If you are a tradesperson and you had to pick one thing to focus on for local SEO this month, it would be Google reviews. Not your website. Not a blog. Reviews.
Here is why, and more importantly, here is exactly how to get them.
Why Reviews Matter So Much
Google uses reviews as a trust signal. The more positive reviews you have, and the more consistently you receive them, the more Google trusts that you are a legitimate, high-quality business. That trust translates directly into higher rankings.
But reviews do more than just help your ranking. They convert browsers into customers. When a homeowner is choosing between two electricians and one has 30 five-star reviews and the other has two, the decision is made before they even read a word of your website.
Reviews are social proof. They are strangers vouching for you to other strangers. In a trade where trust is everything, they are gold.
Why Most Tradespeople Do Not Have Enough
The number one reason is simple: they forget to ask.
You do a great job. The customer is delighted. You pack up your tools and leave. And that is it. That happy customer’s goodwill never turns into a review because no one asked.
The second reason is awkwardness. A lot of tradespeople feel uncomfortable asking for reviews. It feels like they are looking for a pat on the back. But here is the thing: customers who are happy with your work want to help you. They just need a nudge and a clear way to do it.
How to Ask for a Review
Timing matters. The best moment to ask is right at the end of the job, when the customer has seen the finished work and is pleased with it. That is when the goodwill is highest.
Keep it simple and direct: “I am glad you are happy with it. If you would not mind leaving us a Google review, it really helps us out. I can send you a link that takes you straight to it.”
Most people will say yes. Then send the link immediately. Do not wait until the next day.
How to Create Your Review Link
Go to your Google Business Profile. Click on the option that says “Get more reviews” or “Share review form”. Google will generate a short link you can copy.
Save that link in your phone contacts or notes. When a job is done and the customer is happy, you have it ready to paste into a WhatsApp message.
A good message to send: “Hi [name], great working with you. Here is the link to leave us a Google review if you get a chance, it only takes a minute. [link] Thanks very much.”
Short, friendly, no pressure.
Build It Into Your Routine
Do not wait until you remember. Make review requests part of your closing routine for every single job. Finish the work, collect payment, send the review link. Every time.
If you do three jobs a week and ask every customer, that is over 150 potential reviews a year. Even if only half of them leave one, that is 75 reviews. That will put you at the top of local search in most Irish towns.
What to Do When You Get a Review
Reply to every single one. Positive or negative.
For positive reviews, thank the customer by name and mention the job if you can. “Thanks so much, Michael. Really glad the new roof is sorted before winter. Give us a shout if you need anything else.” This shows future customers that you are responsive and that there is a real human behind the business.
For negative reviews, stay calm and professional. Acknowledge the issue, apologise if something went wrong, and offer to make it right. Do not get defensive. Future customers read how you handle complaints more carefully than the complaint itself. A calm, professional response to a bad review can actually build more trust than a page full of five-star reviews.
What About Other Review Sites?
Google reviews are the priority for local SEO. Once you are getting a steady flow of those, it is worth also asking customers to review you on:
- Trustpilot
- Yelp
But start with Google. That is where your ranking lives.
A Note on Fake Reviews
Do not buy reviews. Do not ask friends or family who have never used your service to leave reviews. Google is good at detecting inauthentic reviews and will remove them or, in some cases, penalise your profile.
Real reviews from real customers are the only ones that count. The good news is that if you do good work and ask consistently, you will build them up quickly.
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Written by Maebh Collins
ACA qualified, Dundalk-based. I build websites and write SEO content for trade businesses across Ireland and the UK. If you have questions, get in touch.