How to Get More Google Reviews for Coffee Shops
Get more Google reviews from your coffee shop customers with proven scripts, loyalty strategies, and perfect timing that works.
When to Ask for Reviews
Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.
Best Moment to Ask
When a regular customer compliments their favorite drink, the atmosphere, or the service. This is the peak moment-they're expressing genuine appreciation, often unprompted. For new customers, ask after they've expressed delight about trying something for the first time. Catch them while they're still in the shop, coffee in hand, feeling good.
Worst Moment to Ask
During the morning rush when customers are stressed and in a hurry, when they're visibly frustrated about wait times, if they've complained about drink quality or service, or if they're working quietly on a laptop (don't interrupt focus time). Never ask someone who seems irritated or rushed.
Loyalty Card with Review Bonus (10th Drink Free After Review)
Create a loyalty program where customers earn stamps for each purchase. Offer the standard "10 drinks, get one free" deal, but add a twist: if they leave a Google review, they immediately unlock their 10th drink reward (or get double stamps on their card). This leverages the psychology of immediate gratification while staying within Google's guidelines-you're not buying the review, you're rewarding loyalty, and the review is an optional accelerator. Promote it with table tents and signage: "Love [Coffee Shop Name]? Leave a review and unlock your free drink!"
Coffee shops thrive on community and regulars. Your best reviewers aren't one-time visitors-they're the people who come in three times a week. The intimacy of a coffee shop (baristas remember names and orders) creates strong emotional connections. Leverage these relationships: ask regulars personally, make them feel like VIPs, and turn the review ask into a community-building moment, not a transaction.
Getting reviews is only half the battle.
Reply Champion responds to every review with personalized, on-brand AI responses - in seconds. So the reviews you work hard to earn get the responses they deserve.
Start your free trialCopy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews
Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.
In-Person Script
I'm so glad you love the [drink name]! You just made my day. Hey, if you have a minute, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a quick Google review. It helps other people in [City] discover us. Here's a card with a link-and as a thank-you for being an awesome regular, I'll stamp your loyalty card!
Email Script
Subject: Your Favorite Coffee Awaits + A Quick Favor
Hi [Customer Name], Thanks for being a valued regular at [Business Name]! We love having you as part of our community. If you've enjoyed your experience with us-whether it's your go-to latte, our cozy atmosphere, or just a friendly chat with our team-we'd be so grateful if you could share a quick Google review. Your words help others in [City] discover their new favorite coffee spot. [Google Review Link] As a thank-you, next time you're in, mention this email for a free pastry on us! Cheers, [Your Name] [Business Name]
SMS / Text Script
Hey [Customer Name]! We appreciate you being a regular at [Business Name]. If you have a sec, we'd love a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Thanks for being part of our coffee community! - [Business Name]
Who Should Ask
Baristas should identify and ask regulars who express appreciation during slower hours (mid-morning, early afternoon). Managers should send periodic email campaigns to loyalty program members. Create a team culture where everyone feels empowered to ask their favorite regulars personally-make it authentic, not scripted.
Training Tip
Train baristas to listen for compliments-when a customer says "This is the best latte in town" or "I love this place," that's your cue. Role-play the ask so it feels conversational: "That just made my day! Hey, would you mind leaving us a Google review?" Keep it casual and genuine. Emphasize asking regulars, not tourists or one-time visitors.
Follow-Up Timing
Ask in person when regulars compliment you or during a positive interaction. Follow up via email to loyalty program members once per quarter with a review request (don't spam). For first-time visitors who join your email list, send a "Thanks for visiting!" email 2-3 days later with a review request.
Where to Place Review Reminders
Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.
Physical Placements
Table Tents with QR Code
Small, stylish table tents on every table with a QR code and friendly copy: "Love [Coffee Shop Name]? Scan to leave a review and unlock your free drink!" Place them where people sit and linger-natural moments to pull out their phone.
Loyalty Card Review Bonus
Print loyalty cards with a note: "Leave a Google review and get your 10th drink free today!" Hand them out with every purchase. The physical card serves as a constant reminder and incentive.
Bathroom Mirror Decals
Small, tasteful decals on bathroom mirrors with a QR code and playful copy: "Looking good! Feel good about [Coffee Shop Name]? Leave us a review!" People check their phones in the bathroom-capture that idle moment.
Counter Display with Review Examples
Small acrylic stand at the counter showcasing a few favorite reviews with a QR code: "Join our community of happy coffee lovers-leave a review!" Inspires customers by showing what others have said.
Digital Placements
Post-Visit Email to Email List Subscribers
Send a welcome email 2-3 days after someone joins your email list (via loyalty signup or wifi login) thanking them for visiting and requesting a review if they had a great experience. Include link.
Quarterly Email to Loyalty Members
Send a quarterly email to loyalty program members celebrating community, sharing new menu items, and including a gentle review request: "If we've earned it, we'd love your Google review!" Don't overdo it-once per quarter max.
Instagram Story Polls with Review CTA
Post Instagram stories asking followers to vote on new drink ideas, share their favorite menu item, etc. Add a final story slide: "Love us? Leave a review!" with a swipe-up link to Google. Engages your online community.
Google My Business Posts with Photos
Regularly post photos of new drinks, cozy atmosphere shots, or latte art to your Google Business Profile. Add a caption asking satisfied customers to share their experience: "Tag us or leave a review!" Keeps your profile active and visible.
Getting Reviews Is Only Half the Battle
Once the reviews come in, you need to respond - fast and on-brand. Reply Champion uses AI to write personalized responses to every review automatically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your coffee shops business.