Table of Contents

• Key Elements of Effective Review Request SMS Messages
• 10 Review Request SMS Templates
  • Template 1: Basic Post-Purchase Review Request
  • Template 2: Service-Based Business Follow-Up
  • Template 3: Personalized Request for Loyal Customers
  • Template 4: Incentivized Review Request
  • Template 5: Two-Step Process SMS
  • Template 6: Feedback Request with Review Option
  • Template 7: Time-Sensitive Review Request
  • Template 8: New Business Establishing Reputation
  • Template 9: Follow-Up SMS for Non-Responders
  • Template 10: Thank You Message with Review Request
• Best Practices for SMS Review Requests
• Measuring SMS Review Request Performance
• Integrating SMS Review Requests with Your Marketing Strategy
• Next Steps: Optimizing Your Lead Generation

Template Library: 10 Review-Request SMS Scripts That Boost Local Business Ratings

In today's digital-first business environment, online reviews serve as the modern word-of-mouth that can make or break a local business. With 93% of consumers saying online reviews impact their purchasing decisions, actively soliciting reviews has become an essential marketing strategy. SMS messages, with their impressive 98% open rate and typically quick response time, present an ideal channel for requesting customer reviews.

This library of 10 carefully crafted SMS templates will help you systematically collect more reviews, improve your online reputation, and ultimately drive more local business through your doors. Each template is designed for specific business scenarios and customer touchpoints, making it easy to integrate review requests into your existing customer communication workflow.

Key Elements of Effective Review Request SMS Messages

Before diving into the templates, let's examine what makes review request SMS messages effective. The most successful messages typically incorporate these five key elements:

1. Personalization: Including the customer's name and specific details about their purchase or experience shows that your request is genuine, not automated.

2. Timing: Sending the request at the optimal moment—usually shortly after a positive interaction—increases the likelihood of a favorable review.

3. Clarity: Being direct about what you're asking for, with simple instructions on how to leave a review, removes friction from the process.

4. Compliance: Adhering to SMS marketing regulations by including opt-out information and sending only to customers who have provided consent.

5. Compelling CTA: A clear call-to-action with a direct link to your review platform of choice makes it easy for customers to follow through.

When crafting your SMS review requests, balancing brevity with these essential elements will maximize your response rates and review quality.

10 Review Request SMS Templates

Template 1: Basic Post-Purchase Review Request

This straightforward template works well for retail businesses and should be sent 1-2 days after purchase:

Hi [Customer Name], thank you for shopping at [Business Name]! We hope you're enjoying your recent purchase. Would you mind taking a moment to share your experience? [Review Link] Your feedback helps us serve you better! Reply STOP to opt out.

Why it works: This template is direct and simple, making it easy for customers to understand what you're asking. The personalization and timing create relevance that increases response rates.

Template 2: Service-Based Business Follow-Up

Perfect for service providers like home contractors, cleaners, or consultants:

Hi [Customer Name], we hope you're satisfied with the [specific service] we provided on [date]. We'd love your feedback! Please take 60 seconds to leave a review here: [Review Link]. Your input helps local customers find us. Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Why it works: Mentioning the specific service and date reminds the customer of their recent experience. The "60 seconds" phrase acknowledges that you value their time while making the task seem quick and easy.

Template 3: Personalized Request for Loyal Customers

For repeat customers who have made multiple purchases:

[Customer Name], as one of our valued returning customers at [Business Name], your opinion means the world to us. Would you share your thoughts about your experiences with us? [Review Link] As always, we appreciate your continued support! Reply STOP to opt out.

Why it works: Acknowledging customer loyalty makes them feel valued and increases the likelihood they'll reciprocate by leaving a positive review. The emotional appeal to established relationships strengthens engagement.

Template 4: Incentivized Review Request

Offering an incentive can boost response rates (ensure compliance with review platform policies):

Hi [Customer Name]! We'd love to hear about your experience at [Business Name]. Share your honest feedback at [Review Link] and receive 10% off your next purchase with code THANKS10. Your insights help us improve! Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Why it works: The incentive provides immediate value to customers for taking action. Note that some platforms prohibit incentivized reviews, so check the terms of service for your target review site.

