Ask after a real customer experience
The best time is usually after the customer has actually received the service or product and you have a natural reason to follow up.
A barber might ask after the appointment. A cleaner might include the link in a thank-you message. A florist might include it in a follow-up after an order has been delivered.
Make leaving the review easy
Google lets businesses create a direct review link or QR code. Google suggests places such as receipts, thank-you emails and the end of a customer chat as ways to share it.
The customer should not have to search for the profile, find the review button and work out which listing is yours.
Do not offer a reward in exchange for a review
Google says reviews must reflect a genuine experience and prohibits incentives such as free or discounted goods or services in exchange for posting, changing or removing a review.
Ask for honest feedback rather than asking specifically for a five-star review.
Reply like a business owner, not a script
A short, specific reply can show future customers that someone is paying attention. Thank the customer and respond to the real point they made.
For a negative review, avoid arguing in public. Acknowledge the concern, keep private details out of the reply and move any detailed resolution into the appropriate private channel.