How to get more Google reviews without being pushy
Reviews are often what decides between you and the business listed next to you on Google Maps. Most happy customers are willing to leave one. They just never get asked at the right moment, in a way that takes less than a minute.
Ask on the day
The best time to ask is the moment the job is done and the customer is pleased: the hot water is back, the lights work, the garden looks good. A week later, the problem is forgotten and so is the goodwill. Ask before you leave, or send a message that evening.
Make it one tap
"Please find us on Google and leave a review" loses most people along the way. Google lets you create a direct link that opens the review box for your business. Put that link in your message so the customer goes straight there.
Keep the message short and personal
Something like:
Hi Sarah, thanks for having us out today. If you're happy with the work, a quick Google review would help us a lot: [link]. Thanks, Mike
Use their name and your own. A message that sounds like it came from a person gets far more replies than one that sounds automated.
Ask everyone, not just the delighted ones
Only asking your happiest customers looks unnatural, and Google's guidelines don't allow you to filter who gets asked. Ask every customer. If someone had a problem, you'd rather hear about it and fix it anyway.
Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews, briefly and personally. Reply to bad ones calmly, without arguing, and offer to put things right. Future customers read your replies as closely as the reviews themselves.
Make it a habit, not a campaign
A burst of reviews in one week followed by months of nothing looks odd. A steady trickle, one or two after every few jobs, keeps your profile fresh and shows Google you're active. The easiest way is to make the request part of finishing every job, or to have it sent automatically when a job is marked done.
Our free website audit looks at your reviews alongside your website and Google profile, and shows you where you stand against the businesses customers compare you with.