Let’s face it, asking for a review can feel about as awkward as knocking on your neighbour’s door to borrow a ladder you never returned. But here’s the thing: Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox, and most tradespeople just aren’t using them properly.
Whether you’re a plasterer in Portsmouth or a heating engineer in Huddersfield, reviews can make or break your business online. Why? Because when someone Googles “best [your trade] near me,” Google doesn’t show the flashiest van or the guy with the biggest drill. It shows the trades with great reviews, consistent feedback, and recent activity.
And yet… most trade businesses have a sad little profile with maybe three reviews, one from 2017 and two from family members with suspiciously similar surnames.
Why don’t more people ask for reviews? Simple. It feels pushy. It feels awkward. You’ve just spent two days fixing someone’s leaky roof, and now you’ve got to beg for a few stars?
But here’s the good news: there’s a way to ask for Google reviews that’s friendly, confident, and not even slightly desperate. And once you get the hang of it, it becomes part of your workflow, just like quoting, invoicing, or wondering where your apprentice left your tape measure.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to get more Google reviews without sounding like you’re pleading for spare change. You’ll learn:
So grab a brew, and let’s turn that empty review section into a wall of trust-building, lead-generating gold stars.
You’d probably rather scrub tile grout with a toothbrush than worry about online reviews. You’re good at your trade, your customers are happy, and you reckon that should be enough. But here’s the kicker:
If no one’s talking about your business online, then Google assumes there’s nothing worth talking about.
A steady stream of real, recent, and positive reviews tells Google (and your next customer) three very important things:
And don’t just take our word for it. According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey, 93% of people read reviews before choosing a tradesperson, and that number jumps even higher when the job involves money, safety, or their home, so, basically every trade job ever.
Now ask yourself this:
Reviews aren’t just about showing off your star rating. They’re a trust signal for both Google and your customers. They prove you're real, reliable, and actually still working. And they push you further up in Google Maps results, so that when someone searches “bathroom fitter near me” or “best plasterer in Kent,” you’re the one they see first.
💡 Bonus SEO tip: Reviews help you appear for specific locations and services. If a customer writes, “Brilliant new boiler fitted in Leeds,” that review just helped you rank better for “boiler fitter Canterbury” without you lifting a finger.
Asking for reviews doesn’t need to feel like begging for pocket money outside the chippy. It just needs a bit of timing, a touch of tech, and a little confidence. Here’s a simple strategy that works for all trades, whether you're an electrician in Essex or a landscaper in Lincoln.
Let’s break it down, no awkward scripts, no cringe-worthy begging, just smart, proven steps.
✅ 1. Ask at the Right Moment (AKA When They’re Buzzing About the Job)
Timing is everything. Don’t leave it too late, and don’t fire it off before they’ve seen the finished job.
The sweet spot? That exact moment when your customer says something like:
“That looks incredible..... thank you so much!”
That’s your green light. They’re happy, they trust you, and they’re far more likely to take 60 seconds to leave a review right then and there. Strike while the grout’s still drying.
✅ 2. Make It Ridiculously Easy (No Scavenger Hunts)
Telling a customer to “Just Google us and leave a review” is a one-way ticket to “never going to happen.” You need to hand it to them on a silver (digital) platter.
🔗 Include a direct review link in:
Here’s a friendly example that doesn’t sound desperate:
“If you’ve got 60 seconds, here’s a quick link to leave a review. It helps our small business more than you’d think!”
Need a link? Use Google’s Place ID tool to generate one for your profile.
✅ 3. Automate It (But Keep It Human)
You’re busy. We get it. That’s why automating your follow-up is a smart move, but don’t let it sound like a robot wrote it.
Use tools like:
And always include a helpful line like:
“If there’s anything you weren’t 100% happy with, please let me know first. I’d love the chance to make it right.”
This not only shows professionalism, it also gives you a chance to avoid a negative review before it’s posted.
✅ 4. Remind Them Once (No Nagging, Just a Nudge)
Life gets busy. Customers don’t ignore your request, they just forget. So send one gentle reminder about a week later. Keep it short, polite and friendly.
