Age-Specific Review Request Scripts: How to Ask a 70-Year-Old vs. a 30-Year-Old

Stop using the same review request for everyone. Here are the exact words to use for different ages.

So, we've established that age matters when it comes to reviews. But knowing why is only half the battle — you need to know what to actually say.

And the good news? It's simple. Really simple. Small tweaks in tone and channel make a massive difference.

Over 60s: In-Person With a Physical Card

This group values directness, personal interaction, and something tangible they can follow through on.

The exact moment: Right after delivering your service, while you're still present.

The channel: Face-to-face. Hand them something physical.

The script:

"I really appreciate your business, [Name]. Would you do me a favour? If you've had a good experience with us, we'd love if you could leave a quick review on Google — it helps other people find us and know what we're about. Here's a card with the link. Takes about two minutes."

What makes this work:

— The personal acknowledgement ("I appreciate your business") — mentions them by name — The favour framing ("do me a favour") appeals to their sense of helpfulness — The why is explained ("helps other people find us") — they understand the value — You're handing them something physical, which removes a barrier — You're saying it takes two minutes — you're respecting their time — The tone is warm but straightforward, not casual or overly chummy

The card itself should have:

— Your business name — Your Google Maps link or a QR code pointing to your Google review page — Bonus: "Reviews help us serve you better"

That's it. Print them. Hand them out. It works.

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30-50s: SMS Follow-Up With Specificity

This demographic is juggling work, family, and a dozen other things. They're online, but they're busy. SMS reaches them, but you need to make it feel like you're not wasting their time.

The exact moment: 1-2 hours after the service (or the next morning if it's evening).

The channel: SMS text message.

The script:

"Hi [Name], thanks so much for coming in for your [specific service] yesterday. We really appreciate it. Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? Means a lot to us and helps other customers find us. Just reply YES if you'd like the link. Cheers, [Business]"

Alternative (slightly more casual):

"Hi [Name], brilliant session yesterday. If you enjoyed it, would be ace if you could drop a Google review. Helps us out loads. Link: [short URL]. Thanks!"

What makes this work:

— You've mentioned the specific service they received ("your [service]") — shows you care about the detail — You're acknowledging them by name — The ask is straightforward with no fluff — You're offering to send the link — no friction — The tone is professional but warm, not robotic — You're keeping it short because they're busy

Optional follow-up (if no response after 3 days):

"[Name], I know you're busy — just wanted to flag that reviews like yours make a real difference to us. If you get a moment, this link takes 90 seconds: [link]. Cheers"

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Under 30s: App-Based, Casual, Immediate

This group is online constantly, but their attention is fragmented. If you're asking, you need to catch them right now, keep it really short, and make it feel natural.

The exact moment: Immediately after the service, while they're still with you or within the first hour.

The channel: Text message, in-app notification, or a casual follow-up message if you've been exchanging messages anyway.

The script (very casual):

"Cheers for today! Would be mega if you could chuck a quick review on Google. Link: [short URL]"

Alternative (even more casual, if you know them a bit):

"You smashed that. Reckon you could throw a review on Google? Means loads. [link]"

Alternative (if they're in your app):

"Legend. Google review would be sick 🙏 [link]"

What makes this work:

— It's short — they'll actually read it — The language is genuinely casual, not trying to be cool — You're asking immediately, not waiting 24 hours — The link is there and obvious — You're not explaining why they should do it — they already know — The tone matches how they probably talk to their mates

The reality: Some won't respond. That's fine. You're not aiming for 100% response rate here — you're aiming for the ones who are already willing to engage.

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The Channel Breakdown

Let's be clear about one thing: the script matters less than the channel.

Over 60s: In-person + physical card beats everything else. Don't overthink it.

30-50s: SMS with a follow-up link works best. Email is too slow. Phone call is too intrusive. SMS is the sweet spot.

Under 30s: Whatever channel you're already communicating with them on — text, app, social DM. Don't create a new channel just for the review ask.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't genericise it. If you're using the exact same script for everyone, you're wasting effort. Personalise by age bracket at minimum.

Don't over-explain. Especially for younger customers — they don't need a paragraph about why reviews matter. They get it.

Don't ask via email for anyone under 50. Email is dead for them. Actually, email is pretty much dead for everyone except over-60s, but especially for younger people.

Don't wait too long. The longer you wait after delivering service, the less likely they are to follow through. Over 60s? You've got a bit of time. Under 30s? You've got maybe an hour before they've moved on to the next thing.

Don't ask via Facebook or Instagram. Yes, everyone's on them. But asking for a Google review in a DM on Facebook feels weird. Use your direct channels.

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A Quick Note on Timing

The best time to ask varies by age:

— Over 60s: Immediately after service, in person — 30-50s: Same day or next morning, via SMS — Under 30s: Immediately, via whatever channel you're already using

The pattern? Older customers are fine with a slight delay if it means a proper conversation. Younger customers want immediate and frictionless.

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Try This This Week

Pick one age bracket that makes up the majority of your customer base. Use the script for that bracket for the next week. Track how many reviews you get.

Compare that to what you were getting before. The change will probably surprise you.

Which age bracket are you struggling with most? The script that feels natural for one group might feel awkward for another — that's normal. Hit reply and let me know where you're getting stuck. I can help you refine the wording.