Collecting reviews isn’t just about praise – it’s about building trust and winning more work. Here’s how to get more of them and use them properly.
Topics covered:
- Why reviews matter for trades
- When and how to ask for them
- Where to collect reviews
- What to do with your reviews
- How to handle bad reviews
Why reviews matter for trades
For most trade businesses, reviews are the modern equivalent of word of mouth. When people are looking for someone reliable, they check what others have said. A steady flow of positive reviews builds trust and makes it easier for new customers to choose you over the competition.
Whether you’re a sole trader or a team of ten, strong reviews signal professionalism, reliability, and quality. They help customers feel confident before they even make that first call.
When and how to ask for them
The best time to ask for a review is shortly after the job is completed — when the customer is happy and everything is fresh in their mind.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. A polite message like:
“Thanks again for choosing us. If you were happy with the work, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick review here [link]. It helps more than you’d think!”
You can ask in person, by text, email or even include it as part of your invoice. Just make it easy and include a direct link and let them know how long it will take (no more than 2 minutes).
Where to collect reviews
There are a few places where customers can leave reviews. The most valuable ones are where potential customers are most likely to look:
- Google – essential for visibility and search results
- Facebook – helpful for local visibility and sharing
- Trustpilot or Checkatrade – if you’re using those platforms
- Your own website – collect reviews via forms or copy/paste Google ones
You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick one or two main review platforms and focus on building them up consistently.
What to do with your reviews
Getting reviews is only half the job. You also need to use them.
Here’s how to make your reviews work harder for you:
- Add them to your website – especially on your homepage, service pages and contact page
- Use them on social media – post screenshots or quotes regularly
- Include them in quotes or proposals – helps turn enquiries into bookings
- Print them on leaflets or signage – they build credibility offline too
A well-placed review can be the tipping point that wins a customer over.
How to handle bad reviews
No one wants a bad review, but if one does come in, don’t panic. How you respond matters more than the review itself.
- Stay calm and polite – don’t get defensive
- Acknowledge the issue – even if you don’t agree
- Offer a way to resolve it – this shows professionalism to future customers
- Follow up – if the issue gets resolved, politely ask if they’d consider updating the review
A single bad review won’t hurt you if it’s surrounded by dozens of positive ones. In fact, it can make the others feel more genuine.
Make reviews part of your process
Getting reviews shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while effort. Build it into your process so every happy customer has the chance to leave feedback. Over time, you’ll build up a library of testimonials that keep working for you, long after the job is done.
Need help setting up your Google profile or making better use of your existing reviews, get in touch with us today to find out how.
