How to Get More Google Reviews as a Tradesperson

Most tradespeople have dozens of happy customers and only a handful of reviews. That’s not because the work isn’t good. It’s because nobody asked at the right moment, or asking felt awkward.

Reviews are one of the biggest reasons someone picks you over the next name on the list. Here’s how to get more of them without being pushy, and without breaking Google’s rules.

Ask at the right moment

The best time to ask is when the customer is happiest: the day the job is finished, while they’re looking at the new roof or the working boiler. Leave it a week and they’ve moved on.

Asking in person works well. Something as simple as “If you’re happy with the job, a quick Google review would really help me out” is enough. Most people say yes. The problem is that they then forget, which is why the next step matters.

Make it take thirty seconds

Every extra step loses you reviews. Don’t tell people to “search for us on Google”. Send them a direct link that opens the review box straight away.

• You can get your review link from your Google Business Profile. Look for the option to ask for reviews or share a review form.
• Send it by text or WhatsApp the same day, with a short thank-you message.
• Save the message as a template on your phone so it takes you ten seconds each time.

A follow-up a few days later, if they haven’t left one, is fine. Once is enough. More than that starts to feel like nagging.

What not to do

A few common shortcuts can get reviews removed or your profile penalised:

• Don’t offer anything in return, like a discount for a five-star review. Google doesn’t allow incentivised reviews.
• Don’t only ask the customers you think will be happy. Google’s rules say you shouldn’t selectively ask for positive reviews. Ask everyone the same way.
• Never write reviews yourself or get friends and family to post them. Fake reviews are against Google’s policies and are banned under UK consumer law.
• Don’t ask for reviews in bulk from old customers all at once. A sudden flood can look suspicious. A steady flow is better.

Handling a bad review

Every busy trade gets one eventually. The worst thing you can do is ignore it or argue. The best thing is a calm, short reply that shows future customers how you deal with problems.

• Thank them for the feedback and say you’re sorry they weren’t happy.
• Explain briefly, without blame, if there’s context worth knowing.
• Offer to sort it out and give a way to contact you directly.

If a review is fake, abusive or clearly from someone who was never a customer, you can report it to Google from your profile.

Put your reviews to work

Reviews on Google help you get found. Showing them on your website helps people decide. A few genuine quotes near your phone number can be the thing that gets someone to call. Our website checklist for tradespeople covers where reviews fit alongside everything else, and our Google Business Profile guide explains how reviews help you show up on the map.