1. Ask at the right moment
The best time is when the bill arrives. The meal is fresh in their mind, they’re relaxed, and their phone is often already out to pay. An A6 card in the bill folder does the asking for you.
2. Make it one scan
A QR code that opens your Google review form directly means no searching and no scrolling. Table talkers and a poster at the host stand cover everyone else.
3. Give your team one line
No scripts or pressure, just one friendly line when the bill goes down: “If you enjoyed tonight, we’d really appreciate a Google review. There’s a code in the folder.” Ask every table, not just the happy ones. That’s fairer, and it’s what Google’s rules expect.
4. Reply to everything
Thank people by name and mention what they enjoyed. For critical reviews, stay calm, own what went wrong and invite them to get in touch. Our reply templates help.
5. Learn from the patterns
Every month, skim your recent reviews for repeats: the dish everyone mentions, the table by the door that’s always cold, the wait on Friday nights. It’s the cheapest customer research you’ll ever get.
Don’t do this
- Don’t offer a free dessert or discount for a review.
- Don’t hand the code only to tables that seem happy.
- Don’t ask staff, friends or family to post reviews.
