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
Ready to Copy
Copy, customize, and use it as-is — or make it your own.
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]
TEMPLATE VARIATIONS
More Ways to Use It
Same structure, different tone. Pick the one that fits the situation.
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
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.
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."
