January 21, 2025
As a business owner like you, I know how crucial reviews are for service-based businesses. Whether you’re running a cleaning service, a salon, or a consultancy, positive reviews are your strongest marketing tool. Over the years, I’ve learned strategies that can help you ask for reviews in a way that feels natural and drives results. But first, let’s discuss why reviews are important and then we'll dive right in and get you the feedback your business deserves.
In service-based industries, trust is everything. Reviews from past clients show potential customers that your business is reliable and professional.
Good reviews don’t just focus on the service itself, they also showcase your professionalism, customer service, and attention to detail. Each review becomes an advertisement for your skills. Here’s an example of using a review and responding with expertise, care, and trust! Fun fact: it’s from our owner back when their writing wasn’t quite as polished!
Reviews are a key factor in local search engine optimization (SEO). Businesses with more reviews that are highly rated are more likely to show up in local search results, which helps attract new clients.
The timing of your request can make a big difference. For service-based businesses, these moments work well:
I once worked with a landscaping business that started asking for reviews as soon as they completed a project. By pairing the request with a final walkthrough, they saw a 40% increase in reviews within a month.
You can replicate this experience by making it easy for customers to leave a review with just one tap using Reputigo's review cards.
On a Reddit thread about review strategies, a small cleaning service owner shared how they saw a spike in reviews by sending a follow-up email 48 hours after completing a service. They mentioned that keeping the email short and including a direct link to Google Reviews made it easier for clients to respond.
Generic requests don’t resonate. Instead, tailor your message to each client’s experience.
Hi [Name], thank you for trusting us with your [specific service]! Your feedback helps us grow and improve. If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience in a quick review.
The easier it is for clients to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. Provide direct links and clear instructions. Check out how we do it on behalf of our partners!
You can leave a review here: [Insert Link]. It only takes a minute and makes a big difference for us. Thank you!
Always express gratitude, even if the client chooses not to leave a review. Gratitude fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships.
A Reddit user running a handyman service shared that they started sending text messages with review links immediately after completing jobs. They emphasized that this method worked particularly well for clients who were too busy to respond to emails. You can learn more about how to send SMS review requests with Reputigo here.
For service businesses, face-to-face interactions can be incredibly effective. Train your team to identify happy customers and politely ask for a review on the spot. Review cards work exceptionally well for these interactions. Here's Reputigo's review card in action.
Emails are a reliable way to request reviews. Send a follow-up email within a few days of completing the service. Personalize the message to include details about the service provided.
Text messages can be especially effective for busy clients. Keep the message short and include a direct link to the review site.
Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to remind clients to leave reviews. Share stories of other client experiences to inspire action.
Negative reviews are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to improve. Always respond by acknowledging the issue and showing empathy. For instance, if a client highlights a delay or a mistake, recognize their frustration and validate their concerns by saying something like, "We understand how this impacted your experience, and we’re truly sorry for any inconvenience caused."
If possible, provide a resolution. Clients appreciate businesses that take responsibility and work to make things right. For example, if a project wasn’t completed to expectations, offer to fix the issue promptly or provide a partial refund if applicable. Being proactive in resolving problems not only helps repair the relationship but also shows potential customers that you care about client satisfaction.
A Reddit user shared how they turned a 1-star review into a 4-star review by responding within 24 hours, apologizing sincerely, and offering a discount on future services. They highlighted the importance of acting quickly and professionally. This is critical to do!
While incentives like discounts or free services can encourage reviews, they may violate the rules of platforms like Google and Yelp. However, don’t underestimate the power of simply asking. Most satisfied clients are willing to share their experience if they’re prompted to leave one. Of course you should always focus on delivering outstanding service that naturally inspires clients to share their experiences. Think about what makes your business stand out. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, attention to detail, or consistent results, highlight these strengths!
A personal connection and a memorable experience often lead to organic and heartfelt reviews. Additionally, consider using non-monetary incentives like thank you cards or personalized follow-up messages, which show appreciation without breaking platform rules. These small gestures can go a long way in encouraging clients to share their positive experiences.
If a client doesn’t respond to your initial request, send a polite follow-up. Space these reminders a few days or weeks apart to avoid overwhelming them. Many reviews come in after a third or fourth follow-up, which is why reputation management services include customizable sequences. These tools ensure you maximize responses and build a strong online reputation. Reputigo's review campaigns work the same way. Four follow ups, one immediate text message and three emails.
Reminders capture reviews from busy customers, while campaigns reduce missed opportunities by encouraging more reviews to be written and shared.
The common saying goes, it takes on average 7 times before a potential customer does an action. Temu and many major brands understand this well, as showcased during the Super Bowl of 2024 when they aired six identical ads. Even though it might seem annoying, their sales went up a lot after the game!
Really consider using a review management tool to automate follow-up messages. This saves time and ensures no customer is overlooked while keeping communication professional and consistent.
When clients leave reviews, thank them publicly. A simple acknowledgment shows your appreciation and encourages others to leave feedback as well.
Asking for reviews isn’t about pressuring clients. It’s about creating a genuine connection. When you focus on providing excellent service and making it easy for clients to share their experiences, the reviews will come naturally.
Running a service-based business comes with unique challenges, but asking for reviews doesn’t have to be one of them. By following these strategies and focusing on building trust, you can turn satisfied clients into vocal advocates for your business.
Making review requests part of your regular workflow isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a game changer for your service-based business. Here’s why:
Incorporating review requests into your strategy creates a steady stream of testimonials that strengthen your online presence and reputation. Don’t hesitate to ask! Every request could lead to a review that inspires your next client.