Google reviews: The difference between getting called or getting ignored
- 28 January 2026
- News
When someone searches for a trade near them, they’re not short of options. What makes them pick up the phone to one business and scroll past another? Often, it’s your Google reviews.
Google reviews for tradesmen have become the digital version of word-of-mouth referrals. Before homeowners hand over their keys or their cash, they want to know what others think and have experienced. A strong collection of positive reviews tells them you’re reliable, professional, and worth calling. A lack of reviews, or a string of unanswered, unexplained bad ones, sends them straight to your competitor.
For tradesmen across the UK, getting Google reviews right is vital for your visibility, trust, and business growth. Here’s how to make reviews work for you.
Why Reviews Matter for Your Trade Business
Reviews directly affect whether potential customers can find you and whether they choose to contact you.
First, there’s visibility. Google uses online reviews as part of its ranking system. The more positive feedback you have, the higher you’re likely to appear in search results. That means when someone searches “electrician near me,” you’ve got a better chance of being seen if you have positive reviews.
Then there’s trust. A higher star rating acts like an endorsement from people who’ve already hired you. It answers the question every homeowner is asking: “Can I trust this person in my home?” Satisfied customers leave breadcrumbs that lead others to you.
Finally, reviews improve conversion rates. You might get plenty of people landing on your Google Business Profile, but if there are no customer reviews or your star rating is low, they’ll keep looking.
For more information on Google business profiles, check out this extensive blog.
How to Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews
Many customers won’t leave a review unless you ask, even happy ones. Your job is to make it easy and remind them.
The best time to ask is right after you’ve finished the job and the customer is pleased with the work. That’s when customer satisfaction is highest, and they’re most likely to say yes.
Make leaving a quick Google review as simple as possible. Send them a direct link to your Google Business Profile or use a QR code on your business cards or invoices. The less friction, the better. We help our traders send automated review requests via email or SMS a day or two after the job, just to prompt them without being pushy.
Consistency is key. Build it into your review strategy so that asking becomes part of your routine, not something you remember every few months. A handful of new reviews each month will go a long way to gaining a strong reputation online.
What to Do with Positive Reviews
When a customer leaves you a positive review, don’t just smile and move on. Respond to it. A simple “Thanks for the kind words” shows professionalism and tells future customers you’re engaged and appreciative.
You can also use positive feedback beyond Google. Share testimonials on social media, add them to your website, or include a few standout lines in your marketing. It all adds up to a stronger online reputation and more trust from people who haven’t worked with you yet.
Positive reviews also give you useful insight. Pay attention to what customers mention -punctuality, tidiness, and clear communication. If the same things keep coming up, you know what you’re doing right. Double down on it.
How to Handle Bad Reviews
Bad reviews sting, especially when you’ve done your best. But they’re not the end of the world if you handle them properly.
First, don’t ignore them. Responding calmly and professionally shows you take feedback seriously. Apologise if something genuinely went wrong, explain what happened if there’s been a misunderstanding, and offer to make it right. Even if that customer doesn’t change their review, others will see you tried.
Avoid getting defensive or aggressive. It never looks good, and it’ll do more harm than the original review. Keep it brief, polite, and solution-focused.
Bad reviews hurt less when good ones surround them. If you’ve got 50 positive reviews and one negative, it barely dents your overall star rating. That’s why building up genuine customer reviews over time matters.
Best Practices for Managing Your Review Strategy
Set up your Google Business Profile properly. Make sure your contact information, services, and photos are up to date. It’s the first thing people see, and it needs to look the part.
Mix it up. While Google is the big one, don’t ignore platforms like Facebook or Checkatrade if your customers use them. The more places you’re reviewed positively, the stronger your overall presence.
Track the entire process. Keep an eye on how many reviews you’re getting, what people are saying, and where there might be gaps. It helps you tweak your approach and keep momentum going.
Google reviews for tradesmen are a powerful tool, but they work best when they’re part of a wider approach. Your website, social media, branding, and the way you communicate all play a role in how customers see you.
Need Help Managing Your Reviews?
Google reviews won’t build your business on their own, but they will make a big difference to how often your phone rings. They boost your visibility in search results, build trust with potential customers, and give you a clear edge over competitors with fewer or worse reviews.
Start asking. Make it easy. Respond to what you get. Handle the rough with the smooth. Do that consistently, and you’ll see the results in your enquiries and your reputation.
If you want help managing and automating your online reputation, building a review strategy, or getting your trade business seen by more local customers, TradePal is here to support you.
For more information and a chat about your marketing, you can call us on 020 4572 0845 or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Google reviews do I need to make a difference?
There’s no magic number, but even five to ten reviews can make you look more credible than a competitor with none. Aim for a steady flow rather than a one-off push.
Can I ask customers to leave a 5-star review?
You can ask customers to leave a review, but you shouldn’t tell them what rating to give. Google’s guidelines say reviews must be honest and unbiased. Ask for feedback, make it easy, and let the quality of your work speak for itself.
What should I do if a customer threatens to leave a bad review?
Stay professional, try to resolve the issue fairly, and if they leave a negative review, respond calmly and factually.
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