Reviews are the lifeblood of local businesses. But asking for them feels awkward. Here's a system that gets reviews consistently without you having to beg.
The Timing Sweet Spot
Ask too early and they haven't experienced your service. Ask too late and they've forgotten. The perfect time: immediately after a positive interaction.
For service businesses, that's right after job completion when the customer is happiest.
The Two-Step Ask
Step 1: "How was your experience today?" (in person or via text)
If positive, Step 2: "Would you mind sharing that on Google? It really helps us out." Then send them the direct link.
If negative, you've caught the issue before it becomes a bad review. Fix it.
Make It Stupid Easy
Nobody will search for your business, find your Google listing, and leave a review. Too many steps. Send a direct link that opens the review box immediately.
Get this link from your Google Business Profile. Put it in a text message template. One tap to review.
Automate the Follow-Up
Use a CRM or simple automation:
- Job completed triggers text message
- Message thanks them and includes review link
- If no review after 3 days, send one reminder
- That's it. No more.
Respond to Every Review
Good reviews: Thank them personally. Mention something specific about their job.
Bad reviews: Respond professionally. Apologize. Offer to make it right. Take it offline.
Future customers read your responses. They're evaluating how you handle problems.
The Numbers Game
If you ask 10 happy customers, 2-3 will leave reviews. That's normal. Do 20 jobs a week, ask everyone, get 4-6 reviews per week. In a month you've added 20+ reviews. In a year, 200+.
Consistency beats campaigns. Make it part of your process.