How to Ask for a Review: Tips, Templates, Examples, and More
Ever had a customer say they love your product or service, but when you ask for a review, they just… disappear? It’s frustrating, right?
You know reviews are important, but asking for them can feel awkward—like you’re bothering people or begging for validation.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
There’s a right way to ask for reviews that feels natural, gets more responses, and actually helps your business grow.
This guide breaks it all down—so you can stop guessing and start collecting the reviews you deserve. Let’s get into it!
Why Does Asking for Reviews Matter?
Let’s be honest—asking for reviews isn’t always top of mind. But if you’re not doing it, you’re missing out on a simple way to build trust, attract more customers, and grow your business.
Here’s why reviews matter more than you might think.
They Build Trust and Credibility
Think about the last time you bought something online or tried a new restaurant. Did you check the reviews first? Most people do.
In fact, 92% of consumers say negative reviews have made them avoid a business, while positive ones make people more likely to trust you before even making a purchase.
People trust other people—especially strangers on the internet, apparently. When potential customers see real, positive feedback from others, it reassures them that your business is worth their time and money.
They Help More People Find You
Getting great reviews isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing up.
Google takes reviews into account when ranking businesses in search results. The more positive, high-quality reviews you have, the better your chances of appearing when people search for businesses like yours.
And here’s something interesting: Replying to just one review can boost your revenue by 4%. Google sees engagement as a trust signal, and customers appreciate businesses that actually respond to feedback—good or bad.
They Give You Valuable Insights
Reviews aren’t just for potential customers—they help you, too.
They highlight what you’re doing well and what needs improvement. If multiple people rave about a certain feature or complain about a particular issue, that’s feedback you can use to make real improvements.
Plus, responding to reviews (especially negative ones) shows customers you’re listening and care about their experience.
And when people see you taking feedback seriously, they’re more likely to stick around.
Where Can You Ask for a Customer’s Review?
Honestly, there are plenty of ways to ask for reviews. If we break it down, you can reach out to your customers through:
- In-Person Interactions
- Email Communications
- SMS/Text Messages
- Website Prompts
- Social Media Platforms
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
- Post-Purchase Follow-Ups
- Surveys and Feedback Forms
- Receipts and Invoices
- Third-Party Review Sites
That’s a lot of options, right? So, what’s holding you back? Start reaching out and get more reviews with the tips in our guide below.
How to Ask Your Customers for Review
Obviously, you’re not going to show up at their doorstep and ask in person. Instead, we’ve compiled different ways to increase your chances of customers leaving a review—and a positive one at that!
1. In-Person Interactions – When the Experience Is Fresh
Asking for a review face-to-face might seem intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most effective ways to get a genuine response. The trick is to do it when their experience is still fresh and they’re feeling good about your service.
At Checkout
If you run a retail store, café, or any in-person business, checkout is the perfect time to ask for a quick review.
Customers have just finished their purchase, and if they had a great experience, they’ll be more than happy to share it.
👉 Example: "We really appreciate your support! If you have a minute, we’d love to hear your thoughts in a review. It helps us a lot!"
After a Service Is Completed
If you provide a service (think: personal trainers, hairstylists, contractors, etc.), ask for a review right after the job is done. The customer is still in that “wow” moment and more likely to follow through.
👉 Example: "I’m so glad we could help! If you’re happy with the service, we’d love it if you could leave us a quick review. It really makes a difference!"
To streamline this process, consider utilizing SurgePoint's Reviews feature, which automates review requests, making it easier for customers to provide feedback promptly.
Email Communications
Emails are one of the best ways to request reviews because they give customers a chance to respond when it’s convenient for them. The secret? Keep it short, make it personal, and include a direct link.
Post-Purchase Email
Send an email a few days after the customer has had time to use your product or service.
👉 Example:
Subject: Share Your Thoughts?
Body: "Hey [Customer Name], we hope you’re loving [Product/Service]! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick review. It helps us grow and lets others know what to expect. Click below to share your thoughts! [Review Link]"
Newsletter Mention
If you send out newsletters, casually include a review request in your updates.
👉 Example: "Love what we do? Let us know by leaving a quick review. It only takes a minute and means the world to us! [Review Link]"
3. SMS/Text Messages – Short, Sweet, and to the Point
Texts work really well because they have a 98% open rate (compared to emails, which can sometimes get lost in inboxes). But the key here is to keep it short and easy to act on.
Automated SMS Review Requests
Many businesses send an automatic text after a purchase or appointment.
👉 Example: "Thanks for visiting [Business Name]! We’d love your feedback. Leave a quick review here: [Review Link]"
Personal Follow-Up
A more personal approach works great, especially for small businesses.
👉 Example: "Hi [Customer Name], it was great working with you today! If you have a second, we’d love to hear about your experience. Here’s the link to leave a review: [Review Link]"
SMS/Text Messages
Text messages are one of the most effective ways to ask for reviews because they’re personal, instant, and nearly impossible to ignore—98% of texts get opened, compared to around 20% of emails.
