How to get more Checkatrade reviews as a tradesperson

Why Checkatrade Reviews Matter

Checkatrade, with its approximately 49,000 registered tradespeople, has become a go-to platform for UK homeowners seeking reliable local trades. Your review score and the number of reviews you have directly influence how high you appear in search results on the platform. For example, a tradesperson with 60 reviews averaging 9.8 out of 10 will consistently outrank another with 10 reviews averaging 9.5, even if the latter might be more skilled. This ranking system means that maintaining a steady stream of positive reviews is vital for visibility and attracting new business.

Furthermore, reviews are a key decision-making factor for homeowners. Research consistently shows that a majority of consumers read at least 3 to 5 reviews before contacting a business. A score below 8 out of 10 on Checkatrade can significantly reduce enquiry rates, as it may signal to potential clients that something about the service is lacking. In a competitive field, maintaining a high average score can be the difference between securing a job and losing out to a competitor.

Ask Every Single Customer

This might seem straightforward, but surprisingly, many tradespeople only ask for reviews occasionally, often when a job went exceptionally well. This results in a sporadic review profile that may not accurately reflect the continuous high standard of your work. The solution is clear: integrate asking for a review into your routine end-of-job process. This should be a standard procedure for every job, ensuring consistency and regular feedback.

The ideal moment to request a review is immediately after handing over the completed work when the customer is most satisfied. You might say: "If you're 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 pleased with the work will be happy to oblige, especially when they understand how important it is for your business.

Make It Easy with a Direct Link

The primary reason many customers do not leave reviews is that the process feels cumbersome. To eliminate this barrier, log into your Checkatrade account, locate your review invite link, and save it somewhere easily accessible. Following the completion of a job, send this link via text or WhatsApp. A simple message might read: "Thanks for having me — I’m really pleased with how it turned out. If you have a moment, here is a link to leave a review: [link]. Much appreciated."

Additionally, consider printing this link as a QR code on your invoices or business cards using a free QR code generator. This allows customers to scan it quickly on the spot, making the process of leaving a review straightforward before you even leave the premises.

Timing Your Review Request

Timing can significantly impact whether a customer decides to leave a review. For jobs completed within a single day, make your request at the end of the job or send the review link that evening. For longer projects, it is best to ask at the conclusion of the entire project, rather than partway through, to ensure the customer has a complete picture of your work.

If a customer has not left a review within a week, a single polite follow-up is acceptable: "Just checking in — I hope everything is still looking good. If you have a moment, the review link is below." It is important not to send more than one follow-up per customer to avoid being perceived as pushy.

Respond to Every Review — Good and Bad

Checkatrade provides the option to respond to reviews, yet many tradespeople either neglect to respond or only address negative feedback. A more effective approach is to respond to every review with a brief, genuine thank you. This demonstrates to prospective customers that you are engaged and professional. Keep responses concise: "Thanks very much, Mark — great to work with you. Hope the kitchen is getting plenty of use!"

For negative reviews, if you encounter them, respond calmly. Acknowledge the issue without being defensive, and explain what steps were taken or would be taken to address the situation. This not only shows professionalism but can also turn a negative situation into a positive learning experience for potential clients who are reading your responses.

Keep Your Profile Complete and Current

A complete and current Checkatrade profile is more likely to convert leads than an incomplete one. Ensure you include: a clear professional photo (ideally a photo of you at work, not just a logo); an accurate description of your services and the areas you cover; all relevant certifications and accreditations; recent photos of completed projects; and up-to-date contact details. Tradespeople with profiles showcasing actual work photos tend to convert far better than those without.

Do Not Neglect Google Reviews

While Checkatrade reviews are important, Google reviews also play a significant role in your visibility, particularly in local Google search results. Many homeowners rely on Google Maps to find tradespeople before they even consider visiting Checkatrade. Running both review platforms in parallel can enhance your online presence. For detailed strategies, refer to our guide on getting more Google reviews as a tradesperson.

How Invoicing Connects to Reviews

One often overlooked tactic is including your Checkatrade review link in your invoice footer. When sending a professional invoice through platforms like InvoiceAdept, the customer receives a polished document, and a discreet link to leave a review naturally accompanies your payment details. This serves as a non-intrusive reminder to customers to leave a review after settling the invoice.

Build Trust Through Consistency

Consistency in delivering quality work and maintaining open communication with clients builds trust and encourages positive feedback. Being punctual, respecting client preferences, and cleaning up after completing a job are small actions that create a lasting impression. Customers appreciate tradespeople who go above and beyond. This reliability not only increases the likelihood of a positive review but also fosters word-of-mouth referrals.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media platforms can be powerful tools for promoting your services and encouraging reviews. Regularly posting updates about ongoing projects, sharing testimonials, and engaging with your audience can boost your visibility. Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences on platforms like Facebook or Twitter can direct more traffic to your Checkatrade profile, increasing the chances of obtaining more reviews. Consider setting up a dedicated business page where you can interact with potential clients and showcase your work.

Offer Incentives for Reviews

While you should not directly pay for reviews, offering small incentives can encourage clients to leave feedback. This could be in the form of a discount on future services or a small gift voucher. Make it clear that their honest opinion is what you value most, and any incentive is simply a token of appreciation. This approach can be particularly effective if communicated at the end of a job, where you express gratitude for their business and mention the incentive for their participation in providing a review.

Learn From Feedback

Finally, use the feedback you receive as a learning tool to improve your services. Even positive reviews can offer insights into what customers value most about your work. Pay attention to recurring themes in both positive and negative feedback. If certain issues are frequently mentioned, take steps to address them. Implementing changes based on customer feedback not only enhances your services but also shows potential clients that you are committed to continuous improvement. This proactive approach can lead to increased customer satisfaction and, in turn, more positive reviews.

By effectively managing your Checkatrade reviews, engaging with customers, and continuously improving your services, you can significantly enhance your reputation and increase your chances of attracting new business. Focus on providing exceptional service, and the reviews will follow naturally.