As we’ve discussed in previous articles, asking for online reviews can be tough. It’s easy to feel like you’re begging – hands and knees on the ground – for something, anything, that will make your locally-owned business seem more legitimate on the Internet.

That doesn’t sound very fun, now does it?

The thing is, asking for online reviews doesn’t have to be that difficult. In fact, once you have the right process set in place, it can be extremely simple. Whether you download a simple and easy online review app and text them on the spot or (for those who forget) send an email after the fact, asking for your customer’s feedback doesn’t have to be as hard as many businesses make it.

Before you start drafting up an email to your best customers, however, there are a few tips to keep in mind about asking for reviews.

Ask at the right time – For best results, ask your customers for their feedback right after they’ve finished working with you and once you’re sure they’re happy with your service.
Use the template as a guide – If you use these or other email templates, make sure your email includes your brand voice and feels as natural as possible. Add your own style and flare to make it more personal.
Put the focus on the customer – You may notice there are other email templates out there that make the ask all about the business. The thing is, most customers don’t care about you – they care about themselves. So, if you make the ask around them, you’re sure to get better follow-through.

Now that we’ve got those rules down, let’s dive into a few examples of emails you can send to ask your customers for their feedback. There are even a few more bonus email templates for you to download at the end of this post!

Email Template 1:

Suggested Subject: Help others [solve primary paint point]

Body:

Hello [First Name],

It was a pleasure doing business with you. Thank you for [being a loyal customer, giving us a try, etc.].

As you may know, many people like you rely on online reviews to make sure they get the best service possible. With that said, we would love if you could leave us a testimonial on our Google page.

You can click this link to leave your feedback and help other people like you get the help they need in [primary customer pain point].

Thank you for taking time out of your day. We greatly appreciate it!

Best,
[Your Name]

—

In this first template, the goal is to appeal to your customer’s desire to help others.

The likelihood is your customers understand how difficult it can be to find businesses they can trust; they know because they’ve been through it, themselves.

So, by framing it as an opportunity to help others do so, you’re appealing to the philanthropic side of their ego; by leaving a review, they’re helping people like them find a local business they can trust. Win-win!

Email Template 2:

Suggested Subject: How can we serve you better?

Body:

Hello [first name],

Thank you for [being a loyal customer, giving us a try, etc.]. As a locally-owned business, we strive to provide the highest quality service and care deeply about how our work affects customers like you.

As such, we would love if you could send us an email and tell us what we can do to better serve you next time.

Of course, we hope you enjoyed the level of service you received. If so, we would love if you could leave your feedback on our Google Business Page. As we’re building our business, every review helps build credibility for future customers and your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking time out of your day. We greatly appreciate it!

Best,

[Your name]

—

In this second email template, the goal is to appeal to your customer’s desire to have a voice and a say.

In many cases, your customers will love parts of your business – your stellar customer service and ability to remember their names every time or the atmosphere of your shop – but there will also be things you can improve.

By asking them directly, you’re giving your customers a voice and saying: your opinion matters. Not only that, but you’ll make them feel like they have a say in how your business operates.

A voice and power to go with it?? Who can say no to that?

Email Template 3:

Suggested Subject: Your opinion could change the world! (…or at least our impact)

Body:

Hey [First Name],

We are so grateful to you for being a great customer and supporting our local business. We know you’re busy making your own impact, so we’ll make this quick.

Would you mind taking a minute to leave your feedback on your experience with us? Your insights are incredibly valuable and will help us make sure we serve you and other amazing customers well in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion. It makes such a difference in how we show up and serve others!

Best,

[Your Name]

—

Similar to the second template, in this third email, the goal is to appeal to your customer’s desire to have a real impact.

This one takes it a step further and, for those who are bolder in their asks, tells the customer directly “your feedback is valuable and we will change based on what you say!” On the plus side, it does this without sounding too pandering or beggar-like.

By rubbing your customer’s ego a bit, you’re reminding them how important they are to you and your local business. If they feel like their words could have a real impact, they may also put more consideration into the quality of feedback they give you.

NEED MORE IDEAS?

Download five more ready-to-use templates.

With our free online review app, it’s easy to send a link to the review right on the spot, even if you operate in multiple locations. Once your employees have downloaded it, they can send a custom link to your customers’ phones within seconds of completing their transaction.

Not only does this give you a better chance of getting that Google review even before they leave, but you will also be able to capitalize on the personal connection that your employees have established with the customer.

Learn More About How Odd Dog Can Help You With Our Small Business Marketing Packages.

Whether you are in need of a Digital Marketing Consultant, Website Designer, Website Developer, or a Google Ads Agency, we’ve got you covered!