Something like:
“Hi [customer], hope everything’s still working perfectly. Just wanted to check if you had a chance to leave us a quick review, here’s the link again in case it got buried. Thanks again for choosing us!”
It’s not annoying. It’s professional follow-up. And it often doubles your chances of actually getting that review.
💡 Top tip: If you’re using a customer management system (CMS), see if it has automated review requests built in. Even a simple spreadsheet with “date of review request” reminders can help.
Let’s bust a myth straight away: you don’t need hundreds of reviews to start climbing the rankings and winning jobs.
This isn’t TripAdvisor. You’re not a five-star hotel in Marbella. You’re a local tradesperson and for you, it’s not about quantity, it’s about consistency, quality, and looking like a real, reliable, trusted pro in your area.
So how many should you aim for?
🎯 First target: 10 solid reviews
That’s the tipping point. Once you’ve got 10, your Google Business Profile starts looking active, trustworthy, and relevant to both Google and real people. If you’re sitting at zero or two, you look like you’ve just started out, even if you’ve been fitting kitchens since before smartphones were a thing.
📈 After that: 1–2 new reviews per week
Yes, just one or two. That may not sound like much, but it’s exactly what Google loves: steady, natural-looking growth. If you suddenly get 35 reviews in a weekend, it’ll raise a few algorithmic eyebrows. Google might even hide some of them or mark your profile for “spammy activity.”
And let’s be honest, most trades don’t get dozens of jobs a week, so piling on reviews too fast looks suspicious. A slow, steady trickle tells the algorithm you’re working regularly and customers are consistently happy.
⭐ Quality beats quantity, every time
A detailed 5-star review that says,
“Dan installed our new bathroom in Rochester, turned up on time, kept everything tidy, and it looks amazing,”
is worth ten “Good job. Thanks.” reviews.
And don’t forget…
💬 Reply to every single review
Even the one-liners. Even the “Cheers, mate.” responses. Google tracks your engagement and every reply is a chance to sneak in more local SEO signals.
Example:
“Thanks, John! So glad you’re happy with the loft boarding we did in Folkestone, appreciate the kind words.”
That one reply just helped you rank better for “loft boarding Norfolk” without writing a single blog post.
💡 Pro tip: Keep your review replies polite, short, and keyword-rich, but don’t sound robotic. Google and future customers both prefer a real human tone.
We’ve all been there. The job’s done, the customer’s chuffed, and now you’re hovering somewhere between “Thanks again!” and “Could you… maybe… possibly… leave us a Google review?” 😬
But here’s the thing, you don’t need to sound desperate. In fact, with the right wording, asking for a review becomes easy, natural, and even professional. And if you use the right tools (like WhatsApp, email, or a QR code), you’ll massively increase your chances of actually getting a response.
Below are plug-and-play templates that work for pretty much any trade, from window fitters to electricians, plasterers to patio specialists.
“Hi [Customer], it was a pleasure working on your [project type]! If you’re happy with everything, we’d be really grateful if you could take a minute to leave us a quick Google review — it really helps our local business grow. Here’s the link: [insert direct review link]. Thanks again for choosing us!”
💡 Top tip: Personalise it just a little. Mention the job or the location if you can. it feels more genuine and gets better responses.
“...Really glad we could help with your bathroom tiling in Margate!”
“Thanks for trusting us with your project! Your feedback means a lot, if you have a moment, please leave us a quick Google review using this link or QR code: [insert short link or print QR code].”
💡 Stick this message on:
It’s a simple touch that keeps the review request in front of them, without you having to chase by phone like it’s 1999.
When they leave a review, reply with a thank you and mention the customer by name (with their permission), like:
“Thanks so much, Emma, the new patio in Ashford was a pleasure to work on. Really pleased you’re happy with it!”
Want to really boost credibility? Upload a photo of the finished job to your profile and tie it in with your reply. Google loves activity like this, and future customers love seeing real names and real results.
📈 Why This Works:
Here’s the thing about Google reviews, they’re not just a vanity metric or something you brag about down the pub. Every single review is a mini SEO booster that helps push your business higher up the local search results, especially when customers mention the type of work you did and where.
