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Positive online reviews build trust with new customers faster than almost any other marketing tool. But there’s a catch. Most happy customers won’t think to leave a review unless you ask them. With the right approach, you can turn those silent, satisfied customers into vocal supporters.

The numbers prove how much customer reviews matter. Almost 70% of shoppers read between one and six Google reviews before buying anything. And fewer than one in 10 shoppers skip them completely.

This guide shows you how to ask for a review on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Learn when to ask for feedback and how to make it easy for customers to leave reviews.

RELATED ARTICLE — How Your Business Can Get More 5-Star Reviews

Why You Should Ask Customers To Leave Reviews

Waiting for online reviews to come in on their own means missing out on valuable customer feedback. Actively asking for reviews helps you get more. And the more reviews you have, the faster you can build a strong reputation on Google, Yelp, and other platforms.

Here’s why you should make asking for reviews part of your regular business routine:

  • Better Visibility. When people search for products or services like yours, businesses with more customer reviews show up higher in Google results.
  • More Trust and Credibility. Reviews work like personal recommendations. New customers trust what others say about you. Plus, having recent testimonials shows that your business is active and keeping clients happy.
  • Better Business Performance. Customer feedback helps you spot what’s working and what isn’t. Reviews can highlight problems you didn’t know about. And by responding to feedback quickly, you show customers you care about their experience.
  • Stronger Customer Relationships. Asking for reviews from customers shows you value their opinions. When you respond, they’re more likely to feel connected to your business. Happy customers can become your biggest boosters, sharing their positive experiences with friends and family.

RELATED ARTICLE — The Business Owner’s Guide to Getting More Google Reviews

5 Ways of Asking for a Customer Review

Young woman talking to a repairman who is going to make repairs in her house

Great reviews start with great service. One survey showed that 88% of people say they’re likely to leave a review if a business goes above and beyond their expectations.

After a job well done, there are many different ways to ask for reviews from customers:

  1. In-Person Requests. When you’ve just finished a great job, asking for feedback face-to-face helps customers feel more connected to your business.
  2. Phone Follow-Ups. Many customers appreciate the personal touch of a quick call after completing a service.
  3. Text Messages. Short, friendly SMS requests work great for busy customers. They can tap your Google review link right from their phone.
  4. Emails. Emails let customers leave feedback when it’s convenient for them. Plus, you can include direct links to your business pages on review sites.
  5. Website Integration. Adding a review section to your website makes it easy for customers to share feedback anytime. You can even show existing customer reviews to encourage more people to leave their own.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — How To Get More Google Reviews: 5 Strategies for Success

How To Ask for a Review in Person

If your business provides home services, or you meet with clients face-to-face, asking for online reviews in person can be very effective. People are more likely to leave customer reviews when they can see how much their feedback matters. 

Timing is key. Here are some tips:

  • Wait for Signs That the Client Is Happy. Did they mention how well their new water heater runs? Are they pleased with how clean you left their space? These are good signals.
  • Pick the Right Moment. Ask for a review after you’ve finished the job and they’ve checked your work, not while you’re still cleaning up.  
  • Read the Room. If someone seems stressed or busy, wait to ask for feedback another time.
  • Keep It Natural. Let the conversation flow into the topic of reviews. Don’t force it.

Instead of just asking, “Would you leave a review?” try something like:

I’m so glad your [specific repair or installation] is working perfectly now. We’re building our presence on Google and Yelp, and customer feedback really helps other homeowners find reliable service. Would you mind taking a moment to share your experience?

Here are some things to avoid:

  • Don’t pressure customers or make them feel obligated.
  • Don’t ask for reviews while you’re still working or cleaning up.
  • Don’t push for reviews if they seem hesitant.
  • Don’t make the conversation all about getting feedback.

If they seem interested but busy, offer to send them a review link later. You might say, “I can email you our Google review link if that’s easier. Many clients find it more convenient to write an online review when they have a few minutes to themselves.”

How To Make a Review Request Over the Phone

Not every customer has time to leave feedback right after your visit. A quick follow-up call gives them another chance to share their experience when things are less busy.

Here’s how to make your phone request feel natural and professional:

  • Call within a day or two after finishing the job.
  • Start by thanking them for choosing your business.
  • Ask how everything has been working since your visit.
  • Listen carefully and respond to their feedback before asking for an online review.
  • Save them time by offering to send a review link via email.

