How to Get More Google Reviews as a Tradesperson
· 4 min read
When someone needs a plumber, an electrician, or a painter, the first thing they do is Google it. And the first thing they look at — before your website, before your price — is your reviews. Five stars and a pile of genuine feedback builds trust instantly. Zero reviews (or worse, a few bad ones with no response) sends people straight to your competitor.
Getting Google reviews isn't hard. Most happy clients will leave one if you ask at the right time, in the right way. Here's how.
Ask at the right moment
Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is right after the job is done — when the client is standing there seeing the finished work and they're genuinely pleased. Don't wait a week and send an email into the void. Ask while the positive feeling is fresh. A simple "If you were happy with the work, I'd really appreciate a quick Google review — it makes a big difference to my business" goes a long way.
Make it as easy as possible
Most people want to help but won't bother if it feels like effort. The solution is a direct link. Go to your Google Business Profile, find your review link, and shorten it with bit.ly or a similar tool. Save it on your phone. After a job, text or email it with a brief message: "Hi Sarah, great working on your bathroom this week. If you have two minutes, here's a link to leave a Google review — it really helps: [link]." One tap, done.
Don't ask for five stars — just ask for honest feedback
Asking for "a five-star review" can feel transactional and some clients find it off-putting. Instead, ask for an honest review of their experience. In practice, happy clients will leave five stars naturally. And a genuine four-star review with a thoughtful comment is more trustworthy to new clients than a string of generic five-star ratings with no detail.
Respond to every review
Reply to your reviews — good and bad. For positive reviews, a short thank-you shows you're engaged and appreciate the feedback. For negative ones, respond calmly and professionally, even if the review feels unfair. Something like: "Thanks for the feedback — I'm sorry to hear the job didn't meet your expectations. I'd welcome the chance to discuss this and make it right. Please give me a call." This shows potential clients that you take complaints seriously and handle them like a professional.
Handle negative reviews without losing your cool
A one-star review can sting, especially if you feel it's unfair. Don't respond in anger, and don't get into a back-and-forth argument in the comments — that looks far worse than the original review. Keep your response brief, factual, and professional. If the review is genuinely false or defamatory, you can flag it for removal through Google, but that process takes time.
Consistent reviews build a reputation that keeps working for you long after the job is done. Make it a habit — ask after every job, make it easy, and watch your Google profile become your best marketing tool.