Google reviews are the #1 ranking factor for local trade searches. Most trades collect them randomly. The ones that win do it systematically.
The 4 rules
- Ask every customer. Not just the happy ones — every one.
- Ask within 1 hour of completion. Conversion drops 50% after 24h.
- Make it one tap. Direct deep-link to your Google review form, pre-filled.
- Don't filter. "Only ask happy customers" is review-gating and against Google's TOS.
The automation
Engineer marks job complete → SMS fires after 30 minutes: "Thanks for choosing us today. If we did a good job, a 30-second Google review means the world: [link]"
Handling negative reviews
Respond within 24h, in public, calmly. Offer to make it right. Future customers read your responses more closely than the original review.
Expected uplift
Going from 0.5 reviews/week to 5 reviews/week typically lifts Google Maps pack visibility by 30–60% within 90 days.