Getting Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are essential for building trust and improving your local search rankings. This guide shows you how to get more reviews without being pushy or annoying.

Why Reviews Matter

Reviews impact everything:

• Google rankings: More reviews = higher rankings
• Customer trust: 88% of customers trust reviews
• Conversion rates: Businesses with 40+ reviews get more bookings
• Social proof: Shows you're busy and trusted

Goal: Get 5-10 reviews per month consistently.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing Guide: When to Ask vs Don't Ask

✅ Ask When	❌ Don't Ask When
Customer is happy (you can see it)	There's an issue or complaint
Work is completed and cleaned up	Customer seems unhappy
You're still on site or just left	You're rushing off
Customer thanked you or praised your work	It's been weeks since the job
Customer says "Thanks, that's great!"	Customer hasn't seen completed work yet
Customer asks for your card "for next time"	There's a problem to fix first
Customer mentions they'll recommend you	You haven't finished the job
You've solved a problem they've had for a while	Customer seems stressed or busy

How to Ask for Reviews

In Person (On Site)

Simple, natural approach:

"Thanks [Name], really glad you're happy with the work. If you get a chance, I'd really appreciate a quick review on Google - it really helps me out. I can send you a link if that's easier?"

Why this works:

• Personal and friendly
• Not pushy
• Offers help (link)
• Makes it easy for them

Via Text/WhatsApp (After Job)

Template for happy customers:

Hi [Name], thanks for choosing me for your [job]. Really glad you're happy with the work! If you have a moment, I'd be grateful for a quick review on Google. It really helps my business. Here's the link: [Your Google Review Link]

Follow-up if no response (after 2-3 days):

Hi [Name], just following up - if you have 30 seconds, a quick review would mean a lot. Thanks! [Link]

Then stop: Don't keep asking if they don't respond.

Via Email (Professional Jobs)

Email template:

Subject: Thank you - and a small favour?

Hi [Name],

Thanks for choosing [Your Business] for your [job]. I hope you're happy with the work.

If you have a moment, I'd be really grateful for a quick review on Google. Reviews help other customers find reliable tradesmen like yourself.

[Google Review Link]

Thanks again! [Your Name]

On Invoice/Receipt

Add a note:

"We'd love your review! If you're happy with our work, please leave a review: [Link]"

Making It Easy for Customers

Provide Direct Links

Create review links:

• Google: Google Review Link Generator
• Facebook: Link to your Facebook page reviews section
• Trustpilot: Direct link to review page

How to create Google review link:

1. Go to Google Maps
2. Search your business
3. Click "Share" → "Embed a map"
4. Copy the link
5. Or use: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID

Send the link via:

• Text/WhatsApp immediately after job
• Email receipt
• Business card with QR code
• Invoice footer

QR Code Method

Create a QR code that links to your review page:

• Use a free QR code generator
• Print on business cards
• Leave on site: "Scan for a quick review!"

Benefits:

• Super easy for customers
• No typing URLs
• Professional touch

Multiple Review Platforms

Where to Ask for Reviews

Platform	Priority	Why It Matters
Google Business Profile	1 - CRITICAL	Most important for SEO and local rankings
Facebook	2 - HIGH	Good for local visibility and social proof
Trustpilot	3 - MEDIUM	If you're listed there, great for trust
Trade-specific	4 - MEDIUM	Checkatrade, MyBuilder if applicable

Strategy: Focus on Google first, then diversify.

Asking for Multiple Reviews

Don't ask for all at once:

• ❌ "Please review us on Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot"
• ✅ "A Google review would be amazing if you have time"

Better approach:

• Ask for Google review first
• If they leave one, wait 2-3 months then mention Facebook
• Don't overwhelm customers

Following Up Without Being Pushy

Follow-Up Strategy

Timeline	Action	What to Do
Day 1	Ask for review	On site or via text immediately after job
Day 3	Quick reminder	If no review yet, send gentle reminder
Day 7	Final reminder	One last gentle reminder
After Day 7	Stop	Don't keep asking

What to Say in Follow-Up

Gentle reminder:

"Hi [Name], just a quick reminder - if you have 30 seconds, a Google review would really help. Thanks! [Link]"

If they've reviewed:

"Thanks so much for the review [Name]! Really appreciate it. If you need anything else, just give me a shout!"

Handling Negative Reviews

Respond Professionally

Always respond - even to negative reviews.

Good response template:

Hi [Name], I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. I'd like to put this right. Please could you contact me on [phone] so I can resolve this? I take customer satisfaction very seriously and want to make this right.

Why respond:

• Shows you care
• Other customers see you handle issues
• Can sometimes resolve and get review changed
• Demonstrates professionalism

Getting Negative Reviews Removed

If review is fake or inappropriate:

• Report to Google/Facebook
• Provide evidence if possible
• Be patient - removal can take time

If review is legitimate:

• Address the issue professionally
• Offer to make it right
• Sometimes customers will update or remove after resolution

Review Request Templates

Quick Text Template

Hi [Name], thanks for choosing me! If you're happy with the work, I'd really appreciate a quick Google review. Here's the link: [Link] Thanks!

Professional Email Template

Hi [Name],

Thanks for choosing [Your Business] for your [service]. I hope you're pleased with the work.

If you have a moment, I'd be grateful for a quick review on Google. It really helps other customers find reliable tradesmen.

[Review Link]

Thanks again! [Your Name]

Business Card Text

"Happy with our work? We'd love your review! Scan QR code or visit: [Short Link]"

Best Practices

✅ Do This

• Ask immediately after happy job completion
• Make it easy - provide direct links
• Be genuine - personal request works better
• Thank reviewers - acknowledge when they review
• Respond to all reviews - positive and negative
• Follow up gently - but don't nag

❌ Don't Do This

• Don't ask unhappy customers - wait until issue resolved
• Don't offer incentives - against Google's policy
• Don't fake reviews - can get you banned
• Don't be pushy - respect if they say no
• Don't ignore negative reviews - always respond
• Don't ask for reviews months later - timing matters

Quick Wins

This Week

1. Create your Google review link
2. Add link to your business card
3. Ask your next 3 happy customers
4. Thank anyone who reviews you

This Month

1. Get 5-10 new reviews
2. Respond to all existing reviews
3. Add review link to invoices
4. Create QR code for easy access

Key Takeaways

✅ Ask immediately after job completion when customer is happy

✅ Make it easy - provide direct links and QR codes

✅ Follow up gently - but don't nag

✅ Focus on Google - most important for SEO

✅ Respond professionally - to all reviews, positive and negative

✅ Be genuine - personal requests work better than automated

✅ Thank reviewers - acknowledge their effort

Next Steps

1. Create your review links - Google, Facebook, etc.
2. Practice asking - have your script ready
3. Start asking - your next happy customer
4. Track results - aim for 5-10 reviews per month
5. Respond to reviews - build your reputation

Remember: Reviews are about building relationships. Ask genuinely, make it easy, and thank customers for their time. Most happy customers are happy to help if you make it simple.