Struggling to get Google Reviews?

In this video, business coach Hugh Bowman from ActionCOACH Geelong shares practical advice for tradies on how to effectively get more Google Reviews. He explains that while some trades like maintenance plumbing offer frequent opportunities to ask for reviews, others like building may have fewer chances—making it essential to get the timing and method right.

Hugh emphasises that the best time to ask is when the customer is most impressed—typically at the end of a job, when the issue is resolved or the project is complete and enjoyable. He advises against asking at payment time or waiting months, as the impact fades quickly.

He also outlines the most effective methods:

• Asking in person is the gold standard (10/10 effectiveness)
• Phone calls are far less effective (4/10)
• SMS and email are rarely successful (1/10)
• Adding a request to an invoice is virtually useless (0/10)

The key, he says, is to make it easy—by sending a direct link to the review page or using a QR code on a business card. He suggests setting the expectation early in the job and then following through at the right moment.

The takeaway: Ask in person, ask at the right time, and make it easy—and tradies will see far better results with Google Reviews.