How Contractors Can Get More 5-Star Reviews (Without Being Pushy)

92% of customers read online reviews before hiring a contractor. Here's how to get more 5-star reviews without feeling pushy or salesy.

The Timing is Everything

Ask for reviews immediately after job completion, while the customer is still happy. The longer you wait, the lower your response rate.

The Perfect Review Request

Text Message Template:

"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. Thanks for choosing us for your [service]. We'd appreciate if you could leave us a quick review. It only takes 30 seconds: [Short Link]. Thanks again!"

Make It Ridiculously Easy

The easier it is, the more reviews you'll get:

Use a short link (Google Review Link)
Send via text message (better than email)
Include it on your invoice
Add QR code to business cards
Print on truck signage

Automate the Process

Set up automated review requests:

Job completion triggers automated text/email
Wait 2 hours, send first request
If no response after 3 days, send gentle reminder
If no response after 7 days, final reminder
Stop after 3 attempts (don't be annoying)

Handling Negative Reviews

Negative reviews happen. Here's how to respond:

Respond within 24 hours (shows you care)
Acknowledge the issue professionally
Take conversation offline ("Please call us at...")
Offer to make it right
Never argue or make excuses

Example Negative Review Response:

"Hi [Name], we're sorry we didn't meet your expectations. We pride ourselves on quality work and customer satisfaction. Please call us at [phone] so we can make this right. We'd love the opportunity to resolve this. - [Your Name], Owner"

The Review Funnel

Not all customers leave reviews. Here's how to identify happy customers:

Ask verbally: "On a scale of 1-10, how did we do?"
9-10 responses: Send review request immediately
7-8 responses: Ask what could be better, fix it, then request review
1-6 responses: Address issues privately, skip review request

Incentive Strategies (Done Right)

Google prohibits paying for reviews, but you can incentivize feedback:

✅ "Leave a review, enter to win a $50 gift card" (lottery style)
✅ "Review us and get 10% off next service"
❌ "We'll pay you $20 for a 5-star review" (against Google TOS)

Review Goals by Business Age

New business (0-2 years): Target 25-50 reviews in year 1
Established (2-5 years): Target 100+ total reviews
Mature (5+ years): Target 200+ reviews, 2-5 new per month

Pro Tip

Happy customers are 10X more likely to leave a review if you ask in person right after job completion. Train your technicians to ask for reviews on-site.