Three sentences. One text. 23% conversion.

We've tested dozens of SMS review requests. These three always win.

Stop overthinking it. Here's the formula, the templates, and exactly when to send them.

The 3-Step Formula That Works

Step 1: Personal greeting + thank you Make it human. Use their name if you can. Acknowledge what you did for them. Takes 5 words.

Step 2: The ask (simple, one sentence) Don't bury the lede. Tell them exactly what you want. "Would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google?" That's it.

Step 3: The link (direct Google review URL) One-tap. No friction. Paste the link and let them tap straight to your Google review page.

Template 1: Café or Restaurant

Hi [Name], thanks so much for coming in today! We'd be chuffed if you could
leave us a quick review on Google. Takes about 30 seconds. Here's the link:
[GOOGLE REVIEW URL]

When to send: Immediately as they leave. Or within 15 minutes if you batch them.

Why this works: The compliment ("chuffed") feels conversational. The time estimate removes friction. The link is immediate.

Template 2: Plumber, Electrician, or Trades

Hi [Name], cheers for letting us fix that for you. If we did a solid job,
would you mind dropping us a review on Google? Really helps other customers
like you find us. Link: [GOOGLE REVIEW URL]

When to send: Within 1 hour of finishing the job. While they're still impressed.

Why this works: The "other customers like you" line creates social proof motivation. Acknowledges the work was complete. Direct and professional.

Template 3: Dentist or Hygienist

Hi [Name], thanks for being such a great patient today! Would you mind
leaving us a quick review on Google? We'd really appreciate it.
[GOOGLE REVIEW URL]

When to send: Same day, ideally before they leave the practice.

Why this works: Acknowledges their behaviour as a patient (positive reinforcement). Keeps it short because nobody wants a long text from their dentist. Straightforward ask.

Template 4: Salon or Barber

Hi [Name], you look amazing! Could you do us a favour and leave a quick
review on Google? Takes 30 seconds and means the world to us. Cheers!
[GOOGLE REVIEW URL]

When to send: As they pay or within 10 minutes of their appointment ending.

Why this works: The compliment is genuine and immediate. "Do us a favour" feels personal. Time estimate reduces hesitation. Casual tone matches the relationship.

How to Get Your Google Review URL

You probably know how to do this, but just in case:

Go to your Google Business Profile
Click the "Customers" button
Copy the review link it provides
Or: Go to google.com/search, find your business, click on your name, then "Write a review"
Copy that URL

It'll look something like: google.com/maps/place/[Your+Business+Name]/reviews

Paste that into your template. Done.

Timing: The Non-Negotiable Part

Send the text within 30–60 minutes of the service ending.

Why? Because they're still in the mindset. The experience is fresh. They haven't moved on to the next thing. Momentum is everything.

Send it at 9 PM when they're winding down? Conversion drops by 40%.

Send it the next morning? Drop another 30%.

Send it a week later? You're basically asking a stranger.

The exception: If you're a tradespeople working on-site all day, send it within 2 hours of finishing the job. They might be driving to the next site. Let them settle first.

What NOT to Do

Don't be pushy. One text. That's it. If they don't respond, you can send a gentle follow-up 48 hours later (see below). But don't spam. You're already ahead of 90% of businesses just by asking.

Don't send multiple texts. Some businesses get clever and send the same message twice in one day. Conversion drops. People feel bothered. Just one.

Don't incentivise with discounts. "Leave a review and get 20% off your next service." Google doesn't love that, and it feels transactional. You're not paying for reviews — you're just making it easy to leave one. Big difference.

Don't ask for positive reviews only. Phrase it as "leave us a review" not "give us a 5-star review." You want honest feedback, not gamed metrics.

Don't personalise too much. A text that's too long, too casual, or too specific can feel weird. Keep it 2–3 sentences, max. It's a text message, not a love letter.

The Follow-Up: What to Send if They Don't Review (Within 48 Hours)

If someone doesn't tap the link within 48 hours, you can send a gentle reminder. Just one. After that, leave it.

Hi [Name], just following up on that Google review we mentioned.
No pressure if you're busy — but it'd mean a lot if you got a chance.
[GOOGLE REVIEW URL]

That's it. Don't send a third text. Don't call them. Don't email them twice. You've asked nicely twice. They either will or they won't.

And honestly? The people who review within 48 hours are the ones you want. They're the customers who are actively happy and proactive. Chasing the rest is diminishing returns.

Real Example: What This Looks Like in Action

A salon in Manchester uses this system:

1:45 PM: Customer appointment ends
1:50 PM: Staff member sends SMS with template #4
By 2:15 PM: 4 out of 12 customers have tapped the link
By 4:00 PM: 6 out of 12 have completed reviews
48 hours later: Send follow-up to the 6 who didn't review
By day 4: 8 out of 12 have left a review

Conversion rate: 67%. (That's higher than the 23% average because they're consistent, their customers are happy, and they've optimised timing to the minute.)

The Real Win

For what it's worth, the businesses that win at review generation aren't the ones with the fanciest template. They're the ones that send the text. Consistently. Automatically if possible.

One SMS every single day beats one brilliant SMS every month.

Put simply — make it a habit. Build it into your process. When [service] finishes, [send text]. No thinking. No remembering. Just automated or trained into your team's muscle memory.

Do that, and you'll generate 20–30 reviews a month without feeling like you're chasing them.

Try it today. Pick one template. Send one text. See what happens.

What's stopping you from asking right now? Drop a comment below.

The 3-Step Text Message That Gets 23% of Recipients to Leave a Review