But since texts feel more intimate, you have to be short, clear, and respectful of your customer’s time.
Automated SMS Requests
If your business has a system that sends automated follow-ups after a purchase or appointment, this is a perfect place to drop in a review request.
Just make sure the message is short, friendly, and includes a direct link so there’s zero friction for the customer.
👉 Example: "Hey [Customer Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]! If you have a sec, we’d love your feedback. Tap here to leave a quick review: [Review Link]. Appreciate you!"
Personal Follow-Ups
If you have a strong relationship with your customers or run a business where personal interactions matter (think service-based industries), a direct, friendly text can go a long way.
👉 Example: "Hi [Customer Name], it was great seeing you today! If you’re happy with our service, would you mind leaving a quick review? It really helps us out. Here’s the link: [Review Link]. Thanks so much!"
Pro Tip: Make sure your texts don’t sound robotic. Keep it casual, like you’re texting a friend—this makes it feel less like a request and more like a quick favor.
Website Prompts
Your website is a goldmine for collecting reviews because visitors are already thinking about your brand.
The trick is to place your review requests in spots where customers naturally engage—without making them feel like they’re being pressured.
Dedicated Review Page
Having a specific page where customers can leave a review is a must. Link to it from your email signatures, receipts, confirmation pages, and social media bios so customers can find it easily.
👉 Example: "Enjoying your experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review here: [Review Link]"
Pop-Up Invitations (Used the Right Way!)
Nobody likes aggressive pop-ups, but when done right, they can be super effective.
Instead of throwing a pop-up at someone as soon as they land on your site, trigger it after they’ve completed a purchase, read a certain number of blog posts, or spent time on key pages.
👉 Example: "Thanks for stopping by! If you’ve had a great experience, we’d love to hear about it. Click here to leave a quick review."
Pro Tip: Test different placements. Some businesses see great results with slide-ins instead of pop-ups—less intrusive but still visible.
Social Media Platforms
Social media is all about engagement, which makes it one of the best places to encourage customers to leave reviews. Since customers are already in the mindset of sharing, a well-placed review request feels like a natural part of the conversation.
Facebook Review Requests
Facebook allows businesses to collect reviews directly on their page, so use that to your advantage. A simple reminder post or a pinned post at the top of your page can encourage more people to leave feedback.
👉 Example Post: "Your feedback means the world to us! If you’ve had a great experience, we’d love it if you left us a quick review—it helps us improve and helps others find us! [Review Link]"
Instagram Story Mentions & Highlights
Since Instagram doesn’t have a formal review section, the best way to collect feedback is by encouraging customers to tag your business in their stories and then resharing their posts. You can also create a dedicated “Reviews” highlight with screenshots of customer feedback.
👉 Example Story Post: "We love hearing from you! If you’ve enjoyed our [Product/Service], tag us in your story or leave a review here: [Review Link]."
Pro Tip: Make reviews part of your content strategy. Share customer testimonials in posts, create interactive polls asking for feedback, or run a "Customer Love" campaign featuring reviews from real users.
SurgePoint's Insights feature enables you to manage and showcase reviews across multiple social media channels, enhancing your online presence.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
If you run a physical store, restaurant, or service-based business, your checkout process is the perfect time to request a review. Customers have just completed their purchase, and their experience is fresh in their minds. By integrating a review request into your POS system, you can turn happy customers into vocal advocates right on the spot.
Add a Review Request to Receipts
Whether printed or digital, receipts are a subtle yet effective way to remind customers to leave a review.
👉 Example: "Thanks for shopping with us! If you had a great experience, we’d love your feedback. Leave a review here: [Review Link]"
On-Screen Prompts at Checkout
Some POS systems allow you to display a short review request after the transaction is complete. Make it simple, with a one-tap option to leave feedback.
👉 Example: "Enjoyed your visit? Help others by sharing your experience. Tap here to leave a quick review!"
Post-Purchase Follow-Ups
Many customers need a little reminder before they actually leave a review. Post-purchase follow-ups—whether through email, text, or even a quick thank-you card—are a great way to check in and encourage feedback.
Send a Thank-You Email With a Review Request
A well-timed email a few days after a purchase feels natural and gives the customer time to form an opinion.
👉 Example:
Subject: How’s everything going? 😊
Body: "Hey [Customer Name], we hope you’re loving [Product/Service]! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick review. It helps us improve and lets others know what to expect. Click below to share your thoughts! [Review Link]"
Include a Handwritten Thank-You Note
If you ship products or provide personalized services, a short, handwritten note adds a personal touch and increases the chances of a review.
👉 Example: "We truly appreciate your support! If you’re happy with your experience, a quick review would mean the world to us. Just scan the QR code or visit [Review Link]. Thank you!"
