How Tradies Can Get More Online Reviews (Without Feeling Awkward)

Most happy customers are willing to leave a review. They just don't think of it, or they forget by the time they get home. The tradies with the most reviews aren't necessarily the best — they're the ones who ask, consistently and at the right moment.

Ask at the right moment

The best time is right after the job is finished and the customer is pleased — when you're walking them through the work or they've just said thanks. A quick, friendly ask in person, followed by a link, works far better than a generic email weeks later.

Make it effortless

• Send a direct link by text the same day, so it's one tap away
• Keep the message short and personal — use their name and mention the job
• Add the link to your invoice and email signature
• Follow up once, gently, if they haven't had a chance

A simple message you can adapt

Keep it honest

Don't offer payment or discounts in exchange for positive reviews, don't write reviews for yourself, and don't only ask the customers you think will rave. Consumer law and the review platforms themselves take fake or incentivised reviews seriously, and customers can spot them.

Respond to every review

Thank people for positive reviews. For negative ones, reply calmly, acknowledge the issue and offer to sort it out offline. Future customers read your replies as closely as the reviews themselves — a professional response can win you more trust than a perfect score.