What you'll get: your Google review link, three review-request templates, and an AI prompt that drafts a personal reply to any review, good or bad.
Do this today in 10 minutes
1. On a computer, open your Google Business Profile and choose Read reviews → Get more reviews. Copy the link and download the QR code (Google's steps).
2. Print the QR code and tape it beside the till.
3. Paste the newest review you haven't answered into the reply prompt below, edit the draft, and post it.
Reviews are your new storefront. In BrightLocal's 2026 survey (source):
97% of consumers read reviews.
47% won't use a business with fewer than 20 reviews.
74% only care about reviews from the last 3 months.
89% expect the owner to reply, and generic replies put off 50%.
83% of people who were asked for a review left one.
45% now use ChatGPT-type tools for local recommendations.
The takeaway is simple. Ask every customer, keep the reviews coming, and answer each one like a person.
The rules Google actually enforces
Google's policies are clear (Google Maps content policy):
Ask everyone, not just happy customers. Google doesn't allow businesses to "selectively solicit positive reviews." So no "only send the link if they rated us 5 stars" setups.
No incentives. No discounts, draws or gift cards for reviews.
Don't pressure people in the store, don't ask them to mention specific things, and don't give staff review quotas.
Fair is also smart: a mix of reviews feels more trustworthy, and a kind reply to a bad review can win over the next shopper.
Review request templates
Consent note (not legal advice): A review request by text or email is a message from your business. In Canada, CASL rules apply to commercial messages; in the US, the TCPA covers texting. Only text people who agreed to hear from you, identify your store, and honour STOP.
Text after delivery (best timing)Hi [Name], it's [Store]. Hope you're enjoying your new [product]! If you have a minute, would you share how it went on Google? It really helps a small local store: [review link]. Thank you! Reply STOP to opt out.
Email with the receipt
```
Subject: Thanks for shopping local, [Name]
Thank you for choosing [Store]. If you have a moment, we'd love to hear how everything went, good or bad. You can leave a quick Google review here: [review link]
Questions about your purchase? Just reply. A real person reads every email.
[Store], [address]
```
Counter card (next to the QR code)How did we do? Scan to tell us on Google. We read every review.
The AI review-reply prompt
Paste this into ChatGPT or a similar tool, with the review below it:
```
You're the owner of [Store], an independent [type] store in [town]. Write a reply to the Google review below.
- Under 80 words. Warm, plain-spoken, Canadian spelling.
- Mention one specific detail from the review so it doesn't sound like a template.
- If it's positive: thank them and mention the product or staff they named, using only first names they used.
- If it's negative: thank them, apologize for their experience without arguing or making excuses, and invite them to call [owner name] at [phone] to make it right. Don't share any order details or personal information.
- No sales pitch, no discounts, no emojis.
- Sign off as [owner first name].
Review: "[paste review]"
```
Always read the draft before posting. You know things the AI doesn't, like whether the delivery really was late.
Make it a habit
Every delivery = one review request. Add it to your delivery texts (see Delivery texts that cut no-shows and "Where's my truck?" calls).
Reply within a day or two. Set a 10-minute slot every morning.
Helpful links
More quick wins: Start here: 10 AI quick wins for independent dealers
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