How to get more Google reviews for your painting company
A simple, honest process to ask for reviews after every painting job and reply to them well, including the negative ones.
Before letting a painter into their home, most people read reviews. Good recent reviews that mention cleanliness, punctuality and quality can matter more than a slightly lower price from a competitor.
The good news is that happy customers are usually willing to write a review. You just need to ask at the right moment and make it easy.
Ask when the job is done
The best moment is the final walkthrough, when the customer sees the result and is happy. You can say something like: "It really helps when other people in Calgary can find our work. Would you mind leaving us a Google review? I will text you the link."
Send the direct link that same day. You can get it from your Google Business Profile with the option to ask for reviews.
Make it part of the process
If it depends on memory, it gets forgotten. Add "ask for a review" to your job close-out list, next to final photos and payment. If you use a CRM, schedule a friendly reminder a few days later for those who have not left one.
What to avoid
- Do not offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. It breaks Google's rules.
- Do not ask only the customers you expect to give five stars.
- Do not write reviews yourself or ask relatives to do it.
- Do not have several customers leave reviews from your phone or office.
Besides the rules, people notice when reviews do not look real.
Reply to every review
Replying shows you care. For positive reviews, say thanks and mention something about the job: "Thanks, Laura. We are glad you like how the living room colour turned out."
For negative ones, stay calm and do not argue in public. Acknowledge the issue, briefly explain what you will do and offer to talk on the phone. People reading that reply are judging how you handle a problem.
Use reviews on your website
Show a few real reviews on your website, near the estimate button. Include the customer's name (with permission) and, if possible, the neighbourhood or type of job. Never invent or edit reviews.
Learn from what they say
Reviews tell you what your customers value. If many mention that you left everything clean, use that in your ads and on your website. If several mention delays, that is something to improve.
Reviews are a central part of local SEO for painters. If you want help organizing this process, see SEO for painters in Calgary.