If you've been in the plumbing business for any length of time, you've heard customers say "I found you on Google." What they usually mean is: they searched, saw your reviews, and called.
Reviews are the #1 trust signal for local service businesses. More reviews — and higher ratings — directly translate to more calls. This guide explains exactly how to get them.
Why Most Plumbers Don't Have Enough Reviews
It's not because customers don't like your work. It's because asking for reviews feels awkward, and happy customers are busy. They intend to leave a review but forget.
The solution is a system — a repeatable process that makes asking easy and makes leaving a review as frictionless as possible for the customer.
The Review Request Formula
Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is immediately after the job is complete — when the customer is satisfied and the experience is fresh.
The best method is a text message with a direct link to your Google review page. Not an email. Not a card. A text. Text messages have an 85% open rate; emails hover around 20%.
What the Message Should Say
"Hi [Name], it's [Your Name] from [Company]. Great working with you today on [what you did]. If you have 2 minutes, a Google review would mean a lot to us: [link]. Thanks!"
That's it. No pressure. No flowery language. Direct and easy to act on.
The Follow-Up
About 30–40% of customers will leave a review after the first message. For the rest, a single follow-up 3–5 days later can double your response rate.
Responding to Reviews
Responding to every review — positive and negative — signals to Google that you're an engaged, customer-focused business. It also shows prospective customers that you care.
For positive reviews: thank the customer and mention a specific detail from their review.
For negative reviews: acknowledge the issue, apologize for the experience, and offer to make it right. Don't get defensive. Prospective customers read your responses.
Dain Wold
Founder, Good Name Marketing · Eau Claire, WI