How to Get More Google Reviews as a Tradie (And Why It Matters)

Your Star Rating Is Your First Impression. Before Your Website. Before Your Logo.

When someone Googles “plumber Parramatta” or “electrician near me,” the first thing they see isn’t your site. It’s your Google rating.

87% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business.

A tradie with 4.9 stars and 60 reviews beats a tradie with a beautiful website and 8 reviews — every single time.

Here’s how to build that rating systematically.

Why Most Tradies Don’t Have Enough Reviews

It’s not because customers are unhappy. It’s because no one asked.

Happy customers don’t leave reviews unprompted. Unhappy ones do. That’s why every tradie who doesn’t actively ask ends up with a skewed rating.

Step 1: Get Your Google Review Link

Before you can ask anyone, you need the direct link that drops customers straight into the review box.

1. Go to Google Business Profile
2. Click “Get more reviews”
3. Copy the short link (looks like: g.page/YourBusiness/review)

Save this link. You’ll use it everywhere.

Step 2: Timing the Ask

The single biggest variable in review generation is when you ask.

Ask while the experience is fresh. A customer who watched you fix their burst pipe at 11pm on a Sunday is at peak gratitude. That’s the moment.

Step 3: SMS Follow-Up Templates

SMS has a 98% open rate. Email has 20%. For review requests, SMS wins.

Same-Day Template

Send this 2–4 hours after job completion:

Hi [Name], it's [Your Name] from [Your Business].
Thanks for having us out today — hope everything's
sorted. If you were happy with the work, a quick
Google review really helps: [your-review-link]

Takes 60 seconds. Cheers!

Next-Day Template (If You Didn’t Get a Chance)

Hi [Name], [Your Name] here — we did [job type] at
your place yesterday. Just wanted to check everything's
all good? If so, we'd really appreciate a Google review:
[your-review-link] — even a star rating helps. Cheers.

Personalise the job type. “We fixed your hot water system” beats “we did some work.”

Step 4: QR Codes on Invoices and Business Cards

Not every customer will respond to an SMS. QR codes create a passive, ongoing review stream.

Where to Put the QR Code

How to Create One

Go to qr.io or QR Code Generator, paste your review link, download the image.

Print it on invoices with the caption: “Happy with our work? Leave us a review — it takes 60 seconds.”

Step 5: Ask in Person (The Most Effective Method)

Nothing beats the in-person ask.

At job completion, while you’re packing up:

“Hey, if you were happy with today, would you mind leaving us a Google review? It makes a massive difference for a small business like ours. I can text you the link right now.”

That line works. It’s honest, specific, and gives you a reason to immediately send the SMS while you’re standing there.

The 3 Ingredients

1. Ask directly — not “feel free to” or “if you get a chance.” Be direct.
2. Explain why it matters — “small business” creates empathy
3. Offer the link immediately — don’t make them find it

Step 6: Responding to Reviews (Both Good and Bad)

Google factors review responses into local ranking. Businesses that respond regularly rank higher in Maps.

Responding to Positive Reviews

Don’t just say “thanks!”

Thanks so much, Mark! Really glad we could sort out
that switchboard upgrade quickly for you. If you need
anything else electrical down the track, don't hesitate
to call. — Tom, [Your Business]

Personal, specific, mentions the service. This also serves as a keyword signal to Google.

Responding to Negative Reviews

This is where most tradies get it wrong. Don’t argue. Don’t get defensive.

Template:

Hi [Name], thanks for the feedback. I'm sorry to hear
[specific issue]. That's not the standard we aim for.
I'd like to make it right — please call me on 04XX XXX XXX
so we can sort this out directly. — [Your Name]

Why this format works:

• Acknowledges without admitting fault
• Shows future customers you care
• Takes the conversation offline
• Demonstrates professionalism to anyone reading

Never respond when angry. Draft it. Sleep on it. Send it tomorrow.

Step 7: Embed Reviews on Your Website

Getting reviews is half the job. The other half is making sure potential customers can’t miss them.

Where to Embed on Your Site

1. Homepage — Star rating + count in the hero section
2. Services pages — A relevant quote near each service
3. Contact page — Next to your phone number (removes last-moment doubt)

Embedding Options

At minimum: Show your star rating and review count prominently. Even ”★★★★★ 4.9 — 72 Google Reviews” in a header bar adds significant trust.

The Numbers: What a Strong Rating Is Worth

BrightLocal found that 48% of consumers won’t consider a business with fewer than 4 stars. Below 4 stars, you’re not competing — you’re invisible.

Your 30-Day Review Action Plan

Goal: 10 new reviews in 30 days. Most tradies who follow this get more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying reviews — Google detects patterns. Account suspension is the consequence.
• Only asking when you remember — Build it into the job closeout process.
• Sending one message and giving up — One polite follow-up is fine and often needed.
• Ignoring negative reviews — A responded-to negative review is better than a dead one.
• Not embedding reviews on your site — If they’re not on your site, they’re only half as effective.

Need a site built to convert? Get a free quote →

Sources cited:

• BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey 2024
• Google Business Profile Help
• Podium State of Reviews Report