Free review request SMS generator

What makes a good review request text

A review request SMS has one job: get a happy, busy customer to tap a link while they still remember you. The texts that work best share a few traits.

• Short. One SMS segment is 160 standard characters. Go over and you pay for two, and the message looks like marketing.
• Personal. The customer’s first name and your business name in the first few words, so they know it is genuine and not spam.
• One clear action. A single direct link to your Google review form – not your website, not a list of review sites.
• Neutral. Ask for an “honest” review. Do not mention five stars, and never offer a discount, voucher or prize draw – that breaks Google’s rules.
• An easy way out. “Reply STOP to opt out” shows respect and helps you meet PECR expectations.

Why characters and segments matter

UK SMS providers bill per segment. A standard (GSM-7) text fits 160 characters in one segment; longer messages are split into 153-character chunks. A single emoji or a curly apostrophe copied from Word can switch the whole message to Unicode, where one segment holds only 70 characters – so a 120-character text suddenly costs two. The generator above converts curly apostrophes for you and warns you if anything else triggers Unicode.

Google review links are long. Use the short link from your Google Business Profile (it usually starts with g.page/r/) or create one with our review link generator to keep the message in one segment.

When to send it

Send it soon after the work is finished – the same afternoon or the next morning. Avoid evenings after 8pm and early mornings. For a reminder, wait two or three days and send it once only. See our guide to Google review automation for timing by industry.

Five example texts

Hi Sarah, thanks for choosing Hart Electrical today. If you have a minute, we’d really value an honest Google review: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.

Hi Tom, thanks from Riverside Physio! Your honest Google review would help: [link]

Dear Mrs Patel, thank you for choosing Oakwood Lettings. We would be grateful if you could share your honest feedback on Google: [link]

Hi Dan, it was great working with you on your new bathroom. Would you share your experience of Smith Plumbing on Google? [link]

Hi Ellie, just a gentle reminder from Drive with Jo: if you have a moment, an honest Google review would mean a lot: [link]

The legal bit, briefly

A pure request for feedback about a service the customer has just received is generally treated differently from marketing, but if your text also promotes offers it may count as direct marketing under PECR. Make sure customers know you may contact them, include an opt-out, and keep a record of who has opted out. Read our UK GDPR and PECR guide. This is general information, not legal advice.

From one text to every customer

Sending texts by hand works when you have a few customers a week. When it starts slipping, RepBeacon can send your approved message automatically after each job, with one reminder and opt-outs handled for you. Starter includes 100 SMS and unlimited email per location for £29 a month; Pro includes 300 SMS for £59. Try it free for 15 days – no card needed. For email versions, see our review request templates.

Frequently asked questions