How to get more Google reviews as a tradesperson, without breaking Google's rules
Last updated: 29 October 2026
Most trades hear the same thing: customers are happy with the job, say so on the doorstep, and then never leave a review. On small-business and trade forums the advice from people who fixed this is nearly always the same. Happy customers rarely think of it on their own, but most will do it if you ask and make it easy.
Reviews matter because people searching for a trade on their phone often look at the map results and the newest reviews before they call anyone.
1. Get your direct review link (and QR code)
Google gives every Business Profile a link that opens the review form straight away, so the customer does not have to search for you. In your Business Profile, choose Read reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link. Google's help page notes that the QR code can only be downloaded from a computer browser, not from your phone.
2. Ask every customer, at the end of every job
The best moment is when the work is finished and the customer has just told you they are pleased. Keep it short and normal, for example:
"Glad you're happy with it. If you've got a minute, a Google review really helps a small firm like ours. I'll text you the link now."
Ask everyone, not only the customers you think will be happy. Only sending the link to people who scored you highly, and steering the rest elsewhere, is a habit some review tools encourage, but it skews your reviews and is against the spirit of Google's rules.
3. Send the link by text, WhatsApp or email straight away
Send it while you are still packing up, with the customer's name and the job in the message:
"Hi Sarah, thanks for having us today. If you're happy with the new boiler, a quick Google review would mean a lot: [your link]. Thanks, Dave"
Put the same link at the bottom of your invoice and in your email signature, and print the QR code on your business cards.
4. Follow up once, then leave it
If nothing has come in after a day or two, one friendly reminder is fine. More than that starts to feel like pressure.
5. Reply to every review
Thank people by name and mention the job. If a review is negative, stay calm, apologise for the experience and offer to sort it out by phone. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews. If you believe a review comes from someone who was never a customer, report it from your Business Profile rather than arguing in public.
What not to do
- No rewards. Google's help page says offering free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews counts as fake engagement and is strictly prohibited. A few pounds off the bill is not worth losing your reviews.
- No reviews from friends or family who were not customers.
- Do not create a second profile if your profile has a problem. Google asks you to appeal on the existing one instead.
A routine that takes one minute per job
- Finish the job and ask in person.
- Text the direct link before you drive off.
- One reminder a day or two later if needed.
- Reply to the review when it arrives.
Want the bigger picture on getting enquiries that are only yours? Read Lead sites or your own website?
How Avant Trades helps
We build UK trades a website that gets found, set up your Google Business Profile properly and help you ask every customer for a review, with a simple link and QR code. We never filter out unhappy customers and never offer rewards for reviews. It is £59 a month with no upfront fee, you only start paying once your first enquiry has come in, and if none comes in within 60 days of going live, you can leave at no cost.