New Google reviews are pulled automatically. AI drafts a specific reply in the owner's voice, mentioning details from the review, and sends it to the owner by email or Slack to approve, edit or reject. Approved replies are posted to Google Business Profile.
Tools used
Google Business Profile API
n8n or Make
OpenAI API or Claude
Slack or Gmail (approval)
Alternative: Birdeye or Podium built-in AI replies
Expected outcome · Typical goal
Typical goal: every review gets a thoughtful reply within a day or two, and negative reviews get a calm, non-defensive response the owner signed off on.
Setup notes
GBP API access needs a verified profile and a Google Cloud project. Agencies with many locations should apply for API access early.
Never auto-post replies to 1-3 star reviews. Those always need a human to approve.
Healthcare (dental, med spa): never confirm someone is a patient or mention treatment in a reply. That's a HIPAA issue.
Feed the prompt 10 of the owner's past replies so it sounds like them.
Prompt / agent config
Replace the {placeholders} with your own details.
Draft a reply to this Google review for {Business}, a {type} in {neighborhood/city}. Voice: {owner name}, friendly, direct, local, no corporate phrases like 'we value your feedback'. Rules: mention one specific detail from the review; under 70 words; for 4-5 stars thank them and invite them back; for 1-3 stars apologize for the specific issue, don't argue facts, and invite them to contact {owner email/phone} directly. {If healthcare: do not confirm they are a patient or reference any treatment.} Review ({stars} stars): {{text}}
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Tool names and features change; check vendor docs before you build.
When a job is marked complete and paid, the customer gets a short text (and email backup) asking for a Google review with a direct link. Unhappy responses go to the owner privately so they can fix things. Every customer gets the same request, as Google's policy requires.
HVAC · Plumbing · Home Services · Dental · Auto Repair · Contractors & Remodelers · Med Spas & Salons · low complexity
When a call goes unanswered, the caller gets a text within a minute ('Sorry we missed you, this is {Company}. What can we help with?'). An AI assistant handles the first few replies, asks for the job details, and gives the lead to a person or a booking link.
Plumbing · HVAC · Home Services · Contractors & Remodelers · Auto Repair · low complexity
Techs already take job photos. Each week the best few, tagged with town and job type, become short Google Business Profile updates ('New heat pump install in Huntersville'). AI writes the captions and the owner approves them in a batch.
HVAC · Plumbing · Roofing · Contractors & Remodelers · Home Services · medium complexity
One practical AI use case a month, for Charlotte-area businesses.