Getting more Google reviews

Positive review responses: examples to copy

Copyable replies to 5-star and 4-star Google reviews for contractors, plus a simple formula so none of them sound the same.

A good reply to a positive review is two or three sentences: thank them by first name, mention the job, and say one human thing. Below are examples you can copy and change. Use the formula first, then adjust the wording so each one sounds like it came from you.

The formula

  1. Name. Use the reviewer's first name.
  2. The job. Say what you did, in their words if you can.
  3. One real detail. The crew member's name, the thing that went well, or how you will follow up.
  4. A short close. "Call us any time" or "Thanks again."

That is the whole structure. Everything else is variation.

Examples for 5-star reviews

Standard thank-you with the job

Thanks, Maria! Glad the water heater swap went smoothly and the crew left the garage clean. If anything acts up, call us any time. - Dale

Naming the technician

Thank you, Tom. I'll pass this along to Carlos, who handled your furnace tune-up. He'll be glad to hear it. We appreciate you trusting us with your home.

For a customer who mentioned price or honesty

Thanks for the kind words, Priya. We always aim to quote what the job will cost and stick to it, so it's good to hear that came across. Happy to help any time.

Emergency or after-hours call

Thanks, Sam. A burst pipe at 10 p.m. is no fun, and we're glad we could get there fast and get the water off. Hope the rest of the week is quieter.

Repeat customer

Good to hear from you again, Linda. Thank you for letting us handle the second bathroom as well. We always appreciate the repeat business.

Referral

Thank you, Ray, and thanks to your neighbor for sending us your way. Word of mouth means a lot to a small shop like ours.

Roofing, big project

Thanks, Janet. A full roof replacement is a big decision and we appreciate you trusting us with it. The crew enjoyed working with you. If you notice anything after the next storm, give us a call.

Examples for a 5-star review with no text

You have no details to work with, so keep it short and warm.

Rating only

Thank you for the five stars, Chris! We appreciate it. - Dale's Plumbing

Rating only, with a nudge

Thanks for the rating, Chris, we appreciate it. If you ever want to add a few words about the job, it helps other homeowners know what to expect.

The second one is optional. Some people find the nudge pushy, so use it sparingly.

Examples for 4-star reviews

A 4-star review often has a small gripe tucked into the praise. Thank them, acknowledge the detail, and do not get defensive.

4 stars, mentioned a delay

Thanks, Anna. We're glad the repair worked out. Sorry the arrival window slipped a bit that morning. We're working on giving better updates when a job runs long.

4 stars, no complaint

Thank you, Mike. We appreciate the 4 stars. If there's anything we could have done better, I'd like to hear it. You can reach me at the shop any time.

Examples that mention the service

When a customer names the job, repeat it back. It reads as real, and the words match what customers actually say about the job.

Service named in the review

Thanks, Hector! Glad the panel upgrade went well and the inspection passed on the first visit. Appreciate you choosing us.

Landscaping or seasonal work

Thank you, Beth. It was fun working on the backyard patio. Enjoy it this summer, and we'll see you in the fall for the cleanup.

Keep it natural. One mention of the job is plenty. If every reply lists your services and your city, the replies read like ads.

Things to avoid in a positive reply

  • Copy-paste sameness. Ten identical "Thanks for the review!" replies read as automatic.
  • Personal details. Do not mention the customer's address, the price they paid or anything private. The reply is public.
  • Selling. Keep coupons and pitches for other services out of a thank-you.
  • Overpromising. "We'll always be here for you" is harmless. "Lifetime guarantee" is a commitment.
  • Offering rewards. Do not offer anything in return for a review or for changing one. That is an incentive under Google's review policy.

How to post the reply

You need a verified Business Profile. Open your profile, go to the reviews section and use the reply option beside the review. Your answer appears under the review as your business, and the reviewer is notified. Google says replies usually take up to 10 minutes to review, though some take longer.

Keep up without it eating your week

If you get two reviews a week, replying takes a few minutes. If you get 20 a month, it becomes a chore, and chores slip. Mitch drafts a reply to every review on the Google profile, using the details in the review. You edit it if you want to, and nothing posts until you approve it.

Plan: Drafted replies are on the Local plan

AI-drafted review replies come with the Local plan, along with automatic review requests, Google Business Profile posts, an inbox and 5 seats. It is $189 a month with no contract. See [how it works](/us/platform/reviews) or the [pricing page](/us/pricing).

For the bad ones, read how to respond to a bad review. To get more reviews to reply to, see the pillar guide, how to get more Google reviews, and the scripts in how to ask for a Google review. Everything is in the Google reviews hub.

Get the replies drafted for you

Mitch writes a reply to every Google review. You edit it if you like and approve before it posts. The trial is free, and no card is needed.

14 days free. No card. Cancel any time.

Sources

Questions answered

Should I reply to every positive review?
Yes, if you can. A reply tells the customer you saw it, and it shows future customers that someone is on the other end. Even a short thank-you is better than nothing.
How long should a reply be?
Two or three sentences. Long enough to mention the job, short enough that you can write it in a minute.
Can I use the same reply for every review?
Avoid it. Identical replies look automated and tell readers you did not read the review. Change the first name, the job and at least one detail each time.
How do I reply to a review on Google?
Verify your Business Profile, open the reviews section, and use the reply option beside the review. The reply shows as your business. Google says replies usually take up to 10 minutes to be reviewed.
Should I mention services or my city in replies?
Naturally, yes. 'Glad the water heater swap went smoothly' is real. Do not stuff keywords into every reply.
Should I reply to a 5-star review with no text?
A short thank-you with their first name is fine. You have nothing specific to reference, so keep it simple.

Try it on your next job.

Start the trial, take a photo when you finish tomorrow's job, and see what Mitch does with it.

14 days free. No card. Cancel any time.