Review Request Email That Works: 11 Free Templates + Expert Tips

Customer reviews stopped being a “nice-to-have” ages ago. In a world where buyers trust peer recommendations more than ever, a handful of star ratings and heartfelt praise can often outshine the most expensive ad campaign. Think about it: if you landed on a product page packed with glowing testimonials or a detailed product review, wouldn’t you feel more confident hitting that “Buy” button?

Before we jump into the how-tos of collecting feedback (plus real-life email templates you can copy), take a look at three standout online reputation management statistics straight from our own research:

• 46% of online shoppers typically read between one and six reviews before forming an opinion.

• 94% of people say a negative review has caused them to avoid a business entirely.

• 63% of all review-related impressions across the web come from Google Reviews alone.

The takeaway? If you haven’t actively encouraged customers to leave reviews, now’s the time. Their honest opinions will add credibility to your brand and boost sales—whether you’re running an e-commerce store or a brick-and-mortar shop. Ready to discover the best ways to inspire customers to share genuine, positive feedback? Let’s dive right in!

Why Customer Reviews Matter

Understanding the power of customer reviews is essential for any business owner who wants to build trust, create better products, and nurture long-term loyalty.

The Importance of Customer Reviews for Businesses

Reviews do more than just make your product page look good. They serve as genuine feedback loops and can significantly influence the direction of your company. Here’s why:

• Valuable feedback loop – Reviews aren’t just for show—they offer real-life insights into how people use your product or service. They can help spot hidden issues, uncover new use cases, and fine-tune future features based on actual user needs.

• Higher customer satisfaction—When you respond to reviews (positive or negative) and implement feedback, your audience notices. Providing top-notch support and quickly addressing concerns creates a continuous improvement cycle in which customers feel valued, potential buyers see your commitment to progress, and overall satisfaction boosts retention and word-of-mouth.

• Social proof and attraction of new customers – People are naturally drawn to popular and highly rated products. Positive reviews reassure potential buyers that your brand is trustworthy. Even a handful of 5-star reviews can increase website conversions, improve credibility against competitors, and encourage first-time visitors to try your product.

How Reviews Impact Decision-Making

When potential customers are weighing their options, reviews often tip the scale. From Google and Yelp to Amazon and industry-specific forums, people lean on reviews to help them decide whether to purchase. Below are three ways reviews can make—or break—a sale:

• Boost conversions—A strong review profile reassures potential customers that they’re making the right choice. Studies show that better ratings and higher review counts lead to greater click-through rates, higher purchase completion, and reduced hesitation, resulting in fewer abandoned carts.

• Enhance online reputation – Genuine feedback, both positive and constructive, helps protect your brand from occasional hiccups. Prospects appreciate transparency when negative feedback is addressed openly, the majority of reviews are positive, and authenticity shines through.

• Increase customer retention. Satisfied customers tend to return, and their advocacy reinforces trust in your brand. Loyal customers act as built-in brand ambassadors and are more likely to explore additional products or services.

The Role of Email in Generating Reviews

Encouraging people to share their opinions starts with reaching them where they already engage. Email remains one of the most effective channels, as people still read messages from brands they’ve purchased from. A well-timed email can feel like a personal invitation rather than just another ad.

• Email as a direct line of communication – Despite the rise of chatbots and social media, people still read their emails—especially from brands they’ve bought from. A well-timed message can feel personal, like an invitation rather than an ad, and catch customers at the perfect moment (e.g. after a product is delivered).

• Negative feedback as insight – Reviews aren’t always 5-star raves, and that’s okay. A balanced range of feedback can actually make your brand look more trustworthy. Quickly addressing complaints shows you take feedback seriously, while constructive comments serve as a roadmap for improvements. Handling issues head-on can even turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal advocate.

• Search engine ranking benefits – Many review platforms—Google, Yelp, or niche industry sites—directly impact SEO. More (and fresher) reviews improve local and organic search visibility, help your brand stand out, and increase the chances that new customers find you before competitors.

For a deeper dive into how online reviews influence search rankings, check out the connection between reputation management and SEO.

Harnessing customer reviews is essential for both startups and established brands. Next, we’ll cover how to request feedback without sounding pushy and maximize the value of these testimonials.

How to Use the Review Request Email the Right Way

Requesting reviews doesn’t have to feel awkward or pushy. The key is to frame it as a customer-focused conversation. By doing so, customers help your brand and fellow shoppers (and even themselves) through better product experiences. Below, we’ll tackle the puzzle’s first (and perhaps most critical) piece: timing.

