The highest-converting review request in the trades happens before you leave the driveway. Job done. Homeowner happy. Phone already in their hand. That’s the peak — a day later, it’s gone.
The script
“If you’re glad with how this turned out, a Google review genuinely helps a local shop like ours. I can text you the link right now.” Then text it on the spot — every extra step loses half your reviewers.
Reviews with words beat stars
“Replaced our panel in New City, same week we called” is a miniature ranking page Google reads for relevance. You can ethically shape it: “if you mention it was the AC install in Nanuet, it helps neighbors find us.”
Velocity beats totals
A review a week signals a business excelling right now; a wall of old reviews signals history. Make the ask a close-out step — same clipboard as final payment — and velocity takes care of itself. Franchises have ad budgets; you have relationships. This is how relationships beat budgets.
Full playbook: Winning the Review War.
Want this handled for you? Grab the free Contractor’s Local Search Checklist — or book a free strategy call and we’ll walk your numbers together.