I get it – asking customers for a review can feel awkward. I've been there too. 😅
I've chatted with countless café owners and tradies who dread the question, "Could you leave us a Google review?" But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be weird. In fact, I've learned a few friendly tricks to make the whole process feel natural (for you and your customer). In this post, I'm sharing exactly what works, including the words I use myself and a clever tap-and-go tool that makes gathering reviews as easy as a high-five.
Why Google Reviews Matter More Than You Think
For small businesses, Google reviews aren't just digital pats on the back, they’re powerful trust-builders. When a potential customer searches for a "cafe near me" or "best plumber in Sydney west," guess what Google shows first? Businesses with lots of good reviews.
- 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
- A one-star increase in your average rating can lead to a 5-9% increase in revenue.
More reviews = more trust = more customers. It really is that simple.
When's the Right Time to Ask?
The best time to ask for a review is right after you've delivered a great experience. That moment when your customer is smiling, nodding, and saying things like “That was awesome,” “Best coffee I’ve had all week,” or “Thanks for fixing that so fast.”
Here are some perfect moments:
- At the counter just after payment.
- Right after a client compliments your service.
- Once you’ve finished a job and the customer says thanks.
Avoid asking when a customer looks rushed, distracted, or mid-crisis. Timing is everything.
3 Ways to Make the Ask Feel Natural
1. In-Person, Casually
I keep it low-pressure. Let’s say I own a salon:
“We’re so glad you loved the cut! If you’ve got 30 seconds, we’d love it if you left a quick review on Google. It really helps people find us.”
2. Ask During a Happy Moment
Some of the best review requests happen casually during a genuine interaction. I look for that moment when the customer is clearly happy. Maybe they just complimented something or said, "That was awesome." Then I simply say:
“So glad to hear that! If you’ve got a sec, I’d really appreciate a quick Google review. It helps heaps and it only takes a second.”
It feels like a natural continuation of the conversation, not a sales pitch.
3. Through Signage or Tools
I like to set and forget: I put a small sign or Scooti plate on my counter that says:
"We would appreciate your Google Review! Tap to rate your experience"
This way, customers can do it themselves – no awkward asking required.
What to Say: Sample Scripts That Work
Here are some more friendly, in-the-moment scripts I’ve used myself or seen work really well. You can adapt these to your style, but the key is they’re short, sincere and said with a smile:
⭐ “So glad you enjoyed it! If you’ve got a second, would you mind tapping here to leave a quick Google review? It really helps us out.”
⭐ “Hey, thanks for the great feedback. If you’re happy, a quick review on Google would mean a lot – just tap right here.”
⭐ “If you think others should know about us, leaving a Google review is the best way. One tap here and you’re there!”
⭐ “We’re working on growing our reviews. If your experience was a good one, would you mind helping us out with a quick tap here?”
⭐ “Your opinion makes a big difference for a small biz like ours. If you’ve got 3 seconds, you can tap here to leave us a review.”
And if you're building your Instagram and Facebook following, here are five friendly prompts you can say in the moment:
📱 “We’re on Instagram if you’d like to follow along – just search [@yourhandle] or tap right here!”
📱 “Love behind-the-scenes stuff? Give us a follow on Facebook or Insta – we share what’s fresh there!”
📱 “We post specials and fun customer shoutouts on Instagram – feel free to follow us while you're here.”
📱 “Want to see what’s coming next? Our Facebook or Instagram page is the best spot – just scan or tap here to follow.”
📱 “If you’re into what we’re doing, we’d love to have you as a follower on Instagram. We share tips, pics and all the latest – tap here and you’re in!”
How to Make It Easy (Hint: Tap to Review)
The less effort it takes, the more reviews you'll get. That’s where Scooti comes in.
With a Scooti Reviews tool, your customer can simply tap their phone (like they’d tap for contactless payment), and it takes them straight to your Google review form and Social Media page. No camera. No QR code. No typing.
It turns a potential friction point into a one-step action.
- No complex process to learn, teach and manage
- No logins to remember
- No awkward "search our business on Google" moments
It’s like having a polite little sign that asks for reviews and follows so you don’t have to.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be pushy. You just need to ask at the right moment, say it simply and make it easy. When you do that, more customers will leave reviews and your online reputation will grow naturally.
You've got this. And I've got your back.
Need help setting up a Scooti plate for your business? Click here to learn how to.
