How should you respond to a Google review?

React to the specific thing the reviewer mentioned, use a natural voice with contractions, keep it short, and avoid corporate filler. For negative reviews, own the problem without being defensive and invite the customer to reach you directly.

Can I copy these review response templates?

Yes, every example here is free to copy and adapt. Swap in the details from the actual review so it doesn't read like a template.

Free templates

Google Review Response Examples

Copy-and-paste replies for every kind of Google review, written to sound like a real owner, not a PR team. Adapt them with details from the actual review.

Want one written for your exact review? Try the free reply generator , paste the review, get a custom reply in seconds.

Responding to a 5-star review

Match their energy, react to the specific thing they mentioned, and keep it short. Skip the gushy corporate thank-you.

5★, “Best haircut I've had in years. Marco really listened to what I wanted.”

Glad Marco nailed it. He actually listens, which is half the job. See you next time.

5★, “Food was incredible and our server was so sweet.”

Love hearing this. I'll pass it to the team. Come hungry next time too.

5★, “Been coming here for years and it never disappoints.”

Regulars like you are the whole reason we do this. Thanks for sticking with us.

Responding to a negative (1, 2 star) review

Own it plainly, no defensiveness, no canned apology. Say what you'll do or invite them to reach you directly. Sound like a person who cares, not a complaints department.

2★, “Waited 40 minutes for a table we'd reserved. Food was fine but the wait killed it.”

A 40-minute wait on a reservation isn't okay, and I get why it soured the night. We've been tightening up our table timing. If you're up for another shot, email me directly and I'll take care of your table.

1★, “Rude staff and my order was wrong.”

This isn't the experience we want anyone to have, and I'm sorry. I'd genuinely like to understand what happened and make it right, can you email me so I can look into it?

2★, “Overpriced for what you get.”

Fair feedback, and I don't take it lightly. We price for quality but it clearly missed the mark for you. I'd like to hear more about your visit if you're open to it.

Responding to a mixed or 3-star review

Thank them simply, acknowledge the specific gripe honestly, and don't over-promise.

3★, “Coffee's great but it's always freezing inside.”

Ha, you're not the first to say the AC runs cold. Looking into it. Glad the coffee's holding up its end.

3★, “Good food, slow service.”

Glad the food landed. The service pace is on us to fix, and we're working on it. Thanks for being straight with us.

Responding to a rating with no comment

No text to react to, keep it warm and brief, and leave the door open.

5★, no comment

Thanks for the 5 stars. Glad we hit the mark, come see us again soon.

3★, no comment

Appreciate the rating. If there's something that would've made it a 5, I'd genuinely like to hear it.

Never write one of these by hand again

SmallBizReply writes and posts a reply to every Google review automatically, in your voice, positive or negative, the moment it comes in.

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