How to get more Checkatrade reviews as a tradesperson

Why Checkatrade reviews matter

Checkatrade has around 49,000 registered tradespeople and is one of the first places UK homeowners go when looking for local trades. Your review score and the number of reviews you have directly affects how high you appear in search results on the platform. A tradesperson with 60 reviews averaging 9.8 out of 10 will consistently outrank one with 10 reviews averaging 9.5 — even if the second tradesperson is objectively better at the job.

More importantly, homeowners use reviews to make decisions. Research consistently shows that most consumers read at least 3 to 5 reviews before contacting a business, and that a score below 8 out of 10 on Checkatrade significantly reduces enquiry rates.

Ask every single customer

This sounds obvious but most tradespeople only ask customers for reviews occasionally, when the job went particularly well. The result is a slow, uneven review profile that does not reflect your actual standard of work. The fix is simple: make asking for a review part of your standard end-of-job process, for every job, every time.

The best moment to ask is right after you have handed over and the customer has seen the finished work. They are at their most positive at this point. Say something like: "If you are happy with the work, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave me a review on Checkatrade — it helps me a lot." Most customers who are genuinely happy will be glad to help.

Make it easy with a direct link

The number one reason customers do not leave reviews is that it feels like too much effort. Remove that friction. Log into your Checkatrade account, find your review invite link, and save it somewhere accessible. Then send it by text or WhatsApp after the job. A simple message works: "Thanks for having me — really pleased with how it turned out. If you have a moment, here is a link to leave a review: [link]. Much appreciated."

You can also print the link as a QR code on your invoices or business cards using the free QR code generator. Customers can scan it on the spot before you leave.

Timing your review request

For jobs completed in a single day, ask at the end of the job or send the link that evening. For longer jobs, ask at the end of the project, not partway through. If a customer has not left a review within a week, a single polite follow-up is fine: "Just checking in — I hope everything is still looking good. If you have a moment, the review link is below." Do not send more than one follow-up per customer.

Respond to every review — good and bad

Checkatrade allows you to respond to reviews. Most tradespeople either never respond or only respond to negative ones. A better approach: respond to every review with a brief, genuine thank you. This signals to prospective customers that you are attentive and professional. Keep responses short: "Thanks very much, Mark — great to work with you. Hope the kitchen is getting plenty of use!" For negative reviews (if you get them), respond calmly, acknowledge the issue without being defensive, and explain what you did or would do differently.

Keep your profile complete and current

A complete Checkatrade profile converts better than an incomplete one. Make sure you have: a clear professional photo (not a logo, a real photo of you working); an accurate description of your services and areas covered; all your certifications and accreditations listed; recent photos of completed work; and up-to-date contact details. Profiles with photos of actual work convert significantly better than those without.

Do not neglect Google reviews

Checkatrade reviews are important, but Google reviews affect your visibility in local Google search results too. Many homeowners find trades through Google Maps before they even visit Checkatrade. Run both in parallel. Our guide to getting more Google reviews as a tradesperson covers the strategies in detail.

How invoicing connects to reviews

One underused tactic: include your Checkatrade review link in your invoice footer. When you send a professional invoice through InvoiceAdept, the customer sees a polished document — and a link to leave a review sits naturally alongside your payment details. It is a non-pushy way to remind customers after the job is done and the invoice is paid.