Template · any platform

Review Request Text Message Template

Text messages have a 98% open rate and most are read within 3 minutes. For review requests, this makes SMS the highest-conversion channel available to small businesses — beating email by a factor of 5 or more for most industries. The key is brevity and personalization: a text that reads like it came from a real person (not a bulk SMS platform) consistently outperforms any automated campaign. This template is written to feel personal even when sent at scale.

The template

Hi [NAME]! It was great having you at [BUSINESS NAME]. If you have a minute, would you mind leaving us a quick review? It really helps: [REVIEW LINK]. Thanks so much! — [YOUR NAME]

Variations

Version 1 — No signature, ultra-casual

Hey [NAME], thanks for coming in! We'd love a quick review if you have a sec: [LINK] 🙏

Version 2 — Explains the why

Hi [NAME], [YOUR NAME] from [BUSINESS NAME]. Hope everything was great! We're trying to grow our reviews — would you mind sharing yours? [LINK]. Totally fine if not, but it means a lot! Thanks.

When to use it

Send within 2–4 hours of a completed visit or service. The faster you send after a positive interaction, the higher the conversion. This template works for any business type. For restaurant-specific SMS, see restaurant review request SMS. For dental, see dental review request SMS.

Customization tips

  • Keep it under 160 characters to avoid splitting into two messages — count carefully. "Would you mind leaving us a quick review?" is 44 characters; your link will be ~25 more with a shortener.

  • Sign with a first name, not "The Team at [Business]" — texts from a named person get responded to more than texts from a business handle.

  • Use a shortened review link (bit.ly or similar) — Google review links are 60+ characters raw. Short links also let you track click rates.

  • Time it right — avoid sending after 7pm or before 9am. Mid-afternoon (1–5pm) tends to get the best response rates.

Create a review request QR flyer

What's the difference between a review request text and a review request SMS?

Nothing — they're the same thing. "Text message" and "SMS" are used interchangeably. MMS (multimedia messaging) can include images, but for review requests, plain text converts better because it looks more personal.

Can I automate these text messages?

Yes — platforms like FeedbackRobot, Podium, Birdeye, and others allow you to trigger automated review request texts after a completed booking, POS transaction, or service close. The message still looks personal, but the send is automated. This is how high-volume businesses send hundreds of requests per week without manual effort.

What if someone texts back saying they don't want to be contacted?

Honor the opt-out immediately — remove them from any automated flows and don't contact them again via text. TCPA requires you to maintain a do-not-contact list. Most SMS platforms handle this automatically when someone replies "STOP."