Follow-Up Call (For Service-Based Businesses)
A quick check-in call can make a big difference in both customer satisfaction and review collection.
👉 Example: "Hi [Customer Name], just wanted to check in and see how [Service] worked out for you. If you’re happy with everything, would you mind leaving us a quick review? Here’s the link: [Review Link]. It really helps us out!"
To streamline these follow-up processes, consider utilizing SurgePoint's Repeats feature, which automates customer retention efforts, ensuring timely and personalized engagement that encourages repeat business and reviews.
Surveys and Feedback Forms
Not everyone is comfortable writing a public review, but they might be more willing to answer a few questions in a survey. Surveys and feedback forms give customers a structured way to share their thoughts—and if the response is positive, you can then invite them to leave a full review.
Send a Quick Email Survey First
Start with a short, easy-to-answer survey to gauge customer satisfaction.
👉 Example: "We’d love to hear your thoughts! Take our quick 1-minute survey and let us know how we’re doing: [Survey Link]"
Include a Review Request in the Thank-You Page
After a customer completes a survey or feedback form, redirect them to your review page.
👉 Example: "Thanks for your feedback! Would you be willing to share your experience with others? Click here to leave a review: [Review Link]"
Receipts and Invoices
Receipts and invoices are one of the most overlooked ways to ask for reviews. Since every paying customer receives one, it’s a natural, non-intrusive way to encourage feedback.
Print a Review Request on Physical Receipts
A simple message at the bottom of the receipt keeps the request in front of the customer without feeling like a hard sell.
👉 Example: "Enjoyed your experience? Leave us a quick review: [Review Link]. It only takes a minute!"
Add a Review Link to Digital Invoices
If you send invoices via email, include a small note in the footer.
👉 Example: "Your feedback helps us grow! If you had a great experience, let us know by leaving a quick review: [Review Link]."
Third-Party Review Sites
Some customers feel more comfortable leaving reviews on trusted third-party platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites. Having a presence on these platforms builds credibility and helps potential customers find you.
Make It Easy to Leave a Google Review
Google reviews boost your search ranking and visibility. Send direct links to customers, so they don’t have to search for your business.
👉 Example: "Love what we do? Your feedback helps others find us! Click here to leave a Google review: [Review Link]."
Encourage Yelp or Industry-Specific Reviews
If your business relies on Yelp, Trustpilot, or similar sites, let customers know where their review would be most helpful.
👉 Example: "Your review makes a huge difference! If you’ve had a great experience, please take a moment to share your thoughts on Yelp: [Review Link]. Thank you!"
Things to Keep in Mind When Asking for Customer Reviews
Since we didn’t cover every single detail on how to ask for customer reviews, here are some key tips and best practices to help you do it the right way.
Personalize Your Request
A generic, copy-paste request won’t have the same impact as a personalized message.
Use the customer’s name, reference their purchase or service, and make the message feel like it’s coming from a real person rather than an automated system.
A message like “Hey [Name], we hope you’re enjoying your new [Product]! If you have a moment, we’d love to hear your thoughts” feels much more inviting than a bland “Leave us a review!”
Make It Easy and Convenient
The harder it is to leave a review, the less likely customers are to do it.
Always include a direct link to your review page, whether it's on Google, Yelp, or your website.
If you're asking in person, have a QR code ready so they can scan and leave a review on the spot. The fewer steps, the better.
Time It Right
Timing plays a huge role in whether a customer actually leaves a review.
Ask too soon, and they might not have fully experienced your product or service. Ask too late, and they might have already moved on.
The best timing depends on your business:
- For retail & e-commerce → A few days after receiving their order.
- For restaurants & cafes → Right after the meal or a follow-up the next day.
- For service-based businesses → Immediately after completing the service.
- For software or subscription services → After a set period of active use.
Don’t Overwhelm Customers with Requests
Sending too many review requests can come off as spammy and annoying.
If a customer doesn’t respond the first time, a single follow-up is fine, but avoid bombarding them with reminders.
One or two gentle nudges is enough—if they don’t respond, move on.
Focus on Happy Customers First
Not every customer is in the right headspace to leave a review.
Instead of asking everyone, identify happy customers first—those who have shown appreciation for your service, left positive feedback in private, or made repeat purchases.
This increases your chances of getting positive, thoughtful reviews.
Final Thoughts
If you’re curious to learn more, check out our blog—we’ve got plenty of deep dives on topics just like this!
At SurgePoint, we make it easy with automated review requests, referral programs, feedback management, and tools to boost repeat business—all designed to help you grow.
Need a hand? Reach out anytime! We’re here to help you build a stronger online reputation and keep your customers engaged.
Remember that the best way to ask for a review is to make it effortless.
Customers are happy to share their experiences, but they won’t go out of their way to do it unless you make it easy and ask at the right time.
By using these simple, natural approaches—whether in person, via email, or over text—you’ll get more reviews, build stronger relationships, and grow your business with real customer feedback.