Timing is Key

Asking for a review can greatly impact whether someone replies enthusiastically or ignores the request completely. You want to strike while the experience is fresh enough for them to recall specific details, yet not so soon that they haven’t fully explored the product.

“Timing is everything when asking for reviews. Reach out shortly after providing excellent service or introducing a new product—while the experience is fresh and enthusiasm is high. A well-timed request demonstrates that you value their opinion in the moment, increasing the likelihood that they’ll share their thoughts.”

—Maria Renielda, Customer Support Team Manager at MailerLite

When to Send Review Request Emails

A well-timed business email can catch customers at the perfect moment—like right after they’ve finished trying your product. Here are some general guidelines:

• Food or consumables: Within 24 hours of purchase (or after the meal has been enjoyed)

• Simple digital products: 1–2 days post-purchase—enough time for them to test out basic features

• Shoes and clothing: 1–2 weeks, so customers can wear items in their day-to-day routine

• Courses and books: At least one week, giving learners a chance to dive into the material

• Electronics and appliances: Several weeks (or longer) if it’s a complex product that needs thorough use

• Subscription products: End of the first billing cycle, so they can appreciate the full value

By aligning your review requests with each product’s natural usage window, you’re far more likely to get detailed, authentic feedback—feedback that helps you improve while reassuring potential customers that your brand is worth investing in.

Follow-Up Emails: How and When to Use Them

Sometimes, your first review request arrives at an inconvenient moment—maybe your customer was in the middle of something else and simply forgot. That’s where polite, well-timed follow-ups can make a significant impact. If your initial feedback request email went unopened, a quick follow-up with a fresh subject line could catch their eye the second time around.

Here are two common scenarios:

1. For those who never opened your first request
Try a different subject line or preheader to spark curiosity. Your customer might have missed your email in a crowded inbox. A friendly reminder can nudge them without feeling intrusive.

Example email:

2. For those who opened but didn’t leave a review
They saw your email but didn’t take the next step. A short nudge referencing that they’d already shown interest can remind them it’s worth a few moments of their time.

Example email:

Keep It Polite: Wait at least 3–7 days before resending so as not to overwhelm anyone’s inbox. The key is to keep your tone empathetic and understanding. Acknowledge that they might be busy and frame the message as a helpful reminder rather than a demand.

Use Email Automation

Instead of sending every request manually, automated workflows can handle it all behind the scenes—letting you save time and maintain a personal touch. Setting up triggers and delays for your review request campaign ensures that each customer receives a timely, personalized invitation. Here’s a quick rundown of a typical setup:

• Trigger: Decide the perfect moment to ask—right after a purchase, once a course module is completed, or when a billing cycle ends.

• Delay: Give customers enough time to try your product. For simple items, this might be a few days, and for more complex ones, it might be a few weeks.

• Email: Dispatch a concise, personalized review request with a clear call to action.

• Follow-ups: If you don’t receive a reply after a set timeframe, send a friendly reminder—no extra work is required.

Pro Tip: Tools like MailerLite simplify email automation with visual workflow builders, quick-to-configure triggers, and built-in segmentation. That means you can easily:

• Personalize each request based on purchase history or user behavior

• Set delays to ensure the request goes out when feedback will be most insightful

• Monitor results via real-time analytics (open rates, clicks, etc.)

• Test different subject lines or message styles to find what clicks with your audience

And if you need more inspiration on refining your feedback request approach, don’t miss this handy resource on crafting effective feedback emails. Between these two guides, you’ll have everything you need to build a seamless, scalable system for collecting genuine customer reviews.

Crafting the Perfect Review Request Email

Let’s walk through the anatomy of a high-converting review request email. The idea is to strike a balance between being concise and personable—while making it incredibly easy for customers to leave their thoughts.

Keep it Short and Simple

Why Less is More
When your primary goal is to gather a review, additional details can overshadow that request. Shorter emails also tend to see higher engagement rates because readers immediately recognize what you’re asking them to do.

“Simplicity is key. Make it as easy as possible by including a single link or button where they can leave their feedback. The less effort it takes, the more likely they are to share their thoughts.”

—Maria Renielda, Customer Support Team Manager at MailerLite

Sample “Short and Sweet” Template

Personalize and Be Personable

Your customers want to feel like they’re more than just another name on your mailing list. A personal touch can make your review request seem sincere and motivate them to respond.

• Use their name
  A simple “Hi Sarah” instantly transforms a mass email into a one-on-one conversation. That small detail reassures the reader that you value them as individuals.

