Ask every customer
Google's rules do not allow selectively asking only customers you expect to be happy (often called review gating). They also do not allow offering discounts or gifts for reviews. The simple fix is to ask everyone, the same way, every time.
Ask at the right time
The best time is right after the work is done, while the customer is happy and the job is fresh. A text works better than an email for most homeowners.
Make it one tap
- Open your Google Business Profile and find the option to ask for reviews. Copy your review link.
- Send the link in a short text after every completed job.
- Send one reminder a few days later if they have not left a review.
- Stop there. Do not keep asking.
Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews by name and mention the job. For a bad review, reply calmly, take it offline and fix what you can. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews.
Why it matters for Google Maps
Google says prominence is one of the things it uses to rank local results, and reviews are part of that. A steady flow of recent reviews also helps homeowners choose you over the listing next to you.
Sources: Google: Prohibited and restricted content for reviews