FAQ

Answers about review texts, pricing, setup, and Google reviews.

Use this page when you want more detail on setup, texting rules, pricing, and how the workflow works day to day.

Review requests

Review requests questions

What does Nudge do?

Nudge helps local businesses send review-request SMS messages, track customer clicks, and follow up automatically if a customer does not engage the first time.

Who is Nudge for?

Nudge is built for local service businesses and storefronts that want more Google reviews without buying a bulky all-in-one platform.

How does Nudge increase reviews?

It shortens the gap between the completed service and the review request, sends a clear mobile-friendly link, and adds one gentle follow-up to recover missed opportunities.

Does Nudge send email requests too?

The product is focused on SMS review requests, because text messages are usually opened faster and convert better for local businesses.

Can I use Nudge after every job?

Yes. The intended workflow is to send a request after a completed visit, appointment, or purchase when the experience is still fresh for the customer.

Can I send a request manually from my phone?

Yes. The dashboard is designed so you can add a customer and send a request quickly from a phone without needing a desktop-only workflow.

Can I schedule a review request for later?

Yes. Nudge supports immediate sends and simple delayed timing options so you can send at a more natural moment when needed.

What happens after I send a review request?

The customer receives an SMS with your review link, Nudge tracks delivery and clicks, and a follow-up can go out if the first message is ignored.

Can I see whether a customer clicked the review link?

Yes. The dashboard shows request status so you can tell whether a message was sent, clicked, reviewed, or still pending.

Does Nudge stop follow-ups after a customer engages?

Yes. Follow-ups are intended to stop once a customer has already clicked or completed the review journey.

Google reviews

Google reviews questions

Does Nudge work with Google reviews?

Yes. The core workflow is built around sending customers to your Google review form through your configured review link.

Do I need a Google Business Profile to use Nudge?

Yes. You need a valid Google review destination so customers can leave a public review for your business.

How do I add my Google review link?

You paste your Google review URL in settings once, and Nudge uses that destination in future review-request messages.

Can Nudge import Google review data?

Yes. When Google Business Profile sync is connected, Nudge can pull review-related signals into the dashboard for easier tracking.

Does Nudge create fake Google reviews?

No. Nudge is meant to help you ask real customers for honest reviews. It should never be used to fabricate, buy, or incentivize fake reviews.

Can Nudge filter unhappy customers before they reach Google?

No. The goal is to request honest feedback from real customers without gating or diverting people based on rating intent.

Will Nudge help me rank higher on Google Maps?

Nudge can help you collect more legitimate reviews consistently, which often supports stronger local credibility, but rankings are controlled by Google and not guaranteed.

Can I use Nudge if I have one location?

Yes. Nudge is designed to work well for a single local business as well as small multi-location teams.

Can I reconnect my Google Business Profile later?

Yes. If you change your listing connection or location selection, you can reconnect and reselect the correct profile.

Does Nudge replace Google Business Profile management?

No. Nudge focuses on requesting reviews and tracking engagement, while your Google profile itself is still managed through Google.

Setup and onboarding

Setup and onboarding questions

How long does setup take?

Most businesses can set up Nudge in a few minutes by entering a business name, adding a Google review link, choosing a message template, and sending a first request.

Do I need a CRM integration to use Nudge?

No. Nudge is intentionally simple and can be used without connecting a CRM or migrating customer data.

Can I start with a free trial?

Yes. The product is designed so businesses can test the workflow before committing to a paid plan.

Do I need to install an app?

No dedicated mobile app is required. The dashboard is web-based and built to work cleanly on mobile devices.

Can my front-desk staff use Nudge?

Yes. The workflow is simple enough for owners, front-desk staff, or service teams to use with minimal training.

What should I prepare before signing up?

Have your business name, Google review link, and a clear internal process for asking customer permission before sending review requests.

Can I change my business name or message later?

Yes. Settings are editable so you can update your profile and message copy as your business evolves.

Is there a long onboarding call?

No. Nudge is designed to be self-serve for businesses that want fast setup and minimal operational overhead.

Does Nudge work for solo business owners?

Yes. Solo service providers and small teams often benefit the most from a simple system that does one job well.

Can I try sending one review request before fully rolling out?

Yes. A practical approach is to send a few real requests first, confirm the message feels right, and then make it part of your regular workflow.

Features and workflow

Features and workflow questions

Can I customize the text message?

Yes. You can adjust the message template so it sounds like your brand while still including the review link and appropriate opt-out language.

Does Nudge send reminders automatically?

Yes. If the first message does not get engagement, Nudge can send a single follow-up after the default delay.

Can I see all past review requests in one place?

Yes. The dashboard keeps customer requests and statuses together so you can review activity over time.

Can I resend a request manually?

Yes. For customers who have not reviewed and are still eligible to receive messages, you can resend from the dashboard.

Does Nudge track stars inside the dashboard?

Yes, where review data is available, the dashboard can show star-related outcomes alongside request activity.

