How to Ask for a Review via SMS: Industry-Specific Customer Service Examples

Consider this: There are two restaurants. Both offer the same food quality, top-notch services and have an inspiring and welcoming vibe. In short, all things are equal. So, which restaurant would you prefer to eat at?

This one?

Or

This one?

Whether you accept it or not, people buy your products or services from your business based on what other people say about you on the review sites. So, it clearly indicates that customer reviews are important for the company’s brand awareness and credibility. It acts as the top local SEO ranking factor and social proof. According to a study,53% of people in the USA consider customer reviews to be one of the important factors when making purchase decisions. Even 44% of online buyers surf the internet before planning a major purchase, and 42% feel reading online reviews is helpful.

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However, the main issue is requesting feedback from customers feels overwhelming. Here is where the SMS review request template can make all the difference.

So, if you’re not sure where to begin? We’ve covered a ready-to-use asking for a review template. Let’s get started!

Why Customer Reviews Matter? Why is SMS an Effective Channel for Review Requests?

Think about when you’ve purchased something online or tried a new salon. You must have checked customer reviews first, right? Most people do this. As per the study done by B2B SaaS Reviews, 61% of B2B buyers prioritize review scores, and 52% of B2C customers don’t prefer to buy a product or service from businesses rated under 4 out of 5 stars.

In short, reviews do not just influence potential customers; they’re SEO goldmines specially when you focus on local SEO and Google My Business. It means more positive reviews = more eyes on your business.

Besides, customer reviews give you an opportunity to connect with your customers and know what they’re thinking about your product/services. Also, it helps you improve your products/services. Customer reviews help build trust, boost visibility, and encourage conversions.

However, one question will pop into your mind – why use SMS for review requests? Why not email?

The reason is that SMS offers a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate. Its immediacy makes SMS a perfect option to grab customers and get a review when their experience with your business is still fresh in their minds. Besides, text message feels personal.

Best Practices for Requesting Reviews via SMS

When sending a review request via SMS, you must follow best practices to take full advantage of response rates while ensuring compliance with regulations. If you want to maximize your efforts, send a review request within 24 to 48 hours after customers have purchased products or used your service. This way, interaction is still fresh in their mind, so there are more chances that you will get a response.

Send the review request at the right time. Do not send review requests in the early mornings or late at night. You have only a 160 SMS character limit, so keep the request message short and sweet. Customers are busy, so sending them concise and to-the-point requests will increase the chances of a response.

Always use a friendly and polite tone. Make the message personalized by using the customer’s name and referencing their experience. Don’t forget to include a proper call to action. If required, follow up with a gentle reminder and express gratitude even if the review is left.

Obtain explicit consent, include opt-out options, and keep a record of all communications to ensure compliance.

When is the Best Time to Ask for a Review?

When it comes to asking for a review, timing matters a lot. If you want to understand it better, put yourself in a customer’s shoes. If you buy something online and get a review request after a month, would you like it and do it?

In the same way, if you purchased a pair of shoes and got the SMS review request before you reached home, you won’t have had a chance to try the shoes and experience their benefits. So, how would you give a review?

So, the right time matters a lot. For businesses like restaurants or salons and spas (service industry), sending them a review request sooner is better. So, strike while iron is hot! However, if you sell a product that requires a complicated setup, wait for at least 1-2 days after the product is purchased or delivered.

One thing to remember here is that not all experiences are created equal. Therefore, if you’re selling a product which takes time to show results, like skincare or home renovation, you should adjust your timing accordingly.

Besides, all keep this pro tip in mind – don’t send a review request at odd hours like early morning or late night, even if your business operates 24/7. Nobody wants to be pinged about a review at 2 AM!

Industry-Specific SMS Review Request Templates

Let’s check out some industry-specific customer service review examples, best timing, and tips.

1. Restaurants and Bars

Don’t you think a great dining experience deserves a shoutout? Positive customer reviews help attract more guests. The best time to ask for a review is right after dining or ordering delivery. One thing to remember is to keep the SMS review request warm and personal.

Here is the SMS review request template that you can use.

Hey [Name], we loved serving you at [Restaurant Name]!

Could you take a moment to review us? [Rate us on a 1 to 5-star scale (5 – Excellent, 1 – Poor].

2. E-commerce and Retail

Most online customers rely on customer reviews to make the buying decisions. So, the best time to ask for a review is 1-2 days after the delivery. Here, you need to ensure that the customer has enough time to use the product.

You can use the asking for a review template like this.

Hey [Name], we hope you’re loving your [Product Name]!

If you have a moment, could you please share your thoughts and let others know about your experience?

Please rate our product quality on a 1 to 5-star scale ( 5 – Outstanding, 1 – OK).

3. Healthcare

When choosing healthcare providers, patients want reassurance. Positive reviews help build trust. The best time to ask for a review is the day after the appointment. Ensure that the review request template is professional and reassuring.

You can use this template to ask for a review.

Hi [Patient Name]! We hope your visit to [Clinic Name] was pleasant.

Your feedback will help us serve you better.

Share how satisfied you are with our services on a scale of 1 to 5 ( 5 – Fully satisfied, 1 – not satisfied).

4. Car Dealerships

Purchasing a vehicle is a big decision; positive reviews can help dealerships stand out. The best time to send a review request is a few days after purchase. You can ask for their experience regarding customer service at your dealership.

