Most happy customers are willing to leave a review. They just do not think to, and the moment passes. A simple, well-timed ask changes that.
Ask at the right moment
The best time is right after a good result: the job is finished, the customer has said thanks, or they have come back a second time. Waiting weeks makes the ask feel like a chore.
Make it one tap
Send a direct link to your review page rather than telling people to search for you. Google Business Profile gives you a short link you can share by text or email.
Keep the message short
Thank them, mention the job, ask for a few words about their experience, and include the link. Do not offer discounts or gifts in exchange, and do not ask only the customers you expect to be happy. Both break Google and Yelp rules, and incentives can also run afoul of FTC rules.
Thanks again for having us out on Tuesday. If you have a minute, a few words about how it went would really help us.
Reply to every review
A short, personal reply shows future customers that a real person runs the business. For a negative review, acknowledge it, offer to make it right, and take the details offline.
Make asking part of finishing every job, and reviews stop being something you have to think about.