So if you’ve been wondering why the builder with a less impressive van but 40 five-star reviews is getting more calls than you, here’s your answer.
🧠 Here’s what your reviews directly influence:
🔍 Your position on Google Maps
Reviews are one of the top ranking factors for local map packs. If you’re not showing up in the top 3 results, you’re losing leads to those who are.
📍 Visibility in “near me” searches
When someone searches “plumber near me” or “gardener in Whitstable,” reviews with location keywords give you a major leg up.
🌟 Your click-through rate from search results
Let’s be honest, if a potential customer sees one listing with 5 reviews and another with 50 glowing ones, who are they clicking?
📲 Trust from mobile searchers looking for urgent help
People searching on their phones, usually in a bit of a panic, are more likely to call the business with recent, relevant, 5-star reviews. You want to be that business.
👉 The big difference?
Companies with 30+ recent five-star reviews often get 3 to 5 times more phone calls than those stuck with fewer than 10.
(Source: BrightLocal Review Stats)
It’s not just about being good at what you do, it’s about being seen to be good. Reviews are public proof that you’re the real deal, and Google eats them up like a bacon sarnie on a Monday morning.
💡 And remember: reviews aren’t a one-time job. You need a steady drip, not a one-off flood, of new feedback to stay relevant and rise in the rankings.
But here’s the truth: bad reviews happen to good tradespeople. In fact, a profile with a mix of reviews, mostly positive, with the odd negative, actually looks more believable. Google trusts it. Customers trust it. It feels real.
The key is how you respond. That’s where the magic (and the reputation repair) happens.
✅ Stay Calm and Professional
No sarcastic replies. No insults. No ranting. You’re not on Facebook. Respond like a business owner, not someone who’s just had their sandwich nicked off site.
✅ Acknowledge Their Feedback
Even if you don’t agree with what they said, acknowledge their experience. A simple “Thanks for your feedback” shows maturity and professionalism.
✅ Apologise If Needed (Without Throwing Yourself Under the Van)
If something genuinely went wrong, own it. People respect honesty.
“We’re sorry the job took longer than expected, we aim to always finish on time and we’re looking into how we can improve.”
✅ Offer to Resolve It (Take It Offline)
Invite them to chat privately and offer to put things right. This shows others that you're reasonable and proactive.
“We’d love the chance to make this right, please feel free to contact us directly so we can resolve this together.”
✅ Never, Ever Argue in Public
It doesn’t matter if they were completely in the wrong and their dog did eat your invoice. Don’t air it out online. You’ll always look like the bad guy.
💬 A good response might look like this:
“Thanks for your feedback, John. I’m really sorry you weren’t happy with the result, we always aim for 100% satisfaction. I’d appreciate the chance to speak with you directly and see how we can make things right.”
Handled well, a negative review can actually boost your credibility. It shows you're human, you care about your customers, and you deal with issues professionally. In some cases, you might even turn a bad review into a revised one, if the customer sees you’ve gone above and beyond.
💡 Bonus tip: Don’t ask the customer to remove the review, instead, fix the issue and ask if they’d be happy to update it. It’s more authentic and shows growth.
Let’s not sugar-coat it: Google reviews are no longer optional, they’re essential if you want to grow your trade business in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a solo tiler in Tunbridge Wells or running a full team of sparkies across Surrey, reviews are how new customers decide who to trust.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to pester people or feel awkward. You just need a clear, simple process that works for you and feels natural for your customers.
The formula is simple:
More reviews → Better rankings → More visibility → More jobs.
Whether you’re a joiner in Kent, a glazier in Croydon, a plasterer in Portsmouth or a builder in Camden, your reviews are more than just stars, they’re your digital reputation, and that reputation shows up before you even answer the phone.
If your profile has barely any reviews, or the only one says “Nice job” from 2019, you're not doing your business justice.
But don’t worry, that’s exactly where we come in.
👉 Want help setting up or optimising your Google Business Profile?
👉 Need a smart, automated review system that doesn’t make you look desperate?
We’ll build it for you, show you how it performs, and make sure you start collecting the reviews your work truly deserves.
