- Ask every customer, right after the job, with a direct one-tap review link.
- A text message from the technician usually beats a generic email days later.
- Never offer rewards for reviews or filter out unhappy customers — both break Google’s rules.
- Reply to every review; steady monthly volume beats a one-off push.
Most happy customers will leave a review if you ask at the right moment and make it easy. Most never do because nobody asks. This guide gives you a simple system any plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, landscaping or contracting crew can run.
Why reviews matter so much
Reviews do two jobs. Google lists prominence as one of its three local ranking factors, and review count and rating are part of it. And when a homeowner sees three plumbers on the map, the one with more recent, detailed reviews usually gets the call. Reviews help you rank and help you win the click.
Step 1: Get your review link
In your Google Business Profile, use the “Ask for reviews” or “Get more reviews” option to copy your short review link. It opens the review box directly, so customers don’t have to search for you. Save it somewhere your whole team can use it.
Step 2: Ask at the right moment
The best time is right after the problem is solved — the water heater works, the AC is blowing cold, the leak is gone. Gratitude is highest then. Have the technician mention it in person, then send the link by text within the hour. A request a week later competes with everything else in the customer’s inbox.
Step 3: What to say
Keep it short, personal and specific. For example:
“Hi Sarah, thanks for having us out today to fix the water heater. If you were happy with Mike’s work, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps a small local business. [link]”
Mentioning the technician’s name and the job encourages detailed reviews like “Mike fixed our tankless water heater the same day”, which are more convincing to future customers than “Great service”.
Step 4: Make it automatic
Relying on technicians to remember fails on busy days. Many field-service tools can send a review request automatically when a job is marked complete. If yours can’t, a simple automation can trigger a text from your invoice or payment system. Track how many requests go out and how many reviews come in each month.
Step 5: Reply to every review
- Positive reviews: thank them by name, mention the job and the town, keep it human.
- Negative reviews: reply calmly, acknowledge the issue, take it offline with a phone number, and fix it if you can. Future customers read your reply more closely than the complaint.
What not to do
- Don’t offer discounts, gift cards or prize draws in exchange for reviews.
- Don’t send only happy customers to Google while routing unhappy ones elsewhere.
- Don’t write reviews for yourself or ask staff and family to.
- Don’t ask for a burst of reviews in one week and then stop — steady volume looks natural and keeps your profile fresh.
Reviews work best alongside a complete, active profile. If your listing still isn’t showing, read why your Google Business Profile isn’t showing up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google’s policies prohibit offering incentives for reviews. It can lead to reviews being removed or your profile being restricted.
Can I ask only happy customers?
Google’s policies don’t allow selectively soliciting positive reviews or discouraging negative ones. Ask everyone, and use feedback from unhappy customers to fix problems.
Can I get a bad review removed?
Only if it breaks Google’s content policies — for example spam, off-topic content or a conflict of interest. You can flag it from your profile. Honest negative reviews stay, so a calm, professional reply is your best response.