How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Service Business

thelocalink
Aug 22
4 min read

If you're running a home service business—whether it's landscaping, house cleaning, painting, junk removal, or pressure washing—Google reviews can make or break your visibility. Why? Because when people search for a local service, they’re reading reviews before they pick up the phone.

Think of reviews as modern word-of-mouth. The more positive reviews you have, the more trust you build—and the more jobs you book. The good news? Getting more reviews doesn’t have to feel awkward or pushy.

Here’s a real-world guide to getting more Google reviews without being pushy:

1. Deliver an Experience Worth Reviewing

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth saying: people write great reviews when they’ve had a great experience.

That doesn’t mean you have to go above and beyond every time—it means being consistently professional and reliable. Show up on time, communicate clearly, be respectful, and leave the space cleaner than you found it. Little things add up.

Example: A local lawn care pro always sends a “before and after” photo of the yard with a thank-you message after each visit. It takes one minute but makes a huge impression—and gets a lot of reviews.

2. Ask at the Right Time

Timing matters. The best time to ask for a review is when the customer is happiest—right after you’ve completed the job and they’ve seen the result.

Whether you’re wrapping up a house cleaning or installing a fence, this is your moment. If they say “thank you,” that’s your cue to respond with something like:

“I’m so glad you’re happy with everything! If you don’t mind, would you be willing to leave us a quick Google review? It helps our small business a ton.”

You can say this in person or include it in your invoice, text, or follow-up email.

3. Make It Incredibly Easy

People are busy. Even happy customers won’t leave a review if it’s hard to do. That’s why the best thing you can do is give them a direct link to your Google review page.

Here’s how to get your link:

Search for your business on Google.
Click on “Get more reviews” or “Write a review.”
Copy the URL that pops up.
Use a shortener (like bit.ly) to make it easier to text or include in a message.

Where to share your review link:

Text message after a completed job
Your invoice or email receipt
Email signature
Your website and social media

4. Follow Up (Nicely!)

Let’s be honest: people forget. They may have every intention of leaving a review, but get distracted by life.

It’s okay to send a reminder if it’s been a few days and they haven’t left a review. Just keep it friendly and light.

Sample follow-up message:

“Hi again! Just wanted to thank you for letting us take care of your [service]. If you have a minute, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google. Here’s the link again: [insert link]. Thanks so much!”

Most people won’t mind the reminder—especially if they were happy with your work.

5. Offer a Thank-You Incentive (Compliantly)

You’re not allowed to pay people specifically for a positive review (Google frowns on that), but you can thank people for any review they leave—good, bad, or neutral.

Here are a few incentive ideas:

Monthly drawing for a gift card (open to all reviewers)
Coupon for a future service (not tied to review content)
Donation to a local nonprofit for each review received

Example compliant message:

“As a thank-you, we enter all reviewers into our monthly drawing for a $25 local gift card—just our way of saying we appreciate your time!”

6. Respond to Reviews Publicly

When someone leaves a review—especially a positive one—respond to it! This builds credibility with future customers and shows that you’re an engaged, caring business.

For positive reviews: thank them by name and be specific.

“Thanks, Jessica! We’re so glad you were happy with your deck cleaning. Looking forward to helping again next season!”

For negative reviews: don’t ignore them. Respond politely, acknowledge their feedback, and offer to resolve the issue offline if needed. This shows professionalism and earns trust.

7. Make It Part of Your Routine

Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be a big, awkward task—it’s just something you build into your regular workflow.

Here’s how:

Add a “review request” to your job checklist.
Include the review link in your standard invoice template.
If you have a team, train them to ask customers at the end of every job.

Over time, this consistency pays off. A steady flow of new reviews boosts your ranking on Google and builds trust with new customers.

👋 Final Thoughts

Getting more Google reviews isn’t about luck—it’s about being intentional.

Deliver great service, ask when it counts, and make it easy for happy customers to support you. Do that regularly, and you’ll build a strong online reputation that brings in steady work year-round.

Want more visibility for your home service business? LocaLink connects local businesses with real, nearby customers—no fancy marketing needed. Reach out if you’re ready to grow!