Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is straight after the job, when the customer can see the result and the relief is fresh. Waiting a week means most people have moved on.
For most trades that means the same day: before you leave, or by text that evening. For long projects, ask after the final walk-through.
Make it one tap
Every extra step loses people. Send a direct link to your Google review page so the customer lands on the form with one tap, with no searching for your business. Our guide on finding your link and making a QR code shows how.
Send it from your own phone number. A message from a person they know gets read; a message from a stranger's number often does not.
Use a short, honest message
Thank them by name, mention the job, ask for their honest feedback and include the link. Keep it to a few lines.
Do not say 'if you were happy', do not offer a discount, a gift or a prize, and do not pressure anyone. Neutral wording that asks for honest feedback is both effective and within the rules.
- Use their first name and the type of job
- Include your business name so they know who is asking
- Give the link on its own line so it is easy to tap
- Sign it with your name
Ask everyone
Ask every customer you have just worked for, not only the ones you think will be pleased. Google bans selectively asking only happy customers, and in the UK selective review collection can fall foul of consumer law. It is also bad business: a spread of honest reviews is more believable than a wall of perfect fives.
Message templates you can copy
Keep the wording neutral and honest. Ask for feedback, not for five stars. Replace the square brackets with your details.
- Text or WhatsApp: Hi [name], thanks for choosing [business] for the [job]. I would really appreciate your honest feedback on Google. It only takes a minute: [link]. Thanks, [your name]
- Email subject: Your feedback on the [job]. Body: Hi [name], thank you for having us. If you have a minute, we would value your honest feedback on Google: [link]. Thanks, [your name]
- In person: Thanks again. If you have a minute later, I'd really appreciate a review on Google. I'll text you the link.
When to ask, trade by trade
| Trade | Good moment to ask |
|---|---|
| Plumber | When the water is back on and the customer is relieved |
| Electrician | When you hand over the certificate and explain what you did |
| Builder | After the final walk-through and snagging sign-off |
| Roofer | When the scaffolding is down and the site is clean, or after the first heavy rain |
| Heating engineer | When you hand over the service record or certificate |
| Decorator | At the final walk-through, once the last coat is dry |
| Gardener or landscaper | When the work is finished and looks its best |
| Locksmith | Within the hour, once the customer is back inside |
Making it a 30-second habit
- Keep your review link saved on your phone, ready to paste
- Save the message above as a text shortcut or WhatsApp quick reply
- Ask at the same point in every job, so it becomes automatic
- Send the request before you drive away
- Once a week, check who has not replied and send one polite reminder
If someone does not reply
Most people who do not reply are not unhappy. They are busy. Send one polite reminder after a few days and then leave it. Pressing further annoys customers and can breach the rules on contacting people. Never ask someone to change or remove an honest review in return for anything.
How many reviews is enough?
There is no magic number. What matters is a steady flow of recent, genuine reviews that look natural and reflect the range of customers you serve. Check what the best-known businesses in your trade and town have, and aim for a regular pace rather than a burst. A review from last week counts for more than one from five years ago.
Remind once, then stop
A single polite reminder a few days later catches many people who meant to do it. Do not send more than one. After that, leave it. Over-chasing annoys people and can breach message rules.
Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews and respond calmly to poor ones. Prospects read your replies as much as the reviews, and replies show you are active and fair.
Make it routine
Tie asking to something you already do: the moment you hand over the invoice, the certificate or the keys. If it is a habit, you will do it every time, and the reviews will add up steadily.
Common questions
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Rewards for reviews are against Google's rules and can breach consumer law. Ask honestly and leave it at that.
Should I ask by text or email?
Both work. A message from your own number or email, sent to someone you have just worked for, is the most natural. Keep it to one request and one reminder.
What if a customer leaves a bad review?
Reply calmly and professionally. See our guide to replying to a bad Google review.
Do reviews from friends and family count?
They should not be used. Reviews must come from genuine customers, and fake ones can be removed and can lead to penalties.
Our website includes a printable review kit: your Google review link, a QR card and message templates. We build a free preview first.
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