How to Get Feedback and Boost Your Trade Business

(Image source: DepositPhotos)

​​As a tradie, getting feedback is one of the most effective ways to build your reputation and attract more clients.

When potential customers see positive reviews, they’re more likely to trust your services and hire you for their jobs. But how do you get that feedback, and how can you do it in a way that feels natural and authentic? 

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Why Feedback Matters for Tradies

Feedback isn’t just about boosting your ego—it’s about showing future clients the value of your work. Positive feedback can be the difference between winning a job and being overlooked. Many homeowners prefer to hire tradies with good reviews, as it provides them with peace of mind, knowing that others have had a great experience.

In our blog, we’ve been asking our top-rated tradies what helped them with their business, and most of them say referrals and word of mouth. This means that feedback from your clients plays a major role in the growth and success of your business.

But feedback is also about learning. Constructive comments can help you improve your services, fix any issues, and ensure that your future clients have an even better experience. Whether positive or negative, feedback is invaluable.

How to Ask for Feedback

The simplest and most effective way to get feedback? Just ask.

1. Be Direct but Polite
   After completing a job, don’t hesitate to ask your client for feedback. A direct approach is often the best, but keep it polite and friendly. For example, “I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review of my work. It helps me improve and shows potential clients what they can expect.”
   
   
2. Timing is Key
   Ask for feedback when the job is fresh in your client’s mind. If you wait too long, they may forget important details or feel less motivated to leave a review. Ideally, you should ask right after the job is done and the client is happy with the outcome.
   
   
3. Send a Follow-Up
   If you don’t receive feedback after your initial request, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up. A quick message like, “Just checking in to see if you had a chance to leave a review for the work I completed. It really helps me improve and build my business,” can be effective. However, don’t bombard them with constant reminders, as this can come across as pushy.
   
   
4. Provide a Review Link
   Make it as easy as possible for your client to leave feedback. Include a direct link to your review platform—whether that’s Google, Facebook, or ServiceSeeking.com.au—so they don’t have to hunt for it themselves. Some tradies even add the link to their invoice, with a short note about how reviews help grow their business
   
   
5. Offer Alternatives to Written Feedback
   Some clients may be hesitant to write reviews, especially if they’re not confident in their writing skills. You can suggest they provide quick ratings, or even share photos of the completed work if they’re comfortable. These images can act as visual feedback and demonstrate the quality of your work to future clients.

(Image source: DepositPhotos)

Legal Considerations

While it’s tempting to offer incentives in exchange for positive feedback, it’s important to note that incentivised reviews are often illegal. Be transparent and honest in your request. Simply explain to your clients why their feedback matters to your business and encourage them to share their genuine experience.

Keep Asking—But Don’t Be Pushy

It’s important to be consistent in asking for feedback, but you don’t want to annoy your clients. Asking for a review at the end of a job and sending a polite follow-up message is usually enough. Bombarding clients with multiple requests can turn a positive experience into a negative one, so be mindful of how often you ask.

Show Your Process

Another way to build trust with potential clients is by documenting your work. This can be as simple as taking before-and-after photos, showing the work in progress, or keeping records of how you approach each job. This level of transparency demonstrates your professionalism and can be just as powerful as written feedback.

For example, if you’re a landscaper, you could take photos of a garden transformation from start to finish. If you’re a builder, you might document the step-by-step process of constructing a deck or renovating a kitchen. These visual records showcase your attention to detail and give potential clients a clear idea of what they can expect when hiring you.

Turn Service Calls Into Opportunities

One clever strategy for getting feedback is turning small service calls into opportunities. If you’re called out for a quick fix—like unclogging a drain or adjusting a sprinkler timer—you could waive the small fee in exchange for a review. It’s a win-win: the client gets a quick solution at no extra cost, and you get valuable feedback to build your reputation.

(Image source: DepositPhotos)

Responding to Feedback

Once you start receiving feedback, make sure you engage with it. Responding to reviews—whether positive or negative—shows that you care about your clients and value their opinions. A simple “Thank you for your feedback” goes a long way in building rapport with past and future clients. For negative feedback, acknowledge the issue, apologise if necessary, and explain how you plan to improve.

Encourage Repeat Business Through Feedback

Sometimes, the act of asking for feedback can lead to more work. When clients see that you value their opinion, they may be more inclined to hire you again or recommend you to others. Additionally, showing how feedback has improved your services can convince potential clients to choose you over competitors.

One of the easiest ways to collect and showcase feedback is by listing your business on ServiceSeeking.com.au. Customers can leave reviews directly on your profile, helping you build a visible reputation that attracts more clients.