Here’s an example of how this might sound:

Hi [client name], this is [your name] from [company]. I’m calling to make sure everything’s working well since we installed your new water heater yesterday. [Listen and respond to their feedback]. I’m so glad to hear that! Since you’re happy with our service, would you mind sharing your experience on Google or Yelp? It really helps other homeowners find reliable service. I can email you a link to our business page to make it easier.

Keep your call brief and friendly. Only ask for reviews if they express satisfaction, and offer to send testimonials from other customers if they seem unsure. And whether they agree to leave feedback or not, thank them. A little gratitude goes a long way. 

How To Make a Review Request via SMS

Text messages are ideal for busy customers. They can tap your review link and leave feedback right from their phone on their own time.

Here’s how to get customers to leave reviews by SMS:

  • Keep it short and friendly.
  • Use the customer’s name.
  • Include a direct Yelp or Google review link.
  • Make it clear how long it will take (“Just 2 minutes to share your feedback!”).
  • Thank them in advance for their time.

This is how you might word it:

Hi [name]! Thanks for choosing [company] for your [service]. We hope you’re happy with your repair! Would you take a moment to share your experience on Google or Yelp? Here’s the link: [link].

Smart timing makes a big difference. Here are some tips:

  • Send your text within 24 hours, while the service is fresh in mind.
  • Don’t text too early or late in the day.
  • Wait at least an hour after finishing the job.
  • Send one reminder if they don’t respond, then stop.
  • Respect their time by keeping follow-ups minimal.

How To Get Reviews for Your Business via Email

Close up hand of group, team young contractor and customer

Asking for reviews via email lets you reach lots of customers at once. Plus, you can include direct links to your Google Business Profile and other review sites to make the process super simple.

Here’s how to ask for a review via email:

  • Write a clear subject line, like “Share your feedback about [company]” or “How was your experience with us?”
  • Keep your message short and personal.
  • Thank them for choosing your business.
  • Include direct links to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or your platform of choice.
  • Make it easy to respond to your feedback request.

Here’s a sample email:

Subject: How was your recent [service]?

Hi [Name],

Thanks for trusting us with your [specific service]. We hope everything’s working perfectly! Would you take a moment to share your experience? Your feedback helps other homeowners find reliable service.

Leave a review on:

[Google review link]

[Yelp link]

We also love sharing customer testimonials on our website. Let us know if we can feature your review!

Best regards,

[Your name]

For best results, send emails when customers are likely to read them. Aim for mid-morning or early evening, though you can test it out and see what works. Keep track of which customers respond to your requests, and follow up once or twice if they don’t leave feedback.

RELATED ARTICLE — Can Your Business Edit Google Reviews?

How To Get Reviews for Your Business on Your Website

Your website can be a powerful tool for collecting and showcasing customer reviews. Here’s how to set up your review system:

  • Build a dedicated area for customer reviews and testimonials.
  • Show real feedback from happy customers.
  • Include your Google review link and Yelp profile.
  • Add screenshots of your best online reviews.
  • Make sure everything works well on mobile phones.

Use a simple, secure form if you collect reviews directly. If your website allows it, add a star rating system. This makes things easy for clients, especially for those who prefer not to spend time writing in-depth reviews. 

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — A Business Owner’s Guide to Responding to Negative Customer Reviews

4 Tips for Getting Customers to Leave Reviews

Let’s break down some key strategies successful businesses use to get more quality reviews:

  1. Manage Reviews Actively. Always respond quickly and professionally to new feedback. If someone mentions a problem, address it directly. When you get positive reviews, show your appreciation. This active engagement shows future customers you value feedback and care about their experience.
  2. Make Feedback Part of Your Routine. Ask for reviews within 24 hours of finishing your service, when the experience is fresh in your customer’s mind. Give them options. Some prefer leaving Google reviews, while others like Yelp or your business page. Keep track of which methods get the best response, and stick with what works.
  3. Focus on Customer Experience First. The best way to get great reviews is to provide service worth reviewing. Train your team to recognize when customers are especially happy with your work. These moments create natural opportunities to ask for testimonials. Never pressure customers. Just make it easy for them to share feedback.
  4. Keep It Professional. Don’t offer rewards or incentives for reviews. That’s against most platforms’ rules and can hurt your reputation. Keep your review requests simple and honest.

Win More Jobs, Increase Your Profit, and Support Clients With Joist

Just like great reviews help you win more business, offering flexible financing helps you land bigger jobs.

With Joist’s homeowner financing feature, you can land more jobs, win upsells, and get paid faster. Give customers financing options on-site. We’ve partnered with some of the industry’s best lenders to offer your clients competitive personal loans with quick funding in as early as three business days.

Make Projects More Affordable