How To Get More Google Reviews For Your Trade Business

Online reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools for any trade business. Before a customer books a plumber, electrician, roofer, carpenter, concreter, or landscaper, the first thing they usually check is Google Reviews. A strong review profile instantly builds trust, improves your visibility online, and helps you win more work.

The best part? Getting more reviews doesn’t have to be hard. With the right systems—QR codes, review cards, automations, follow-up messages—you can collect reviews consistently without chasing customers. Below are practical strategies to help your trade business build a reliable flow of online reviews.

Why Reviews Matter For Tradies

Reviews do more than boost your star rating. They influence whether someone chooses you or the competitor down the road.

Reviews help by:

• Increasing trust and credibility
• Improving Google Business Profile rankings
• Converting more website visitors into enquiries
• Attracting higher-quality customers
• Supporting premium pricing
• Providing social proof customers rely on

If you want steady work and a strong online presence, building a reliable review system is essential.

QR Codes On Business Cards & Invoices

QR codes are one of the easiest and fastest ways to collect more reviews. Instead of customers searching for your Google listing, a QR code sends them straight to your review page.

Why QR codes work:

• Instant access to your review link
• No typing or searching required
• Perfect for customers who are busy
• Makes leaving a review effortless

Where to use QR codes:

• Business cards
• Job cards
• Invoices and receipts
• Flyers and brochures
• Magnets
• Vehicle stickers
• Website pages
• Email signatures

When you hand over the card at the end of the job, simply say:
“If you’re happy with our work, feel free to scan this to leave a review—it really helps us.”

Google Review Cards

Google review cards are small physical cards that include your short review link or QR code. Customers take them inside, leave them on the fridge, or put them beside their laptop—making it far more likely they’ll leave a review.

Benefits of review cards:

• Professional reminder at the perfect time
• Helps customers remember later
• Great for residential and commercial jobs

Leave a card after completing:

• Repairs
• Installations
• Clean-ups
• Gardens and lawns
• Pressure washing
• Renovations
• Maintenance work

A simple card often leads to a strong increase in reviews.

Incentives For Customers (The Right Way)

You cannot offer incentives specifically for positive reviews, but you can offer a general incentive for leaving a review—good, bad, or neutral.

Acceptable incentives include:

• Monthly giveaway (e.g., $50 Bunnings voucher)
• Chance to win a free service or check-up
• Small branded item like a magnet or checklist
• Entry into a draw for a discount on future work

How to phrase it correctly:
“Leave us a review of your experience—positive or negative—and you’ll go into our monthly draw.”

This complies with Google’s policies while still encouraging more engagement.

Email & SMS Automations To Request Reviews

Automation is one of the most effective ways to get consistent reviews without remembering to ask each time. Most trade businesses already use platforms that support automated follow-up messages.

Great systems for automation include:
ServiceM8, Tradify, Jobber, Simpro, your CRM, email marketing tools, or SMS platforms.

Suggested automation sequence:

1st Message – 1–2 hours after job:
“Thanks again for choosing us! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick review. It helps our small business. Here’s the link: [link]”

2nd Message – 3 days later (if no review):
“Just a friendly reminder—if you haven’t had a chance to leave a review yet, here’s the link. Thank you again for your support!”

This approach can easily double or triple your monthly reviews.

Ask Customers At The Right Moment

Timing is everything. Customers are more likely to leave a review when they feel genuinely happy with your work.

Ask them when:

• Their issue has just been solved
• They’ve praised your work
• They’re impressed with the results
• The job has made a visible impact
• They’re already talking positively

A natural, simple ask is all you need:
“If you’re happy with everything, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps our small business.”

Make It Extremely Easy To Leave A Review

The number one reason customers don’t leave a review? Too many steps.

Make your review page simple to access. Place your Google Review link in:

• Email signatures
• SMS templates
• Quotes and invoices
• Website footer
• Thank-you messages
• Follow-up reminders
• Social media bios
• Job completion messages

The fewer clicks involved, the more reviews you’ll collect.

Provide Service Worth Reviewing

No system can substitute for excellent service. The easiest way to increase your review volume is simply to provide a great experience from start to finish.

Key elements customers value:

• Turning up on time
• Clear communication
• Respectful interaction
• Clean, tidy work
• Transparent pricing
• Quality results
• Follow-up support

Happy customers talk. And they write reviews.

Follow Up After Quotes Or Completed Jobs

Many customers intend to leave a review but forget. A polite follow-up reminder brings those reviews back.

Example follow-up message:
“Hope everything is still going well with your job. If you haven’t had time to leave a review yet, here’s the link. We really appreciate it!”

This gentle nudge often captures missed reviews.

Use Social Media To Encourage Reviews

Post monthly reminders to your Facebook or Instagram page such as:

“If we’ve completed work for you recently, we’d love a quick review.”

“Your feedback helps our small business grow—here’s our review link.”

You can also share screenshots of great reviews to inspire more customers to leave their own.

Conclusion

Growing your review profile isn’t about luck—it’s about having the right system. Tradies who consistently collect reviews outperform those who rely on chance or hope customers remember.

What works best:

• QR codes on business cards and job cards
• Google review cards
• Ethical incentives
• Automated email/SMS follow-up
• Friendly verbal reminders
• Making the review process simple
• Delivering exceptional service



Put these elements in place and you’ll build a strong, trustworthy online reputation that helps your business attract more leads, convert more customers, and stand out from competitors.