Facebook no longer shows star ratings on Pages in the way it once did. People now leave recommendations, which say whether they recommend a business and why. They still shape how customers see you, so it helps to know how to earn them honestly.
Checked on October 28, 2026 against the Page terms and Community Standards on Meta's website. Rules change, so read the current versions before you act on anything here.
The rule that matters most
Recommendations must be genuine. Meta's rules do not allow you to offer rewards or incentives in exchange for a recommendation, and they do not allow fake recommendations. That covers money, discounts, gifts and prize draws. It also covers writing recommendations yourself or asking others to write ones they do not mean.
How to ask without crossing the line
Asking a real customer to share their honest experience is a normal part of running a business. A short, neutral message works:
"Thanks for choosing us today. If you have a minute, we would value an honest recommendation on our Facebook Page. Here is the link. If anything was not right, just reply to this message."
Notice what the message leaves out: no reward, no pressure and no request for a particular answer. Ask each customer in the same way, not only the ones you think are happy.
Make it easy
- Send customers to your Page's recommendations section from a text or a card.
- Make sure your Page's name, hours, phone number and website are correct, so people know they are on the right Page.
- Only message customers who have agreed to hear from you, and include a way to opt out.
Replying
Reply to every recommendation, positive or negative. Thank people by name and mention the work. If someone had a bad experience, say you are sorry, do not argue in public and offer to fix it by phone or message. Future customers read your replies.
A word on negative recommendations
A critical recommendation feels unfair, but it is also a chance to show how you treat people. Read it twice before replying. Thank the person, address the specific point, and offer a way to put things right. If it is not from a real customer, or it breaks Meta's rules, report it, and reply to the rest as normal. Customers judge you more by how you respond than by one unhappy comment.
Things to avoid
- Do not offer discounts, gifts or entries in return for a recommendation.
- Do not ask staff, friends or family to write ones they do not mean.
- Do not delete negative recommendations by pressuring the writer. Report ones that break the rules, and reply to the rest.
How this fits with other sites
Each site has its own rules. For Google, ask every customer the same way. For Yelp, read why you should not ask. Use the free review score checker to see where you stand, or see our reviews service if you want help.