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Google review reply templates (free, UK)

15 copy-and-paste replies for positive, mixed and negative Google reviews, plus special cases like fake reviews and healthcare. Written by the people who reply to reviews for a living.

By Syed, founder of We Manage ReviewsUpdated 1 October 2026

Short answerThe best Google review reply uses the customer's name, mentions one specific detail, and is 1 to 3 sentences for positive reviews. For negative reviews: thank them, acknowledge the specific problem, say what you've changed, and take it offline with a named contact. Never argue in public.

Replace everything in [square brackets]. Then change at least one more word so it sounds like you. Tap Copy on any template.

Replies to 5-star and positive reviews

Keep it short, use their name, mention one specific thing they said, and sound like a person. Don't paste the same line under every review. Google shows them all together, and half of customers are put off by templated replies.

5-star, general

Thanks so much, [Name]. Really glad [specific thing they mentioned] went well. That's exactly what we aim for. See you next time.

5-star that mentions a staff member

[Name], thank you! I'll make sure [Staff name] sees this. [He/She/They]'ll be made up. Glad we could [what you did] for you.

5-star, returning customer

[Name], always good to see you again, and thanks for taking the time to write this. We don't take regulars for granted.

5-star with no text (rating only)

Thanks for the five stars, [Name]. Much appreciated. Glad you had a good experience with us.

Positive review with a small niggle

Thanks, [Name]. Really pleased you were happy with [the main thing]. Fair point on [the niggle]; we've [what you've changed or are looking at]. Hope to see you again.

Replies to 3-star and mixed reviews

Mixed reviews are the most read and the most useful to reply to. Thank them, own the part that went wrong without excuses, say what you've changed, and invite them back.

3-star, good work but poor communication

[Name], that's a fair review and I appreciate the honesty. Glad the [work/meal/service] itself was right, but [the problem] isn't good enough. We've [specific change]. Thanks for telling us. It genuinely helps.

3-star, expected more

Thanks for the feedback, [Name]. Sorry we didn't quite hit the mark this time. If you're happy to tell me a bit more about what would have made it a five, I'd really like to hear it. Drop us a message on [contact].

3-star, busy day or wait time

[Name], thanks for being patient with us. [Day] was one of our busiest, but the wait still wasn't what we want for anyone. We've [what you've changed] so it doesn't happen again.

Replies to 1-star and 2-star reviews

Never reply angry, and never reply the same day you read it if you're wound up. Use the four-line structure: thank them, acknowledge the specific problem, say what you're doing about it, then take it offline with a named contact. Don't argue facts in public.

1-star, service went wrong

[Name], thank you for letting us know, and I'm sorry. [Specific problem] isn't the standard we hold ourselves to. I've [action taken]. I'd like to put this right properly, so please call me directly on [number] or email [email]. [Your name], owner.

1-star, price dispute

Hi [Name], thanks for raising this, and I'm sorry the final bill came as a surprise. We should have [talked you through / called you about] the change before going ahead. I'd like to go through it with you properly. Please get in touch on [number].

1-star, rude staff

[Name], I'm sorry. Nobody should be spoken to like that, and I've taken it up with the team personally. If you're willing, I'd like to hear exactly what happened. My direct line is [number]. [Your name].

Negative review you don't recognise

Hi [Name], thanks for your review. We take all feedback seriously, but we can't find a record of your [visit/job/booking] under this name. Could you contact us on [number or email] with a few details so we can look into it properly?

Special cases

Some reviews need extra care. In healthcare, never confirm someone is a patient. For reviews that may break Google's rules, reply calmly and report them. Never offer money or discounts in exchange for changing or removing a review.

Healthcare or clinic (confidentiality-safe)

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear you weren't happy. We can't discuss individual circumstances here, but we'd welcome the chance to talk. Please contact our practice manager on [number].

Suspected fake or wrong-business review

Thanks for your review. We can't find any record of working with you, and some details don't match our business. It's possible this was meant for another company. If we're wrong, please contact us on [number] and we'll look into it straight away.

Review in response to a policy (e.g. deposit, cancellation)

Hi [Name], I understand the frustration and I'm sorry it felt unfair. We keep [the policy] because [short, honest reason]. We explain it at [booking/quote], but I'll look at making that clearer. Happy to talk it through on [number].

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Questions

Replying to Google reviews: FAQs

How do you respond to a Google review?

Open your Google Business Profile (search your business name on Google while signed in, or use the Google Maps app), find the review, tap Reply, write your response and post it. Google checks replies against its content policies, usually within about 10 minutes, and the reviewer is notified.

What is the best reply to a 5-star Google review?

Use their name, mention one specific thing they said, and thank them in a sentence or two. Specific replies read as genuine; the same generic line under every review doesn't.

How do you reply to a negative Google review professionally?

Thank them, acknowledge the specific problem without excuses, say what you've done about it, and give a named person and contact to take it offline. Keep it short and never argue about facts in public.

Should I reply to Google reviews with no text?

Yes. A short thank-you is enough. It shows you read every review, and a fully answered profile looks cared for to anyone scrolling.

Can I use the same template for every review?

Use templates as a starting point, not a copy-paste. BrightLocal's 2026 survey found half of consumers are put off by generic, templated replies. Always add their name and one specific detail.

Is it legal to offer a discount for a better review in the UK?

Not without clear disclosure. Since April 2025, the DMCC Act bans fake reviews and concealed incentivised reviews, and Google's own policies prohibit incentivised reviews. Never offer anything in exchange for changing or removing a review.

Read the full guide: How to respond to Google reviews (UK guide) →