When a homeowner sees three lawn companies on Google Maps, they look at two things first: the star rating and how many reviews. A company with 90 reviews usually gets the call over one with 7, even at a higher price. Here is how to keep reviews coming.
Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after the customer sees the result: the first clean cut, a finished sod job, a cleanup that changed how the yard looks. Not a month later when they forgot.
Make it one tap
Every extra step loses people. Do not say "find us on Google and leave a review". Send a text with a direct link that opens the review box. Your Google Business Profile has a "Ask for reviews" link you can copy.
Use a short, human message
Something like:
Hi Maria, thanks for having us out today. If you're happy with the lawn, would you mind leaving a quick review? It really helps a small business like ours: [link]
Short, personal, no pressure.
Automate it so you never forget
Most owners mean to ask and then forget, because they are running a crew. Set up an automatic text that goes out when a job is marked done. Some tools also send unhappy customers to you first, so you can fix the problem before it becomes a public 1-star review.
Reply to every review
Thank good reviews by name and mention the job ("Glad the new sod is taking well!"). For a bad review, stay calm, apologize for the experience and offer to fix it. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews.
What not to do
- Do not pay for reviews or offer discounts for 5 stars. It breaks Google's rules and can get reviews removed.
- Do not post reviews for yourself or ask family to.
- Do not ask everyone at once in a big blast. A steady flow looks natural and keeps your profile fresh.
Turn reviews into more work
- Show your rating and a few reviews on your website
- Mention your review count in door hangers and flyers ("4.9 stars from 120 neighbors")
- Use the words customers use in reviews on your service pages
A realistic goal
If you complete 15 jobs a week and one in four customers leaves a review, that is about 15 new reviews a month. In six months you will likely have more than most competitors in your area. Start with your happiest regular customers this week.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google does not allow incentives for reviews, and reviews obtained that way can be removed. Ask honestly and make it easy.