Ask for the review after the job is done

This GUIDE is for US home-service shops with about 1-15 people that finish jobs and never ask for the Google review. Phone + SMS templates after a closed, paid job. No gift cards and no "$50 off for 5-star" deals, because Google forbids paid incentives. Better Call Stan is home-service growth for small shops.

Who this is for (and who it is not)

For: owners and techs who close the job and leave without asking. HVAC default; same ask works for plumbing, electrical, cleaning, and landscaping.

Not for: franchise review teams, paid-review marketplaces, or homeowners. Not a phone-app tutorial.

Google rules (safe ask)

• Ask after the work is done and paid (or clearly finished).
• Google forbids paid-review incentives (gift cards, discounts for stars, contests that buy reviews).
• Do not review-gate: do not send happy customers to Google and unhappy ones only to a private form that hides negatives from Google.
• Soft ask only. Do not request specific content, star counts, or a tech's name.

When to ask

• Best window: same day the job is closed and the homeowner can still see the result (cool air, hot water, clean rooms, cut lawn).
• OK: next morning if you finished late.
• Too early: mid-diagnostic, before options, or while they are still deciding a replace.
• Too late: weeks later with no context.

Phone ask (~30-45 seconds)

1. "Glad we got [cool / heat / water / rooms / yard] sorted today."
2. "If the work matched what we promised, would you leave a short Google review? It helps neighbors find a real shop."
3. "I can text you our Google review link right now. One tap."
4. Soft ask only: "A short note on the job helps neighbors find a real shop." Do not request specific content, star counts, or a tech's name.
5. Stop. Do not bargain for stars.

SMS template (EN)

"Thanks for choosing [Shop]. If today's job was solid, would you leave a short Google review? [YOUR Google review link] One tap. Reply STOP to opt out."

Email template (EN), optional

Subject: Quick thank-you + Google review link

Hi [Name],

Thanks for trusting [Shop] with [job type] on [date].

If the work matched what we promised, a short Google review helps neighbors find a real local shop: [YOUR Google review link]

No pressure. If something was off, reply to this email and we will make it right.

[Name], [Shop]

One reminder max

If no review in 3-5 days, send one short SMS reminder and then stop; do not drip for weeks.

What not to do

• Gift cards, cash, or discounts in exchange for a review
• "$50 off for a 5-star"
• Review-gating that hides negatives from Google
• Asking during a scare pitch or before the job is done
• Requesting specific review content, star counts, or a staff member's name
• On-premises tablet pressure after the job
• Fake reviews, swapped reviews, or competitor attacks
• Inventing "% more reviews" claims in ads or on the site

Tie to the Google card (photos / categories)

A review ask lands better when the card looks real: primary category matches money work, services you book, honest hours, real job photos, and a tap-to-call number YOU hear. Fresh reviews on a thin card still underperform.

Niche GBP GUIDEs:

Google Business Profile checklist for HVACGoogle Business Profile checklist for plumbingGoogle Business Profile checklist for electricalGoogle Business Profile checklist for cleaningGoogle Business Profile checklist for landscaping

Next step

FAQ

Better Call Stan is not JustCall. Home-service growth for small shops.