Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever for Contractors
Google has confirmed that reviews are a local ranking factor. More reviews and higher ratings correlate with higher rankings in Google Maps and local search results. But the impact goes beyond rankings. A BrightLocal study found that 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 76% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
For HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors, reviews are often the deciding factor. When a homeowner sees three plumbers on Google Maps, they look at the star ratings and review counts first, then read a few reviews, and call the one that seems most trustworthy. More reviews means more trust means more calls.
The Systematic Approach to Getting More Reviews
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after a successful job, when the customer is most satisfied. Send an SMS or email within 24 hours of completing the work. Include a direct link to your Google review page so the customer does not have to search for it. Keep the request short and simple.
For in-person requests, use a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Hand it to the customer or leave it on a job completion card. Make it as frictionless as possible. The easier you make it to leave a review, the more reviews you will get.
Responding to Reviews Matters Too
Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows potential customers that you are engaged and professional. It also signals to Google that your business is active. Every response should be thoughtful and personalized, not a generic copy-paste template.
Spruce Local automates the entire review process for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies: generation campaigns via SMS and email, QR codes for in-person requests, AI-powered responses in your brand voice, and monitoring across all platforms. We handle everything so you can focus on the work. Contact us at (509) 557-0797 to get started.