Guide
How to get more Google reviews for a trade business
Ask every customer, straight after a job, with a direct link to your Google review form. Don't pay or reward people for reviews and don't only ask the happy ones: both break the rules.
When to ask
Right after the job, while you're still there or the same day. The longer you wait, the fewer people do it.
How to ask
- Get your review link from your Google Business Profile ("Ask for reviews")
- Text or email it with one line: "Thanks for today. Would you leave us a quick review? It really helps a small business."
- Put the link on your invoices and a QR card in the van
What's not allowed
- Paying or rewarding people for reviews, including discounts
- Writing reviews yourself or having friends post fake ones
- Only sending the link to customers you think are happy ("review gating")
- Hiding or suppressing negative reviews
Reply to every review
Thank people for good ones, and answer bad ones calmly with what you did to fix it. Future customers read the replies.
Automate the ask
Cakewalk can text your customer your review link a couple of hours after you text "done" from the job.
See your free website preview. Free until we send you your first new customer enquiry, then $197.50/mo for 6 months, then $395/mo.
See your free previewQuestions
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google's policies and the FTC's rule on reviews both prohibit rewarding reviews.
How do I find my Google review link?
In your Google Business Profile, choose "Ask for reviews" and copy the link.
Sources
More guides: Google Local Services Ads: a plain guide for contractors · Voicemail greetings for contractors: examples you can use today · How to get your business recommended by ChatGPT