How to get more Google reviews (and why they matter)

Google reviews are one of the most powerful things you’ve got. They help you rank higher on Google, they make people trust you, and they’re completely free. The more you have, the better.

Why reviews matter

When someone Googles “electrician near me,” Google decides who to show based on three things:

How close you are to the person searching
How relevant your business is to what they searched
How prominent your business is — and reviews are a massive part of this

A tradesperson with 40 five-star reviews will almost always show up above someone with 3 reviews, even if they’re further away.

Reviews also help you win the job. If a customer is choosing between two plumbers — one with 12 reviews and one with 50 — they’ll pick the one with 50 almost every time.

How to ask for reviews (without being awkward)

The best time to ask is right after you’ve finished a job and the customer is happy. Here’s what works:

The text message method (easiest)

Once the job’s done, send them a text like this:

Hi [Name], glad you’re happy with the work. If you’ve got 30 seconds, a Google review would really help me out. Here’s the link: [your review link]

That’s it. Short, direct, not pushy.

How to get your review link

Go to Google Business Profile Manager
Click on your business
Click “Ask for reviews” — Google will give you a short link
Save that link in your phone so you can text it to customers

Or just Google your business name, find your profile, click “Reviews”, and copy the URL from your browser.

Tips that actually work

Ask in person first. “Would you mind leaving me a quick Google review?” — then follow up with the link by text.
Make it easy. Send the direct link. Don’t say “find me on Google” — they won’t bother.
Ask everyone. Most people are happy to help. You’d be surprised how many say yes.
Don’t offer anything in return. Google’s rules say you can’t pay for reviews or offer discounts. Just ask nicely.
Respond to reviews. When someone leaves a review, reply with a quick thanks. Google likes it and it shows you’re active.

What about bad reviews?

They happen. Even to the best tradespeople. Here’s how to handle them:

Don’t ignore them. Reply calmly, professionally, and briefly.
Don’t argue. Even if they’re wrong. Other people reading the review are watching how you respond.
Offer to sort it out. “Sorry to hear that — give us a ring and we’ll put it right” goes a long way.
Keep getting good reviews. One bad review among 50 good ones doesn’t hurt you.

How many do you need?

There’s no magic number, but here’s a rough guide:

Under 5 reviews — you’re invisible to most people
10–20 reviews — you’re in the game
30+ reviews — you’ll start showing up in the map results regularly
50+ reviews — you’re dominating your area

Aim to get one new review a week. In six months, you’ll have more reviews than most of your competitors.

Need help setting this up?

We can send you your review link ready to go. Just text or ring us on 07426 971904.