# Neutral Google Review Request Worksheet

Status: local planning artifact only. Do not connect this worksheet to a CRM, email/SMS platform, Google Business Profile, or customer list without the required human approval and policy review.

## 1. Define the real experience

| Field | Fill before using a request |
|---|---|
| Service/product completed |  |
| Date of real customer interaction |  |
| Customer-contact channel already permitted by the business |  |
| Request owner |  |
| Objective | Ask for an honest account of a genuine experience, not a positive rating. |

Stop if the experience is unresolved, the contact channel is not authorized, or the request would pressure the customer.

## 2. Neutral eligibility rule

Use one rule that is independent of satisfaction, complaint status, likely rating, referral source, or employee preference.

```text
Eligible group: Every customer who completed [defined service/product] during [date range]
Exclusions: [document only operational/contact-permission reasons, not sentiment]
Who applies the rule: [name/role]
Who checks the sample/list: [name/role]
```

Do not use an internal “happy?” survey, a 4–5-star filter, a recovery branch that suppresses the review request, or a request aimed only at customers expected to praise the business.

## 3. Google link / QR readiness check

- [ ] A qualified owner has opened the correct, eligible Google Business Profile.
- [ ] The owner created or copied the current official Google review link/QR code.
- [ ] The owner verified the destination belongs to the intended business.
- [ ] The request uses no incentive, discount, giveaway, contest entry, refund, or conditional benefit.
- [ ] The request asks for an honest experience, not a rating, a positive review, or specified wording.
- [ ] No one will require or pressure a customer to review while on the premises.

## 4. Draft copy for human review

Use one neutral version for the eligible group. Replace bracketed fields only after a human checks accuracy and contact permissions.

```text
Subject: Share your experience with [Business]

Thanks for choosing [Business] for [service/product]. If you would like to share an honest account of your experience, you can leave a Google review here: [official review link].

Feedback of every kind helps us learn. A review is optional, and we appreciate your time.

[Name / role]
```

Do not add a star-rating request, “if you loved us” filter, review incentive, pre-written review text, or a promise tied to posting, editing, or removing a review.

## 5. AI handoff card

Safe AI preparation:

- Draft a neutral request using an approved template.
- Compare a manually supplied draft list against the written eligibility rule for missing fields.
- Create a human-readable approval summary.

Blocked / human-only:

- Accessing or exporting CRM, inbox, SMS, call, or Business Profile data.
- Selecting customers based on sentiment, rating likelihood, or complaint history.
- Sending, scheduling, or personalizing customer messages.
- Replying publicly, offering compensation, removing/editing reviews, or deciding a policy/legal issue.

## 6. Human approval record

| Check | Approver | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral eligibility rule reviewed |  |  |  |
| Contact channel and timing approved |  |  |  |
| Official Google destination verified |  |  |  |
| Exact message approved |  |  |  |
| Incentive / gating / pressure check passed |  |  |  |
| Applicable privacy, consent, industry, and legal review completed |  |  |  |

No message may be sent from this worksheet. A separate, explicit human decision is required for any customer contact.

## 7. Exception log

| Date | What happened | Neutral system fix | Owner | Do not do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|  | Customer declines | Record no-contact preference if applicable |  | Argue, pressure, or try a new channel without permission |
|  | Negative feedback arrives | Route to accountable service-recovery owner |  | Suppress, trade value for removal, or condition help on a review change |
|  | Policy uncertainty | Pause and obtain qualified review |  | Guess or use a workaround |

## 8. Monthly recheck

- [ ] Re-open the current Google request and content-policy pages.
- [ ] Re-open FTC guidance if the workflow is used in the U.S.
- [ ] Verify no incentive, sentiment screen, review-content request, or forced on-premises review was added.
- [ ] Retire any automation that bypasses the approval record.