How To Get Google Reviews For Your Trade Business

Rhino Trade Insurance 01 September 2024

As a tradesman or woman in the UK, your reputation is everything. It's what keeps customers coming back and brings in new customers through word of mouth. But in today's digital age, word of mouth isn't just spoken - it's typed, shared, and read online. One of the most powerful tools for building and maintaining your reputation is Google Reviews. These little gold stars next to your business name can make a big difference in attracting new customers and keeping your week full.

In this post, we'll walk you through how to get Google reviews for your business, why they matter, and how to make the most out of this powerful tool.

The Power of Google Reviews

Google Reviews are more than just star ratings; they’re a reflection of your business's quality and customer satisfaction. They provide potential customers with an insight into your reliability, professionalism, and skill. Here's why they matter:

Trust and Credibility: A business with multiple positive reviews appears more trustworthy to potential clients.
SEO Boost: Google's algorithms favour businesses with more reviews, helping your business appear higher in search results.
Customer Insight: Reviews give you valuable feedback, helping you improve your services.
Conversion Rate: Positive reviews can significantly increase the chances of converting a searcher into a paying customer.

Setting Up Your Google Reviews Profile

Before you can start collecting reviews, you need to set up your Google My Business (GMB) profile. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Create a Google Account: If you don't have one, create one.
Go to Google My Business: Visit the Google My Business website and click on "Manage now."
Enter Your Business Name: Type in your business name. If it doesn't appear, select "Add your business to Google."
Enter Your Business Details: Fill in your business category (e.g., plumber, electrician) and location.
Verify Your Business: Google will send you a verification code by phone, text or email. Enter this code to verify your business.
Complete Your Profile: Add photos, your business hours, and other relevant details.

Now, your business is ready to start collecting reviews.

Encouraging Customers to Leave Reviews

Getting customers to leave a review can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make it easier for them. Here are some strategies:

Ask at the Right Time:

Timing is crucial. Ask for a review right after completing a job when the customer is most satisfied. For example, after fixing a boiler or completing a kitchen refit, say something like, "I hope you're happy with the work. If you have a moment, could you leave a review on Google? It really helps us out."

Make It Easy:

Provide clear instructions on how to leave a review. You can even create a small card with a QR code that takes them directly to your Google review page. Here's how to create a QR code for your review link:

Go to your Google My Business profile.
Click on the "Share review form" button to get your review link.
Use a QR code generator like QR Code Monkey to create a code from this link.

Follow Up:

Send a follow-up email or text message thanking them for their business and gently reminding them to leave a review. For example:

"Hi [Customer's Name], I hope you're enjoying your new [installed item/service]. If you're happy with the service, could you please leave us a review on Google? Here's the link: [Your Google Review Link]. Thank you!"

Offer Incentives:

Consider offering a small incentive, like a discount on their next service or entry into a prize draw, for leaving a review. Ensure that your incentive complies with Google's policies, which prohibit offering money for reviews.

Display Reviews Prominently:

Showcase existing reviews on your website and social media pages. When customers see others leaving positive reviews, they are more likely to do the same.

Respond to Reviews:

Always respond to reviews, whether they are positive or negative. Thank customers for their positive feedback and professionally address any concerns in negative reviews. This shows potential customers that you care about your clients and are committed to providing excellent service.

Benefits of Getting Google Reviews

Collecting Google reviews brings a plethora of benefits to your business:

Increased Visibility: More reviews and higher ratings improve your local SEO, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Enhanced Credibility: Positive reviews build trust with new clients.
Customer Loyalty: Engaging with reviews (responding and thanking customers) fosters loyalty and repeat business.
Valuable Feedback: Reviews provide insights into what your customers appreciate and what areas might need improvement.

FAQ on Google Reviews for Tradespeople

How do I get the link for my Google reviews page?

Log in to your Google My Business account, go to the "Home" tab, and find the "Get more reviews" card. Click "Share review form" to get the link you can share with your customers.

Can I delete a bad review?

No, you cannot delete reviews. However, you can flag inappropriate reviews (such as unfair rants or targeted abuse) for removal. Go to the review in question, click on the three-dot menu, and select "Flag as inappropriate."

How often should I ask for reviews?

Ask for reviews consistently, but don't overwhelm your customers. Aim to ask every satisfied customer after completing a job, and consider periodic follow-ups if they haven't left a review.

About Rhino Trade Insurance

At Rhino Trade Insurance, we understand the unique risks that tradespeople face daily. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and affordable insurance solutions tailored to meet the needs of UK tradesmen and women.

Our Insurance Policies Include:

Public Liability Insurance: Protects you against claims of injury or property damage made by clients or members of the public.
Employers' Liability Insurance: A legal requirement if you have employees, this covers claims from employees who have been injured or fallen ill due to their work.
Tools in Transit Insurance: This covers the loss or damage of your tools while they are being transported.
Professional Indemnity Insurance: Protects you against claims of professional negligence or mistakes that cause your clients financial loss.

Our policies are designed to give you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best - delivering five-star service to your clients.

For more information on how Rhino Trade Insurance can protect your business, visit our website or contact our friendly team today.

Get Insurance Today and Boost Your Five-Star Ratings

Building a strong online presence through Google Reviews can significantly boost your trade business. By encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews and responding to them professionally, you enhance your reputation and attract more clients. Setting up your Google My Business profile is the first step towards leveraging this powerful tool.

Remember, at Rhino Trade Insurance, we're here to support your business with the right insurance policies, allowing you to focus on growing your reputation and client base. Give us a call on 0116 243 7904 to find out what we can offer you today.