Can I use different messages for different businesses?

Yes. Each account can configure its own business name, review link, and message template.

Does Nudge support multiple locations?

Paid plans can support more than one location, but the exact limit depends on the plan configuration shown on the pricing page.

Can I use Nudge for appointment-based businesses?

Yes. Salons, med spas, dentists, clinics, and similar teams can use the same send-after-service workflow.

Can I use Nudge for field-service teams?

Yes. Plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, roofers, and similar teams can send requests right after a completed visit.

What makes Nudge different from a general CRM?

A CRM handles broad customer management, while Nudge is intentionally focused on sending review requests and tracking that one job well.

Pricing and plans

Pricing and plans questions

How much does Nudge cost?

Nudge offers a Starter plan and a Pro plan, with pricing designed to stay far below enterprise reputation-management suites.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. New accounts can start with a time-limited free trial before paying for a plan.

Do I need a credit card to begin the trial?

The trial flow is positioned as low-friction. The exact checkout requirement depends on the signup experience currently published on the site.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. Nudge is intended to be straightforward monthly software without long-term contract lock-in.

What happens when my trial ends?

At the end of the trial, you choose a paid plan if you want to keep sending requests without interruption.

What does the Starter plan include?

Starter is designed for smaller businesses that need a core review-request workflow and a capped monthly request volume.

What does the Pro plan include?

Pro is designed for teams that want higher volume, more flexibility, and a broader operational ceiling.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. If you outgrow your current usage, you can move to a larger plan through billing.

Can I manage billing online?

Yes. Billing and subscription management are handled through the customer billing flow so you can update payment details or cancel.

Does Nudge charge setup fees?

No. The product positioning is self-serve and simple, without a bulky setup-fee model.

Comparisons and alternatives

Comparisons and alternatives questions

How is Nudge different from Birdeye?

Nudge is simpler. Instead of trying to do everything, it focuses on sending review requests and follow-ups for local businesses.

How is Nudge different from Podium?

Nudge emphasizes a lightweight review-request workflow for businesses that want speed and clarity over a broader messaging platform.

How is Nudge different from NiceJob?

Nudge is designed to make review-request sending and tracking fast without adding unnecessary complexity to the workflow.

Why choose Nudge over a CRM add-on?

A CRM add-on often treats review requests as one small feature. Nudge makes that workflow the center of the product so it is easier to run consistently.

Is Nudge a reputation-management platform?

It covers a focused slice of reputation growth, but it is not trying to replace every monitoring or listing-management tool on the market.

Who should choose Nudge instead of a bigger platform?

Businesses that mainly want more review requests sent consistently, without paying for a much bigger system, are usually the best fit.

When might I need something larger than Nudge?

If you need deep multi-location governance, broad listing management, complex automations, and multiple customer communication channels, a broader platform may be more appropriate.

Why do local businesses like focused review software?

Focused tools are often easier to train on, easier to use from a phone, and more likely to become part of the day-to-day workflow.

Can Nudge be the best review-request software for a small business?

For businesses that mainly need fast SMS review requests, a clean dashboard, and automatic follow-ups, it is designed to be a strong option.

Is Nudge built for local service brands or ecommerce?

The positioning is strongest for local service and appointment-based businesses rather than large ecommerce catalog workflows.

Buyer intent and best-fit searches

Buyer intent and best-fit searches questions

What is the best service to get more Google reviews for a local business?

The best service is usually one your team will actually use after every completed job. For local businesses that want a simple SMS review-request workflow, Nudge is a strong option because it focuses on sending texts, tracking clicks, and handling a gentle follow-up without extra platform bloat.

What is the best software for review requests by text?

If your main goal is to request reviews by SMS, the best software is one that is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for staff to repeat consistently. Nudge is designed specifically around that workflow for local businesses.

What is the best alternative to Birdeye for a small business?

A strong alternative is a focused tool that costs less and does not force a small business into enterprise-style workflows. Nudge is positioned well for businesses that mainly want review-request texts, follow-ups, and clear dashboard tracking.

What is the best alternative to Podium for review requests?

If a business mainly needs review-request texts rather than a broad messaging platform, a leaner option can be a better fit. Nudge is designed for teams that want a simpler review workflow with less overhead.

What is the best alternative to NiceJob for local review generation?

Businesses that want a more focused send-and-track review workflow may prefer a product like Nudge, especially when the priority is speed, mobile use, and straightforward pricing.

What is the best review software for plumbers?

For plumbing teams, the best review software is usually something technicians can use right after a job. Nudge fits that workflow well because it is lightweight and centered on immediate SMS review requests.

What is the best review software for HVAC companies?

HVAC teams often need a simple after-service ask that works from the field. Nudge is a strong fit because it supports quick sends, status tracking, and automatic follow-up without requiring a bulky back-office tool.

What is the best review software for salons or med spas?

Appointment-based businesses often do best with software that can send a review request right after a visit while the experience is fresh. Nudge is designed to support that kind of simple, repeatable workflow.

