beginnerMarketing

Online Reviews

Customer feedback posted on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other public platforms that potential customers read before hiring you.

Full Definition

Online reviews are digital word-of-mouth that acts as social proof for your business. They directly influence whether prospects call you or your competitor, with 93% of consumers reading reviews before making a purchase decision.

For Contractors

Why It Matters

Reviews are your #1 trust signal. A concrete contractor with 4.8 stars and 50+ Google reviews will get 3x more calls than one with 3.2 stars and 8 reviews, even if they bid higher. One negative review on the first page can cost you $15,000+ in lost jobs because prospects will call the next guy instead.

Real-World Example

A concrete company in Phoenix had 12 Google reviews averaging 3.4 stars and was getting 8 calls per month from online leads. After implementing a review collection system and earning 45 reviews with a 4.7-star average over 6 months, they jumped to 28 calls per month from the same marketing spend. At $8,000 average job value and 25% close rate, that's an extra $40,000 in monthly revenue from the same leads.

Common Mistakes

  • -Only asking happy customers for reviews after the job is completely finished instead of during the honeymoon period right after completion
  • -Ignoring negative reviews or responding defensively instead of professionally addressing concerns
  • -Focusing only on Google reviews while neglecting other platforms where customers actually look
  • -Not having a systematic process to request reviews, relying on customers to leave them voluntarily

What to Do

Text every customer 24-48 hours after job completion: 'Hi [Name], hope you're loving your new concrete work! If you're happy with our service, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Here's the direct link: [Google review URL]. Thanks!' Send this to your last 5 completed jobs this week.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many reviews do I need to be competitive?
For local contractors, 25-50 Google reviews with a 4.5+ star average is the sweet spot. This puts you ahead of 80% of your competition. Focus on getting 2-3 new reviews per month consistently rather than trying to get them all at once.
Should I respond to negative reviews?
Always respond professionally to negative reviews within 24-48 hours. Acknowledge their concern, take responsibility if warranted, and offer to make it right. Potential customers are watching how you handle problems. A good response to a bad review can actually increase trust.
Is it legal to offer incentives for reviews?
Google's guidelines prohibit incentivizing reviews, but you can offer incentives for feedback in general (like a customer satisfaction survey that includes a request to share their experience publicly if they're happy). Focus on asking at the right time rather than paying for reviews.
What's the best time to ask for a review?
Ask within 24-48 hours after job completion when customers are happiest. Don't wait until final payment - ask right after they see the finished work. Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM typically get the highest response rates.
Do reviews on other platforms besides Google matter?
Google reviews are most important for local search, but don't ignore Facebook, Yelp, Angie's List, or industry-specific platforms. Different customers check different sites. Aim for consistency across platforms rather than putting all effort into just Google.

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