5 Ways To Ask Customers For Google Reviews For Your Business

5 Ways To Ask Customers For Google Reviews For Your Business

In today’s digital-first marketplace, Google reviews can make or break a business in Singapore. Whether you run a café in Tiong Bahru, a boutique in Orchard, or a service-based company in Jurong, your potential customers are checking your ratings before making a decision.

A steady stream of positive Google reviews not only boosts credibility and trust—it also improves your local SEO, helping you appear higher in search results when customers look for businesses like yours. Yet, many businesses struggle with one simple question: how do you actually get customers to leave a review?

The good news? With the right approach, asking for reviews doesn’t have to be awkward or intrusive. In fact, when done well, it becomes a seamless part of your customer experience.

In this article, we’ll explore five effective ways to ask for Google reviews—strategies that are practical, polite, and proven to work for businesses across Singapore.

Key Takeaways

  • Timing is key. The best moment to request a Google review is immediately after a customer has expressed satisfaction—be it a completed purchase, resolved issue, or successful service. You can ask in person, via email, or through a message with a direct link to your Google review page. When the experience is fresh, customers are more likely to leave a thoughtful and positive review. 
  • Personalise your follow-up messages with the customer’s name, the specific product or service they used, and a friendly tone. Make sure to include a short and direct link to your Google review page—you can generate this from your Google Business Profile. 
  • Printed materials like receipts, invoices, packaging inserts, or thank-you cards can include a QR code or shortened link leading directly to your Google review form. This is especially useful for in-store retail or e-commerce businesses. The key is to make it visible but not pushy. A simple line like “Loved your experience? Tell us on Google!” placed near your branding makes the request feel natural and non-intrusive.
  • Your regular communication channels—like social media pages or email newsletters—are excellent places to include a periodic call-to-action for reviews. Use a friendly tone and include visuals or short testimonials to encourage readers. 

5 Effective Ways To Ask Customers For Google Reviews 

5 Effective Ways To Ask Customers For Google Reviews 

Getting more reviews doesn’t have to be awkward or difficult. With the right strategies, you can turn satisfied customers into powerful advocates for your business. Here’s a detailed table of the most effective ways to ask for reviews:

1. Ask in Person (At the Right Time)

Asking for reviews in person can be highly effective—especially when the timing is right. This method feels personal and authentic, especially when done after a positive experience.

Aspect Details
Best Timing
  • After a successful service, purchase, or any positive interaction—when the customer is satisfied and more likely to leave a glowing review.
Example Script
  • “We’re really glad you enjoyed your experience today. If you have a minute, we’d truly appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. It helps us grow and support more customers like you!”
Tips to Keep it Natural
  • Smile and maintain friendly body language
  • Avoid sounding scripted or overly formal
  • Treat it like a casual thank-you, not a sales pitch
QR Codes or Cards
  • Hand out a small printed card with a short thank-you note and QR code linking directly to your Google review page
  • Display QR code signs at checkout counters or reception areas with messages like: “Happy with our service? Scan to leave a review!”

Pro Tip: Train your team to recognize ideal moments to ask for a review (when customers are complimenting your service, smiling, or saying “thank you”).

2. Send a Follow-Up Email or SMS

A timely, well-crafted follow-up message after a purchase or service can gently nudge happy customers to leave a review—especially when you make it simple for them.

Aspect Details
Ideal Follow-Up Window
  • 24–48 hours after the transaction or service—while the experience is still fresh in the customer’s mind.
Key Elements
  • Friendly, conversational tone
  • Keep the message short and to the point
  • Include a direct link to your Google review page
Example Template Subject (Email): How did we do?

Body:
Hi [First Name],

Thanks for visiting [Business Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Could you take 1 minute to leave us a review?

[Insert Review Link Here]

Your feedback helps us serve you better. Thank you! 😊

Recommended Tools

Pro Tip: Use emojis sparingly to add warmth, and always personalize the message with the customer’s first name and a thank-you note.

3. Add a Review Request to Invoices or Receipts

Adding a short, friendly request for a review in your invoice or receipt is a passive yet effective way to collect feedback—especially when it’s already a touchpoint your customer expects.

