Why Google reviews matter for a contractor
Most homeowners looking for a roofer, plumber or painter compare a few options on Google before they call anyone. Your star rating, the number of reviews and what they say sit right next to your name in Search and Maps.
A steady stream of recent, specific reviews tells a stranger you do good work and show up. That is hard to fake and hard to replace with advertising.
Get your review link first
Google gives every Business Profile a link you can share, so customers land directly on the review box. You can find it in your profile under the option to ask for reviews. Save it in your phone, in your email signature and in any text templates you use.
Fewer taps means more reviews. If a customer has to search for your business, find the right listing and hunt for the button, many will give up.
If you don't have a profile yet, start with our guide on setting up your Google Business Profile.
When and how to ask
- Ask at the finish. The best moment is right after the final walkthrough, when the customer is looking at the finished work and feeling good.
- Ask in person first, then send the link. A short "Would you mind leaving us a Google review? I'll text you the link" works better than a cold message.
- Send it the same day. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to do it.
- Keep the message short. Thank them by name, mention the job, and include the link.
- Remind once. One polite reminder a few days later is fine. More than that feels pushy.
- Ask everyone. Ask every customer, not just the ones you think were thrilled. Picking only the happy ones to send to Google is a form of review gating, and Google's policies don't allow it.
A simple text you can adapt: "Hi Maria, thanks again for trusting us with your kitchen remodel. If you have a minute, a Google review would mean a lot to our small team. Here's the link: [your link]."
What not to do
Google's policy on fake engagement is clear, and the FTC's rule on consumer reviews and testimonials backs it up. Stay away from all of this:
- Paying customers, or offering discounts, gifts or free work in exchange for a review.
- Writing reviews yourself, or asking friends and family who weren't customers to write them.
- Asking only happy customers, or steering unhappy ones to a private channel so they don't post publicly (review gating).
- Buying reviews from a service. This can get reviews removed and your profile penalized.
This is general information, not legal advice.
What about Yelp?
Do not ask customers for Yelp reviews. Yelp's own guidance discourages businesses from asking, and its software tends to filter out reviews that look solicited. Reviews that come in on their own are the ones Yelp values.
What you can do is claim and complete your Yelp profile, make sure your name, phone and photos are right, and let your happy customers find you there if they choose. Put your effort into Google, where asking is allowed and encouraged.
Reply to every review
Reply to the good ones with a short, personal thank-you. Mention the type of job so it doesn't read like a template. Replies show future customers that you pay attention.
For the unhappy ones, see our guide on responding to bad reviews.
Make it routine
The contractors with the strongest review profiles are not the ones with the best sales pitch. They simply ask every time. Pick a trigger, such as "job marked complete," and attach the review request to it. Once it is automatic, your review count grows quietly while you work.
Use your reviews elsewhere too. Quote a few on your website, with the customer's permission, and keep them current. See our guide on what a contractor website needs for where they fit.
Where ObraUp can help
If remembering to ask is the hard part, ObraUp includes an optional add-on called Google review requests after every job. It is a custom add-on, quoted for your business, and it is not part of the $39 plan. Prefer to start with the basics? Start with my website and add services later.
Questions people ask
How many reviews do I need?
There is no magic number. A steady flow of recent reviews matters more than a big total from years ago. Aim to ask every customer and let the count grow naturally.
Can I offer a discount on the next job for a review?
No. Offering anything in exchange for a review is prohibited by Google's policies and goes against FTC guidance. Ask honestly and thank people sincerely instead.
What if a customer says they will post a review but never does?
Send one friendly reminder with the link. If they still don't, let it go. A pushy follow-up can backfire.
Can I ask my customers to leave a Yelp review?
It is better not to. Yelp discourages businesses from asking for reviews. Ask for Google reviews instead.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help, Get more reviews (checked October 2026)
- Google Maps Help, Prohibited and restricted content for contributed reviews (checked October 2026)
- FTC, The Consumer Review Rule: Q&A for businesses (checked October 2026)
- Yelp Support, Support center for business owners (checked October 2026)