Did you know that 90% of consumers read online reviews before making a decision to hire a contractor?! This shows that consumer opinion is heavily influenced by online reviews. That’s right, online reviews have become an integral part of the decision-making process for customers seeking out reliable contractors with a positive reputation. These ratings help customers make informed purchasing decisions. Positive reviews can make or break a contractor’s reputation.
So, if you’re a contractor looking to boost your business and stand out from the competition, stay tuned! We’ll uncover the strategies behind leveraging the power of online reviews to take your contracting business to new heights.
The Top Four Ways Contractors Can Get More Positive Online Reviews
To maximize online presence and attract more customers, contractors need positive online reviews. Here are some of the most effective strategies for obtaining valuable reviews:
1. Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews
Provide customers with as many options as possible for leaving reviews. Include links to your review profiles on your website, email signatures, and social media profiles. Including QR codes on printed business cards and customer documents that lead directly to your review profiles is another effective option you can use.
2. Ask Satisfied Customers to Leave Online Reviews
After completing a project, contractors should reach out to their customers and ask them to leave an online review. This can be done through email, text, or a follow-up phone call. By directly asking for feedback, contractors increase the chances of receiving positive reviews.
3. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Online reviews are largely influenced by customer service. When contractors go above and beyond to meet their clients’ needs, it leaves a lasting impression. From being responsive to inquiries and concerns to ensuring timely completion of projects, every interaction counts.
4. Respond Promptly and Professionally
Responding promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews shows accountability. It demonstrates that the contractor values feedback from their customers and is committed to addressing any issues that may arise. By acknowledging positive reviews with gratitude and addressing negative ones with empathy, contractors can maintain a good image.
Using these four strategies, contractors can actively generate more online reviews from satisfied customers. Positive reviews not only help attract new clients but also build trust in their services within the community.
List of Top Contractor Review Sites
These sites allow users to post reviews about contractors they have worked with, both good and bad. They can also provide information such as credentials, pricing, and quality of work. Beware! You’ll get a barrage of sales calls to sign up for their premium services or to buy leads when you sign up for some of these review sites. Check out our post on how to stop Angi/HomeAdvisor sales calls.
Yelp
Yelp is a common platform for finding all kinds of businesses, including contractors. Homeowners can leave reviews and ratings based on their experiences with different contractors. It’s a great place to get an overall sense of a contractor’s reputation and see what others say about their work.
Angi
Previously named Angie’s List, Angi is known for its trusted reviews and recommendations from homeowners. Contractors can be reviewed based on quality of work, professionalism, and pricing. This site provides detailed feedback that helps homeowners make informed decisions when hiring contractors.
Houzz
Houzz is not just a platform for home design inspiration; it also offers a space for homeowners to review and rate contractors. With its extensive database of professionals in the home improvement industry, Houzz allows users to share their experiences with different contractors, making it easier for others to find reliable service providers.
Google Business Profile
Google Business is the number one tool for any contractor looking to establish online reviews. Contractors can collect customer reviews directly on their Google Business profile, which appears prominently in search results. Positive reviews here can significantly boost a contractor’s credibility and local search rankings.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB is an organization that provides accreditation and collects customer feedback on various businesses, including contractors. Homeowners can check if a contractor has BBB accreditation and read customer reviews before making their decision.
Online Home Services Directories for Contractor Ratings
In addition to these general review sites, there are also industry-specific websites like HomeAdvisor that focus solely on connecting homeowners with reliable contractors. These platforms offer detailed information about each contractor along with customer reviews, ensuring homeowners can find the best fit for their specific needs.
Contractor ratings on these industry-specific directories help homeowners make informed decisions when hiring contractors for home improvement projects. By reading reviews from previous customers, homeowners can get an idea of the quality of work provided by different contractors.
Positive ratings on these platforms also help contractors showcase their expertise and build trust with potential clients. When homeowners see high ratings and positive reviews, it gives them confidence that the contractor has a track record of delivering satisfactory results.
Being listed on reputable home services directories increases visibility and exposure for contractors. When homeowners search for local contractors or specific home services online, these directories often appear at the top of search engine results. By listing on these platforms, contractors increase their chances of being discovered by potential customers.
In addition to ratings and reviews, home services directories provide essential information about contractors, such as phone numbers, addresses, and service offerings. This makes it easier for homeowners to contact the contractor directly and discuss their needs.
Conclusion: The Power of Online Reviews for Contractors
Online reviews have become a powerful tool for contractors. They provide valuable insights into their work quality and help potential customers make informed decisions. By using online home services directories and obtaining positive reviews, contractors can establish trust with their audience and stand out.
So, what are you waiting for? Start using online reviews to boost your contracting business! Ask satisfied customers to leave feedback on Google Business and popular contractor review sites, such as Angi or HomeAdvisor. Showcase your positive ratings and testimonials on your website and social media platforms. By doing so, you’ll not only attract more customers but also build a strong reputation in the industry.
FAQs
How do online reviews impact contractor selection?
Online reviews influence contractor selection by providing social proof of reliability and quality workmanship. Potential clients often rely on these testimonials from previous customers to gauge the contractor’s credibility before deciding.
Can negative online reviews harm my contracting business?
Negative online reviews can indeed harm a contracting business. However, how you respond to them matters just as much. Addressing negative feedback promptly and professionally demonstrates accountability and a commitment to resolving issues, which can help mitigate the impact of bad reviews.
How can I encourage customers to leave online reviews?
To encourage customers to leave online reviews, you can send follow-up emails after completing projects, provide incentives such as discounts or giveaways for leaving feedback, and make the review process as easy and convenient as possible by providing direct links or QR codes.
Are online reviews important for SEO?
Yes, online reviews are essential for local SEO. Positive customer reviews contribute to building your website’s credibility and authority in search engine algorithms. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
How often should I monitor my online reputation?
It is recommended to regularly monitor your online reputation by checking review platforms and social media channels at least once a week. This allows you to promptly respond to any feedback or concerns raised by customers and maintain a positive image for your business.
