Why are reviews the biggest ranking factor for trades?

Reviews are one of the biggest ranking and trust factors for trades because Google uses them to understand reliability, relevance, and customer satisfaction. Fresh, consistent reviews help trades appear higher in local results and make customers more confident about calling.

Why reviews matter so much for trades

Customers hiring a trade want reassurance before letting someone into their home.
Google knows this — so it gives more visibility to businesses with:

  • regular, recent reviews
  • detailed customer comments
  • high overall ratings
  • clear photos and responses

Reviews tell Google:
"This business is active, trusted, and still doing good work."

Recent reviews carry more weight

For trades, new reviews matter more than old ones.

A profile with:

40 reviews from 2 years ago

…usually loses to a business with:

10 new reviews in the last 2 months

Google wants signs of:

  • activity
  • happy customers now
  • reliability in the present

Reviews boost both rankings AND conversions

Two powerful effects happen:

1️⃣ Higher rankings

Google is more likely to show businesses it trusts.

2️⃣ Higher call-through rate

Once you appear, customers choose trades with:

  • the clearest, most recent feedback
  • consistent ratings
  • comments from real people

Reviews don't just get you seen —
they get you chosen.

Why trades benefit most from steady review flow

Trades often rely on:

  • emergency jobs
  • domestic fixes
  • word-of-mouth
  • neighbourhood trust

Reviews amplify all of these.

A steady flow of reviews tells both Google and customers:
"This person is busy and reliable."

This is why your automatic reviews system (Growth package) quietly becomes a superpower.

How trades can get more reviews without chasing people

Simple habits make the biggest difference:

  • ask immediately after a job
  • send a quick reminder
  • make it easy (short link / QR code)
  • reply to every review

(And of course… automated review requests make this effortless.)

If you're unsure how to increase reviews consistently or improve your visibility, a one-to-one consultation can help you choose the simplest approach.