
Local reviews are vital for contractors. They don’t just build trust with potential clients; they also play a crucial role in improving visibility online. For a contractor, a solid local reputation can mean the difference between fully booked schedules and idle workweeks.
But how can you get more local reviews and enhance your reputation effectively? While it may seem daunting to ask customers to leave reviews, following a structured, professional approach makes the process seamless and rewarding. Here are clear steps to help you gather more reviews and solidify your reputation in your community.
Why Local Reviews Matter for Contractors
Before we explore the “how,” let’s tackle the “why.” Local reviews impact contractors in several ways:
- Improved Online Visibility
Search engines prioritize businesses with a strong portfolio of recent, positive reviews. Reviews are a key ranking factor in local search results, which means that better reviews often lead to higher rankings. More visibility equals more potential customers finding your business.
- Trust and Social Proof
According to studies, over 90% of consumers read local reviews before making a hiring decision, and they trust these reviews as much as personal recommendations. Positive feedback from your past clients reassures potential customers that you’re reliable, skilled, and professional.
- Differentiation From Competitors
Contractors working in competitive markets can stand out through consistent and high-quality reviews. When your previous clients sing your praises, it sets you apart as the top choice in your field.
Now that we’ve covered why reviews are essential, let’s dig into how you can proactively encourage clients to share their experience.
1. Provide Exceptional Service Every Time
The foundation of a positive review lies in the service you provide. Your goal is to set such a high standard that clients feel compelled to write about their experience. Here’s how you can exceed expectations:
- Communicate Clearly
From the first inquiry to the final walkthrough, keep your clients informed. Return phone calls or emails promptly, set clear expectations, and provide frequent status updates.
- Deliver Quality Work
Nothing trumps excellent craftsmanship. By focusing on delivering superior results and meeting deadlines, you make it easy for clients to sing your praises.
- Go Above and Beyond
Thoughtful touches—like cleaning up thoroughly after completing the job or offering a small gesture of appreciation—leave a lasting impression.
Happy clients are more likely to leave glowing reviews without additional prompting. Professionalism and high-quality service are the starting points for fostering a review-worthy reputation.
2. Make It Easy for Clients to Leave Reviews
The more convenient it is for your clients to leave a review, the more likely they’ll actually do it. Here’s how you can streamline the process:
- Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Google is often the first place customers turn to when searching for local businesses. Having an updated Google Business Profile is non-negotiable for contractors. Provide detailed instructions on how customers can leave reviews directly through your profile.
- Use Multiple Platforms
While Google is the gold standard, many customers also use platforms like Yelp, Angi, or Facebook to share feedback. Make sure your business is listed and active on these platforms to capture a broader range of reviews.
- Email Requests
After completing a job, send a short, polite follow-up email thanking the client for their trust and encouraging them to leave a review. Provide links to the platforms where you want the reviews to appear. For example, include a simple call-to-action like, “We’d love to hear about your experience. Leave us a review here!”
- Text Reminders
For clients who prefer mobile communication, send a quick text. Many people prioritize convenience, and a direct link can make it easier for them to share their feedback.
3. Timing is Everything
The timing of your request for reviews matters almost as much as the ask itself. Reach out shortly after the project is completed—while the positive experience is still fresh.
For example:
- Send an email the same day the job is done.
- Follow up with a text within 48 hours to gently remind clients who may have forgotten.
Avoid waiting too long, as the excitement (and memory of the quality work you delivered) might fade over time.
4. Offer Incentives (The Right Way)
While directly paying for reviews is unethical and could harm your reputation, you can incentivize them in a way that stays within ethical guidelines. Consider the following clean and effective options:
- Enter Customers Into a Raffle
Offer a chance to win a small, meaningful prize (like a local gift card) for clients who leave reviews.
- Provide Discounts on Future Work
Offer a small discount on their next service or project after they leave a review.
Be transparent about these incentives—they should never influence the content of the review but can encourage participation.
5. Respond to Every Review
Showing appreciation is the mark of a professional contractor. When someone takes the time to leave you a review, respond regardless of whether the feedback is positive or constructive.
- For positive reviews, express your gratitude. For example, “Thank you so much, Sarah! We’re thrilled you loved your new deck. It was an absolute pleasure working with you!”
- For negative reviews, handle them gracefully. Acknowledge the issue, address any misunderstandings, and offer solutions. For example, “We’re so sorry to hear about your experience. We strive to deliver exceptional service and would love the opportunity to make things right. Please contact us so we can resolve this for you.”
Engaging with reviews shows that you care about your clients and their feedback, creating a sense of trust and credibility.
6. Highlight Reviews in Your Marketing
Positive customer reviews shouldn’t sit idly on platforms—they’re a marketing goldmine. Promote feedback in your business materials to extend their influence.
- Feature Testimonials on Your Website
Create a “Customer Stories” section on your website to showcase glowing reviews. Pair client words with photos of completed projects to make them more impactful.
- Leverage Social Media
Share snippets from reviews on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. A quick post like, “Another happy client! Here’s what [Client Name] had to say about our recent project…” can build trust with your followers.
These tactics allow you to amplify your reputation well beyond the initial review.
7. Invest in Local SEO
Finally, reviews are a key component of building your online presence, but they work even better when paired with Local SEO. Optimizing your business profile and ensuring your website is visible in local searches will help those reviews—and your business—get noticed by the right audience.
To streamline this process, consider overseeing your strategy with tools or services that specialize in Local SEO to maximize your visibility online.
Final Thoughts
Building a strong reputation as a contractor relies heavily on word of mouth, and local reviews have the power to spread that word faster than anything else. With a proactive plan, you can not only gather more reviews but also create a loyal community of satisfied clients eager to recommend your business.
Start by focusing on exceptional service, encouraging reviews, and showcasing positive feedback. Don’t shy away from leveraging tools and professional resources to make the process seamless and effective.
The next time potential clients search for someone in your field, they’ll see your glowing reviews and know exactly why you’re the contractor they trust.