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.

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