How to Get More Reviews for Your Restoration Business

Customer reviews can make or break your restoration business. When homeowners and property managers are dealing with water damage, fire restoration, or mold removal, they want a company they can trust. And what’s the first thing they check before making a decision? Reviews. 

Positive feedback reassures potential clients that you are reliable, experienced, and deliver quality work. On the other hand, a lack of reviews, or worse, negative ones, can send them straight to a competitor.

But getting more reviews isn’t just about asking customers to leave feedback. It’s about providing an experience worth talking about, making the process effortless, and knowing when and how to ask. The right approach can turn satisfied clients into brand advocates who help build your reputation and increase business.

Key Takeaways

• Deliver great service to encourage positive reviews.
• Prioritize Google, Facebook, Yelp, and industry-specific sites.
• Ask for reviews immediately after completing a job.
• Make it easy with direct links and QR codes.
• Use social media to promote and collect reviews.
• Automate follow-ups for consistent review requests.
• Make review collection a regular business practice.

Why do Customer Reviews Matter for Restoration Businesses?

In the restoration industry, trust is everything. When disaster strikes, whether it's water damage, fire, or mold, homeowners and businesses need a service they can count on. More than 90% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business, and nearly 85% trust them as much as personal recommendations. A strong review profile can mean the difference between landing a new client or losing them to a competitor.

• Builds Credibility & Trust: People want proof that you deliver quality service. A steady stream of positive reviews reassures potential customers that they are making the right choice.
• Boosts Local SEO & Visibility: Google favors businesses with high ratings and frequent reviews, helping you rank higher in local searches like "water damage restoration near me." More reviews = more exposure.
• Influences Customer Decisions: Nearly 94% of consumers say that positive reviews make them more likely to use a business. On the flip side, too few reviews (or too many bad ones) can scare potential clients away.
• Increases Revenue & Leads: Businesses with 3.7-star ratings or higher attract more inquiries, restoration leads, and conversions. Customers are even willing to pay more for a service with better reviews.
• Provides Valuable Feedback: Reviews give you insight into what customers love about your service and what you can improve. Addressing concerns helps refine your process and boost customer satisfaction.

Step 1: Deliver Outstanding Service That Encourages Google Reviews

The best way to get more reviews is to provide a service that customers can’t help but talk about. People are more likely to leave feedback when they have had an exceptional experience, especially in the restoration industry, where reliability and trust matter most. On the other hand, poor experiences are even more likely to generate feedback.

Here's how you can provide more review-worthy services:

• Respond Quickly & Show Up On Time: Customers expect immediate action when dealing with water damage or mold issues. Fast response times can turn a stressful situation into a positive experience.
• Be Transparent & Communicate Clearly: Keep customers informed at every step. Explain the restoration process, estimated timelines, and potential costs. Most customers say clear communication is key to a positive service experience.
• Go the Extra Mile: Small gestures leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s checking in after the job, explaining preventive measures, or cleaning up thoroughly, these little things can make all the difference.
• Train Your Team to Be Courteous & Professional: Customers appreciate friendly, respectful service. 89% of consumers are more likely to return to a business that provides excellent customer service.
• Follow-Up After the Job: A simple check-in call or email shows you care. This not only boosts customer satisfaction but also makes them more likely to leave a review when asked.

Step 2: Choose the Right Review Platforms for Your Business

Not all review platforms are created equal. To get the most out of customer feedback, your restoration business needs to focus on the platforms that potential clients actually use. The right platforms make it easier for satisfied customers to leave reviews and help new clients find you when they need your services.

Here are the top platforms to focus on:

• Google Reviews: Nearly 88% of consumers read Google reviews before choosing a local business. More reviews here also boost your local SEO, helping you rank higher in searches like "water damage restoration near me."
• Facebook Reviews: Since many people ask for recommendations on social media, having positive reviews on your Facebook business page increases credibility and visibility.
• Yelp: This is a key platform for home services. While its guidelines are strict, over 97% of Yelp users make a purchase after visiting the site, making it a valuable place to showcase customer feedback.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Many homeowners trust BBB ratings to verify a company's reputation before hiring. Accreditation and positive reviews here add an extra layer of credibility.
• Angi (formerly Angie’s List): A go-to platform for homeowners looking for reliable service providers. Reviews on Angi can help position your business as a top-rated restoration company.

Listing your business on multiple platforms increases your reach and builds trust with different audiences. Encouraging customers to leave reviews where they feel most comfortable ensures you collect valuable feedback across multiple channels.

Step 3: Ask for Reviews the Right Way

Happy customers are often willing to leave a review. You just have to ask at the right time and in the right way. The key is to make the process effortless and natural so clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. 

The best time to request a review is after the job is completed and the customer is satisfied. A polite and friendly request in person, over the phone, or via email makes the ask feel natural rather than forced. Personalization also plays a big role. Addressing the customer by name and mentioning the specific service provided creates a connection that makes them more likely to leave feedback.

Different customers prefer different methods, so offering multiple ways to leave a review increases your chances of getting one. A follow-up email or text with a direct link to your review page makes it easy and convenient. Providing a QR code on business cards, invoices, or thank-you notes eliminates extra steps and simplifies the process. If a customer agrees to leave a review but forgets, a gentle follow-up message can serve as a helpful reminder without feeling pushy.

