Asking for Google Reviews: Short Scripts for Practitioners
Most clients who enjoyed a session would happily leave a review. They don't think of it, and nobody asked. Asking is a small habit. It works best when it sounds like you.
Here is when we would ask, what to send, and what to do once the reviews arrive.
When to ask
While the session is still fresh. The same day is best, the next morning is fine. A week later it reads like admin.
The best moment is often one the client creates. They say the room was calm, or that they finally feel looked after. Thank them, then ask.
Ask everyone, not only the clients you expect to be glowing. A steady mix of honest reviews reads as real. Ten perfect ones in the same week reads as a campaign.
Make it one tap
Your Business Profile can give you a short review link. Copy it once and keep it where you can paste it in seconds: a saved reply on your phone, or the bottom of your booking confirmation.
For clients who would rather not be messaged, a small card with a QR code by the door does the same job. Keep it small. It is a reminder, not a poster.
What to say in person
Short, with an easy way out.
"Glad that helped. If you have a minute this week, a Google review would mean a lot. I'll text you the link. No pressure at all."
Then send the link within the hour, so nobody has to search for you.
Text and WhatsApp scripts
After a first visit
"Hi Sarah, thanks for coming in today. If you'd be happy to share how the first session went, here's the link: [review link]. Two lines is plenty."
For a regular
"Hi Tom, it occurred to me I've never asked. If you have a moment, a short review would help new clients find me: [review link]. Thank you for sticking with me."
When they said something kind
"Hi Priya, thank you for what you said at the end of today's session. If you'd be comfortable putting some of it in a review, here's the link: [review link]."
One reminder at most. If a review doesn't come, leave it there. They still booked again, which is the better review.
What not to offer
No discount, free session or gift in return for a review. Google's content policy for Maps does not allow incentives such as payment, discounts or free services in exchange for posting a review. Reviews written for a reward also tend to read slightly off.
Don't write reviews for clients, and don't ask friends who have never booked. A handful of real ones is worth more than a pile of polite ones.
Replying
Reply to every review, briefly. Thank them, mention one detail they mentioned, stop there.
"Thank you, Sarah. Glad the first session felt easy. See you next month."
In health and bodywork, a reply can say more than the client meant to. Don't add details they didn't share themselves, and never mention a condition or a treatment they left out.
For a critical review, wait a day. Then reply calmly, without arguing the details, and offer to talk directly.
"Thank you for the feedback. I'd like to understand what happened. Please call or message me directly and we'll pick it up from there."
Putting them on your website
Reviews do the most work when someone is deciding whether to book. Put two or three short ones near the booking button, on the homepage and on your services page. Quote them exactly, use a first name, and link to your full profile for anyone who wants more.
Swap them now and then. A quote from a few years ago makes a practice look quieter than it is.
If the profile itself needs attention first, we wrote about how practitioners show up on Google Maps.
If you'd like a second pair of eyes
Our free website check comes back with three specific fixes within two business days. If they are small ones, the Site Tune-Up ($350) takes care of all three.
