By Tina Lively
Real talk: the ask is only awkward because you’re overthinking it
Most owners know they should ask for reviews. Most owners don’t, because it feels pushy, or salesy, or like piling homework onto a customer who already paid. So they skip it, and the competitor who asks every time out-reviews them three to one.
When to ask
Right after the job wraps, when the customer is happiest. Not a week later in a follow-up email they’ve already forgotten about, not a month later when the experience has faded. The moment they say “looks great” or “thanks, that was fast” is your window.
How to ask
“Hey, glad you’re happy with it. If you’ve got thirty seconds, a Google review really helps us out, here’s the direct link.” That’s it. No script, no gimmick, no incentive offer (which Google’s terms prohibit anyway). Just a genuine, direct ask with the link ready to go.
The link matters
Don’t send them to your profile and expect them to find the review button. Send the direct review link that opens the review form automatically. Google provides this, it takes two minutes to set up, and it removes the single biggest friction point.
Stop after three? No.
Your nail salon, your AC guy, your empanada window, I see it everywhere. Three reviews show up and the asking stops. Reviews age. Recency matters. The ask has to be part of your process, not a campaign you run once.
Now go answer your phone.
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