You already know Google reviews help you get more work.
They build trust, boost your Google ranking, and make customers feel confident choosing you.
But here's the honest truth most trades never say out loud:
Asking for reviews feels awkward!
You don't want to nag.
You don't want to chase.
And you definitely don't want to feel like you're begging for a favour.
So let's have a plan for how to get more Google reviews.
Our Marketing Guide for our trade customers, called THE VAN PLAN, includes a simple, no-pressure system for collecting reviews - one that fits naturally into your day and doesn't feel salesy.
Because the reality is this:
People are happy to leave you a review when you ask at the right moment and make it super easy.
Here's the 3-step system that just works.
1. Ask at the Right Moment - When the Customer Is Happiest
Timing is everything when considering how to get more Google reviews.
The best time to ask for a review is:
- 👉 Immediately after you finish the job
- 👉 Just after the customer says something positive like "That looks great, thanks!"
This moment is perfect - they're relieved, happy, and grateful.
And they want to help you… but only if the ask is simple and unforced.
A natural line you can use:
"So pleased you're happy with it! If you've got 30 seconds a quick Google review really helps small businesses like mine. If I send you a link could you do that for me while I pack up?"
This line is straight from THE VAN PLAN approach for how to get more Google reviews: ask once, ask kindly, keep it light.
2. Make It Stupidly Easy - One Link, One Tap
Here's where most trades lose reviews.
They hand out a card that says "Please leave a review!"
And… nothing happens.
Why?
Well the customer becomes busy and distracted and quite simply forgets…
or the customer has to:
- ❌ Search your business
- ❌ Find the right listing
- ❌ Locate the review button
- ❌ Log in
- ❌ Start typing
Too much friction = no review.
Instead, Whatsapp them one direct link, literally as you chat, send them the link that opens your Google review page instantly.
THE VAN PLAN guide for how to get more Google reviews recommends saving the link in your phone's Notes app so it takes two seconds to share.
You can say:
"I'll send you the link now - makes it nice and easy."
OR use a QR code that is printed to a thank you card, let them scan it and the review window opens immediately.
Reducing friction is the key to more reviews.
3. Make It a Habit - One Ask Per Job
You're not trying to get 20 reviews in a week.
You're trying to build steady momentum.
Just ask one person on every job once.
If they say yes - great.
If they don't - no problem, move on.
No chasing.
No guilt.
No awkward follow-up texts.
In THE VAN PLAN, we describe this as "ask once, at the right time, then let it go."
It's respectful, professional, and customers respond well to it.
This approach builds reviews quietly but consistently.
Why This Works So Well (And Feels Natural)
Reason #1: You're Catching People in a Good Mood!
- You've solved their problem.
- They're grateful.
- They're relaxed.
That's the perfect moment to ask.
Reason #2: You Make It Easy
People are happy to support good trades - but they are also busy - so reduce the friction and make it easy!
Reason #3: It's Not Pushy
You're asking once, politely, then moving on.
That's what makes customers say "Sure, happy to!"
One of the MAGIC8 Pillars
Just as a van on its own will be limited by its potential, collecting Google Reviews is a Pillar within the MAGIC8 supporting the van wrap, on its own each marketing activity would struggle to be effective, but collectively they work together as a Marketing Team to help grow your business.
- ✔ Local Telephone
- ✔ Email domain
- ✔ Clean 1-page website
- ✔ With a Google Business Profile
- ✔ Collecting Google Reviews
- ✔ With a Call Answering Service
- ✔ Social Media
- ✔ Neighbourhood Cards
BONUS TIP: Ask Customers to Add a Photo to Their Review
Google loves photo reviews.
Customers trust them more.
And they help you rank higher locally.
You can say:
"If you can, a quick photo with your review looks great and really helps."
From THE VAN PLAN:
Real photos = more trust = more calls.
Your Next Step? Install the Review Habit
How to get more Google reviews?
You don't need fancy software.
You don't need scripts.
You don't need to chase people.
Just:
- Ask when they're happiest
- Send a simple link
- Make it a habit once per job
Do this for 3 months and your Google profile will look completely different.