Most owners know they should ask for reviews. The hard part is doing it without sounding needy or breaking platform rules.
Here is a simple, ethical way to ask that works across restaurants, hotels, and local services.
Ask while the visit is fresh
The best moment is when the guest is already smiling. That is usually right after payment, checkout, or a fix that went well.
If you wait a day, the details fade. If you wait a week, you lose the chance.
Keep the message short
One sentence and one link. That is it.
You are not writing a marketing email. You are giving the guest a fast way to do something they already said they would do.
Personalize one detail
Add one human detail so the note feels real. A dish, a room type, a service win.
Do not force it. If you do not have a detail, skip it and keep the message tight.
Explain why reviews matter
A simple reason helps guests understand the impact. You are not begging, you are telling the truth.
Example: “Your reviews help us staff the Saturday rush.”
What not to do (platform safe)
- Do not ask only happy guests
- Do not offer discounts or freebies
- Do not gate the public review link by rating
- Do not use scripts that sound automated
Copy-ready templates
- SMS: “Thanks for dining with us today. Would you share a quick Google review? [link]”
- WhatsApp: “We appreciated your stay. Two lines on TripAdvisor help future guests decide: [link]”
- Email subject: “Got 30 seconds for a review?” Body: “Your note helps us keep the service sharp. Add it here: [link]”
Follow-up cadence that respects guests
- Send the first request within a few hours of the visit
- Send one reminder 48 to 72 hours later if they did not respond
- Stop after the second touch
How Reviato fits
If you want a clean workflow, use Reviato appraisals to collect private feedback first. You can place a QR code at the point of service, collect optional contact details with consent, trigger low rating alerts, and then offer an optional public redirect without incentives or gating.