Customer reviews are essential for contractors looking to build trust and attract new clients. If you’re standing out to your clients and excelling at your job, asking and getting reviews will be a piece of cake. However, asking for reviews can feel awkward or uncomfortable if you don’t know the right approach. In this guide, you’ll learn how to effectively request reviews and get proven examples and templates to simplify the process.
Why Reviews Matter for Contractors
Potential clients almost always check online reviews before hiring a contractor. Positive feedback:
- Builds credibility and trust
- Improves local search rankings (especially on Google)
- Increases conversion rates
- Highlights your quality, reliability, and customer service
Reviews help contractors crush their goals, win more jobs, and achieve continued success and in this guide we’ll show you how to ask for reviews, use your reviews, and why you need to start getting more reviews today!
How to Use Customer Reviews to Grow Your Business
Once you’ve collected glowing reviews, don’t let them just sit there—put them to work! Here’s how smart contractors can repurpose reviews for more visibility, trust, and leads:
- Feature them on your website: Add a testimonial section or dedicated page. Bonus points if you include a photo of the project or client.
- Use them in social media posts: Turn short reviews into graphics or video reels to share across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Include them in proposals: Drop in a relevant review when sending a quote or bid to build trust with potential clients.
- Add them to your email signature or follow-ups: A one-liner review below your name can boost credibility in every message you send.
- Incorporate them into flyers or yard signs: Highlighting a review in your marketing materials helps build local trust.
- Respond and pin top reviews on Google and Facebook: This signals engagement and shows prospective clients that you’re active and customer-focused.
Think of reviews as free marketing—each one is a mini commercial about how awesome you are.
Best Practices for Requesting Customer Reviews
- Timing Matters: Ask for a review shortly after the project completion when the client’s satisfaction is highest.
- Make It Easy: Provide direct links to review platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
- Personalize Your Request: Personalization shows genuine appreciation and encourages action.
- Keep It Simple: Clear and concise messages increase response rates.
How to Get More 5-Star Reviews For Your Home Remodeling Business - More Templates To Make Getting Reviews Easy
These proven strategies combine old-school charm with modern convenience. Mix and match what works best for your style and your clients.
1. Text Message Requests: Fast, Friendly, and Effective
Texts have sky-high open rates and feel casual. Try this after a job is complete:
Template:
Hey [First Name], thanks again for choosing [Company Name]! If you're happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick review here? [Insert Link] Really appreciate your feedback!
Pro tip: Keep it under 2 sentences and only text customers who’ve messaged you first.
2. The Face-to-Face Ask: Strike While the Iron’s Hot
The best time to ask? Right when the client says something like, “Wow, this looks amazing!”
Say something like: “Thanks so much! If you’ve got a second, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google or Facebook? I’ll text or email you a link—it’s super easy.”
Pro tip: Hand them a business card with a QR code linked to your review page.
3. Email Follow-Ups: Timeless and Personal
Emails might feel ancient, but they’re reliable workhorses. Wait just long enough after job completion for customers to realize their lives are better because of you, then send a quick, personalized email. Email works well when you want to give customers space after a project wraps.
Template:
Subject: Tell us how we did!
Hi [First Name],
Thanks again for choosing [Company Name]! If you’re happy with the results, would you mind leaving a quick review here?
[Insert Link]
Your feedback helps others find trustworthy contractors.
Thanks again!
[Your Name]
Optional: Personalize with a fun detail (their dog, their kitchen design, etc.).
4. Website Review Prompts: Passive, Yet Powerful
Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. Add CTAs to your homepage, contact page, and thank-you page.
Example Call-to-Actions (CTAs):
- Loved your experience? Brag about us here.
- Think we nailed it? Say it in a review.
- Help others find their go-to contractor—leave a review!
5. Social Media Shoutouts
Turn likes, tags, and comments into opportunities. When a customer engages, reply with appreciation and a subtle ask.
DM Template:
Hey [First Name], thanks for the shoutout! If you’re happy with the work, could you leave a Facebook review? It helps a lot. [Insert Link]
Bonus Tip: Post testimonials, before-and-afters, and customer reactions to spark more engagement and reviews.
6. Lead-Gen Sites (HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Angi, etc.)
If you use third-party platforms, encourage reviews there too. These sites can boost your SEO and credibility.
Quick Ask:
Hi [First Name], thanks again for trusting us with your [project type]. If you found us through [HomeAdvisor/Thumbtack], a review there would be super helpful! [Link]
Heads-up: Yelp discourages direct asks—just share your page and let them decide.
Handle Reviews Like You Handle Tools—With Care
Responding to reviews—good or bad—is crucial. It shows you’re a real person (not some robot), and you genuinely care.
- Positive reviews: Say thanks, get personal, and show enthusiasm.
- Negative reviews: Stay cool, acknowledge their frustration, and work toward a solution. Others watching your response will see your professionalism and willingness to make things right.
Sweeten the Pot (In a Non-Bribey Way)
Sometimes folks need an extra nudge. Try offering a fun incentive, like a monthly raffle for reviewers to win a gift card, discount on future services, or branded swag. Keep it friendly and playful, and you’ll see those reviews roll in quicker than a crew at quitting time.
Final Thoughts About How To Get More Customer Reviews As A General Contractor
The service industry is a jungle. There are a million other contractors out there, and some of them actually know how to use a level. So how do you stand out?
Easy: good ol' fashioned social proof. In other words—great reviews from happy customers.
About 87% of people read reviews before they trust you to fix their plumbing, paint their walls, or renovate their kitchen. When they see a bunch of real folks raving about your work, they feel better about handing over the keys (and the checkbook).
Regularly asking for customer reviews is a powerful tool in growing your contracting business. With these examples and templates, you can confidently request reviews and build a strong, reputable online presence.
You don’t need to beg for reviews or offer free pizza (though… that might work). Just do great work, ask at the right time, and make it super easy for people to leave feedback.
Reviews = trust.
Trust = more jobs.
More jobs = more money to buy cool tools you don’t really need.