• Reference specific details
  If your customer recently purchased a red sweater or completed Module 3 of your course, let them know! Highlighting these details shows that you’re paying attention and genuinely interested in their experience.

Reinforce Your Brand in Every Email

Consistency in design and tone helps customers recognize your emails and builds trust. When every interaction feels like “you,” people are likelier to remember and review your brand. If your brand voice is known for being friendly on social media, reflect that same tone in your emails so customers recognize your style immediately.

• Styling
  Keep the fonts, color schemes, and overall layout aligned with your brand identity. If your website and social pages have a distinct look, mirror that style so recipients instantly know this email is from you.

• Voice
  If your brand is known for a witty or friendly tone on social media, maintain that energy in your emails. Being authentic and on-brand helps customers connect more deeply with your message.

Writing a Compelling Subject Line

Think of your subject line as your email’s grand entrance. It must be clear enough to reveal that you’re seeking feedback and intriguing enough to make people want to open the email and learn more.

• Brevity
  Aim for fewer than 40 characters. Short subject lines are less likely to get cut off and more likely to make an impact at a glance.

• Personalization
  Something like “Sarah, do you have two minutes?” feels specific and direct, ideal for catching someone’s attention.

• Emojis
  A small emoji can add personality, but be cautious not to overload. One well-placed icon can make your message stand out in a cluttered inbox.

• Numbers
  “Share your experience in 60 seconds!” clearly sets an expectation of how quickly the request will be processed.

• A/B Testing
  If possible, test different subject lines to find what resonates most with your audience. You might be surprised which style—casual vs. formal or short vs. slightly longer—drives higher opens.

Encouraging Honesty in Reviews

Consumers can spot insincere or overly glowing reviews from miles away. Inviting them to share genuine, critical thoughts can bolster your brand’s credibility.

• Why it matters
  Honest feedback resonates more with potential buyers, who often browse reviews before purchasing. While positive reviews are great, constructive criticism can illuminate areas for improvement.

• How to say it
  Consider a line like, “Your honest feedback—good or bad—helps us grow.” You remove the pressure to leave a perfect rating by permitting customers to critique. Many will appreciate your transparency and respond more willingly.

Making it Easy for Customers to Leave a Review

It’s not enough to just ask for feedback; you must provide the simplest possible path for them to share it.

Offer Multiple Platforms for Reviews

• Google My Business: Great for local SEO and reaching a broad audience.

• Yelp: Perfect for local services and hospitality.

• Facebook: Accessible for almost anyone on social media.

• Industry-specific sites: If you’re traveling: TripAdvisor, for SaaS: G2, and so on.

Directing customers to popular review sites such as Google or Yelp can drastically increase your brand’s reach.

Optimize Emails for Mobile Devices

• Use short paragraphs or bullet points—huge walls of text can be daunting on a phone.

• Make CTA buttons large and thumb-friendly so recipients don’t struggle to tap.

Creating a Sense of Urgency

• Phrases like “Your feedback is so important—could you help us today?” or “We’d love your thoughts before we wrap up our new product lineup” subtly encourage quicker responses.

Pro Tip: Automate Feedback with a Review Booster
If you want to streamline (and even speed up) the entire review process, consider using a tool like Local Review Booster from Center AI. Instead of leaving customers to search for your review page, you can:

1. Direct them to a short survey via email link, SMS, or even a scannable QR code.

2. Ask a few quick questions (with an AI assistant guiding them) so they can share their feedback in under a minute.

3. Positive respondents might be automatically routed to share a Google review or post on TripAdvisor or Yelp to publish a glowing review. At the same time, negative feedback remains private so you can address it personally.

4. Generate ready-to-publish responses for new reviews using AI, ensuring you can react promptly—and in a consistent tone—even with a high volume of incoming feedback.

Review Booster minimizes friction, helping your customers leave their opinions quickly and engagingly. Because the AI handles a large portion of the process, you save time while gaining valuable insights into what you’re doing right and what you could tweak for an even better customer experience.

Review Request Email Templates And Examples

Below are ready-to-use review request email examples for various scenarios. Each includes a quick introduction, an example email snippet, and advice on when to use it in your customer’s journey.

General Review Request Email Templates

Generic Review Request Email

A no-frills, versatile template that’s perfect for most situations. Keep the tone polite, brief, and to the point.

When to use it:

• When you don’t need a hyper-personalized copy.

• For generic follow-up to a wide range of customers across products or services.

Example Email

Template for Recent Purchases

This is particularly useful after your customer has received or started using your product. It references the “newness” of the purchase to encourage timely feedback.

When to use it:

• Right after delivery (for physical goods) or right after an online purchase (for digital products).

