If you’re like me, you probably dread asking people for things—especially favors. The idea of shooting off an email asking for a review from a customer feels about as pleasant as trying to explain Wi-Fi issues to your parents over the phone. But here’s the kicker: reviews can make or break a business. And I don’t mean “Oh, no big deal, my cousin’s cake business has two reviews and she’s doing fine.” No, no. We’re talking about the difference between a customer clicking “buy” or bouncing off your page like it’s on fire.
So, let’s talk about how to get those reviews—without feeling like you’re begging your customers or annoying them into oblivion.
Why Customer Reviews are the Key to Business Success
Before we jump into the meat and potatoes (or tofu and quinoa if that’s your jam), let’s throw some stats your way—because nothing says “I know what I’m talking about” like cold, hard data:
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- 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. (Source)
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- A one-star increase on Yelp can lead to a 5-9% increase in revenue for businesses, according to a Harvard study.
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- 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions. It’s basically like they won’t even look at your product unless someone else says it’s not garbage.
Whether you’re running a restaurant, selling software, or trying to get your handmade sock puppets to go viral (no judgment), reviews are an absolute must. They don’t just influence buying decisions—they’re also a huge factor in your SEO ranking. So, if you’ve been coasting along, hoping customers will leave a review out of the goodness of their hearts, it’s time to change gears.
The Top Review Sites (Because You Need to Know Where to Send People)
First off, let’s get organized. If you send people to a random review site that nobody’s ever heard of, it’s like asking them to write an essay and then grade it themselves. Not going to happen.
Here’s a breakdown of the top review sites by industry:
1. Restaurants
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- Yelp: The king of food reviews. It’s practically Yelp law to rate your dining experience.
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- Google Reviews: Universal and crucial for SEO.
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- TripAdvisor: Especially important if you cater to tourists.
2. Software
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- G2: A trusted platform for software and SaaS products.
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- Capterra: Perfect for showcasing business software with real user reviews.
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- Trustpilot: More generalized but great for a wide range of businesses.
3. Retail
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- Google Reviews: Essential for online and brick-and-mortar stores.
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- Trustpilot: Widely used across various industries, including retail.
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- Amazon: The holy grail for eCommerce brands—reviews here can literally make or break your sales.
4. Services
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- Angie’s List: Now called Angi, it’s great for home services and contractors.
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- Google Reviews: Again, it’s everywhere, and it matters.
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- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Ideal for businesses that focus on trust and credibility.
Knowing where your customers are most likely to leave reviews is half the battle. Now, let’s focus on how to get them to leave a review.
Personalization is Key (No One Likes a Copy-Paste Job)
When asking for a review, you’ve got to make it feel personal. Nobody responds well to “Dear Customer, please review us.” That’s like starting a conversation with, “Hey, stranger, can I have your kidney?”
Instead, make the customer feel like you’ve tailored the request just for them. Use their name, reference their recent purchase, and maybe even crack a joke or two if your brand voice allows for it. People want to feel appreciated, and nothing says “I value your opinion” more than taking the time to craft a thoughtful, personalized email.
For those who are looking for a joke:
Review Request Email Templates (By Industry)
Let’s get down to business. Below are email templates for a few key industries that you can tweak and personalize to your heart’s content.
1. Software
Template 1: Short and Sweet
Subject: We’d love your feedback, [Customer Name]!
Hi [Customer Name],
We hope you’re loving [Product Name]. Your feedback helps us improve and grow, and we’d be thrilled if you could take 60 seconds to leave us a review on [Review Platform].
Here’s a quick link: [Link]
Thanks so much for being a part of the [Company Name] family!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Keep it Casual
Subject: Tell us what you think!
Hey [Customer Name],
Did [Product Name] knock your socks off? We sure hope so! We’re always looking to improve, and your review on [Review Platform] could help others make the right decision, too.
If you’ve got a minute, we’d love your feedback: [Link]
Appreciate it!
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Restaurants
Template 1: Post-Dinner Request
Subject: How was your meal, [Customer Name]?
Hi [Customer Name],
Thanks so much for dining with us at [Restaurant Name] last night! We hope you had a great time. If you enjoyed your meal, would you consider leaving a quick review on [Review Platform]?
It’ll only take a minute, and it helps future diners find us!
Here’s the link: [Link]
We appreciate your feedback!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Friendly and Fun
Subject: Let us know how we did!
Hey [Customer Name],
We hope you loved your meal at [Restaurant Name]! We strive to make every experience special, and we’d love to hear what you thought.
Could you leave us a review on [Review Platform]? It would mean the world to us and help fellow food lovers decide where to eat next.
Review here: [Link]
Thanks again!
[Your Name]
3. Retail
Template 1: Thank You + Review
Subject: Thank you for shopping with us, [Customer Name]!
Hi [Customer Name],
We hope you’re loving your [Product Name]! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on [Review Platform].
Here’s the link: [Link]
Your feedback helps us continue providing great products and service. Thanks again for choosing [Store Name]!
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 2: A Little Humor
Subject: Was it everything you hoped for?
Hey [Customer Name],
We’re dying to know—are you happy with your new [Product Name]? If so, why not spread the love and leave us a review on [Review Platform]?
It takes less time than deciding whether to wear pants today: [Link]
Thanks in advance!
[Your Name]
4. Services
Template 1: Post-Service Request
Subject: How did we do?
Hi [Customer Name],
We’re so glad you chose [Service Name]! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’d love to know how your experience was.
Would you mind leaving us a quick review on [Review Platform]? It helps us improve and also shows future customers what they can expect.
Here’s the link: [Link]
Thank you for your time and feedback!
[Your Name]
Template 2: Personalized Follow-Up
Subject: A quick favor?
Hi [Customer Name],
Thanks again for choosing [Service Name]! We hope everything went smoothly with your recent service. If you’re happy with the outcome, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on [Review Platform].
Here’s the link: [Link]
Your feedback helps us grow and continue providing top-notch service. Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
How Skail Can Help You Ultra-Personalize Review Requests
Let’s be honest, sending review request emails can feel a little robotic—especially if you’re blasting out hundreds at a time. But here’s where tools like Skail come in to save the day.
Skail helps you automate and personalize your emails at scale, making it seem like you hand-crafted each one. It taps into customer data, such as purchase history or browsing behavior, and tailors the message accordingly. This level of personalization makes it more likely that your customers will not only open your email but also take action (a.k.a., leave that glowing review).
Here’s how Skail can help:
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- Dynamic personalization: Automatically insert personal details, like the customer’s name, what they bought, and when.
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- Custom timing: Send emails at the right moment—like just after a service is completed or after a product is delivered.
- In your voice: Skail mimics your tone and personality, so every email sounds authentic and heartfelt.
So, whether you’re asking for reviews from software users, restaurant diners, or retail shoppers, Skail can help you get more reviews with less effort.
Conclusion: Reviews Aren’t Just a Nicety—They’re Essential
Let’s wrap it up: asking for reviews doesn’t have to be awkward or painful. With the right approach—and a little personalization—you can get those glowing customer testimonials that drive sales and build trust. Start by targeting the right review sites, keep your email request friendly and personal, and use tools like Skail to automate (and personalize) the process.
