Here's something that blew my mind when I first heard it:
90% of people read online reviews before they buy anything.
Seriously! I thought my wife was the only one who spent twenty
minutes reading Amazon reviews for a £3 phone case, but turns out
nearly everyone does it. It reminded me of my old dog Buster - he
never approached another dog without having a proper sniff first...
The Trust Factor: What the Numbers Say
90%
Check reviews before buying
88%
Trust reviews like recommendations
72%
Won't buy without reviews first
Why Reviews Matter (More Than You Think)
Look, I get it. When you're running a business, asking for reviews
can feel like you're begging for compliments at a party. But here's
the thing - reviews aren't just digital pats on the back. They're
the modern equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing, except they reach
thousands of people instead of just your mate Dave down the pub.
Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant. Did you just
rock up without checking Google Reviews first? Course not! You
probably spent 10 minutes scrolling through photos of fish and
chips, reading about whether the chips were "proper crispy" or "a
bit soggy." That's exactly what your customers are doing before they
choose YOU.
Real Example: The Power of Reviews in Action
Case Study: I worked with a local plumber in
Manchester who had ZERO online presence. Great bloke, brilliant at
his job, but invisible online. We got him 15 Google reviews in his
first month (all genuine, from happy customers he'd already
helped).
Result? His phone calls doubled. Not exaggerating
- actually doubled. People weren't just finding him, they were
choosing him OVER cheaper competitors because those reviews built
instant trust.
How to Actually Get Reviews (Without Being Annoying)
Right, here's where most businesses mess it up. They either don't
ask at all, or they ask in the most awkward way possible. Here's
what actually works:
✅ The 3-Step Review Request Method
1
Time it right:
Ask immediately after you've done something brilliant for
them. When they're grinning ear to ear saying "You're a
legend!" - THAT'S when you ask. Strike while the iron's hot.
2
Make it stupidly easy:
Send them a direct link to your Google Review page. Not
"find us on Google" - an actual clickable link. Make it so
easy a dog could do it (well, if dogs had thumbs).
3
Be human about it:
"If you're happy with the work, I'd really appreciate a
quick review - it helps other people find us." Simple.
Honest. Not pushy.
What About Bad Reviews?
Here's a plot twist: a few negative reviews can actually HELP you. I
know, sounds mad, right? But think about it - when you see a
business with nothing but 5-star reviews, doesn't a tiny part of you
think "Yeah, but are those even real?"
A business with 4.7 stars and a mix of reviews looks REAL. It shows
you're not deleting the bad ones, and how you respond to criticism
says a lot. I've seen businesses win customers purely because they
handled a bad review brilliantly - apologized, fixed the issue,
showed they actually care.
🎯 Quick Action Steps
-
Claim your Google Business Profile if you haven't
already
-
Create a direct link to your review page and save it
somewhere handy
-
Text 5 recent happy customers TODAY and ask for a
review
-
Set a reminder to ask for reviews after every successful
job
-
Respond to EVERY review (good or bad) within 48 hours
The Bottom Line
Reviews aren't just nice to have - they're essential. They're the
difference between someone choosing you or clicking on your
competitor. They're the digital equivalent of Buster giving another
dog the "all clear" sniff test.
Start asking for reviews today. Seriously, put this blog down and
text someone right now. Make it part of your routine. Your future
customers are out there reading reviews right now, deciding whether
to trust you. Give them something good to read.
Need help getting your review strategy sorted?
I can show you exactly how to get more reviews and use them to
grow your business.
Let's Talk Reviews →
Phil Carrick helps local businesses get found on Google. If you're
tired of being invisible online, get in touch - I promise I won't
make you read 47 reviews before deciding!
