Looking for the perfect review request email template?
We’ve got 5 options for you depending on what kind of review request you’re making.
So let’s jump right in…
Online reviews are extremely important for establishing trust and attracting new customers.
For local businesses, positive Google reviews and customer feedback can significantly impact visibility and credibility.
Crafting a well-designed review request email template can streamline the process of getting positive reviews from satisfied customers, making it easier to gather valuable feedback and encourage even more positive reviews.
In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for creating an effective review request email, including how to ask for reviews in a way that engages your target audience.
We’ll provide a few examples of how to structure your review request email, offer tips on how to insert review links, and discuss strategies for following up with customers.
Whether you’re a local business owner looking to boost your online reputation or an e-commerce store aiming to enhance customer satisfaction, these review request email templates will help you collect feedback efficiently and address any negative reviews with professionalism.
By incorporating clear instructions and a personal touch, you can ensure that your review request campaign is successful and that your customers feel valued.
How You Ask For Reviews Matters
Want more online reviews? Then you have to ask for reviews from customers.
You’d think this would be obvious, but while many businesses gather feedback regularly, few of them are good at turning that customer feedback into online reviews.
The only way to do it is to ask for reviews.
And the most common way to request online reviews is via email.
Emails are non-intrusive and come with the advantage of allowing you to direct customers to the most important review sites for your business.
However you choose to go about it, the aim is to make the customer feel appreciated and valued in a way that gets them to leave a review.
How Do You Write A Review Request Email?
Writing an effective review request involves several key elements to ensure you engage your customers and receive valuable feedback. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft the perfect email:
1. Craft a Compelling Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing your customers will see, so make it engaging and clear. Use a friendly tone and a direct approach. For example: “We’d Love Your Feedback on Your Recent Purchase!” or “Help Us Improve—Share Your Experience with [Business Name]!” You may find that when you ask for reviews using your customer’s first name in the subject line, you get an even better response rate.
2. Personalize the Greeting
Start your email with a personalized greeting to make the customer feel valued. Address them by name and mention their recent purchase or interaction. This personal touch can encourage them to leave a review.
3. Clearly Ask for Reviews
Be straightforward about requesting reviews. Review request emails should clearly ask for their feedback and specify where you would like them to leave a review. For instance: “We’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a quick Google review about your recent purchase. Your feedback helps us improve and assists other potential customers in making informed decisions.”
4. Include a Direct Review Link
Make it easy for your customers to leave a review by including a direct review link. This reduces the effort required on their part and increases the likelihood of them following through. For example: “Click here to write a review on our Google listing: [Google review link]”
5. Offer Incentives (if appropriate)
Consider offering a small incentive, such as a discount or free gift, to encourage reviews. This can be mentioned as a thank-you gesture for their time. For instance: “Thank you for being a valued customer! As a token of our appreciation, we’re offering a 10% discount on your next purchase for completing our brief survey.” Note that in order to stay in compliance with review sites’ and the FTC’s guidelines, you should offer the same incentive to all reviewers (wither they leave a positive review or a negative review), and each reviewer must disclose that they received an incentive within their review.
6. Address Negative Feedback with Care
If you’ve had a less than stellar experience with a customer, acknowledge this in your email. Apologize for any issues and express your commitment to improving. For example: “We’re sorry to hear about your recent experience. Your feedback is crucial for us to address and improve any issues. Please share your thoughts here and know that your customer support team will get back to you ASAP.”
7. Add a Follow-Up Email
A follow-up email can be helpful for those who haven’t yet responded after your initial ask for reviews. Send a polite reminder a few days after your initial request. For example: “Just a friendly reminder to write a review if you haven’t had the chance yet. We truly value your feedback!”
8. Ensure Confidentiality and Professionalism
Reassure your customers that their private feedback (not their public review) will remain confidential and be used to enhance their future experiences. This helps in maintaining trust and encourages honest feedback. For example: “Your feedback will remain confidential and help us continuously strive to provide the best customer experience.”
By incorporating these elements into your review request email, you can effectively encourage customers to share their experiences, whether they are happy customers or an unhappy customer.
Each review, whether a positive or negative review, provides valuable insights that can help your business grow and improve.
Review Request Email Templates
And here are five examples of review request email templates you can use, with a short explanation of each approach.
1. Formal Review Request Email Templates
Businesses commonly use formal email templates.
But while this approach to review requests “plays it safe,” it can also come across as robotic and, as a result, indicate the apparent use of a template, which is less likely to engage customers and persuade them to leave a review.
Hi [first name],
It was a pleasure doing business with you.
As one of our valued customers, leaving a review helps us to improve your experience and will only take a moment. Please click this link to tell us what you think:
[review site link]
We thank you once again.
[business/manager name]
[company name]2. Informal Review Request Email Templates
Taking a less formal approach to your review request email templates is generally more engaging than using a formal tone of voice.
Despite that, it’s essential to make sure that the message comes across as friendly and cheerful and not sarcastic or frivolous.
