How quickly should you respond to a Google review?

Short answer

Aim to reply within 24 to 48 hours. For negative reviews, faster is better — within a few hours if you can — because an unanswered complaint sits at the top of your profile for everyone considering your business.

Why speed matters

• The reviewer is most likely to come back and give you another chance while the experience is fresh.
• Prospects reading your profile see that you're paying attention and responsive.
• A quick, calm reply to criticism defuses it before it shapes anyone else's impression.

The realistic problem

Reviews arrive on nights, weekends, and holidays — exactly when no one is watching the dashboard. That's the gap round-the-clock automation closes: a reply drafted in your voice goes out in seconds, at 2am, without you touching your phone.