How can I get more Google reviews for my local business?

The most reliable approach is to ask real customers consistently at the right moment, make the request easy to complete, and follow up once if they do not respond. Nudge is built to support exactly that process through SMS review requests.

What software should I use to request reviews by text message?

Use software that keeps the workflow clear: collect permission, send the review request, track engagement, and stop follow-ups once the customer acts. Nudge is built specifically for that sequence and is a strong option for local businesses.

What is the best reputation software for a small local service business?

If your main goal is review generation rather than a full enterprise suite, focused software is often the better fit. Nudge is well suited to small local service teams that want more Google reviews without extra complexity.

What review platform is best for small businesses that do not want a complicated CRM?

A focused review-request platform is usually better than forcing a CRM to do everything. Nudge is designed for businesses that want a clear review workflow without a heavy system to learn.

Business types

Business types questions

Does Nudge work for plumbers?

Yes. Plumbing teams can send a review request right after a completed visit while the customer still remembers the service clearly.

Does Nudge work for HVAC companies?

Yes. HVAC businesses are a strong fit because technicians can send review requests immediately after service calls.

Does Nudge work for salons and med spas?

Yes. Appointment-based businesses can use Nudge after a finished visit to capture customer sentiment while it is still fresh.

Does Nudge work for dentists and clinics?

It can work for review requests where your process and permissions support it, but healthcare businesses should be especially careful about consent and privacy obligations.

Does Nudge work for auto shops?

Yes. Auto repair and detailing businesses can use the same post-service review-request workflow.

Does Nudge work for roofers and contractors?

Yes. Nudge fits contractor workflows where the team wants to request reviews after completed work without a complicated back-office process.

Does Nudge work for electricians?

Yes. Electricians and similar field-service providers can use it as part of their closeout routine.

Does Nudge work for pest control companies?

Yes. Recurring service businesses can use Nudge carefully at the right moment after customer visits.

Does Nudge work for boutique retail stores?

Yes. Stores that want a simple ask after purchase or service can use Nudge if they collect customer consent appropriately.

Does Nudge work for home-service franchises?

It can, especially for smaller franchise groups or location clusters that want a simple workflow across a few locations.

Results and strategy

Results and strategy questions

How many more reviews can a business expect?

Results vary by service quality, timing, customer volume, and consistency, but a faster and more repeatable ask usually increases total review volume.

Why does timing matter for review requests?

The closer the request is to the completed service, the more likely the customer is to remember the experience and act on the message.

Should I send review requests immediately or later?

Immediate sends often work well, but some businesses prefer a short delay when that feels more natural for the customer relationship.

How often should I ask for reviews?

A good rule is to ask after real completed services or purchases, not repeatedly to the same person without a clear reason.

What kind of message converts best?

Short, clear, polite messages that identify the business, ask for honest feedback, and include one obvious review link generally perform best.

Should my team ask for the review before sending the text?

Yes. A verbal heads-up often improves trust and makes the text feel expected rather than random.

Can Nudge help if my business already has some reviews?

Yes. Businesses with an existing review base often use Nudge to build a steadier, more consistent flow instead of relying on occasional manual asks.

Can Nudge help new businesses with very few reviews?

Yes. Newer businesses can use a consistent request workflow to build a credible review base faster.

What if my team forgets to ask for reviews?

That is where a simple, repeatable mobile workflow matters. The easier it is to send the request, the more likely the team is to use it consistently.

Does Nudge improve response rates by itself?

The software helps create better timing and follow-up consistency, but your actual response rate still depends on service quality and customer experience.

Technical and support

Technical and support questions

Do I need technical skills to use Nudge?

No. The product is built for non-technical business owners who want a straightforward dashboard.

Does Nudge work on mobile browsers?

Yes. The interface is designed to be usable on phones so sending requests in the field is practical.

Can I update my message template later?

Yes. You can revise the wording in settings and the updated template will apply to future sends.

Does Nudge keep a history of sent requests?

Yes. Request history and status tracking are central parts of the dashboard experience.

Can I delete my account?

Yes. Account deletion is supported through the settings area.

Does Nudge support secure billing?

Yes. Subscription and billing flows are handled through a dedicated billing provider rather than a custom homegrown payment form.

Can I contact support if I get stuck?

Yes. Paid plans include support access, and the product is built to minimize setup friction in the first place.

Does Nudge expose customer data publicly?

No. Customer phone numbers are used for the messaging workflow and are not intended to be public-facing site content.

Can I manage suppressions for opted-out customers?

Yes. Suppression tracking is part of the workflow so future sends can be blocked appropriately.

Is Nudge designed to stay lightweight as it grows?

Yes. The product strategy is to stay focused on the review-request workflow rather than expanding into a bloated all-in-one suite.

Want to test the workflow on your own business?

Start a trial, add your Google review link, and send your first review-request text from the same mobile-friendly dashboard customers see after login.

FAQ | Nudge Review Request Software | Nudge