How top pros ask for reviews

ArvinC · March 20

Let’s be honest.Asking reviews can feel awkward — even when the job went great.

You’re packing up. The customer is smiling. Everything’s done. And you think: Do I ask now. Or do I just hope they remember later?

Pros who get consistent reviews didn’t start out feeling confident about asking for them either, but they found a way that works for them.

Why reviews matter.

When customers are deciding who to hire, they’re not just looking at services and prices. They want to know what it’s like to work with you specifically.

Reviews help tell that story. For many customers, reviews are the first thing they check on a profile. They also make new customers feel more comfortable reaching out.

The fact is, pros with 5 or more reviews are five times more likely to be hired.

How Top Pros get reviews.

These tips came straight from experienced pros during a recent Pro Advisory Board panel discussion.

(Fast-forward to 7:20–9:52 to catch this part of the discussion.)

1. They actually ask.

It sounds obvious, but it matters. If you don’t ask, reviews usually don’t happen. A simple request for review is enough — no long explanation needed.

2. They ask before they leave.

The best time is right near the end of the job, when the experience is fresh in their mind and you’re face to face. After you leave life gets busy and reviews are easier to forget.

Not sure how to phrase it? Try something like this:

“I’m wrapping up in the next half hour. If you’re happy with the work, would you mind leaving a quick review?”

3. They explain why reviews help.

Gently remind customers that reviews are how they found you in the first place.
You can say something like, “You probably looked at my reviews before you hired me, and they really help other customers find me too.”

Most people are happy to help once they understand the impact.

4. Don’t panic over less-than-perfect feedback.

Every pro eventually gets a review that isn’t glowing. Our pro panel agreed this is part of the process. One Top Pro said, “Our first bad review was a learning curve. We turned it into a good experience and learned how to better serve our customers.”

Top Pros also recommend responding to negative reviews to show potential customers how you handle challenges and how it might be to work with you.

5. Use the tools that make it easier.

Top pros also utilize platform features that help you collect reviews. Marking jobs as complete and using built-in prompts helps you automate the review request, so nothing slips through the cracks.

One pro panelist said, “Thumbtack sets you up for success. Pay attention to the tools available for collecting reviews.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zYfWahHurw&list=PLPz1npTzydS4OQWTthPG9l1ON_tGvighg&index=8

Nora Bruhn
Muralist

Let’s swap Notes.

Everyone has their own way of doing this. Do you ask in person? Send a follow-up later? Have a line that works every time?

Drop what’s worked for you in the comments. There’s a good chance it’ll help someone succeed.

ArvinC · March 23

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Katina_Long · March 23

I ask in person and via email. Recently I messaged some clients and told them I would enter them into a raffle if they send in Google Reviews. I got multiple in one day.

DustiO · March 23

@Katina_Long that is such a great idea, thank you for sharing!

ArvinC · March 24

Thank you for sharing @Katina_Long !

Djrodney12 · March 28

Thank you for the information.

ArvinC · March 30

You're welcome @Djrodney12! If you have something to share or questions in mind, you have the whole community here for you. Just post it and we’re here to help and join the conversation.

MyCleanCharlotteMaid · July 29

For cleaning services, the best time to ask for a review is right after the customer has seen the results and the home still feels fresh.

I like to keep the request simple and grateful. Something like: “Thank you again for trusting us with your home. If you were happy with the cleaning, we would really appreciate a quick review. It helps other local families feel confident choosing us.”

I think the key is not to pressure the customer. Just make it easy, polite, and timely.

Reviews matter a lot in cleaning because customers are inviting someone into their personal space. A strong review gives future customers confidence that the business is reliable, detailed, and professional.

ArvinC · July 29

Thanks for sharing, @MyCleanCharlotteMaid ! I really like how you make the request feel natural and centered on gratitude instead of pressure. That's a great reminder that timing and a genuine ask can go a long way. I also love your point about reviews building trust, especially in an industry where customers are inviting someone into their home. Thanks for adding your perspective!