A template should still sound like your business
Use structure as a starting point; personalization should be real.
The simplest useful formula
[Business identity] + [context] + [neutral request] + [direct Google review link]
Hi Jordan,thanks for visiting Harbor Auto today. If you have a moment, would you share your experience on Google? [review link]
Google provides businesses with a dedicated review link from the Business Profile. Use that rather than sending customers through search results. Google explains how to create the link here.
What not to write
“Loved your visit? Give us 5 stars and get 10% off next time!”
This combines sentiment steering with an incentive. Google prohibits incentives in exchange for reviews. The FTC also prohibits incentives conditioned on a particular sentiment.
Thanks for choosing Harbor Auto. We welcome honest feedback about your visit. You can review us on Google here: [review link]
Should you mention “5 stars”?
We would not. A request does not need to prescribe the rating. Ask for the customer’s experience and let the customer decide what rating represents it.
Should the text include an employee name?
Only when it improves recognition and is operationally reliable. “This is Ava from Harbor Auto” can feel human if Ava actually handled the interaction. Do not insert a random employee name merely to make automation look personal.
More examples
See the template library for appointments, home services, auto service, hospitality, repeat customers and reminders.