Whether you’re a solo handyperson just starting out or the owner of an established home repair company, online reviews can be the catalyst for your business’s success. Potential customers often research online before hiring a contractor, plumber, electrician, or other skilled tradesperson. Positive reviews not only build trust but also attract new clients, fueling the growth of your business.
This comprehensive examines why online reviews hold such power in the home services industry and offers proven strategies to generate positive ethical feedback. You’ll learn to proactively manage your online reputation and turn customer satisfaction into a competitive advantage.
The Power of Reviews for Handyman Businesses
- Trust Factor: Hiring someone to work on their home is a personal decision. Reviews act as social proof, showing you have a track record of satisfied customers.
- Search Visibility: Google My Business and other review platforms factor into local search rankings. More positive reviews can mean showing up higher when someone searches for “handyman near me.”
- Competitive Edge: Potential clients often compare multiple businesses. If your competitors lack reviews or have negative ones, you can stand out even if your prices are slightly higher.
- Continuous Improvement: Reviews offer valuable feedback on your work and customer service. Positive reviews tell you what to keep doing, and negative reviews (handled well) can pinpoint areas for improvement.
Where to Focus Your Review Efforts
- Google My Business: Crucial for local SEO. Encourage reviews directly on your GMB profile.
- Industry-Specific Platforms: Sites like Angi (formerly Angie’s List), HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack are popular with people seeking home services.
- Social Media: While reviews on Facebook are less impactful for search, they influence many users and allow for quick engagement.
Proven Strategies to Get More Handyperson Reviews
Deliver Exceptional Service
The best way to generate positive reviews is to provide outstanding customer experiences consistently. Remember, positive reviews are not just a reflection of your work, but they also act as a powerful marketing tool, attracting more clients and boosting your business.
- Quality Workmanship: Take pride in your craft and stand behind your work.
- Punctuality & Reliability: Show up on time and stick to agreed-upon timelines and budgets.
- Clear Communication: Explain the work needed, be transparent about pricing, and keep clients updated throughout the project.
Make It Easy to Leave Reviews
Don’t assume clients will seek you out on review sites. Here’s how to make the process easy:
- Follow-Up Email or Text: Send a simple message after job completion with direct links to your GMB profile and other review pages.
- Printed Reminder: Include a brief card with your business info and review links to tuck into the final invoice.
- On-Site Signage: A small sign saying “Happy with our services? Leave us a review!” is a subtle nudge if working in a visible area.
Time Your Review Requests Right
Ideally, ask for a review while the positive experience is fresh in the client’s mind.
- At Job Completion: If the client expresses delight with the work, ask directly if they’d be willing to share their experience online.
- Post-Project Follow-Up: If you missed the chance in person, a brief follow-up email a few days later with a review request can still be effective.
Personalize Your Approach
Generic requests are less effective. Instead:
- Use the Client’s Name: This conveys individual appreciation.
- Mention Something Positive: Briefly reference a specific aspect of the work they were particularly pleased with.
Respond to ALL Reviews
Responding to both good and bad reviews shows commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Thank Positive Reviewers: Express sincere gratitude and reinforce your dedication to quality service.
- Addressing Negative Reviews:
- Don’t Get Defensive: Acknowledge their issue, apologize, and express a willingness to find a resolution.
- Take It Offline: Offer your contact info for direct discussion. Avoid public back-and-forth arguments.
- Document and Learn: If multiple negative reviews highlight the same problem, address it within your business.
Don’t Be Afraid of Negative Reviews
A few negative reviews mixed in with positive ones can appear authentic. How you handle the negative feedback matters more than the review itself. Responding professionally and showing a desire to resolve issues can turn a disgruntled customer into a loyal advocate.
Leverage the Power of Positive Reviews
- Showcase Them on Your Website: Feature glowing reviews with client permission on your website’s homepage, testimonials page, or service-specific pages.
- Social Proof on Social Media: Share positive snippets from reviews on your social media platforms to build trust and attract potential clients.
- Turn Reviews into Marketing Materials: Include quotes from positive reviews in brochures, flyers, or online ads to capture attention and stand out from your competition.
Taking Your Review Strategy to the Next Level
Consider a Reputation Management Tool
Investing in a platform specifically designed for home service businesses can help you automate review requests, monitor your online reputation across platforms, and analyze customer sentiment to identify areas for improvement.
Incentivize Reviews
Be mindful of platform guidelines. Offering a small discount on a future service after a review is posted can incentivize feedback without violating review site policies. Focus on building long-term customer relationships, not just securing a single review.
Build Relationships with Clients
Go beyond the initial job. Offer seasonal maintenance tips or loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, both online and offline.
Building Trust & Growing Your Business
A steady stream of positive online reviews is a powerful asset for any handyman business. By prioritizing exceptional customer service, making it easy for clients to leave feedback, and responding strategically to all reviews, you can build a solid online reputation that attracts new clients and fuels the growth of your business. Here’s a quick recap:
- Focus on delivering exceptional service to generate positive experiences consistently.
- Employ various strategies to make it easy for clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business and industry-specific sites.
- Personalize your review requests and respond promptly to all feedback, positive or negative.
- Leverage the power of positive reviews by showcasing them on your website and marketing materials.
- Consider a reputation management tool for streamlined review collection and analysis.
Following these steps, you can transform online reviews from a potential concern into a valuable asset for your handyperson business.
Ready to take control of your online reputation and generate more positive reviews for your handyperson services?
Review Spike can help! Our user-friendly platform simplifies review collection, automates review requests, and provides valuable data to help you understand customer sentiment and improve your service offerings. Sign up for a free trial today and see how Review Spike can help your handyman business thrive in the competitive home services market.