Template 5: Two-Step Process SMS

This approach gauges customer satisfaction before requesting a review:

Hi [Customer Name], how would you rate your recent experience with [Business Name] on a scale of 1-5? We value your feedback and want to ensure you're satisfied with our service.

If they respond with 4 or 5:

Thank you for your positive feedback! We'd be grateful if you could share your experience with others: [Review Link]. Your review helps us grow! Reply STOP to opt out.

If they respond with 1-3:

We appreciate your feedback and apologize for not meeting your expectations. A manager will contact you shortly to address your concerns. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Why it works: This approach filters for satisfied customers, increasing the likelihood of positive reviews while creating an opportunity to resolve issues with dissatisfied customers before they post negative reviews.

Template 6: Feedback Request with Review Option

This template focuses on gathering feedback with the review as a secondary request:

[Customer Name], we want to ensure your experience with [Business Name] was exceptional. How did we do? Share feedback directly by replying to this message OR leave a review at [Review Link]. We appreciate your time! Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Why it works: By positioning the message as seeking feedback rather than just a review, it feels more customer-centered and less transactional, which can increase response rates.

Template 7: Time-Sensitive Review Request

Creating a sense of urgency can prompt faster action:

Hi [Customer Name]! As part of our weekly customer appreciation efforts, we're collecting feedback on recent experiences. Could you take a minute today to share yours? [Review Link] Your input directly impacts how we improve! Reply STOP to opt out.

Why it works: The time-sensitive framing creates gentle urgency without being pushy. Mentioning "weekly customer appreciation" makes the customer feel part of a special initiative.

Template 8: New Business Establishing Reputation

Particularly effective for businesses with fewer than 10 reviews:

[Customer Name], as a new business in [location], we're working hard to build our online presence. Your recent visit to [Business Name] meant a lot to us. Would you help by sharing your experience? [Review Link] Every review makes a huge difference! Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Why it works: This transparent approach appeals to customers' desire to support small or new businesses. The vulnerability expressed creates an emotional connection that encourages action.

Template 9: Follow-Up SMS for Non-Responders

Send this 3-5 days after your initial request if there's no response:

Hi [Customer Name], we just wanted to follow up on our request for feedback about your recent experience with [Business Name]. Your opinion helps us improve! If you have a moment: [Review Link]. We promise this is our last reminder. Reply STOP to opt out.

Why it works: A gentle reminder often captures customers who intended to leave a review but forgot. The "last reminder" reassurance prevents the message from feeling pushy or annoying.

Template 10: Thank You Message with Review Request

Expressing gratitude first can make the review request feel more genuine:

[Customer Name], we wanted to sincerely thank you for choosing [Business Name]! We're a local business that thrives on customer support like yours. If you have a moment, we'd appreciate your sharing your experience: [Review Link]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Why it works: Leading with genuine appreciation makes the request feel like a natural extension of your customer relationship rather than a marketing tactic. Mentioning your local business status often resonates with customers who want to support community establishments.

Best Practices for SMS Review Requests

To maximize the effectiveness of these templates, follow these best practices:

Timing Your Messages

The ideal timing for review requests varies by industry:

• Retail: 1-2 days after purchase, allowing customers time to use the product
• Restaurants: Within 2-4 hours of dining, while the experience is fresh
• Services: 24-48 hours after service completion
• Professional services: 2-3 days after the engagement concludes

Testing different send times can help you identify the optimal window for your specific business.

Personalizing at Scale

Even with automation, personalization remains critical. At minimum, include:

• Customer's name
• Reference to specific purchase or service
• Your business name
• Location-specific details when relevant

Using an SMS platform that integrates with your CRM system can automatically populate these fields, making personalization scalable.

