How tradespeople can get more Google reviews

For a plumber, electrician, builder or cleaner, Google reviews are often the deciding factor when a new customer is choosing who to call. Most happy customers are willing to leave a review. They just need to be asked at the right time, in the right way.

This guide covers when to ask, how to word the request, how to reply to the reviews you get, and the mistakes that quietly hold tradespeople back.

Why reviews matter so much for trades

When someone needs a boiler fixed or a bathroom tiled, they are letting a stranger into their home. Before they call, they want reassurance that other local people have used you and been happy. Your reviews do that job while you are busy on site.

Reviews also back up your other marketing. Someone who picks up your leaflet or spots your van will often search for your name before they ring. If they find a profile full of recent, genuine reviews, the decision becomes much easier. A well kept Google Business Profile and a steady flow of reviews work best together.

Ask when the job is finished

The best moment is straight after the job is done and the customer is pleased. Waiting a week means the moment has passed. The customer has moved on, the new tap or freshly painted room is no longer exciting, and your message gets lost among everything else.

If you can, mention it in person as you pack up. Something simple such as "If you are happy with the work, a quick Google review would really help me" sets up the message that follows.

Make it easy

Send a short message with a direct link to your Google review page, so the customer does not have to search for you. One tap to open, a few words to type, and it is done.

Here is a message you can copy and adapt:

"Hi [name], thanks for having me round to sort out the [job] today. If you are happy with the work, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps a small local business like mine. Here is the link: [review link]. Thanks again, [your name]."

Keep it short, personal and polite. Mention the job so the customer knows it is a genuine message from you and not a generic marketing text.

Ask every customer

Asking only the customers you think will be happy skews things, and it is easy to forget. A simple routine of asking after every job builds a steady flow of reviews.

The easiest way to make it a habit is to tie it to something you already do. For example, send the review request at the same time as your invoice, or as soon as you mark the job complete in your diary.

Reply to reviews

Thank people for good reviews. A short, personal reply that mentions the job shows future customers that you care about the work.

If you get a poor one, reply calmly, explain what you will do to put it right, and take the conversation offline. Future customers notice how you handle problems. A measured, helpful reply to a complaint can reassure people just as much as a good review.

Do not offer incentives

Do not pay or offer discounts for reviews. It goes against Google's rules and can lead to reviews being removed. The same applies to writing reviews for yourself or asking friends and family to post reviews for work you have not done for them.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long after the job before asking.

• Sending a link to your website instead of the review page itself.

• Asking in a long, formal email that feels like marketing.

• Only asking when you remember, rather than after every job.

• Ignoring reviews once they arrive, good or bad.

• Getting defensive in public replies to criticism.

A simple weekly routine

Say you finish a handful of jobs each week. If you send a review request on the day each one finishes, and spend a few minutes at the end of the week replying to any new reviews, you have a routine that takes very little time but keeps your profile fresh. Over months, that small habit can make a real difference to how your business looks next to competitors.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after a job should I ask for a review?

Ideally the same day, while the customer is still pleased with the result. Within a day or two is fine, but the longer you leave it, the less likely they are to reply.

Should I ask in person or by text?

Both work well together. A quick word in person, followed by a text with the direct review link, makes it as easy as possible for the customer.

What should I do about a negative review?

Reply calmly and politely, acknowledge the problem, explain what you will do and offer to talk directly. Do not argue in public.

Can I offer a discount in return for a review?

No. Offering incentives for reviews goes against Google's rules and can lead to reviews being removed.

Let us handle it

Leaflet Media's review management service sends a Google review request to every customer after every job, so you do not have to remember. Find out more on our review management service page.

If you want to see where else you might be losing customers, book a free missed customer check. You can also call 07525 722 427 or email Brighton@leaflet-media.co.uk.