A bad review isn't just a problem. It's also an opportunity — if you respond well.

Future customers read your 1-star responses more carefully than your 5-star ones. A calm, professional response to a bad review shows them you handle problems well. That's more persuasive than 20 positive reviews with no context.

Here's how to respond — and the AI prompts to write it in 30 seconds.

✓ Do This

  • Acknowledge their experience
  • Apologize sincerely
  • Invite direct contact
  • Keep it brief (under 80 words)
  • Respond within 24 hours

✗ Don't Do This

  • Argue or get defensive
  • Deny their experience
  • Write a long response
  • Ignore it
  • Wait more than 48 hours

1-Star Response Template

"Write a calm, professional response to this 1-star Google review for my [TRADE] business: '[PASTE REVIEW TEXT]'. Keep it under 80 words. Acknowledge their frustration without being defensive. Apologize for their experience. Invite them to contact us directly at [PHONE/EMAIL] to make it right. Don't argue any facts."

3-Star Response Template

"Write a professional response to this 3-star review: '[PASTE REVIEW TEXT]'. Thank them for the feedback. Acknowledge any specific concern they raised. Invite them to contact us directly if there's anything we can improve. Genuine and constructive. Under 80 words."

When You Think the Review Is Fake or Mistaken

"Write a professional response to a 1-star Google review that appears to be from someone who was not our customer — we have no record of the name or situation described. Keep it polite and factual. Invite them to contact us to clarify. Under 60 words."

After responding: flag the review in Google Business Profile (three dots → Report) if you believe it violates Google's policies.

After a Resolution: Asking for Review Update

"Write a message to [NAME] after we resolved their concern about [ISSUE]. Thank them for giving us the chance to make it right, and politely ask if they'd consider updating their Google review given the resolution. No pressure — just a genuine ask."

Get All 6 Review Prompts + the Full System — $27

The AI Starter Pack for Roofers includes review requests, responses (1/3/5 star), and the complete reputation system.

Get the Starter Pack — $27