A/B Testing Approaches

To continually improve your review acquisition rates, test variables such as:

• Message length (shorter often performs better)
• Time of day sent
• Day of week
• Level of personalization
• Different calls-to-action

Track the performance of each variant and refine your approach based on data.

Managing Responses

Be prepared to respond to customer replies to your SMS requests:

• Set up automatic thank-you responses for positive feedback
• Have staff ready to address concerns or questions
• Create a process for handling negative feedback before it becomes a negative review

Compliance Considerations

Always ensure your SMS marketing adheres to regulations:

• Only message customers who have provided explicit consent
• Include opt-out instructions in every message
• Honor opt-out requests immediately
• Store consent records securely
• Respect local quiet hours (typically 9 PM to 8 AM)

Non-compliance can result in significant penalties and damage your business reputation.

Measuring SMS Review Request Performance

To optimize your review acquisition strategy, track these key metrics:

• Delivery rate: Percentage of messages successfully delivered
• Open rate: For SMS, this is typically very high (>95%)
• Response rate: Percentage of recipients who respond in any way
• Review conversion rate: Percentage of SMS recipients who actually leave a review
• Review sentiment: Distribution of positive vs. negative reviews generated
• ROI: Value of new business attributed to improved review profile vs. cost of SMS campaign

Most SMS marketing platforms provide these analytics, allowing you to refine your approach over time. The data-driven insights align perfectly with AI SEO Agents that can help you understand how these reviews impact your search performance.

Integrating SMS Review Requests with Your Marketing Strategy

SMS review requests should be part of a broader customer feedback and reputation management strategy:

Connecting with Other Customer Touchpoints

Coordinate your SMS review requests with other feedback channels:

• Email follow-ups
• In-store signage
• Receipt or invoice messages
• Verbal requests from staff
• Website and app prompts

Using multiple channels increases your overall review acquisition while reaching customers through their preferred communication method. This multi-channel approach can be managed efficiently through platforms like AI Chat Agents that provide consistent messaging across touchpoints.

Using Review Content Across Marketing Channels

Once you begin collecting more reviews through your SMS campaign:

• Feature positive reviews in your social media content
• Showcase testimonials on your website
• Include review quotes in email marketing
• Create visual content highlighting customer feedback
• Address common themes in your product or service development

This amplifies the value of each review you collect, creating a virtuous cycle of social proof that enhances your AI Marketing Service efforts.

Next Steps: Optimizing Your Lead Generation

Implementing an SMS review request system is just one component of a comprehensive local business growth strategy. To maximize the impact of improved reviews:

1. Choose an SMS platform that offers automation, personalization, and compliance features
2. Segment your customer database based on recency of purchase, type of interaction, and existing relationship
3. Select the most appropriate template for each customer segment
4. Customize the templates to match your brand voice and specific business context
5. Start with a small test group before rolling out to your full customer base
6. Monitor results and refine your approach based on performance data

By systematically requesting reviews via SMS, you'll build a steady stream of fresh, authentic customer feedback that improves your local search rankings and attracts new customers to your business.

Remember that the quality of the customer experience always comes first—the best review request system can't compensate for subpar products or services. Focus on delivering exceptional value, then use these templates to help satisfied customers share their positive experiences.

Conclusion

Implementing a strategic SMS review request system using these templates can dramatically increase your review volume and improve your business's online reputation. The key to success lies in personalizing your messages, timing them appropriately, and making the review process as frictionless as possible for your customers.

As reviews accumulate, you'll benefit from enhanced local SEO, increased customer trust, and valuable feedback that helps you continuously improve your offerings. In the competitive local business landscape, a strong review profile can be the difference between standing out and getting lost in the crowd.

Consider these SMS templates as part of your broader customer engagement strategy. When combined with excellent service and genuine customer care, these messages will help convert satisfied customers into vocal advocates for your business.

Ready to take your local business lead generation to the next level? LocalLead.ai offers AI-driven solutions that go beyond review management to help you identify, qualify, and connect with the most promising prospects in your area. Visit us today to learn how our intelligent lead matching system can transform your business growth.