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What’s one of the first things you look at before you buy a new book, see a movie, or shop online? The reviews, of course. We want to spend our money wisely, and we rely on others’ experience to tell us how the product or service will be when it gets into our hands. People will seek reviews for businesses too, and the Internet has made all this much easier to read and write. Reviews are one of the most important research items businesses and contractors have at their disposal. If you’re a subcontractor, you should collect as many good reviews as you can to boost your reputation and increase your chances of winning future project bids.
Key Takeaways
- Ask every client for a review after completing a job — most are willing to help, but they won't do it unless you make a specific, clear request.
- Online reviews build the kind of trust that wins you work before you ever speak to a potential client, so treat your review profile as a core part of your business development strategy.
- A strong set of positive reviews broadens your reach beyond word of mouth, helping you make a strong first impression on GCs and clients who don't know you yet.
- Since 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation, the reviews you collect today are actively influencing whether decision-makers choose you tomorrow.
- Make it easy for satisfied clients to leave a review by telling them exactly where to go and why it matters — removing friction increases the chances they'll follow through.
Do Reviews Really Matter That Much?
Reviews are critical to a contractors’ success. A contractor may receive praise (or criticism) via word of mouth, but to have constructive, positive reviews online will broaden your reach and potential client base. According to data, online reviews are used in some of the following ways:
- 90% of consumers read reviews for a business before visiting.
- 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they would a personal recommendation.
- 72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a business more.
If your business has raving reviews, it will make a positive first impression on someone considering becoming a client. Do your very best to get all the reviews you possibly can.
How Do You Get Reviews?
Ideally, your clients who felt you did a good job would leave you a review as a way of endorsing your character, thanking you for your hard work, and telling others about your business. But not every customer knows that their endorsement can make a major difference to your bottom line. Therefore, whenever you complete a job, ask your client to leave you a review. Be specific about where they can go, and make it clear how their review can help you. Don’t get too pushy with it, but make the request clear and actionable. You might be surprised how many of your clients would be willing to help!
For more information about how you can get ahead as a subcontractor in today’s competitive market, simply contact us today! You’ll learn more about our construction bid management software, where you can accurately plan your next project and join our network of general contractors and subcontractors with plenty of available projects in your area.
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