Why reviews matter for local search
Homeowners compare contractors on Google Maps before they call. The number of reviews, how recent they are and how the company replies all shape that first impression, and Google uses reviews among the signals for local results.
Ask every customer, at the right moment
The best moment is right after the job is finished and the customer has seen the result. Ask every customer, not only the ones you expect to be happy. Asking only satisfied customers, a practice called review gating, goes against Google's policy.
Make it one tap
Send the direct review link of your Google Business Profile in a short message by e-mail or, when the customer agreed to receive texts, by text message. Under United States texting rules, marketing texts need prior consent.
Follow the rules on incentives and fake reviews
Do not offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews, and never write or buy reviews. Google's policies prohibit incentives, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule on consumer reviews, in force since October 2024, prohibits fake reviews and buying them.
Reply to every review
Thank customers for positive reviews by name and mention the job. Answer negative reviews calmly, without personal details, and offer to resolve the issue offline.
Turn it into a routine
Reviews grow when asking is part of closing every job. A checklist, a message template and a weekly look at new reviews are enough to start.
In MGA Accelerator, the Reputation agent prepares a review request after every finished job and drafts replies to new reviews. The owner approves each message before it goes out.
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