When to ask
Ask within a few hours of finishing, while the customer is still happy and the job is fresh. A text beats an email; it is read in minutes.
Why recent reviews matter so much
In BrightLocal's 2026 consumer survey, 74% of people said they only trust reviews from the last three months, and 47% said they would not use a business with fewer than 20 reviews. A steady trickle beats a burst of reviews once a year.
Rules to stay out of trouble
- Do not offer discounts, gifts or entries for reviews. Google does not allow incentivized reviews.
- Ask every customer, not only the ones you expect to be happy. Filtering who you ask ("review gating") is against Google's policies.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, within a few days. Our reply-to-a-bad-review template helps.
Never forget to ask
The free PITHE app can remind you to send a review request when a job is marked done.
Common questions
What is the best way to ask for a Google review?
Send a short, personal text within a few hours of finishing the job, with your direct Google review link so it is one tap.
Can I give a discount for leaving a review?
No. Google prohibits incentivized reviews, and the FTC has rules against buying or rewarding reviews.
How many reviews does a small business need?
More recent reviews are better. Many consumers want to see at least 20, and most only trust reviews from the last few months.
Where do I find my Google review link?
Open your Business Profile on Google, choose "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews," and copy the link.
Rules, fees and platform policies change. Confirm details with the official agency or provider before you rely on them.