Google Review Response Template
How you respond to a Google review is public — every future customer who searches your business will read it. A good response takes 90 seconds to write and signals that you're an active, attentive owner. A bad one (or no response at all) costs you bookings. This template gives you a proven structure that's professional enough to represent your brand and personal enough to not feel automated. Works for any business category on Google.
THE TEMPLATE
Ready to Copy
Copy, customize, and use it as-is — or make it your own.
Hi [REVIEWER_NAME],
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience — it means a lot to the whole team at [BUSINESS_NAME].
[ADD ONE SENTENCE REFERENCING SOMETHING SPECIFIC FROM THEIR REVIEW — a dish, a staff member's name, the service they received, etc.]
We'd love to welcome you back again soon. Feel free to reach out directly at [CONTACT EMAIL/PHONE] if there's anything we can ever do better.
Warm regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[BUSINESS NAME]
TEMPLATE VARIATIONS
More Ways to Use It
Same structure, different tone. Pick the one that fits the situation.
Version 1 — Brief & Warm (best for 4–5 star reviews)
Hi [REVIEWER_NAME], thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you had a great experience. Our team works hard to make every visit special, and feedback like yours keeps us going. Hope to see you again soon!
Version 2 — Formal & Detailed (best for new businesses building credibility)
Dear [REVIEWER_NAME], thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed [SPECIFIC DETAIL FROM REVIEW]. At [BUSINESS NAME], we're committed to [RELEVANT VALUE — e.g., consistently excellent service / fresh, quality ingredients / prompt, professional work]. Your feedback encourages the entire team. We look forward to serving you again.
WHEN TO USE
Use this template when responding to any Google review — positive, neutral, or mixed. For purely negative reviews, use the Google Negative Review Response Template instead, which includes de-escalation language and an offline resolution step.
CUSTOMIZATION TIPS
Replace [ADD ONE SENTENCE...] with a genuine reference to something in their review — even just mentioning their server's name or the dish they ordered makes the response feel personal and non-automated.
Keep it under 150 words. Google displays a truncated preview — a short, punchy response is more effective than a long one.
Don't repeat their exact star rating or the word "amazing" back at them — it sounds hollow. Reference the experience itself.
Add your direct contact detail (email or phone) only if you genuinely want them to reach out. It signals accountability to future readers.
Should I respond to every Google review?
Yes. Responding to all reviews — positive and negative — tells Google's algorithm you're an engaged business and tells potential customers you care. Aim to respond within 24–48 hours for negative reviews and within a week for positive ones.
Should I use the reviewer's name?
For positive reviews, yes — it personalises the response. For 1-star or sensitive reviews, avoid using their full name publicly as it can escalate the situation. A simple "Hi there" is fine.
Can I ask the reviewer to change or remove their review in the response?
No — never ask this publicly. If a negative review is resolved, you can privately reach out (via the contact you've invited in your response) and ask if they'd consider updating it. But putting that request in the public response looks defensive and often backfires.
