Make it one tap
Most happy customers will leave a review if it takes ten seconds. Most will not if they have to go looking for you.
- Open your Google Business Profile and choose Ask for reviews. Google gives you a short link that opens the review box directly.
- Save that link in your phone's notes so you can paste it into a text.
- Turn it into a QR code and print it on a small card for the counter, the truck or the invoice.
Ask at the right moment
The best time is right after the win: the job is done and they are looking at it, they just thanked you, or they told you how much better it is than they expected. The longer you wait, the fewer people follow through.
What to say
Keep it short, personal and honest. Change the words to sound like you.
"I'm really glad you're happy with it. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It makes a big difference for a small business like ours. I can text you the link right now."
"Hi Sarah, it's Mike from [your business]. Thanks again for having us out today. If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would mean a lot to us: [your link]"
"Hi Sarah, hope the new fence is treating you well. No pressure at all, but if you get a minute, here's that review link again: [your link]. Thank you!"
One follow-up is plenty. After that, let it go.
Reply to every review
Thank people by name and mention the job. It shows the next customer that a real person is behind the business.
If you get a bad one, reply calmly, say what you will do to make it right, and take the details to a phone call. A fair reply to a tough review often wins more trust than ten five-star ones.
What not to do
- Do not pay for reviews. No discounts, gift cards or prize drawings in exchange for one. Google does not allow it.
- Do not ask only the customers you think will be positive. Google does not allow hand-picking only the happy ones, and a mix of honest reviews is more believable anyway.
- Do not write your own, or have family and staff write them.
Make it a habit
A steady trickle beats a burst. Ask every customer on the day the job is done, and the reviews take care of themselves.
Your best reviews are ready-made content. Put one on screen in a short video, or film the customer saying it themselves. We do this for clients as part of their monthly social media.