Most contractors don’t have a review problem. They have an asking problem.
The customer was happy. They said “great job” in the driveway. Then nobody asked, nobody sent a link, and the moment passed. Three months later the competitor with worse work has 200 reviews and you have 40.
This post gives you the exact texts to send, when to send them, and the rules that keep your reviews from getting removed. Copy them, change the names, and start this week.
First, get your direct review link
Don’t send customers to “search for us on Google.” Every extra step loses people. Send them straight to the review box.
In your Google Business Profile, open Read reviews, then Get more reviews. Google gives you a short link and a QR code. Copy the link into your phone’s text replacements (or your CRM) so you can paste it in two taps.
Use the same link everywhere: texts, emails, invoices, the back of your business card, and NFC review cards your crew can hand customers to tap with their phone.
When to ask (timing matters more than wording)
The best time to ask is while you’re still in the driveway. The customer just watched the work get done, the yard is clean, and they’re relieved. That feeling fades fast.
- Small jobs (service calls, repairs, cleanings): text within an hour of finishing.
- Big jobs (roofs, remodels, hardscape): ask in person at the final walkthrough, then text the link the same day.
- Recurring service (lawn, pest, pool): ask after the second or third visit, once they’ve seen consistency.
One reminder the next day is fine. After that, stop. Pestering people turns a happy customer into an annoyed one.
The templates
Swap in your names and your link. Keep them short. Texts that read like a real person get answered. Texts that read like a marketing blast get ignored.
Template 1: Right after the job (your default)
“Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] with [Business]. Thanks for having us out today. If you’re happy with the [job], would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours: [link]”
Template 2: The next-day reminder (send once)
“Hi [Name], just a quick follow-up from [Business]. If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would mean a lot to our crew: [link]. Thanks again!”
Template 3: Big jobs, after the final walkthrough
“[Name], it was great working with you on the [roof/patio/remodel]. Now that it’s done, would you share how it went in a Google review? Other homeowners in [Town] read them before they hire anyone: [link]”
Template 4: Recurring customers
“Hi [Name], it’s [Business]. We’ve loved taking care of your [lawn/home] this season. If you’d recommend us to a neighbor, a quick Google review helps more than you know: [link]”
Template 5: Email version (for customers who prefer email)
Subject: How did we do, [Name]?
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for choosing [Business] for your [job]. If you were happy with the work, would you take a minute to leave us a Google review? It’s the best way to help other homeowners in [Town] find a contractor they can trust.
If anything wasn’t right, just reply to this email. I read every one.
[Your Name]
Template 6: In person, at the end of the job
“We’re a local, family-run business, and reviews are how most people find us. If you’re happy with how this turned out, would you leave us a quick Google review? I’ll text you the link right now so it’s one tap.”
The rules that keep your reviews from getting removed
Getting more reviews is pointless if Google removes them, or your profile gets penalized. Ask every customer, the same way, every time.
- No incentives. No discounts, gift cards or entries into a drawing for leaving a review. Google prohibits it, and the FTC’s 2024 rule on consumer reviews bans buying reviews.
- No review gating. Don’t send a “how did we do?” survey first and only send the Google link to people who said they were happy. Google treats selectively asking for positive reviews as fake engagement. It’s fine to also offer a private way to share concerns, as long as everyone still gets the review link.
- No reviews from family or employees pretending to be customers, and no “write it for them” reviews.
- Get permission to text. Collect the customer’s okay to receive texts about their job when they book (a checkbox on your form or estimate). Review requests are close to the line between a service message and marketing, and consent keeps you on the safe side of the TCPA and carrier rules. If someone replies STOP, stop.
Respond to every review, good and bad
Responding shows future customers there’s a real owner who cares. Keep it short and specific:
Good review: “Thanks, [Name]! We’re glad the [specific detail they mentioned] turned out the way you wanted. We appreciate you.”
Bad review: “[Name], I’m sorry this wasn’t the experience we aim for. I’d like to make it right. Please call me directly at [phone] so we can sort it out.”
Don’t argue in public. Move it to a phone call.
The weekly review routine
- Your direct review link is saved in your phone and CRM
- Every finished job gets Template 1 within an hour
- Customers who didn’t respond get one reminder the next day
- Big jobs get asked in person at the walkthrough
- Every new review gets a reply within a few days
- Your crew carries NFC review cards or a QR code
Make it automatic
The routine above works, but it depends on someone remembering to send the text every single time. That’s where most businesses fall off.
Our 5-Star Review System sends the request automatically when a job is marked complete, sends one reminder, and puts every new review in one dashboard. Use the review gap calculator above to see how many reviews you need to pass the top business in your area, and how fast automation gets you there.