Ever wondered how to get more reviews for a trades business without feeling like you’re nagging your customers? Reviews are the “new” word of mouth. Whatever your trade, your potential clients are checking Google, Checkatrade, and Facebook before they pick up the phone. Great reviews can mean they call your number, not a competitor’s. However, the best news is that getting them doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Think back to the last time you booked a weekend getaway, a meal at a local(ish) pub or bought something online. Chances are, you checked the star rating first. Your customers are no different. They want proof that you turn up on time, do a good job, and don’t leave muddy footprints on the carpet.

Good reviews don’t just give new customers confidence; they also help you show up higher on Google (other search engines are available). The more recent and relevant reviews you’ve got, the more likely clients will choose you over the competition. In short: no reviews, no calls.

How to Get More Reviews (Without Feeling Pushy)

If you’ve been wondering how to get more reviews for a trades business, the trick is to keep it simple and ask at the right moment. Customers are most likely to leave a review straight after you’ve completed the job, when they’re happy and grateful.

• Just ask. A quick “Would you mind leaving me a review?” actually works!
• Make it easy. Send a direct link by text or email to your Google page, Checkatrade, or Facebook profile. Don’t expect them to hunt for it.
• Keep it personal. A short message from you, not a generic auto-text, feels more genuine and gets better results.
• Pick your platform. Focus on where your customers are. For most trades, that’s Google reviews, Checkatrade, and Facebook.

Action Tip: Save a simple review request template on your phone that you can copy, paste, and tweak for each customer. Two minutes of effort could bring in weeks of work.

How to Get Better (Quality) Reviews

Quantity matters, but quality matters more. A review saying “Great job” is nice, but a review saying “Joe fitted my new boiler quickly, explained everything clearly, and left the place spotless” carries a lot more weight.

Encourage customers to mention specifics in their reviews. Little details about your reliability, tidiness, or communication stand out to people who are still deciding whether to book you.

And don’t forget to respond:

• Say thanks for positive reviews. It shows you care.
• Handle negatives calmly. One bad review won’t ruin you, but a heated reply might. Keep it professional and always try to take the conversation offline.

Finally, don’t just leave your reviews hidden away online. Use them. Add quotes to your website, post screenshots on social media, and even include them in quotes for new jobs. Fresh, recent reviews show you’re active and trusted right now, not just two years ago.

Action Tip: Build “asking for a review” into your workflow, just as you do with invoicing. If it’s part of the job, it’ll never get forgotten.

Reviews That Keep the Phone Ringing

Reviews aren’t just about boosting your ego; they’re one of the best (and cheapest) ways to market your trade business. With a steady flow of fresh, specific feedback, you’ll stand out from the competition, show up higher online, and win more of the right kind of customers.

And while you’re busy collecting those glowing 5-star reviews, don’t forget about the behind-the-scenes side of your business. Staying on top of your finances is just as important as maintaining a good reputation. That’s where we come in. We’ll handle the bookkeeping and keep you updated in plain, no-jargon language, so you understand your business and finances.

Contact us today to discover how we can help keep your business running smoothly.