How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Begging): A Simple 5-Step System for Local Contractors

If you’re a plumber, electrician, HVAC company, roofer, landscaper, or any local service business in Massachusetts, you already know this truth:

People will Google you before they call you.

Even when you get referred, the homeowner still checks your reviews. And if your competitor has 150 reviews and you have 12… that referral can turn into their booked job.

The good news: you don’t need to “get lucky” with reviews. You just need a repeatable system that makes leaving a review quick and easy and fits into your day without extra headaches.

Below is the exact 5-step system we set up for local service businesses so reviews come in consistently (without sounding pushy or spammy).

Why Google Reviews Matter

Before we get into the system, it’s worth answering the common question: Do Google reviews help with two things you actually care about? The answer is YES! Reviews help you

• Show up more in Google Maps when people search “plumber in [your town]”
• Get chosen more once they find you

Reviews are trust. And trust = calls.

If you want reviews to turn into more calls, your listing has to look active and complete too. That’s what Google Business Profile Management is built for.

We even highlighted reviews last week as one of the top 5 Mistakes businesses make that are costing them calls.

In Massachusetts, it’s even more important because most towns are packed with options. If you’re in Worcester County, the North Shore, MetroWest, or anywhere near Boston, you’re not competing with one other guy… you’re competing with everyone.

A steady flow of real reviews is one of the easiest ways to stand out without spending more on ads.

Here are 5 ways to get more reviews.

Step 1: Make It Incredibly Easy to Leave a Review

Most businesses lose reviews because it’s annoying to leave one.

Fix that by using your direct Google review link:

1. Open your Google Business Profile (GBP)
2. Find “Ask for reviews”
3. Copy your link and save it somewhere easy (notes app, CRM template, etc.)
4. You can also download and easily share the QR code with customers

Rule: If it takes longer than 30 seconds, you’ll lose the review.

Step 2: Ask at the Right Moment (Timing Is Everything)

The best time to ask is when the customer is already happy and you’re still top-of-mind.

Best moments for home services:

• Right after the job is finished and they say: “Looks great” / “Thanks so much”
• Right after payment is processed
• Right after you solved a stressful problem (no heat, leak fixed, storm damage handled)

Seasonal trades in MA:

HVAC: ask when heat/AC is back on and working

Landscaping: ask when the yard looks perfect

Snow removal: ask right after a big storm when they’re relieved

Step 3: Use a Simple Text Message (It Beats Email)

Contractors live on text. Customers do too. This is the easiest win.

Copy/paste text template:

“Hi [Name] — appreciate you choosing us. If you have 30 seconds, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other homeowners in [Town] find a reliable [trade]. Here’s the link: [Review Link]”

That’s it. No pressure. No awkwardness.

Important: Don’t send it days later. Send it the same day whenever possible.

Step 4: Build It Into Your Workflow (So It Happens Every Week)

Most owners don’t struggle because they “don’t ask.”
They struggle because it’s not consistent.

Pick ONE place this lives so it runs automatically:

• Invoice email template
• Job completion text
• CRM follow-up (ServiceTitan, Jobber, Housecall Pro, etc.)
• A “review request” checkbox your office uses when a job is done

Goal: every completed job gets one request. Keep it clean and simple.

Step 5: Respond to Every Review (Because People Are Watching)

Responding isn’t just “nice.” It’s part of selling.

For a 5-star review:

“Thanks so much, [Name]. Glad we could help with your [job]. If you ever need anything in [Town], we’ve got you.”

For a negative review:

• Stay calm
• Acknowledge it
• Move it offline

Example:
“Hi [Name] — I’m sorry to hear that. That’s not the experience we aim for. Please call our office at [Phone] so we can make this right.”

Remember: you’re not replying for them.
You’re replying for the next homeowner reading it deciding whether to call you.

Local Tip: Use Reviews to Win More Jobs in Your Town

Don’t let your reviews sit there. Use your best ones in:

• Your website (especially the homepage + service pages)
• Facebook posts (“Appreciate the kind words from a homeowner in [Town]…”)
• Quote follow-ups (“Here’s a link to our reviews if you want to see what other locals say…”)

Town-based reviews hit harder than generic testimonials. “Mike in Framingham” feels real. That’s what gets the call.

Turn Google Reviews Into More Calls

Google reviews are one of the fastest ways to build trust with homeowners before they ever pick up the phone. When you make it one-tap easy, ask right after a great job, and bake the request into your normal workflow, reviews start coming in consistently without adding extra work to your week. Keep this system running for the next 60–90 days and you’ll strengthen your Google Maps presence, stand out from nearby competitors, and win more booked jobs across Massachusetts.