You've just finished a job. The customer's happy. They tell you it looks great, shake your hand, maybe even make you a brew. But then you leave, and that's it. No review. No trace of the job online. Sound familiar?
Google reviews are the single most powerful free marketing tool for tradespeople. They show up when someone searches for your trade in your area, and they're the first thing people look at when deciding who to call. Yet most tradesmen have fewer than five reviews, if they have any at all.
Why reviews matter so much
Think about the last time you needed a takeaway. You probably checked the Google reviews before ordering. Your potential customers do exactly the same thing when they need a plumber, a roofer, or an electrician. A business with 30 reviews at 4.8 stars gets the call. A business with zero reviews gets skipped.
Google also uses reviews as a ranking factor. More genuine reviews = higher in local search results. It's free SEO that doesn't require any technical knowledge.
The easy way to ask
Most tradesmen don't ask for reviews because it feels awkward. Here's how to make it natural:
- Ask at the right moment. Right after the customer says they're happy with the work. Not two weeks later via a random text.
- Make it easy. Send them a direct link to your Google review page. You can get this from your Google Business Profile and it's literally one click for them.
- Text them. Something like: "Glad you're happy with the work! If you've got 30 seconds, a quick Google review would really help me out. Here's the link: [link]". Keep it simple and personal.
- Don't overthink it. Most people are happy to help. They just need a nudge and a link.
What to do with bad reviews
Everyone gets one eventually. Don't panic and don't argue. Reply calmly, acknowledge the issue, and offer to put it right. Future customers reading that response will see you're professional and reasonable. That matters more than a perfect score.
How many do you actually need?
Aim for 10+ to start looking credible, then keep a steady stream coming in. Google likes recent reviews more than old ones. One review a week is better than 20 in one day and nothing for six months.
Start today. Text your three happiest recent customers. That's 10 minutes of effort that could bring you jobs for months.