When it comes to building a stellar review profile, relying on just one method won't cut it. In today's hyper-connected world, businesses need to diversify their approach, especially when asking customers for reviews. Sure, email might be the go-to for many, but what about SMS? With nearly every consumer attached to their phone 24/7, sending a review request via text could be your secret weapon. Let's break it down.
Why You Should Be Asking for Reviews via SMS
People actually open their texts. Let's face it—email inboxes are like a digital junkyard. According to Gartner, the average person receives around 120 emails a day. In contrast, text messages are far more intimate and personal, landing directly in a space most people reserve for family, friends, and close contacts. No wonder the open rate for SMS is a whopping 98%, compared to email's measly 20.94%.
The best part? SMS review requests are quick, personal, and effective.
How to Ask for a Review via SMS
Keep it simple. A text isn’t the place for paragraphs of copy—think short, sweet, and straight to the point. Your message should go something like this:
Greet the person by name.
Thank them for their business.
Politely ask for a review.
Drop a direct link to where they can leave the review (Google, Facebook, Yelp—wherever you want).
For example:
“Hi [Customer Name], thanks for choosing [Your Business]! If you enjoyed our service, we’d love it if you could leave us a quick review here: [Review Link]. Thank you!”
That's it. No fluff, no fuss—just a clear ask.
SMS vs. Email: What's Better for Review Requests?
Let’s be honest—email isn’t going anywhere. It’s still one of the best tools in your marketing arsenal. But here's the kicker: SMS outperforms email in almost every way when it comes to engagement.
SMS has a 98% open rate compared to email’s 20%.
SMS gets a 45% response rate, while email lags behind at 6%.
So, while email might be a great catch-all tool for mass communication, SMS is the heavyweight champ for quick, personal interactions. Use SMS for review requests when you really want your message to get noticed.
The Benefits of Requesting Reviews Via SMS
1. It Feels Personal
A text from your favorite brand feels different than an email, doesn’t it? Text messages are reserved for the important stuff—like mom checking in or your best friend sending a meme. When a business sends you a text, it stands out. Especially if you already communicate with that business via text, it feels more natural and personal.
2. Almost Everyone Can Receive SMS
Here’s a fun fact: 97% of the U.S. population owns a cell phone. That means nearly all of your customers are reachable via text—no fancy smartphone required.
3. Hard to Ignore
Unlike email, SMS is almost impossible to ignore. Most people have text notifications turned on, so when your review request lands, it’s likely to be read right away.
4. Customers Don’t Mind
According to a survey from Yotpo, more than half of consumers are open to receiving SMS from brands they like. That means people are not only okay with it—they actually want it. So, by using SMS, you’re giving your customers a quick, easy way to provide feedback.
How to Start Using SMS for Review Requests
It’s easier than you think. Many tools, like Google Business Profile and Yelp, integrate with third-party SMS services to make sending review requests a breeze. Plus, most SMS marketing platforms allow you to automate the whole process, so you’re not manually sending each message.
Final Thoughts
If you're not using SMS to ask for reviews, you're missing out on a powerful, personal way to build your business reputation. SMS isn't just a backup for email—it's a faster, more engaging option that can help you stand out in a crowded inbox. It’s a small step that can lead to a big payoff.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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