How to ask for reviews on WhatsApp: templates that work

Why WhatsApp works better than email for asking for reviews

A review-request email has a modest open rate and competes with dozens of other messages in the inbox. A WhatsApp message, by contrast, gets read within minutes almost every time — it's the channel where you already talk to your customers.

The key isn't just the channel, it's the timing: asking for a review right after a positive experience (as they leave, when they get the order, right after the service) multiplies the response rate compared to asking days later.

Three templates you can adapt today

After a visit (restaurant, salon, clinic): "Hi [name]! Thanks for coming in today. If you enjoyed the experience, it would help us a lot if you left us a review on Google — it only takes 30 seconds: [link]. Thank you! 🙌"

After a delivery or install (shop, garage): "Hi [name], we hope everything's perfect with your [product/service]. If you have a minute, we'd love it if you shared your experience on Google — it really helps other customers like you find us: [link]"

A gentle reminder, a few days later, only if they haven't replied: "Hi again! If you haven't had the chance yet, here's the direct link to leave us a review on Google — it would help a lot: [link]. Thanks for your time!"

Consent isn't optional

Sending WhatsApp campaigns to contacts who haven't given express consent to receive commercial messages breaches both WhatsApp Business policy and GDPR. The contact must have provided their number specifically for this purpose — for example, when booking, buying, or filling out a form that clearly states it.

Automating the send right after the visit, instead of doing it manually and at the wrong time, is what actually moves the needle on response rate.