How to ask customers for a Google review after a trade job

Ask for an honest review with a short message and a direct link to your Google Business Profile. Thank the customer for the job, make the request optional and let them write it in their own time.

For a sole trader, this can be one small task when you finish the paperwork. You don't need review software to start.

Get the right review link first

Open the Google Business Profile you manage, then select Read reviews → Get more reviews → Copy, following Google's review-link guide.

Save that link in a note on your phone alongside your request wording. Open it before sending and check that it names the right business, especially if you manage more than one profile.

If you haven't claimed your business yet, start with our Google Maps setup guide for tradespeople.

Customers need to be signed into a Google Account to leave a review. It doesn't have to use a Gmail address, as Google explains. If someone doesn't want an account, leave it there.

Use a short request that sounds like you

These are made-up request templates you can adapt. Replace every bracketed detail, use your usual sign-off and check the link before sending.

A text after a completed job

Hi [first name], thanks for choosing [business name] for [the job]. Could you leave an honest Google review of your experience? Here's the link: [review link]. No pressure. Thanks, [your name].

Keep the job description brief: “the hallway decorating” is enough. You don't need their full address or invoice details in the message.

An email alongside the final paperwork

Subject: Thanks for choosing [business name]

Hi [first name],

Thanks for having us to do [the job]. Your [invoice / agreed paperwork] is attached.

If you'd like to leave an honest Google review, you can do that here: [review link]. It's entirely up to you.

Thanks again, [your name] [business name]

Only mention an attachment if you've included it. Choose the text or email that fits how you've been dealing with the customer; there's no need to send both.

A line on an invoice or thank-you card

How was your experience with [business name]? You're welcome to leave an honest Google review: [review link or QR code].

Google lets you download a review QR code from the same Get more reviews screen. Its current instructions say QR-code generation is available in a computer browser, rather than on mobile. Test the printed code with your phone before ordering a batch of cards.

Ask without steering the answer

Follow Google's Maps content policy when asking:

Ask for an honest review, without asking for five stars.
Don't offer rewards such as money, discounts or free work.
Don't send the link only to customers you expect to be positive.
Let customers choose their own words. Don't request keywords or staff names, or supply a review to paste.
Don't require or pressure customers to write a review while you're on the premises.

Give a customer who raises a problem the same review link. Deal with their concern without requiring a private conversation before they can review you.

Pick a point in your paperwork routine

Make the request part of a task you already do, such as sending the final invoice after the work is finished.

Add a small checklist to your existing job note:

Correct business review link checked.
Request included with the final message or paperwork.
Date noted, so it isn't sent again by mistake.

If you've put the link on the invoice, you don't need a separate text just to ask again. If someone declines, accept it. Avoid turning review requests into another job you have to chase.

Keep review requests and website enquiries clear

On your website, use a clear label for each link. Read our Google reviews should take a prospective customer to the reviews they can read. Leave a Google review should take an existing customer to the review form. Open both on your phone to check where they lead.

Keep your phone number and enquiry route easy to find alongside them. Someone checking your reputation may also need to see whether you do their type of job; our tradesman website checklist covers those basics.