The biggest obstacle to collecting Google reviews isn't a lack of time. It's awkwardness. Asking a customer for a review can feel intrusive or salesy. Here's how to get past that.
Why tradespeople don't dare ask
- —Fear of looking self-interested or salesy
- —Not knowing exactly what to say
- —Worry about an embarrassing refusal
- —No system — they think about it but forget
The line that works face-to-face
At the end of the job, while you're packing up your tools:
"If you're happy with the work, a Google review would really help — it brings me new customers. It takes two minutes, I can send you the link directly to your phone if you'd like."
Why it works: you ask at the right moment, you explain why, you offer to make it easy, you don't push.
By SMS, 3 hours after the job
Sample message: "Hi [first name], thanks for your trust today. If you're happy with the work, a Google review would really help me — it takes 2 minutes: [link]. Have a great evening, [your first name]"
Average conversion rate: 15–25%. On 50 customers a month, that's 7–12 extra reviews each month.
What makes the difference
Personalisation: mention the work performed. "Following your boiler installation this morning" converts 3× better than a generic message.
Timing: within 6 hours of the job. After 48 hours, the response rate falls 70%.
Automate so you never forget
Artisavis automates all of that. You mark the job as completed, the message goes out automatically at the right moment.