Aspect Details
How to Include It
  • Add a brief call-to-action (CTA) in the footer or near the thank-you message on the invoice/receipt.
  • Use casual, appreciative language.
Where It Works
  • In-store receipts (POS terminals)
  • Email invoices/receipts for e-commerce or service-based businesses
Example CTA Snippet
  • “Loved our service? Leave us a quick Google review 👉 [Insert Link] – it only takes a minute!”
  • “Your opinion matters! Tell us how we did here: [Review Link]”
Automation Tools
Design Tips
  • Use bold text, a small icon (⭐ or 💬), or QR codes on printed receipts to draw attention—keep it visually separate but not intrusive

Pro Tip: Make sure the Google review link is shortened and trackable using Bit.ly or UTM parameters to monitor clicks and engagement.

4. Use Social Media to Encourage Reviews

Your social media platforms are a great way to casually and visually nudge happy customers to leave a review—especially if they already engage with your content.

Aspect Details
Best Platforms
Tactics to Use
  • Stories: Use the “Link” sticker to directly lead users to your Google review page.
  • Pinned Posts: Keep a visible CTA for reviews at the top.
  • Reels: Share short clips of happy customers or behind-the-scenes and invite viewers to leave a review.
  • Story Highlights: Create a “⭐ Review Us” highlight to keep the CTA visible long-term.
Visual Example Ideas
  • “Review Us” Canva templates
  • Screenshot positive reviews as posts or stories
  • Add animation or emojis for visibility
CTA Examples
  • “Enjoyed your experience? Tap the link to tell us 💬”
  • “Your review helps others find us—leave one today! ⭐ [link in bio]”
Where to Place the Link
  • Instagram: Link sticker in Stories, or bio
  • Facebook: Add to profile bio or post captions
  • LinkedIn: In featured section or post comment

Visual Tip: Use Canva or Adobe Express to create eye-catching graphics that say “Leave us a review!” with a QR code or short link embedded.

5. Offer a General Incentive (Without Violating Guidelines)

Incentivizing reviews can be effective, but it must be done ethically and within platform rules—especially Google’s.

Aspect Details
Google’s Policy
  • Do not offer incentives in exchange for positive reviews.
  • You may run non-biased campaigns encouraging honest feedback.
Compliant Incentive Ideas
  • Monthly lucky draw entry for all reviewers (regardless of sentiment)
  • “Thank you” voucher (no requirement for positivity)
  • Loyalty points
Ethical Framing
  • Focus on feedback collection
  • Avoid language that implies rewards for favorable opinions
Sample Message
  • “We value your feedback! Leave us an honest review and you’ll be entered into our monthly lucky draw to win [prize]. No purchase or positive review needed.”
Execution Tips
  • Keep terms transparent (e.g., how winner is chosen, draw date)
  • Promote via email, receipts, or social media
Where to Announce
  • Storefront signage
  • Instagram Stories & Highlights
  • Email footer
  • Website pop-up or review landing page
Example Tools

Ethical Example Incentive Setup: “Leave a Google review—positive or constructive—and automatically enter our monthly draw to win a $50 Grab voucher. Your honest opinion helps us grow!”

Bonus Tips

  • Always respond to reviews — both positive and negative: Acknowledging all feedback shows professionalism and care. Thank happy customers and address concerns openly to build trust.
  • Train your team to ask confidently: Empower staff to ask for reviews with polite assurance. A confident, friendly tone often encourages customers to follow through.
  • Use Google’s review link generator: Make it effortless for customers by sharing a direct link to your Google review page. Simplicity increases the chances they’ll take action.
  • Keep the ask simple and consistent across touchpoints: Whether it’s email, WhatsApp, in-person or on receipts, ensure your message is clear, uniform, and aligned with your brand voice.

Why Google Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Why Google Reviews Matter More Than Ever

In an era where digital reputation is everything, Google reviews have become one of the most critical factors influencing business success — especially in Singapore’s competitive, digitally savvy marketplace.

Boost Your Local SEO Visibility

Google reviews directly impact your business’s ranking in local search results — including the “Google Map Pack,” which appears above traditional search listings.

  • Google’s local algorithm favors businesses with:
    • A high volume of recent reviews
    • Consistently high ratings
    • Keyword-rich review content
  • More reviews = More chances to appear for local searches like “best café near me” or “trusted dentist in Tanjong Pagar.”

Example: A boutique bakery in Singapore with 100+ 4.8-star reviews is more likely to appear at the top of Google Maps when users search “best cupcakes near me,” compared to a competitor with only a handful of reviews.

Build Instant Trust with Potential Customers

People trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. When someone sees positive, recent feedback from real customers, they feel confident that your business is reliable.

