Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Trade Business
Google reviews are the first thing potential customers see when they search for a plumber or electrician in your area. More reviews and higher ratings directly affect whether someone calls you or your competitor. It's that simple. If you're not actively asking for reviews, you're leaving work on the table.
The challenge isn't convincing customers to leave a review—most will if you ask at the right moment. It's timing, method, and removing friction. You need a system that works during the chaos of running a job.
Ask at the End of the Job, Not Days Later
The best time to ask is when the customer is happiest: right after you've finished and they're satisfied with the work. Don't wait. Don't email them a week later. Ask while you're still in their house or they're still feeling good about the decision they made.
Keep it verbal and casual. Before you pack up, say something like: "We really appreciate your business. If you were happy with the work, leaving a quick Google review helps us out massively. Takes about 30 seconds." Then hand them a printed card with a QR code or a link.
The printed card is key. It removes the friction of them having to remember or search for you. They can scan the code on their phone right there.
Make It Brain-Dead Easy With a QR Code
Don't ask customers to search Google Maps, find your business, and figure out how to leave a review. They won't do it. Instead, create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page.
Tools like QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com) are free. You generate one link, print it on small cards (or stickers), and hand it to every customer at the end of the job. They scan it, land on your review page, and can leave a review in seconds.
Print these cards on small business-card sized stock. Keep them in your van or tool bag. Cost is minimal—under a few quid per hundred—and the return is worth it.
Follow Up in Writing Only for Larger Jobs
For big jobs—boiler installations, rewires, major plumbing overhauls—it's worth a follow-up. But do it right.
Wait 2–3 days, then send a text or email (text gets better response rates). Keep it short: "Hi [name], thanks again for choosing us for the [job type]. We'd love a Google review if you were happy with the work—just takes 30 seconds. [QR code or link]." Include the QR code or link in the message itself.
Don't send this immediately after the job. Give them time to see results and settle in. A boiler job looks perfect after a few days of reliable operation. That's when they're most likely to leave a review.
Make It Part of Your Closing Routine
Build asking for reviews into your standard end-of-job checklist. Same as invoicing or ensuring the customer has your contact details for future work. It should be automatic.
For electricians: before you close out the job, hand the card and ask. For plumbers: same principle. For both: track how many cards you hand out versus how many reviews you get. You'll quickly see which jobs convert best and whether your approach is working.
If you notice certain types of jobs have higher conversion rates (e.g., emergency call-outs vs. planned work, or jobs where you solved a major problem), lean into those situations more. Ask with extra confidence.
Respond to Reviews, Good and Bad
Once reviews start coming in, respond to every single one. Thank customers for positive reviews—it shows you care and encourages others. For negative reviews, respond professionally and helpfully. Google's algorithm favors active businesses, and customer engagement counts.
You don't need long responses. A quick "Thanks for the review, [name]. We're glad we could help. Please get in touch if you need anything else" works perfectly.
The Bottom Line
Asking for Google reviews isn't pushy if you do it right. Most customers are happy to help—especially in trades where they've just paid good money and want to feel confident in their decision. Timing, a QR code, and consistency are all you need.
Flint handles follow-up messages and review requests for plumbers and electricians in seconds—try it free at ask-flint.com.