love to hear it. See you soon.

Short

Thank you for the 4 stars! We hope to earn the fifth on your next visit.

3-star, no text

Asking why

Thank you for rating your visit. Your rating tells us something wasn't quite right, and we'd like to understand. Could you email us at hello@yourbusiness.com or give us a call? Mark, manager

Lighter tone

Thanks for your rating. We'd love to know what was missing — feel free to tell us next time or by phone.

1- or 2-star, no text

Unhappy customer, unknown reason

Hello, we're sorry your experience fell short. We don't know what happened and would really like to understand so we can fix it. Please contact us at hello@yourbusiness.com. Claire, manager

Not found in your bookings

Hello, we can't find your visit in our bookings and don't know what this rating refers to. If you came to see us, please get in touch so we can understand and respond.

For full replies to negative reviews with text, see our 1-star review reply templates and how to respond to a negative review. If the rating looks fake, read how to report a fake Google review.

A word on 1-2 star ratings

This is the trickiest case. Either it's a genuine unhappy customer who didn't take the time to explain, or someone you can't find anywhere in your records. In both cases, stay calm: your reply is mainly for future readers. They will judge you on your tone far more than on the rating itself. A short apology, a sincere wish to understand and a way to reach you are enough. Never write “this is fake” in public, even if you suspect it.

Where and how to post your reply

  1. Open your Google Business Profile (from Google Maps, or by searching your business name while signed in to your Google account).
  2. Click “Reviews”, then “Reply” under the review.
  3. Paste or write your reply, read it again, then post. It appears under the review as the owner's response.
  4. You can edit or delete it later from the same place.

Tip: block ten minutes a week, always on the same day, to go through new reviews. Star-only reviews take a few seconds each with the templates above.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Inventing context.
  • Publicly asking the customer to change their rating — Google forbids pressuring customers about their rating.
  • Accusing the customer.
  • Offering compensation in public.
  • Waiting too long: reply to low ratings within 48 hours if you can.

Getting more reviews with text

You can't force a customer to write, but you can help. When you ask for a review, suggest the customer mentions what they liked: “a word about the dish or the service really helps us”. Detailed reviews help future customers decide, they tell you what works and what doesn't, and they are much easier to thank personally. A few simple habits help:

  • Ask in person, at the end of the visit, when the customer is still in a good mood.
  • Make it easy with a QR code that opens your review page directly (see how to find your Google review link).
  • Ask every customer, not only the ones who seem happy: Google requires it, and honest reviews are more credible.

Save time

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