  • 91% of consumers aged 18–34 trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends.
  • Star ratings are often the first thing users notice in Google results — higher ratings can lead to more clicks and conversions.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about getting only 5-star reviews. A mix of authentic reviews, including some 3–4 stars, helps your profile look more real and trustworthy.

Provide Social Proof that Drives Sales

Social proof is a powerful psychological concept — people are more likely to try something if others have done so and liked it.

  • Reviews offer a real-time validation loop for your product or service.
  • They highlight actual experiences, helping potential customers visualize themselves engaging with your business.
  • Statistic: 93% of consumers say online reviews directly impact their purchasing decisions.
  • Case Example: A customer looking for facial services on Google sees two salons nearby:
    • Salon A: 4.9 stars from 300 customers, with recent glowing reviews about service and ambiance.
    • Salon B: 4.1 stars from 20 reviews, last posted a year ago.

Which one do you think they’ll call?

Influence Brand Perception & Authority

Reviews don’t just inform — they shape your brand identity. Whether you’re a service provider, restaurant, or online store, the tone and frequency of reviews affect how customers view your business.

  • Are people saying you’re responsive? Affordable? Friendly? High quality?
  • These keywords in reviews can become powerful branding tools and even help with Google keyword indexing.

Pro Tip: Responding to reviews (both good and bad) also boosts trust. It shows you’re engaged, care about feedback, and are committed to customer satisfaction.

Fuel Continuous Business Improvement

Customer reviews offer more than just marketing benefits — they’re a goldmine for feedback.

  • Identify service gaps, customer pain points, or team performance issues.
  • Spot trends that can guide product or service development.
  • Celebrate wins when customers rave about what you do best.

Example Feedback Insight: If five customers say your checkout process is confusing, it may be time to redesign it.

Whether you’re a neighbourhood café, SaaS provider, or beauty salon, Google reviews:

  • Influence visibility on search engines
  • Drive foot traffic and website clicks
  • Help convert curious visitors into loyal customers

How To Turn Happy Customers Into Powerful Advocates

Google reviews are one of the most impactful tools for building trust, boosting local SEO, and attracting new customers. By using thoughtful and timely strategies to ask for reviews—like personalised follow-ups, QR codes, or simple thank-you messages—you can turn positive customer experiences into powerful endorsements.

Apply these five methods consistently to strengthen your online reputation. Need expert guidance on building a results-driven review strategy? MediaOne is ready to help you grow your brand with proven digital marketing tactics—starting with better Google reviews today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create and share a direct link to my Google review page?

You can generate a direct review link using your Google Business Profile. Log in to your Google Business account, go to the “Home” dashboard, and find the “Get more reviews” section. Copy the provided link and share it with your customers via email, SMS, or even embed it on your website or social media pages.

What should I do if a customer agrees to leave a review but forgets?

It’s okay to send a polite follow-up message after a few days, simply reminding them. You could say: “Just a quick reminder—if you had a good experience with us, we’d love your feedback on Google. Here’s the link again to make it easy.” Timing your follow-up is important—don’t send it too soon or too often.

How do I handle negative reviews if I ask more customers to leave reviews?

Negative reviews can happen, but they’re an opportunity to show your professionalism. Always respond politely and offer to resolve the issue. When you encourage more customers to leave reviews, the volume of positive feedback often outweighs the occasional negative one, improving your overall rating.

Should I train my team to ask for Google reviews?

Yes, it’s a good idea to train your team, especially if they interact with customers regularly. Equip them with simple scripts and make sure they know when and how to ask. A friendly, personalized request from a staff member who just provided great service often feels more authentic and increases the chances of getting a review.

How often should I ask for reviews from repeat customers?

For repeat customers, it’s fine to ask again—but not too frequently. Space out your requests and avoid asking after every interaction. You could frame it as, “We’d love if you could update your review based on your recent visit,” or simply thank them for their continued support and casually include a review request in a newsletter or follow-up message.

ALSO READ
7 Ways To Win With Your Customer Experience Online Strategy 

About the Author

tom koh seo expert singapore

Tom Koh

Tom is the CEO and Principal Consultant of MediaOne, a leading digital marketing agency. He has consulted for MNCs like Canon, Maybank, Capitaland, SingTel, ST Engineering, WWF, Cambridge University, as well as Government organisations like Enterprise Singapore, Ministry of Law, National Galleries, NTUC, e2i, SingHealth. His articles are published and referenced in CNA, Straits Times, MoneyFM, Financial Times, Yahoo! Finance, Hubspot, Zendesk, CIO Advisor.

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