Here’s something most small business owners in the trades don’t realize: your competitors are leaving money on the table every single day.
They do great work. They show up on time. They have happy customers. But they’re not asking for Google reviews consistently, and it’s costing them thousands in lost business.
Meanwhile, the companies that do ask for reviews — even if their work isn’t better — are showing up first in Google searches. They’re getting the calls. They’re growing.
The good news? You can beat them with a simple strategy: three reviews a week.
The Math is Simple
If you get just three Google reviews every week for a year, you’ll have approximately 150+ reviews by the end of the year.
That kind of volume, combined with a solid rating, will dramatically improve your visibility in local search. More reviews means more trust signals to both Google and potential customers.
The top-ranking businesses in local search consistently have the most reviews. It’s not magic — it’s just consistency.
Three reviews a week. That’s all it takes to change your business trajectory.
Why Most Companies Fail at This
Most businesses don’t systematically ask for reviews. They might ask occasionally, when they remember, or when a customer seems really happy. But there’s no process.
The result? They end up with 10-20 reviews after years in business, while their competitors who do have a system are racking up hundreds.
The companies that dominate local search aren’t necessarily better. They’re just more consistent.
How to Get Started: The Complete Setup
Here’s exactly how to set up your Google reviews system from scratch. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to dominating local search.
Step-by-Step Setup:
- 1Claim Your Google Business Profile
Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it exists, claim it. If not, create a new profile. Google will verify your business (usually by mail).
- 2Complete Your Profile 100%
Add your hours, services, photos, description, and service area. Google favors complete profiles. The more info, the better you’ll rank.
- 3Get Your Review Link
In your Google Business dashboard, go to “Home” and look for “Get more reviews.” Copy your review link. It will look like:
g.page/r/[your-id]/review - 4Create a QR Code
Use a free QR code generator (like qr-code-generator.com) and paste your review link. Download the QR code as an image.
- 5Print and Display
Print the QR code on business cards, invoices, truck magnets, or yard signs. Make it visible and easy to scan.
Setup takes about 30 minutes, one time. Then you’re ready to start collecting reviews systematically.
The Best Way to Ask for Reviews
Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be awkward. Here’s what works:
Option 1: In-Person (Best Results)
When you finish a job and the customer is happy, say something like:
“Thanks so much! If you’re happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps us out. You can just scan this QR code and it takes 30 seconds.”
Most people will do it right there on the spot if you make it easy.
Option 2: Text/Email Follow-Up
Send a text or email the same day you finish the job:
“Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Your Business]! If you’re happy with our work, we’d really appreciate a Google review. Here’s the link: [your review link]. Thanks again!”
Keep it short. Make it easy. Don’t overthink it.
Option 3: Incentivize (Carefully)
You can’t pay for reviews or offer discounts in exchange for reviews (Google will penalize you). But you can enter reviewers into a monthly raffle for a gift card. This is compliant and works well.
Example: “Everyone who leaves a review this month gets entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card.”
Make It a Non-Negotiable Habit
The secret to getting three reviews a week isn’t luck or magic. It’s consistency and systems.
Here’s what successful businesses do:
- They ask every single customer who seems satisfied
- They have the QR code visible on invoices, trucks, and business cards
- They send a follow-up text/email within 24 hours of completing a job
- They track their review count weekly to make sure they’re hitting their goal
If you do 10+ jobs a week and ask every satisfied customer, you’ll easily hit three reviews per week. Even with a 30% response rate, the math works out.
What Happens After a Year
Let’s say you start today with just a couple Google reviews (where most small businesses are). If you commit to getting three reviews per week:
- 3 months: You’ll have ~40 reviews
- 6 months: You’ll have ~80 reviews
- 9 months: You’ll have ~120 reviews
- 12 months: You’ll have ~160 reviews
That kind of volume, combined with consistent new reviews, will dramatically improve your visibility in local search results.
The key is consistency. Google rewards businesses that consistently get fresh reviews.
Don’t Forget to Respond
One often-overlooked tactic: respond to every review, good or bad.
When you respond to reviews, it signals to Google that you’re engaged and active. It also shows potential customers that you care.
Keep responses short and genuine:
“Thanks so much, [Name]! We really appreciate your business and are glad we could help. Let us know if you ever need anything!”
For negative reviews, stay professional and offer to make it right. Don’t argue. Just acknowledge and offer a solution.
The Bottom Line
Most small businesses in the trades are doing great work but terrible marketing. They rely on word of mouth and referrals, which is fine — but limited.
Google reviews are the easiest, fastest way to grow your business without spending money on ads.
Three reviews a week. One year. Top 3 in your market.
It’s not complicated. You just have to commit to doing it consistently.
Start today. Set up your Google Business Profile, get your QR code, and make asking for reviews a non-negotiable part of every job.
A year from now, you’ll be glad you did.
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