AI Review Auto-Reply
This guide explains what review auto-reply does, how to turn it on, the rules you can set, and what it needs to work.
This guide explains what review auto-reply does, how to turn it on, the rules you can set, and what it needs to work.
What is auto-reply?
Auto-reply lets Ranksphere write and post a reply to your new Google reviews for you, in your brand voice, so you don't have to do it by hand each time. It is off by default and opt-in: you turn it on for a location and set the rules, and you can turn it off any time.
When it is on, each new review is answered automatically once it is older than the delay you set, and the reply publishes straight to Google. It sits alongside the manual flow, so you can still write or edit replies yourself whenever you want.
You'll find it on a location's Reviews tab.
Turning it on
- Open a location and go to the Reviews tab.
- Open the auto-reply settings and switch it on.
- Set your rules (below).
Auto-reply needs your Google Business Profile connected for that location. Replies publish to Google, so a location that isn't connected can't auto-reply, and the setting won't run until you connect it.
The rules you set
Which reviews get a reply
| Both | Every new review |
| Positive | 4 and 5 star reviews only |
| Negative | 1, 2, and 3 star reviews only |
Tone
Pick the register the replies are written in: Professional, Friendly, or Casual. It is the same choice you'd make for a manual AI reply.
Reply delay
Choose how long to wait before a review is answered: instantly, after 5, 15, or 30 minutes, or after 1, 2, 6, or 24 hours. A review is only answered once it is older than the delay, so the delay is your window to step in and reply yourself first if you want to.
Credits and limits
Each auto-reply is written by AI, so it uses AI credits, the same as a manual AI reply. See AI Credits. If you run low on AI credits, auto-reply pauses until your credits refill or you top up. Runs are also bounded, so a big batch of new reviews is worked through a few at a time rather than all at once.
Who can do what
| Owner | Yes |
| Admin | Yes |
| Member | Yes |
| Guest | No |
Auto-reply also needs a connected Google Business Profile, which is set up by an Owner or Admin.
Common questions
Does auto-reply replace writing replies myself?
No. It is optional and runs alongside the manual flow. You can still write, edit, or generate a reply by hand at any time.
Do I need to connect my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Replies publish straight to Google, so auto-reply only runs for a location with a connected profile.
Can I have it reply only to negative reviews?
Yes. Set the scope to Negative, and it only answers 1, 2, and 3 star reviews. Positive answers 4 and 5 star reviews, and Both answers every new review.
What is the delay for?
It is a buffer. A review is only answered once it is older than the delay you set, so you have a window to reply yourself first if you'd rather handle that one by hand.
Does auto-reply cost credits?
Yes. Each reply is written by AI and uses AI credits, the same as a manual AI reply. If you run low, it pauses until your credits refill or you top up.
Related: Reviews · Google Business Profile · AI Credits
Still stuck?
Start free and set this up in your own workspace, or reach out and we'll help.
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