Review request scripts that work share three things: they're short, they sound like a person not a marketing department, and they're sent at the right moment. The wrong script gets ignored. The right script at the wrong moment gets ignored. Get both right and conversion runs 25-40% — five times what most businesses see.

This is the script library. Copy, adjust the name and detail, send.

SMS scripts

Conversion: 25-40% when timed correctly. SMS open rates run 95%+, so the timing matters more than the wording.

Post-job (immediate on-site, where possible) — "[Name], really glad we got that sorted for you today. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Takes 30 seconds and really helps us out. [link]"
Post-job (24-48 hours, by SMS) — "Hi [Name], hope the [new boiler / fixed leak / cleared drain] is running smoothly. If you've got a sec, would love a quick Google review — really helps us out. [link] Cheers, [Name]"
Post-payment (one-off jobs) — "Hey [Name], thanks for paying that invoice — appreciate it. If you've got a minute, a quick Google review would mean a lot. [link]"
Follow-up (7 days after first ask, if no review yet) — "Hi [Name], hope all's well. Last nudge from me — if you've got 30 seconds for that Google review, here's the link. [link] No worries if not."

Email scripts

Conversion: 5-15%. Lower than SMS because of inbox noise, but useful for B2B and customers who explicitly prefer email.

Subject lines that work:

"Quick favour, [Name]?"
"30 seconds — would mean a lot"
"Thanks for [job type] last week"

Don't use:

"REVIEW REQUEST" (all caps)
"We need your review!" (urgent + needy)
"Help us help others" (corporate)
Post-job email body — Short. 3-4 sentences max. "Hi [Name], thanks for choosing us for [job]. If you've got 30 seconds, would you mind leaving a Google review? It really helps other locals find us. Here's the link: [link]. Thanks so much."
B2B / professional services email — Slightly more formal. Reference the specific work. Acknowledge their time. "[Name], hope everything's running smoothly after [project]. If you've got a moment, a Google review from you would carry real weight in our market. Link here: [link]."
Follow-up email (10-14 days later) — One line. "Hi [Name], just a final nudge — if you've got a sec for that Google review, [link]. Either way, thanks for being a great customer."

In-person scripts

Conversion: 35-60% when done well. The highest-converting channel, but only if you can ask without it feeling forced.

At the end of a job, while still on site — "[Name], really glad that worked out for you today. While I'm here — would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Just open Google on your phone, type our name, and there's a button. Takes about 30 seconds. Really helps small businesses like us."
At the till / point of payment — "Thanks, [Name]. By the way — if you wouldn't mind leaving us a Google review, it makes a huge difference. Here's the QR code on the counter."
At a follow-up appointment — "Before you go, [Name] — would you mind giving us a quick review? Just five stars and a sentence if you've got time. I'll send the link to your phone now."

Scripts by trade

Plumber — "Mrs Johnson, really glad we sorted that leak for you today. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Takes about 2 minutes and really helps us out. I'll send you the link now."
Electrician — "Hi Tom, hope the new switchboard's running smoothly. If you've got a sec, a quick Google review would really help — it's how other people in the area find us. [link]"
Builder (at handover) — "Hi [Name], hope you're enjoying the [renovation/extension]. When you've had a chance to settle in, a Google review would mean the world to us — it helps other families find a builder they can trust."
Café (table-side, after meal) — "How was everything for you today? Glad to hear it. If you ever feel like leaving us a quick Google review, the QR code's on the table — takes about 30 seconds and we really appreciate it."

What not to say

These phrases trigger Google's review-policy filter or kill conversion outright. Avoid them.

"5-star review" in any script — implies you're asking for a specific rating, which violates Google's policy.
"In exchange for" anything — gifts, discounts, vouchers. This violates Google's policy.
"Honest review" — sounds defensive and reduces conversion.
"Long" or "detailed" — customers are doing you a favour; don't ask for more than they signed up for.
"It really helps our business" repeated multiple times — once is fine, twice is needy.

Timing rules

First ask within 24 hours of job completion. Memory and emotion peak then.
SMS beats email for trades. Email beats SMS for B2B.
Send between 10am-7pm in customer's timezone. Outside these hours feels invasive.
One follow-up at 7-10 days, then stop. Three asks is harassment, regardless of how friendly the wording is.
Don't ask after a complaint. Resolve the issue first, then ask only if the customer ends up happy.

Why this matters

Review velocity — the number of reviews you collect per month — is the single biggest Prominence input Google uses. A profile with 30 fresh reviews this quarter ranks above a profile with 200 stale ones. Scripts and timing are the inputs to velocity.

The trap most businesses fall into: they ask once, get rejected or ignored, and stop asking. The businesses winning Maps ask every customer, every job, every time — with scripts they're not embarrassed to send.

What to do next

Pick one script from each channel above. Test it on 10 customers this week. Track conversion. Adjust language for your voice and your industry, then standardise it across your team.

For the channel-by-channel breakdown of what works where, read SMS vs Email vs In-Person: Which Method Actually Gets Reviews?.

Ready to automate this? Start your free 14-day trial of Little Nudge — no credit card required.

Review Request Scripts That Actually Get Responses