7 Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Pressure Washing Business
If you operate a local service business then you need to be doing everything that you can to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) to get more leads. One of the best ways to increase the visibility of your website to appear in the Local Map Pack is by having a lot of positive Google Reviews of your business. Google is in the business of serving relevant results to people and a highly reviewed company tells Google that you have satisfied customers and are trustworthy, thus they can show your company to people searching for pressure washing and other related keywords and services.
For a pressure washing business, it is clear from search results testing and from Google itself, that Google Reviews are a very important ranking factor for increasing local SEO and being listed first in the local map pack.
So let’s look at 9 ways to get more Google Reviews for your pressure washing business.
1. Review Gating with Your CRM
Even if you are just starting your pressure washing business part-time, you should still have Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Any CRM that is worth its salt will have an automated review gating system. Review gating is simply a process to only solicit positive reviews.
How it works: After you have completed your service and the customer has paid then:
Your CRM sends an automated email or SMS to the customer asking if they were happy and satisfied with their cleaning service
This email or SMS should have a 1-10 scale (10 = really happy with services) that is clickable so all the customer has to do is click a number.
If they indicate that they are happy with the services then another email or SMS gets sent that has a link to your Google Business Profile review page
This automated process allows you to collect Google reviews without having to do anything. This strategy should be used in conjunction with other review collecting strategies.
2. Get Reviews from Vendors and Partners
Vendors and other local companies you collaborate with may not be customers, but they can attest to what it’s like to work with you on a regular basis. They also might be more willing to leave a Google business review if you write one for their business. This is low-hanging fruit.
3. Personalize Your Message
Send targeted emails or text messages that you personally create. This will take more time since it can’t be automated but you will find a higher response rate than with sending automated messages from your CRM. The goal is to make your customer feel special – you’re less likely to get a review with a templated email saying, “Review us please!”.
By sending something personal and customized to them, it feels more personal and has the nice ‘small business’ feel that customers love.
You can mention the lovely koi pond that was in their backyard. If the homeowner mentioned that they were having the house washing service in anticipation of Jonny’s high school graduation ceremony then maybe give a ‘congrats to Jonny’ in the email or SMS. The point is to increase the connection between you and the customer, not between your ‘business’ and the customer.
More Considerations
Send your targeted follow-up that asks for a review soon after the service. Do not wait a week. Send the email or SMS at the latest 3 days after their service appointment while the memory of your pressure washing business is still fresh in their mind.
Keep it short. You’re already asking them to take the time to leave a review, so don’t take any more of their time by having them read a novel of an email.
4. Get Google Reviews on Your Website
Allow your customers to leave a review on your website. Fortunately, we design pressure washing websites with embedded Google Reviews on your site that automatically updates.
5. Create A QR Code
Consumers have gotten very used to QR codes. The best way to implement QR codes is to include them on business cards and have your crew (or yourself) give the card to the homeowner when the job is done. All the customer has to do is scan the code and it brings them to your review section instead of having to type in the URL to visit your site. Remember, people can be lazy — it is our job to reduce all points of friction between them and leaving a review.
6. Create a Video to Ask for Reviews
A simple phone-recorded video can go a long way. Customers respond better to the face behind the brand. Creating a short video asking for authentic reviews is a great way to let them know why it is important that they leave a review, and how meaningful it would be to you.
7. Create A Google Review Culture with Your Employees
Taking a carrot-and-stick approach to incentivize your employees will help your staff get on board with getting Google reviews. I recommend you have a meeting to discuss with your staff exactly why reviews have become so important. Then match this with a monetary incentive. I would give my employees $40 if someone left a review that mentioned the employee.
You can’t just tell your employees to gather reviews, you have to tell them how. Give them a simple script that they can tell the homeowner at the end of the pressure washing service. Also, give your employees business cards to give to the homeowner that has a QR code that leads to your GB review section.