Hey [first name],
We love that you chose to do business with [company name].
If you have a moment, it would make us really happy to hear your feedback by leaving a review – we promise it won’t take long!
[review site link]
Thank you, and we hope to see you again soon.
[business/manager name]3. Simple/Graphic Review Request Email Templates
Simple and minimalistic email templates focus on keeping the message short and concise with a prominent “click here” button to convince customers to leave a review.
However, this kind of review request email is typically complemented by images (often of the local business) or graphic illustrations to compensate for the lack of text.
As a result, this email template can require additional effort and knowledge to design.
How did we do, [first name]?
Let us know by leaving a quick Google Review!
Click the link/button below to tell us what you think.
[Click Here]
Thank you!
[business name]
[company name]4. Review Request Email Templates That Make An Appeal
This approach can be more effective than other templated emails but requires more thought and attention to detail.
It focuses on appealing to customers’ subconscious desire to help or have their voices heard, which may persuade them to leave a review.
Hi [first name],
Your opinion matters and can help local businesses like ours to improve the service and experience we provide for valued customers like yourself.
With that said, we hope you can take a moment of your day to leave us a review. It only takes a few minutes and will help others to learn more about our service.
[review site link]
Thank you for being our customer.
[business/manager name]
[company name]5. Personalized Email Templates
This email template focuses on addressing the customer directly and personally, which can be more effective if the service was provided to the customer in person.
It can refer to the specific product or service that was bought but comes with the disadvantage that it can require editing the template for different customers.
Hi [first name],
Thank you for visiting/choosing [company name] today to purchase [product name/service]. It was a pleasure meeting you/dealing with you, and we hope you enjoyed the level of service you received.
So that we can improve our service for you next time, we would greatly appreciate it if you left a review telling us about your experience.
It won’t take much of your time, and we thank you in advance.
[review site link]
[business/manager name]
[company name]The Disadvantages Of Using Templated Emails to Request Reviews
It’s important to remember that templates are just guides that still need to be modified to some degree to reflect your business and customer audience.
Not every template will be effective for every customer, which is worth bearing in mind.
Review request templates also involve time and effort to write and design.
And if you want to make your review request emails appear more professional, it will require some knowledge of coding and/or graphic illustration as well as responsive email design.
In addition, when you send your review request email is just as important as the template you choose to use.
Not only should review request emails be sent in a timely manner after a service has been provided, but at a convenient time when customers will be more inclined to fulfill your request, such as non-work hours and not too early or late in the day.
Lastly, these emails are only as effective as the system you use to send emails.
In general, sending templated emails frequently and in large numbers will require the help of email marketing software, which costs money.
Overall, the main disadvantage of using email templates to request reviews is that it involves a lot of manual effort and can lead to negative reviews if not handled properly.
The faster, more effective solution is to automate your review requests.
Automate Review Requests To Get More Reviews
Email templates are not necessary if you automate your review requests.
Review software like ReputationStacker handles review requests in a way that makes it easy for your customers to leave a review for your business.
The fully automated system sends your customers a single-question text or email asking about their experience, then directing them to the review platforms of your choice to post a review.
Join the thousands of businesses that trust ReputationStacker to help them get more positive feedback and reviews from their customers.
FAQs about Review Request Email Templates to Get More Online Reviews
How can I effectively ask for reviews using an email template?
To effectively ask for reviews, your email template should include a clear and direct request for feedback. Start with a compelling subject line that grabs attention, such as “[first name] – we have a question”. Personalize the email to address the customer by name and mention their recent interaction with your business. Include a direct link to the review page, such as a product page link or your Google business page, to make it easy for them to leave a quick review. Encourage them to provide feedback by explaining how their review helps potential customers and improves your services.
How can I use a templated email to encourage more positive reviews?
To encourage more good reviews, ensure your email template is positive and appreciative. Start by thanking the customer for their recent purchase or interaction with your business. Use a friendly tone and include a direct link to the review page where they can easily leave their feedback. Highlight the impact of their positive review on other potential customers and your business. For example: “We’d be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave a positive review. Your feedback helps us attract more customers and continue providing great service.”
4. What are some strategies for crafting an effective subject line of a review request?
An effective subject line for an email review request should be engaging and clear. Consider using phrases that convey appreciation and urgency, such as “You can help us, [first name]” or “We’ve got a question for you, [first name]”. Personalize the subject line with the recipient’s first name if possible, and make sure it reflects the content of the email. A well-crafted subject line grabs the customer’s attention and encourages them to open the email and read the request.
5. How should I follow up if a customer hasn’t responded to the initial review request?
If a customer hasn’t responded to the initial review request, send a polite follow-up email to gently remind them. Use a subject line like “Just a little reminder…”. In the follow-up email, reiterate your request for their review and include the direct link again for convenience. Express appreciation for their time and reinforce how their feedback benefits both your business and other customers. This approach shows that you value their input and are committed to gathering their feedback.