• Ideal for e-commerce businesses looking for immediate insights on recent orders.

Example Email

Service-Specific Templates

Sometimes, if you provide a service such as consulting, coaching, or home repairs, you need a little more context.

When to use it:

• After a service has been completed or a project milestone has been reached.

• When you need to emphasize the specific, personalized assistance provided.

Example Email

Tailored Review Examples for Specific Approaches

The Follow-Up Email

This template is designed for the second nudge when the first request goes unanswered. It references your initial message in a gentle, friendly tone.

When to use it:

• After a few days have passed since the initial request with no reply.

• If open rates or response rates are typically low.

Example Email

The Incentive Offer

Offer a small reward to encourage more responses. However, be sure to follow each platform’s guidelines regarding incentivized reviews.

When to use it:

• If you notice a low review response rate and want to give customers a little extra motivation.

• If giving a discount or bonus still fits within your brand ethics and platform rules.

Example Email

The Personal Touch

This approach involves highlighting specific details of the customer’s experience, such as the exact item they purchased or a specific feature they used.

When to use it:

• When you have enough data to reference personal details (e.g., product version, item color, service details).

• If you want the customer to know you’re paying attention to them individually.

Example Email

The Benefits-Oriented Email

In this type of message, highlight how the customer’s review can help the community or help you improve key features—thus benefiting them and others in the future.

When to use it:

• If you want to frame reviews as a way customers can give back or shape the product’s evolution.

• Good for communities or subscription-based models where ongoing input is crucial.

Example Email

The Short and Sweet Email

Some customers respond best to a minimalistic approach. This template is super concise and gets straight to the point.

When to use it:

• If you have already sent out multiple emails and want to avoid inbox clutter,

• When you want to remove any “fluff,” let the review request speak for itself.

Example Email

Strategies for Increasing Review Response Rates

If you’re still not seeing the response rates you want, try a few extra tactics. From interactive elements to thoughtful explanations of why reviews matter, these approaches can give your customers the gentle nudge they need to share their thoughts.

Make the Request Interactive

Sometimes, customers need a little fun—or a sense of immediacy—before taking action. By making review requests more interactive, you uniquely capture their attention. Adding a simple star-rating scale or single-question poll, you’ll remove extra steps and encourage more reviews in less time.

Embed Surveys in Emails

Embedding a quick rating or survey right inside your email lets customers share feedback in just a few clicks. For example, you could insert a star-rating scale or a one-question form that instantly redirects them to the proper review page.

• Pro Tip: This guide shows you exactly how to embed surveys into your emails. The fewer steps between your request and their response, the more likely they will follow through!

Use Emojis to Keep It Fun

Adding a dash of personality—like a playful emoji or two—can lighten the tone and catch the reader’s eye in a busy inbox. Ensure the emoji style aligns with your brand (quirky, modern, professional, etc.) so it feels cohesive rather than random.

Explain Why Feedback is Valuable

People are far more likely to share an opinion when they see a real purpose behind it. Tell them how their input directly affects your brand’s future decisions:

• Product improvements: “We rely on your insights to upgrade features and fix bugs.”

• Helping others: “Your honest review can guide other shoppers to make confident decisions.”

• Building community: “Join fellow customers in shaping how our products grow and evolve!”

Offer Incentives or Rewards for Reviews

When done responsibly (and within each platform’s guidelines), a small token of appreciation can boost response rates significantly. Whether it’s a modest discount code, extra loyalty points, or even a chance to win a giveaway, incentives can:

• Show gratitude for their time

• Encourage on-the-fence customers to share feedback

• Generate a quicker response before the offer expires

Remember, the goal isn’t to “bribe” customers—it’s simply to thank them for going out of their way to leave a review.

Include Reviews from Other Customers

No one likes feeling like the first person at the party. By showcasing short snippets or quotes from existing reviews, you:

• Reassure new customers that others have successfully shared feedback

• Provide examples of what a helpful review might look like

• Demonstrate that your company genuinely values and highlights customer opinions

It’s also a great way to spotlight positive experiences without resorting to a hard sales pitch. After all, nothing beats social proof from real people who’ve been in their shoes!

Best Practices for Maximizing Customer Feedback

Incorporating review requests into a broader strategy can turn your occasional customer testimonial into a steady flow of valuable feedback. From weaving requests into the buying process to showcasing reviews as social proof, here are four ways to elevate your approach.

Include Review Requests in the Purchase Journey

Why wait until long after the sale is complete? Include an invitation for feedback at key touchpoints like order confirmations, shipping updates, and even your “delivered” follow-up message. Customers often have their experiences fresh in mind—making them more inclined to share.

