Most owners know they should ask for reviews. Where they get stuck is the words. It feels awkward, so it gets skipped. Here is what to say, word for word, so you never have to think about it.
The three parts of a good ask
- Thank them for something specific. "Thanks for having us out" or "thanks for your patience with the parts delay."
- Say why it matters, in plain words. People in town read reviews before they call a company they do not know.
- Make it one tap. Send the direct link to your Google review page. Do not ask them to search for you.
In person, at the end of the job
"Thanks for having us out today. If you were happy with the work, a Google review really helps a small business like ours. I'll text you the link so it's one tap."
Shorter, if that is more your style: "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I'll send you the link."
By text, the same day
"Hi [Name], it's [You] from [Business]. Thanks again for today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review helps us a lot: [link]"
A reminder a few days later
"Hi [Name], [Business] here. A friendly reminder about the review, if you have a minute: [link]. Thanks either way."
People are busy, not unwilling. A polite reminder is not pushy.
If the job did not go well
If a customer tells you something went wrong, deal with that first. Listen, do not argue, and offer to make it right: "Sounds like we didn't get this right. Can I call you today and fix it?"
What not to say
- Do not offer anything for a review. No discounts, gifts or prize drawings.
- Do not tell them what to write. Ask for a review in their own words.
- Do not pick and choose who you ask. Ask every customer, every job.
Make it routine
The words are the easy part. Doing it after every job, when you are tired, is the hard part. See how the 5-star review funnel sends the request and the reminders for you, how it fits cleaning companies, and run your numbers in the missed-call calculator.