5 Creative Ways to Get Customer Reviews for Your Business

Getting customer reviews for your business can feel like an uphill battle. You provide excellent service, but when it’s time for feedback—silence.

Most satisfied customers have good intentions, but life gets busy. Meanwhile, those who do leave reviews are often the unhappy ones. Yet, reviews are essential—they build trust, improve visibility, and attract more customers.

So, how do you encourage more positive reviews without constantly following up? Here are five creative strategies to make it effortless.

1. Make It Easy to Leave a Review

Customers won’t leave reviews unless it’s easy and quick. Even satisfied customers will skip the process if they have to search for your review page or create an account.

Make it effortless by removing every barrier.

5-Creative-Ways-to-Get-Customer-Reviews-for-Your-Business

Steps to simplify your cutomer review process:

Send a follow-up email with a direct link to your Google Business or Yelp page. Instead of just saying, “Leave us a review,” include a clickable button that takes them directly to the review section.
Add a “Leave a Review” button on your website in a visible place, like the footer or contact page.
Print a QR code on invoices, business cards, or yard signs that link to your review page. A quick scan should take them directly to the form.
Use automated text messages to remind customers to review your service a few days after the job is completed. A short and friendly message can go a long way.

2. Ask at the Right Moment

It’s important to ask for a review at the right time. They may not have fully experienced your service if you ask too soon.

You need to catch them when they’re most satisfied with your work.

Best time to ask for customer reviews:

Right after completing a job: When the work is still fresh in their minds, and they remember how good we were.
When they compliment your work: If a customer tells you how great their patio looks or how much they love their new lawn, ask them to write a review.
After a follow-up visit, ensure everything is running smoothly and ask for feedback after checking in.
When they book another service: A returning customer proves they trust your business. If they return, they likely have a positive experience and are more likely to leave a review.

3. Make It Personal

A generic message asking for a review often gets ignored. Customers are more likely to respond when they feel like you are personally asking them rather than just sending out mass emails.

A direct, personalized request shows that their opinion matters and encourages them to leave a thoughtful review.

How to personalize your review requests:

Mention their specific project: Say, “We loved working on your backyard patio. Would you mind sharing your thoughts?”
Keep the message short and friendly: Customers do not want to read a long message. Keep it clear and to the point.
Explain why their feedback helps: Let them know their review helps other homeowners looking for reliable landscaping services.

4. Offer a Small Incentive

While you cannot pay for reviews, you can encourage customers by offering a small thank-you. The key is to make it something valuable but not something that makes the review feel forced.

Ways to encourage customer reviews:

Offer a discount on their next service: A small percentage off their next lawn care or maintenance service can be a great incentive.
Enter them into a monthly giveaway: A raffle for a free lawn care service or a home improvement gift card can encourage participation.
Send a handwritten thank-you note: A personal note thanking them for their time and support makes them more likely to leave a review.

5. Respond to Every Review

Customer reviews are just the beginning. You need to interact with them and show them you care. If you reply to reviews, customers will be more likely to leave one.

You’re a great service provider who values feedback.

Best ways to respond to reviews:

Acknowledge positive reviews: A simple “Thank you for your feedback” shows appreciation and encourages more customers to share their experiences.
Stay professional with negative reviews: Turn a bad experience into a good one. Be calm and offer a solution instead of getting defensive.
Value all feedback: No matter what it is, show customers you care by responding with gratitude.

Final Thoughts

Your business will benefit if you get `MORE positive customer reviews. Ignoring reviews can cost you trust and clients.

Build a strong reputation by making the process simple, asking at the right time, and engaging with feedback. Want to automate and streamline review collection?