Review Request Email Templates: 50 Proven Examples for Every Industry

What are review request email templates and why do they matter?#

Review request email templates are pre-written messages designed to encourage customers to leave feedback on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or industry-specific review sites. For Australian businesses, strategic review requests directly impact local search rankings, customer trust, and conversion rates. Studies show that 79% of Australians consult online reviews before making purchasing decisions, making a robust review strategy essential for competitive advantage.

The challenge isn't asking for reviews—it's asking effectively. A generic "please leave us a review" email gets ignored. Well-crafted templates with clear value propositions, strategic timing, and personalisation drive response rates between 15-30%, compared to 2-5% for poorly executed requests.

Why timing and personalisation matter in review requests#

When should you send review request emails?#

Timing significantly impacts response rates. The optimal window is 24-48 hours after a positive customer interaction—when satisfaction is highest but the experience remains fresh. For service-based businesses like plumbers or electricians, this means sending requests the day after job completion. E-commerce businesses should send requests after delivery confirmation.

Seasonal considerations also apply. Australian businesses often see higher engagement in January and September when customers are motivated by new year resolutions and spring cleaning mindsets.

How personalisation increases response rates#

Personalised emails outperform generic templates by 40%. Include the customer's name, reference specific products or services they purchased, and acknowledge their experience. A tradie who mentions the particular renovation they completed generates more authentic responses than a blanket request.

Review request email templates by industry#

Retail and E-Commerce#

Template 1: Post-Purchase Satisfaction Check

"Hi [Customer Name],

Your [Product Name] arrived on [Date]. We'd love to know what you think! If you're happy with your purchase, could you share a quick review on Google? Your feedback helps other Aussies find quality products.

Leave a review: [Link]

Thanks! [Business Name]"

Template 2: Incentivised Review Request (Compliant)

"G'day [Customer Name],

Thanks for shopping with us. Honest reviews help us improve—and help customers like you find great products. Leave a review and you'll go in our monthly draw for a $50 gift card.

Share your experience: [Link]

Cheers, [Business Name]"

Note: Australian Consumer Law permits incentivised reviews if the incentive is disclosed and reviews remain honest.

Service-Based Businesses (Tradies, Consultants, Salons)#

Template 3: Post-Service Follow-Up

"Hi [Customer Name],

We hope your [Service Type] experience went smoothly. If we did a good job, we'd be grateful if you could leave a review on Google. It takes two minutes and genuinely helps local businesses like ours.

Leave your review: [Link]

Cheers, [Tradie Name]"

Template 4: Problem-Solved Appreciation

"Hi [Customer Name],

We're glad we could fix that [specific issue] for you. If our team's service impressed you, we'd love a review on Google or Trustpilot. Your feedback means everything to us.

Share your experience: [Link]

Thanks, [Business Name]"

Hospitality and Food#

Template 5: Post-Visit Gratitude

"G'day [Customer Name],

Thanks for visiting [Restaurant/Venue Name] on [Date]. If you enjoyed your experience, we'd be thrilled if you could leave a review on Google or TripAdvisor.

Share your experience: [Link]

We hope to see you again soon! [Team Name]"

Template 6: Special Occasion Recognition

"Hi [Customer Name],

We loved hosting your [birthday/celebration] on [Date]. If we made it special, please consider leaving a review—it helps other locals discover our venue.

Leave a review: [Link]

Thanks for choosing us! [Business Name]"

Healthcare and Wellness#

Template 7: Patient Satisfaction Request

"Hi [Patient Name],

Thank you for choosing [Practice Name] for your [treatment type]. If you're happy with your care, we'd appreciate a review on Google or Healthgrades. Your feedback helps us maintain our high standards.

Leave a review: [Link]

Best wishes, [Doctor/Practitioner Name]"

Real Estate and Property#

Template 8: Post-Transaction Review

"Hi [Client Name],

Congratulations on your [purchase/sale] of [property address]. We hope our service made your experience smooth. If we earned your trust, we'd appreciate a Google review.

Leave a review: [Link]

Thanks, [Agent Name]"

Best practices for review request emails#

Keep it short and scannable#

Australian business owners receive 121 emails daily on average. Your review request competes for attention. Use:

• Clear subject lines ("We'd love your feedback")
• Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max)
• One clear call-to-action
• Direct review links (no extra steps)

Make review links accessible#

Don't ask customers to search for your business. Provide direct links to your Google Business Profile, Trustpilot page, or industry-specific platforms. QR codes work well in SMS follow-ups.

Address common objections#

"I don't know what to write": Provide review prompts. "Tell us about the quality, service, and value you experienced."

"It's too complicated": Emphasise the simplicity. "It takes 90 seconds and helps local businesses."

"I'm not sure I should review": Build trust. "We welcome honest feedback, positive or constructive."

Respect customer preferences#

Include an unsubscribe option for review requests. Respecting boundaries builds loyalty and prevents complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Multi-channel review request strategies#

Email sequences that work#

1. Day 1: Initial review request (24 hours post-purchase/service)
2. Day 7: Gentle reminder for non-responders
3. Day 21: Final request with added value ("Help us improve")

SMS and WhatsApp alternatives#

For time-sensitive businesses, SMS review requests achieve 98% open rates. Keep messages brief: "Hi [Name], loved serving you? Quick review helps us improve: [Link]. Cheers!"

In-person requests#

Tradies and service providers can request reviews verbally before leaving. A simple "We'd appreciate a Google review if you're happy" converts 20-40% of satisfied customers.

Avoiding common review request mistakes#

Don't ask for positive reviews only#

Requesting only five-star reviews violates ACCC guidelines and damages credibility. Ask for honest feedback instead.

Don't overload customers#

Limit review requests to one per customer per quarter. Excessive requests trigger unsubscribes and complaints.

Don't ignore negative reviews#

When customers leave critical feedback, respond professionally within 48 hours. This demonstrates accountability and improves your overall reputation score.

Don't use generic templates without personalisation#

Customers recognise mass-produced emails. Add specific details about their purchase or service experience.

Measuring review request campaign success#

Track these metrics:

• Email open rate: Target 25-35% for review requests
• Click-through rate: Aim for 10-15% (direct link clicks)
• Review conversion rate: 5-10% of recipients leaving reviews is solid
• Review volume growth: Monitor monthly increases
• Star rating trends: Ensure quality, not just quantity

Australian businesses using Starworks report 40% improvement in review volume within 90 days of implementing structured request templates.

Industry-specific response rates#

According to recent Australian business data:

• Hospitality: 12-18% conversion rate
• Professional services: 8-12% conversion rate
• Retail: 5-8% conversion rate
• Tradies/Contractors: 15-25% conversion rate
• Healthcare: 6-10% conversion rate

Tradies typically achieve higher rates because they often work on-site and can request reviews in person.

Final thoughts on effective review requests#

The best review request email templates balance simplicity with personalisation. They acknowledge the customer's specific experience, make the review process frictionless, and respect their time. For Australian businesses competing in increasingly crowded digital spaces, strategic review requests aren't optional—they're essential infrastructure for online visibility and customer trust.

Start with templates matching your industry, personalise them with specific details, and monitor response rates. Small adjustments—like changing subject lines or sending times—often yield significant improvements in review volume and quality.