Here is how you can do it.

Hi [Name], Congratulations on your new car!

We would love to hear about your experience with [Dealer Name].

Please leave us a quick review.

Rate us 1-5 stars – (5- Very Happy, 3 -Happy, 1 – Not Happy.)

5. Recreational Services

Whether it is a salon, gym, fitness class, or amusement park, positive reviews help boost credibility. The best time is right after their visit or session. You can highlight fun and satisfaction. You can use the SMS template like this to ask for a review.

Hey [Name], we hope you had an amazing time at [Spa/Gym/Salon/Amusement Park Name]!

Your feedback helps us improve and spread the fun.

Could you please share how your experience was? – Excellent, Good, or Bad?.

6. Real Estate

Buying or selling a home is a major decision. When a customer has a great real estate experience, your real estate firm deserves recognition. Reviews help future clients feel confident in choosing your services. The best time to ask for a review is after closing the deal or after the customer moves in. You can highlight their review in the text message, which will help others make their decision.

Hey [Name], congrats on your new home!

We would love to hear about your experience with [Agent Name].

Your feedback means a lot to us.

Please rate us on 1 to 5 star scale (5 – Excellent, 1 – OK ).

7. Travel and Tourism

Memorable trips deserve great reviews. It helps others to plan their adventures. The best time to send a review request is the day after returning home. You can encourage sharing the trip highlights. How?

Use the below SMS review request template.

[Name], we hope you enjoyed your trip with [Travel Agency Name].

Please take a moment and tell us more about your adventure.

Select Excellent, Good, or Bad to rate our services.

8. Hotel and Hospitality

Guest experience helps build a hotel or resort’s reputation. Undoubtedly, a great stay deserves a great review. The best time to send a review request is the day after checkout. You can express your gratitude for their stay and also invite them back.

[Guest Name], thank you for staying at [Hotel Name]!

We would love to hear about your experience.

Reply with Excellent, Good, or Bad.

9. Solar

Going green and switching to renewable energy is a big investment. Customer reviews can help others make informed decisions about renewable energy solutions. The best time to ask for a review is a few weeks after installation. You can reinforce the long-term benefits they will experience.

Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [your company name] for your solar needs!

How satisfied are you?

Extremely Satisfied – Reply 1, Moderately Satisfied – Reply – 2, Not Satisfied- Reply- 3. – Your feedback helps others go green.

10. Insurance

No matter which insurance it is – life, auto, or health. Customers appreciate hassle-free services. Positive reviews help build trust with potential clients. The best time to ask for a review is after a successful policy activation or claim process. You can reassure your customers that their feedback will help you improve service.

Hey [Customer Name]! We’re thrilled that we could assist with your insurance needs! Your review helps us and others looking for coverage.

Please rate our service from 1-10 (10 – Very Happy, 5 – Helpful, 1- Not at all).

11. Nonprofit Organizations

Donors and volunteers trust nonprofits with their time and money. Positive reviews help build credibility. You can send the review request after the recent fundraising event or donation. It is the best time. Also, show appreciation to those who supported the event.

Hey [Name]! Thanks for supporting [Nonprofit Name]!

We would love your feedback to inspire others.

Rate our services on a 1 to 5-star scale – (5 -Happy, 1 – Sad) .

12. Media and Advertising

Media and advertising agencies thrive on trust and proven results. Positive reviews help showcase expertise. The best time to send a review request is after the successful campaign completion. In the template, you can mention the impact of their project.

Hi [Name], we loved bringing your vision to life!

Your campaign made a real impact.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Could you please share your experience? – [Review Link].

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Asking for a Review through SMS

Here are common mistakes that you should avoid while asking for a review via SMS.

• In review request timing matters a lot. Therefore, do not send requests too soon or too late. It will look premature if you send a review request right after a customer purchases your product online. Also, don’t wait for too long. If you do so, their experience won’t remain fresh and become less memorable.
• Don’t sound forceful or pushy. Keep it light and optional.
• Remember to include a link in your SMS. If you forget to include a link, your customers won’t know where they have to leave a review. You can also give your customers an option to submit a review through two-way messaging if your customers do not prefer/use a link to give feedback. Another option you can try is to set up a keyword trigger on a scale of 1-5 to reply with a rating (1-5, 5 – Excellent, 1 – Poor)
• One well-timed message is enough. Don’t send too many review requests; otherwise, your customers and carrier will consider your message spam.
• Don’t send a generic message like “Please leave a review.” Instead, personalize the message as it will resonate better.
• Follow platform guidelines, as some platforms restrict incentivized reviews.

Let’s Automate SMS Review Requests With Textdrip!

Customer reviews help build trust and credibility with existing, potential, and new customers. It helps you improve your service/product and show that you value your audience’s opinions. However, the real struggle is manually asking for a review from the customers each time. So, if you’re thinking, “I don’t have time to send review requests to each customer, don’t worry! Automation can help you. You can use an automated SMS marketing platform like Textdrip, which helps you automate review requests.

However, one thing to remember here is that positive reviews come from businesses that provide an excellent customer experience.

So, if you’re doing all the right things but struggling to collect customer reviews, use the tips and review request templates discussed above. Also, don’t forget to take a FREE trial of Textdrip to improve your business search visibility, customer loyalty, brand reputation, and ROI by automating asking for a review.