When is the best time to ask a customer for a review?

Ask while the customer's satisfaction is highest: immediately after the job is finished and they can see the result, and no later than 24 hours afterwards.

Do Google reviews actually affect where my business ranks?

Yes. Google's own local-ranking guidance names review count and positive ratings as part of how prominent your business looks, and says replying to reviews shows you value customer feedback. So the reply is part of the work, not an optional extra.

How many times should I chase a review request?

Once. Send one polite follow-up about three days after the original ask, keep it short, and leave it there. A second chase reads as pressure and costs you more goodwill than the review is worth.

What should a review request message actually say?

Use the customer's first name, name the specific job you just finished, ask for two minutes, and include the direct Google review link so there is nothing to search for. A generic 'please review us' text asks the customer to do the work of finding you.

How should I respond to a bad review?

Reply calmly, thank them for the feedback, and offer to resolve it offline. Other customers will read how you handled it, which is why the reply matters as much as the review itself.

Review Request Checklist

Blake FolgadoCo-founder, Tradehand

Published 6 May 2026Updated 19 August 2026

Most trade businesses do great work but ask for reviews inconsistently. This 10-step checklist gives you and your team a professional system for collecting 5-star Google reviews after every successful visit.

What's included

The optimal timing for asking customers for reviews
Personalised SMS template with direct Google review link
Follow-up sequence (when and how to chase)
How to respond to positive and negative reviews
Sharing reviews on social media for maximum reach
Adding your review link to invoices and email signatures
Physical review card template for on-site use
Photo request script to use alongside the review ask

Preview: first 5 steps

Ask within 24 hours of job completion

The best time to ask is when the customer's satisfaction is highest: immediately after the job is done and they can see the result. Don't leave it more than 24 hours.

Send a personalised SMS with direct Google review link

Use the customer's first name and mention the specific job: "Hi Sarah, great to finish your consumer unit today. If you have 2 minutes, a Google review would mean the world: [link]".

Follow up once if no response after 3 days

One polite follow-up is fine. Two is too many. Keep it short: "Just following up on the review request, no worries if you're too busy!"

Respond to every review, positive and negative

Google's own local-ranking guidance names replying to reviews as one of the ways to improve your local ranking, alongside review volume and positive ratings. Thank positive reviewers by name. For negatives, respond calmly and offer to resolve offline. Other customers will read how you handle it.

Share 5-star reviews on social media

Screenshot reviews and share on Instagram and Facebook. This shows social proof to prospective customers and encourages others to leave reviews too.

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Frequently asked questions

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Sources

Every figure on this page is attributed to the sources below, checked 19 August 2026.