Step 4: Make It Easy for Customers to Leave a Review for Your Restoration Company

The easier it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. Even satisfied clients may skip writing a review if the process feels complicated or time-consuming. Here’s how to simplify the review process:

• Provide Direct Links: Avoid making customers search for your business online. Include direct links to your review platforms in follow-up emails, text messages, and invoices.
• Use QR Codes: A simple scan takes customers straight to your review page. Adding QR codes to business cards, thank-you notes, and receipts makes leaving a review quick and effortless.
• Give a Clear Call to Action: Phrases like “Share your experience with us!” or “Your feedback helps us serve more homeowners like you” encourage action and make the request feel natural.
• Offer Multiple Review Options: Some customers prefer Google, while others may feel more comfortable leaving a review on Facebook or Yelp. Giving them choices increases participation.
• Make It Part of the Process: Mention reviews during the final walkthrough or follow-up call. A simple “We’d love your feedback if you are happy with our service” keeps it casual and effective.
• Send a Friendly Reminder: If a customer agrees to leave a review but forgets, a polite follow-up message can help. A quick “Just checking in! We’d love your feedback when you have a moment” works well without being pushy.

Step 5: Use Social Media to Encourage More Customer Feedback

Social media is a powerful tool for collecting reviews and building trust. With 71% of consumers more likely to recommend a business after a positive social media interaction, engaging with your audience can lead to more customer feedback.

A strong social media presence makes it easy for customers to share their experiences. Posting before-and-after photos of restoration projects, responding to comments, and sharing customer testimonials all encourage engagement. When customers see others leaving reviews, they are more likely to do the same.

Here’s how to use social media to get more reviews:

• Post Review Requests: A simple post like “We love hearing from our customers! If we have helped restore your home or business, drop us a review!” can encourage action. Adding a direct link to your Google or Facebook review page removes extra steps.
• Showcase Customer Testimonials: Highlight positive feedback by sharing real customer experiences. Seeing others leave reviews builds trust and motivates new customers to do the same.
• Engage with Comments and Messages: Over 79% of users expect businesses to reply to social media interactions within 24 hours. Quick, thoughtful responses show customers you value their input and encourage more engagement.
• Run Interactive Content: Polls, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes posts invite customer participation. Engaged customers are more likely to leave a review when asked.
• Offer Non-Monetary Incentives: A simple spotlight feature on your page, such as a "Customer of the Month" post, can encourage more reviews without violating review policies.
• Use Stories and Live Videos: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to post time-sensitive content asking for reviews. A quick "Swipe Up" link to your review page makes it effortless for customers to leave feedback.

Step 6: Automate the Process to Get More Reviews and Maintain Consistency

Manually asking for reviews can be time-consuming, and requests can easily fall through the cracks without a system in place. Automating the process ensures consistency, helping you collect more reviews without extra effort. Businesses that use automation for review requests see more customer feedback compared to those that do not.

Automated tools streamline the process by sending timely review requests through email or text messages after a job is completed. With 70% of consumers saying they are more likely to leave a review when prompted, automated reminders significantly boost response rates. Setting up triggers, like a follow-up email 24 hours after service, keeps the process running smoothly without requiring manual outreach.

Integrating review collection with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system simplifies tracking. Many CRMs can automatically request reviews and even send reminders if a customer has not responded. Platforms like Podium, Birdeye, and NiceJob help businesses gather and manage reviews efficiently, ensuring no opportunity is missed.

Step 7: Respond to All Positive and Negative Reviews

Getting reviews is just the first step. How you respond to them matters just as much. A thoughtful response shows customers that you value their feedback, strengthens your reputation, and encourages others to leave reviews. More than 89% of consumers expect a business to reply to their review, and businesses that actively engage with reviews build stronger trust with potential clients, without much restoration marketing strategies.

Responding to positive reviews reinforces good customer relationships. A simple “Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad we could help restore your property” makes customers feel appreciated and more likely to recommend your services. Publicly acknowledging positive feedback also boosts credibility, showing potential clients that your business delivers great results.

Handling negative reviews professionally is just as important. Ignoring a bad review can damage trust, but responding with empathy and a solution can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Here’s how to make the most of every review:

• Respond Quickly: A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) shows customers that their feedback matters.
• Personalize Your Replies: Using the customer’s name and referencing their experience makes the response feel genuine.
• Stay Professional and Courteous: Whether the review is good or bad, a polite and professional tone builds trust.
• Address Concerns and Offer Solutions: For negative reviews, acknowledge the issue and suggest a way to make things right.
• Encourage More Feedback: Ending your response with “We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again!” keeps the door open for future business.

Conclusion

Getting more reviews for your restoration business isn’t just about asking. It’s also about delivering outstanding service, making the process easy, and consistently engaging with customers. From providing top-tier experiences to automating review requests and responding to feedback, every step helps strengthen your reputation and attract more clients.

A steady stream of positive reviews builds trust, boosts local SEO, and positions your business as the go-to choice in your area. The key is consistency. When collecting reviews becomes a natural part of your process, your online presence grows, bringing in more leads and long-term success.

If you’re ready to take your restoration business to the next level, Duo Digital can help. We specialize in marketing strategies that drive real results—so you can focus on what you do best. Let’s build your reputation and grow your business together. Contact us today!

FAQ

How many reviews do I need to stand out from competitors?

There’s no magic number, but businesses with at least 50 reviews tend to rank higher in local searches and attract more customers. Consistency matters more than the total count.

What should I do if I get a fake or unfair review?

Flag fake reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook for removal. Respond professionally and clarify the situation if a review is unfair but legitimate.

Should I collect reviews on multiple platforms or focus on one?

It’s best to spread reviews across Google, Facebook, Yelp, and industry-specific sites like BBB or Angi. Google should be your top priority for local search rankings.

How can I encourage customers who are not tech-savvy to leave a review?

Offer step-by-step guidance, provide direct links, or use QR codes that take them directly to your review page. A simple, clear process increases participation.

How often should I ask for reviews?

Make it a habit. Every satisfied customer is a potential review. Set up an automated system or train your team to request reviews after each completed job.

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