• Order confirmation emails: A subtle mention at the end of the purchase receipt can spark curiosity.

• Shipping updates: A light reminder that “We can’t wait to hear how you like it” sets the stage early.

• Follow-up delivered: Once they receive (and try) the product, they are in the perfect mindset to leave a genuine review.

Use Review Management Tools

Keeping tabs on feedback across multiple platforms can quickly become overwhelming. A robust review management solution, like Center AI’s reputation management tool, consolidates all those reviews under one roof.

• Centralized dashboard: Manage Google Maps, Bing, and Facebook reviews in a single interface.

• Easy response: Reply directly from the platform without juggling multiple tabs or apps.

• Sentiment analysis: Identify positive and negative feedback trends to guide product improvements.

Check a short list of the review management tools we’ve compiled here.

Exclude Users Who Have Already Submitted Reviews

No one enjoys receiving repeated “Please review us!” emails if they’ve already done so. Segment your customers to avoid over-asking:

• Mark as Reviewed: Maintain a dynamic group of customers who’ve left feedback.

• Skip in campaigns: Filter out these users when planning new review request pushes.

• Preserve goodwill: Show that you respect their time—and their inbox—by not pestering them unnecessarily.

Turn Reviews into Social Proof for Marketing

Why keep glowing testimonials hidden away on a platform’s review page? Repurpose them in your broader marketing:

• Landing pages: Embed quotes or star ratings near product details to reassure potential buyers.

• Email campaigns: Sprinkling in a short testimonial can reinforce a product launch or special promotion.

• Social media ads: Show that real people (with real experiences) trust you.

• In-store displays: If you have a physical location, a quick testimonial snippet or star rating can speak volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Review Request Emails

You’ve nailed the timing and the tone—but maybe you still have a few questions. Below are some of the businesses’ most common concerns when asking for reviews.

What Makes a Great Review Request Email?

A strong review request is short, friendly, and direct about what you want. Typically, it includes:

1. A clear subject line: e.g., “Sarah, got 2 minutes to help?”

2. Personal touches: Use the customer’s name or reference their specific product.

3. One clear call-to-action: So there’s no confusion about where to leave feedback.

Ultimately, you must strike a balance between showing genuine interest in their opinion and making it easy for them to respond.

Should You Offer Incentives for Reviews?

It depends—each review platform has its own guidelines. If incentives are allowed, keep them small and emphasize honesty over glowing praise. A modest discount code or loyalty points can motivate busy customers to share their thoughts, but be transparent that you welcome all feedback, positive or otherwise.

How Can You Handle Negative Reviews?

• Respond quickly: Acknowledge their issue within a day or two if possible.

• Stay empathetic: Apologize for their experience and show genuine concern.

• Outline the next steps: Explain what you’ll do to investigate or solve the problem.

• Follow through: If you promise an update, be sure to provide one.

• How to reply to Google review – Learn best practices for crafting responses.

When handled gracefully, a negative review can become a chance to earn loyalty—both from the reviewer and anyone reading your response.

What Platforms Are Best for Reviews?

Particularly if you’re a local business, these platforms can be game-changers for drawing in new foot traffic and building local credibility:

• Google My Business: Vital for local services and brick-and-mortar shops.

• Yelp: Particularly influential for restaurants, salons, and other local services.

• Industry-specific: If you’re in tech, G2 or Capterra might be your go-to; if you’re in travel, TripAdvisor is huge.

• Social media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram can be great if that’s where your audience hangs out. Some brands even leverage TikTok or LinkedIn for customer testimonials.

The bottom line? Focus on the platforms your target audience trusts, and don’t be afraid to test out multiple channels to see which ones generate the most impactful feedback.

How do I send a review request?

Craft a short, friendly email thanking the customer for their purchase or experience. Briefly explain why you value their feedback and include one clear link or button where they can leave a review. If possible, use an automated workflow that sends this request at a logical time, such as shortly after an order arrives.

How do you ask for customer reviews via email?

Keep it personal, concise, and specific. Use the customer’s name and reference what they bought or which service they received. End with one direct call-to-action (e.g., “Click here to leave a quick review!”). The easier it is for people to respond, the more likely they are to share their thoughts.

How can I increase the response rate to my review request emails?

Time your email well—send requests when the experience is still fresh. Ensure the process of leaving a review is effortless (use embedded links or surveys), and consider offering a small incentive if the review platform allows it. Lastly, follow up politely if they don’t respond after a few days.