Short answer: get past 20 reviews, then focus on getting new ones every month. Customers now care more about how recent your reviews are than how many you have.
How many reviews do I really need?
In BrightLocal’s 2026 survey, 47% of consumers said they won’t use a business with fewer than 20 reviews, and 74% want to see reviews from the last three months. A steady trickle beats a big pile from years ago.
When and how should I ask?
Ask on the day the job is finished, while the customer is happiest. Send a short text with a direct link to your review page, and ask every customer, not just the ones you think loved you.
“The best time to ask for a review is the moment you hand over the keys.”
Can I offer a discount for a review?
Not one tied to a positive review. The FTC rule on fake reviews, in effect since October 2024, bans rewarding good ratings and hiding bad ones. Asking everyone, with no strings attached, is always safe.
How should I reply to reviews?
Reply within a day or two. Thank the customer by name, mention the job and the town, and never paste the same reply twice. 89% of consumers expect owners to respond.
What do I do about a bad review?
Reply calmly with the facts and offer to make it right offline. Future customers read your reply more than the complaint. Only flag a review if it actually breaks Google’s policies.
Quick answers
Is it legal to ask for reviews?
Yes. Ask everyone, and don’t tie a reward to a positive rating.
How fast should I respond to a review?
Within a day or two is ideal, and within a week at the latest.
Do old reviews still count?
Less every year. Most customers look for reviews from the last three months.
