Can I give a discount for leaving a review?

Google's rules don't allow offering anything in exchange for reviews, and the FTC's rule bans rewards that depend on the review being positive. The safe way is to simply ask every customer, with no reward.

Should I only ask happy customers?

Ask everyone. Picking only happy customers to ask (called 'review gating') goes against Google's policy. If your work is good, most reviews will be good anyway.

Can I get a bad review removed?

Only if it breaks Google's policies, like spam, hate speech or a fake review from someone who was never a customer. You can flag it. Otherwise, reply calmly and professionally.

Do reviews on Home Pros Ohio count?

They help homeowners on our site decide, and they show on your profile. Your Google rating is what feeds the Home Pros Score, so keep asking for Google reviews too.

Reviews and Reputation: How to Get More 5-Star Reviews the Right Way

Before a homeowner calls you, they look you up. They see your stars. They read a few reviews. Then they decide whether to call you or the next company.

BrightLocal’s yearly survey of consumers keeps finding the same thing: most people read online reviews before choosing a local business, and many won’t consider a business with a low rating.

Reviews are your reputation, written down where everyone can see it. Here’s how to build it the right way.

What homeowners look at

Your star rating. Many homeowners filter out companies under 4 stars.
How many reviews you have. 200 reviews at 4.8 feels safer than 6 reviews at 5.0.
How recent they are. Reviews from last month matter more than ones from 2019.
What the reviews say. Specific stories (“They showed up on time, cleaned everything, and fixed the leak”) beat “Great job!”
How you reply. Especially to bad reviews.

On Home Pros Ohio, your Google rating and number of reviews make up most of your Home Pros Score.

The simple review system

The secret isn’t a clever trick. It’s asking every customer, every time.

Step 1: Ask at the right moment

Ask at the final walk-through, when the customer has just seen the finished job and is happiest. Not a week later when they’ve forgotten.

Step 2: Ask in person, then send the link

“Sarah, I’m really glad you’re happy with it. Reviews help small companies like ours a lot. Would you mind leaving a quick one? I’ll text you the link right now. It takes about a minute.”

Then send it right away:

“Thanks again, Sarah! Here’s the link: [your Google review link]. Mentioning what we did and how the crew treated you helps other homeowners a lot.”

Get your direct review link from your Google Business Profile (“Ask for reviews” or “Share review form”).

Step 3: Follow up once

If they haven’t left one in 3 days, send one friendly reminder:

“Hi Sarah, hope the new roof is treating you well! If you have a minute, we’d really appreciate that review: [link]. Thanks either way!”

Then stop. One reminder is helpful. Five is annoying.

Step 4: Make it a habit for the whole team

Put “ask for review” on your job checklist.
Track how many reviews each crew gets.
Celebrate when customers mention a crew member by name.

Set a review goal

Want to go from 4.3 to 4.7 stars? Use the review goal calculator. It shows how many new 5-star reviews you need and how long it’ll take at your pace.

Many small contractors can get 4 to 8 new reviews a month just by asking every customer.

How to answer reviews

Answer every review, good and bad, within a few days.

For good reviews, keep it short, personal and specific:

“Thanks so much, Tom! Jose and the crew loved working on your house. Enjoy the new roof, and call us anytime.”

For bad reviews, stay calm. Remember you’re really writing for the next homeowner who reads it.

Thank them for the feedback.
Say sorry for their experience (even if you think they’re wrong).
Don’t argue or share private details.
Take it offline: “Please call me directly at 419-555-0100 so I can make this right.”
Then actually fix it if you can.

“Hi Linda, I’m sorry your project didn’t go the way you expected. That’s not the experience we want for anyone. I’d like to make it right. Please call me directly at 419-555-0100. – Mike, Owner”

A calm, kind reply to a bad review often makes other homeowners trust you more.

The rules you must follow

The FTC’s rule on consumer reviews and testimonials, which took effect in 2024, plus Google’s own policies, are strict. Don’t:

Buy reviews or pay anyone to write them.
Post fake reviews, or have family and employees review you as if they were customers.
Offer rewards for positive reviews. Google doesn’t allow incentives for reviews at all.
Only ask happy customers (called “review gating”).
Threaten or pressure people to remove bad reviews.
Hide or suppress honest negative reviews on your own site.

Breaking these rules can lead to fines and to Google removing your reviews or suspending your profile. It’s not worth it.

Use your reviews everywhere

Reviews aren’t just for Google. Put them to work:

On your website: on every service and town page.
On estimates: add 3 reviews from customers nearby.
At the kitchen table: read one out loud during the sales visit.
In follow-ups: “Here’s what your neighbor said about us…”
On social media: a review with a photo of that job.

Reputation is more than reviews

Your reputation is built every time someone interacts with your company:

How fast you answer the phone
How your crew acts on site
How clean your trucks are
How you handle problems
How you treat people in your town

In smaller Ohio towns like Findlay, Fremont or Port Clinton, word gets around fast, in person and in local Facebook groups. Every job is your reputation.