Guides · Updated 2026-10-17

How tradesmen get more Google reviews (UK): 14 messages to copy

How tradesmen get more Google reviews comes down to asking every customer, at the right moment, with a direct link, and replying well to what comes back. This guide gives UK tradespeople 14 messages to copy for asking and replying, with Google's own rules and the UK law on fake reviews, checked on 17 October 2026. Fill in the [brackets], press Copy prompt, and paste into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.

What's not allowed

• No incentives. Google prohibits offering payment, discounts or free work in exchange for a review, or for changing or removing a negative one (Google).
• No cherry-picking. Google doesn't allow businesses to discourage negative reviews or ask only happy customers, to set staff review quotas, or to ask for specific content, such as naming a staff member (Google).
• No fake reviews. Since 6 April 2025, writing, commissioning or publishing fake reviews, or hiding that a review was incentivised, is banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (GOV.UK).
• Watch for extortion. Google has a process for reporting scams where someone threatens bad reviews unless you pay.

Free first, tools second

The free method works for most sole traders: get your review link or QR code from your Google Business Profile, put it on your invoice, card and van, and send one text at handover. If you do lots of jobs a week, these tools send requests automatically (prices from each provider's page, checked on the date shown):

Many job apps, such as Tradify and Jobber, can also send a message after a job; check the plan you're on. For more detail, see automatic Google review request tools (UK) and how to get more Google reviews: free methods and tools.

Jump straight to the messages below, or see the trade guides for reviews: plumbers, electricians, builders, roofers and cleaners.

Jump to: When and how to ask · Replying to reviews · Using reviews in your marketing.

When and how to ask

Google says you can ask customers to leave a review with a Google link or a QR code, and that customers need to be signed in to a Google Account, which they can set up with a non-Gmail address (Google).

1. Review request text at handover

Write a short text to send [customer name] on the day I finish [job] at their home. Thank them, mention one specific thing about the job ([detail]), and ask for an honest Google review here: [review link]. Make it easy to say no. No discount or gift for reviewing. Under 300 characters, British spelling.

Copy prompt

2. Review request line for invoices

Write one or two sentences for the bottom of my invoices asking customers for an honest Google review, with the link [review link] and a line that says feedback, good or bad, helps me improve. British spelling, under 50 words.

Copy prompt

3. Follow-up if they haven't left one

Write a single, polite follow-up text for [customer name], sent [days] after my first review request for [job]. Say no worries if they're busy, include the link [review link] once, and don't send any more after this. Under 250 characters, British spelling.

Copy prompt

One reminder is plenty. Don't chase repeatedly.

4. Wording for a QR card or van sticker

Write short wording for a card I leave after each job and a sticker on my van with a QR code to my Google reviews. Under 15 words each, friendly, no promise of anything in return. Give me three options.

Copy prompt

5. Email request for bigger jobs

Write a short email to [customer] after we finished their [extension / kitchen / re-roof]. Thank them, remind them of the guarantee and aftercare ([details]), and ask for an honest Google review at [review link], saying photos of the finished work are welcome if they're happy to share them. British spelling, under 150 words.

Copy prompt

6. Script for asking in person

Write a short, natural script I can say to a customer at the end of a job to ask for a Google review, without pressure and without asking them to do it there and then. Two or three sentences, plain British English.

Copy prompt

Google says businesses shouldn't pressure customers to leave reviews while on the premises (Google).

Replying to reviews

Google's tips: keep replies short, polite and relevant, never share the reviewer's private information, don't attack them, and invite them to get in touch to sort out a problem. You can flag a review you believe breaks Google's policies (Google).

7. Reply to a good review

Here's a positive Google review of my [trade] business: [paste]. Write a short public reply that thanks them by first name, mentions the job in a general way (no address or private details), and adds one useful detail ([e.g. guarantee, aftercare tip]). Under 60 words, British spelling, no sales pitch.

Copy prompt

8. Reply to a negative review about workmanship

Here's a negative Google review: [paste]. Here are the facts from my records: [dates, what was agreed, what happened, what I've offered]. Write a calm public reply that thanks them, doesn't argue or share private details, states the key facts briefly, and invites them to contact [name] on [phone or email] to put it right. Under 100 words, British spelling.

Copy prompt

Write the reply, then wait an hour before posting it.

9. Reply to a review from someone who wasn't a customer

A Google review says [paste], but I can't find this person or job in my records ([what I checked]). Write a short, polite public reply saying we can't find a record of the job and asking them to contact us on [phone or email] so we can look into it. No accusations. Under 70 words, British spelling.

Copy prompt

If you believe the review is fake or breaks Google's policies, flag it in your Business Profile rather than arguing in public.

10. Reply to a review about price

A customer's review says I was too expensive for [job]: [paste]. Write a short, polite public reply explaining that my price includes [what it covers: materials grade, guarantee, insurance, clearing up], without criticising other traders, and thanking them for the feedback. Under 80 words, British spelling.

Copy prompt

11. Message asking an unhappy customer to talk

Write a short private message to [customer] after their negative review, apologising that they're unhappy, saying I'd like to understand what went wrong and put it right, and offering a call or visit at [times]. Don't mention changing or removing the review. British spelling, under 100 words.

Copy prompt

Never offer anything in exchange for changing or removing a review; Google treats that as fake engagement (Google).

Using reviews in your marketing

12. Turn reviews into a Google Business Profile post

Here are three recent Google reviews of my business: [paste, first names only]. Write a short Google Business Profile post sharing what customers say about [theme, e.g. tidiness, turning up on time], quoting a few words from each exactly as written, with how to get a quote: [phone or link]. Under 120 words.

Copy prompt

Quote reviews word for word. Editing them to sound better can mislead.

13. Monthly review summary for myself

Here are this month's reviews: [paste]. Summarise what customers praise and complain about most, list any job that needs a follow-up call, and suggest one change to try next month. Use only what's in the reviews.

Copy prompt

14. Website testimonials section

Turn these real reviews into a short testimonials section for my website: [paste, with first name and town]. Keep each quote word for word, add the job type and month, and link to my Google profile: [link]. Don't add or change any review.

Copy prompt

More for tradespeople

• Best AI tools for tradesmen (UK) is our hub for every trade.
• 42 ChatGPT prompts for tradesmen covers quotes, chasing payment and posts.
• Can Google detect fake reviews?
• AI social media posts for tradesmen turns job photos into posts.

Stuck for words? The free Google review reply generator writes replies to good and bad reviews without any customer details.

Tidy your profile too: the Google Business Profile description generator writes a description within Google's 750-character limit, and the complaint reply generator helps when a customer complains before they review.

FAQ

How do tradesmen get more Google reviews?

Ask every customer, not just the happy ones, at the end of the job, with a direct review link or QR code. Put the link on your invoice and van, send one follow-up at most, and reply to the reviews you get.

Can I offer a discount for a Google review?

No. Google prohibits offering payment, discounts or free goods or services in exchange for a review, and hiding that a review was incentivised is banned under UK law.

How do I get my Google review link?

From your Google Business Profile, where Google lets you create a link or QR code to request reviews. Put it on invoices, cards, your van and your follow-up texts.

Should I reply to every Google review?

Google says you don't need to thank every reviewer publicly; reply when you have something helpful to add. Always reply calmly to negative reviews and invite the customer to get in touch.

Can I get a bad Google review removed?

Only if it breaks Google's policies, for example if it's fake or abusive; you can flag it in your Business Profile. You can't pay or offer anything to have it removed.

Can ChatGPT write review replies?

Yes, as drafts. Give it the review and the facts from your records, ask for a short, calm reply without private details, and edit it before posting.