Growing a successful plumbing business isn’t just about fixing leaks and installing fixtures. It’s also about consistently earning the trust and confidence of new and existing customers.
One of the most powerful methods of building trust in the community is showcasing social proof through positive customer reviews and endorsements. When potential clients see your service being validated by real people, they’re more likely to hire you.
If you’re looking for more ways to collect and showcase five-star reviews, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we cover why online reviews matter, strategies for requesting them, and how plumbing professionals can handle feedback to their advantage.
Reviews are more than just customer feedback—they’re a powerful tool for driving growth and cementing your reputation.
Here’s why they matter:
1. Local SEO Boost: Most homeowners start their search for plumbing services with phrases like ‘plumbers near me’ on Google. The more positive reviews your business has, the higher it’s likely to rank in local search results.
Better visibility means more clicks, more calls, and, ultimately, more jobs booked.
2. Establish Trust and Credibility: People searching for a plumber usually want someone reliable and trustworthy as fast as possible. Five-star ratings and glowing reviews help you stand out from competitors.
This builds immediate confidence in your expertise and customer service quality.
3. Set Yourself Apart from Competitors: Positive reviews can be the deciding factor for a potential customer in a crowded market. When a homeowner comparing local plumbers sees one with dozens of positive reviews and another with only a handful, it’s not too hard to guess which option they’ll pick.
A strong collection of positive reviews makes a compelling case for your services.
When it comes to collecting reviews, timing and approach are everything. Customers are more likely to leave a review if asked at the right moment, provided the process is simple.
Research shows that 87% of consumers are open to writing a review when prompted. The key is to make it easy and ask at the right time.
Here’s how you can do it:
Your customers are most likely to leave a review right after the successful completion of a repair or installation—especially if they’re impressed with your service, professionalism, and cleanup.
Politely ask for a review after finishing the job with a good impression.
Here’s a template you can use: ‘We’re so glad we could help fix your leaky faucet today. If you’re happy with our service, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick review. It helps other homeowners know they can count on us!’
Pro tip: Instead of a generic ask, thank the customer for choosing your business and mention something specific about the job or their home.
Personal touches make an impression and increase the likelihood of their leaving a review.
Even the most satisfied customers might not leave a review if the process feels complicated.
Make it effortless by providing direct access to your review platforms.
For instance: ‘Thanks for letting us help today! Here’s a quick link to leave a review: [Insert Link]’.
This makes it easy for customers to leave feedback on the spot.
Not all customers use the same review platforms, so it’s important to have a diversified presence.
Focus on the right platforms to ensure your reviews reach the widest audience.
Source: Top Plumbers in Salem Oregon.
A well-maintained Google profile can lead to more clicks, calls, and booked jobs.
Pro Tip: Rotate which review link you send in your follow-ups to ensure a balanced presence across platforms and prevent focusing too heavily on just one site.
If you have a team of plumbers or office staff, make sure everyone is on board with your review-generation goals.
A brief, friendly conversation at the end of each job can lead to more reviews than an email blast alone.
While asking for reviews is important, you must first deliver a customer experience worth commenting on.
Here’s how to ensure every customer has a standout experience with your small plumbing business:
This level of care and professionalism will naturally translate into positive reviews when you ask for them.
Responding to reviews shows you value customer feedback, regardless of whether it’s glowing praise or constructive criticism.
88% of consumers would use a business that replies to all its reviews, compared to only 47% who would consider one that doesn’t respond at all.
Here’s how to handle both positive and negative comments effectively:
Positive reviews are your opportunity to thank customers and reinforce the excellent experience they have had with your business.
For example: ‘We’re thrilled to hear Mike was able to quickly fix your water heater. He’ll be delighted to hear your kind words!’
While challenging, negative reviews offer a unique chance to demonstrate professionalism and show potential customers how you handle criticism.
For example: ‘We’re sorry to hear about your experience. This isn’t the standard we strive for, and we’d love the chance to make it right. Please contact us directly at [phone/email]’.
Your customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool. Don’t let them sit idle on Google or Facebook.
54% of consumers consider online reviews the most important criteria for online purchases, and seeing them in multiple places can reinforce trust.
Highlight your best testimonials across your website, social media, and even printed materials to maximize their impact.
The more accessible and visible your reviews are, the more likely potential customers will be to choose your business.
A section like ‘What Our Customers Have to Say About Us’ or a rotating carousel of quotes can add credibility.
Source: S&B Plumbing.
Accompany the post with a thank-you message and tag the customer (if appropriate and with permission) to build engagement.
This small addition can subtly promote your reputation in every interaction.
It’s simple!
Deliver top-notch customer service, make it super easy for clients to share their experiences, and keep the conversation going with a polite follow-up.
As a plumbing professional, you can transform everyday repairs and installations into powerful testimonials by focusing on what matters—quality work, friendly service, and a genuine desire to help your customers.
The good news? You don’t have to tackle this alone. Tools like NiceJob can help you send automated review requests and display your best reviews wherever potential customers are looking.
With the right approach, you’ll soon have a trophy case of five-star reviews that open the floodgates to new, loyal clients.