3 Best Times to Ask for a Review (and Why Timing Matters)
Are you struggling to get reviews for your home service business? Timing could be the missing piece of the puzzle. While tools like automation can help with review generation, when and how you ask your customers plays a huge role in whether they'll follow through.
Catching your customers at the right moment, when excitement is high or the experience is still fresh, can more than double the number of reviews you receive. These reviews, in turn, build trust, improve your online visibility, and attract more customers.
This guide will lay out the three best times to ask for a review while explaining why timing matters, how to act on these opportunities, and how to create a simple, repeatable system to maximize your results.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to getting reviews, “when” you ask is just as important as “how” you do it. Timing isn’t a one-and-done event—it’s a process that aligns with customer psychology and behavior.
For example, customers are most likely to leave reviews under these circumstances:
When their emotion is still positive and tied to their experience.
When the service is fresh in their minds.
When a gentle nudge reminds them to follow through.
Automation tools like email and text reminders can help, but they work best when paired with intentional, personalized touches. A well-timed system of follow-ups ensures your requests feel human and thoughtful, rather than annoying or impersonal.
According to the Local Consumer Review Survey 2025 by BrightLocal, 96% of consumers are open to leaving a business review if businesses ask at the right time. This underscores the importance of timing and having a structured system for engaging with your customers.
Now, let's explore three key moments to ask for a review.
1. Ask Right After the Service Is Completed
The single best time to ask for a review is immediately after the service is complete. Why? The customer’s excitement and satisfaction levels are at their peak, and the experience is still fresh in their mind.
Here’s an example scenario:
Your HVAC technician has just finished fixing an air conditioning unit on a scorching day. The customer feels immediate relief and gratitude, making it the perfect time to ask for a review.
How to Approach This Moment
Train your technicians to incorporate the request naturally. During the final walkthrough or while summarizing completed work, they can say, “If you’re happy with our service, we’d really appreciate a review. It helps others find us too!”
Provide a simple method for leaving a review. Consider using QR-code cards or sending a direct link to your Google Business Profile through text.
Make it feel genuine. Avoid sounding pushy. By positioning the request as a way to help the business improve or grow, customers are more likely to respond positively.
Avram Gonzales, CEO of Digital Harvest, says, “The best time to ask is right at the conclusion of the service—when you’ve gone over everything with the customer and are getting that final sign-off.”
This initial ask gives momentum to the review process, but not every customer will act immediately. That’s where the next step comes in.
2. Follow Up Automatically Within 24 Hours
Life happens. Even if a customer intended to leave a review right after the service, distractions or busy schedules often get in the way. That’s why the second-best time to ask is shortly after the service, ideally within 24 hours.
A quick follow-up email or text with a direct review link can remind customers of their intention to leave feedback. It’s simple, effective, and keeps the request top of mind.
The 24-hour window works effectively for these reasons:
- Recency effect: The experience is still fresh.
- Gentle nudge: Encourages customers who forgot or got busy to follow through.
Tips for Effective Follow-Ups
- Use trusted software or CRM platforms like Podium or Birdeye to automate your review requests.
- Include a helpful and friendly message, such as:
“Hi [Customer Name], we hope you’re happy with the service you received from [Your Company]. If you don’t mind, we’d love your feedback! Here’s a quick link to leave a review [Review Link].”
- Optional follow-ups at 72 hours or 7 days can cover those who might need an extra reminder, though 24 hours is the sweet spot.
Avram Gonzales explains, “Even if they had the intention to leave a review yesterday, that reminder will get them to go, ‘Oh, you know what? I did wanna do this.’”
For businesses running high volumes, automation ensures no customer slips through the cracks. But to truly maximize your follow-up system, add a personal touch in the final step below.
3. Call One Week Later for a Personal Check-In
Here’s where many businesses drop the ball—failing to follow up personally after the service. A simple call one week later can create a lasting impression and open the door for authentic feedback.
This is why it works:
- It shows that you care about the customer’s satisfaction.
- It gives you a chance to improve if something wasn’t perfect.
- For happy customers, it’s a supportive prompt to leave a review.
What to Do During the Follow-Up
Assign the task to a Customer Service Rep (CSR): The CSR calls the customer to check in.
Ask for feedback: “Hi [Customer Name], I’m calling to see how your [service] has been since our visit. Is there anything we can improve?”
Request the review: If the customer is satisfied, politely ask, “Would you mind leaving us a quick review? It would mean a lot to our team.” Offer to resend the review link via email or text if they need it.
If the customer doesn’t answer, leave a thoughtful voicemail that shows you care about their experience.
A week later, customers have had enough time to experience the results of your service, making this moment a follow-up opportunity businesses can’t afford to skip.
Why These Three Touches Work Together
Each of the above moments is powerful on its own, but when used together, they form a comprehensive review system that drives results. Here’s why it works so well:
The in-person request sets the stage when the experience is fresh.
The automated follow-up ensures the majority of customers don’t forget.
The personal call adds the human touch and accountability that builds trust.
With this system, you’re not overloading your customers with reminders; you’re creating structured, strategic opportunities to connect. According to the BrightLocal survey, businesses that engage multiple times are more than twice as likely to generate reviews than those relying on automation alone.
Build a Simple, Repeatable System for More Reviews
Consistently gathering reviews doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these three key touchpoints, you’ll create a process that turns satisfied customers into vocal advocates for your business.
Here’s your action plan:
Train your team to confidently request reviews at the end of every service.
Automate follow-up emails or texts for a seamless second touchpoint.
Assign CSRs to make personal check-in calls for a lasting impression.
Small process changes like these can make a big impact on your visibility, credibility, and overall growth.
If you’d like more insights or one-on-one support improving your review strategy, connect with Avram Gonzales on LinkedIn or explore Digital Harvest’s services. Your business deserves the recognition it earns—start building your five-star reputation today.