“Stop asking for reviews at midday. Ask by SMS at 6–7pm when people are off the tools. Add the exact link; remove extra taps.”
Why This Matters
Most local businesses ask for reviews at the wrong time—right after the job is done, often midday. But that’s when your customer is busy, distracted, or back at work. By the time they get home, your request is buried and forgotten.
Instead, send your review request by SMS between 6–7pm, when people are winding down and checking their phones. Pair that with a direct review link (no extra clicks), and you’ll see your review rate climb dramatically.
The same principle applies beyond reviews. Many businesses focus on generating more enquiries, but the real issue is what happens after someone makes contact. If your business is already attracting interest but not converting it into customers, this guide on getting enquiries but not customers explains what is often going wrong and what to fix first.
Timing also plays a role when reconnecting with past enquiries. People often show interest but fail to act, then forget or get distracted. Reaching out again at the right time can reopen conversations that seemed lost. This is why database reactivation can uncover new opportunities from leads you already have.
If you’re improving your marketing on a limited budget, this is exactly the kind of small change that can make a big difference. These affordable marketing tools can help small businesses improve follow-up, visibility and customer response without overspending.
Quick Action Checklist
- Switch your review request timing to 6–7pm.
- Send requests by SMS, not email (higher open rates).
- Include the direct review link so it’s one tap and done.
Common Questions
Can I still ask for reviews during the day?
You can, but evening SMS requests almost always perform better for home service businesses.
What if a customer doesn’t respond?
Follow up once, 48 hours later. Keep it short, polite, and always include the direct link.
Timing doesn’t just matter for reviews — it also plays a huge role in how you handle new enquiries. This breakdown explains how quickly you should respond to leads and why it directly impacts conversion rates.
Want a system that automates your review requests for maximum impact? Our Review Booster helps businesses collect more reviews with better timing, stronger follow-up and less manual chasing.
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