How to Get More Roofing Reviews Online
Online reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools available to a modern roofing contractor — and one of the most underused. Homeowners rely heavily on reviews when choosing a contractor, yet most contractors either don't actively collect reviews or leave the process entirely to chance. This guide explains why reviews matter, where to collect them, and exactly how to ask for them in a way that consistently works.
Why Reviews Matter More Than Almost Any Other Marketing
When a homeowner searches for a roofer and sees two options — one with 50 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, one with no reviews — the outcome is predictable. Reviews are the most direct proxy homeowners have for trust and quality when they don't yet know you personally.
Research consistently shows that consumers trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations from people they know. For roofing contractors, this means that a strong review profile is effectively a 24-hour-a-day referral network that works while you sleep.
Where to Collect Reviews
The two most important platforms for roofing contractor reviews are:
- Google — because reviews appear directly in search results and influence how prominently you appear in local searches. Google reviews are the highest-impact platform for most local tradespeople.
- Your RPS Member Profile — because homeowners who find you through the RPS directory are actively looking for verified, trustworthy contractors. Reviews on your RPS profile reinforce your accredited status and provide additional social proof.
Secondary platforms including Facebook and Checkatrade can also be valuable depending on where your local homeowners search, but Google and RPS should be your priority.
The Right Way to Ask for a Review
The most effective method for collecting reviews is simply to ask — but to ask in the right way, at the right time, with the right prompt. The best moment to ask is immediately after the client has confirmed they are satisfied with the work. This is when their positive emotion is at its peak.
A simple, warm request works best: "It's been a pleasure working on your home. Reviews make a real difference to a business like ours — if you were happy with the work, could I ask you to leave a quick review on Google? I can send you a direct link right now to make it easy."
Then send the link — immediately. A text message with the link dramatically reduces the friction and increases the likelihood that the review will be written within the next 24 hours, while the experience is still fresh.
Creating a System for Consistent Review Collection
Many contractors get reviews in busy periods when it occurs to them to ask, and neglect them in quieter times. The goal is to create a systematic process that ensures every completed job generates a review request.
Simple approaches include: a follow-up text message sent on the day of completion, a follow-up call 5–7 days later where you ask for a review if not already received, and a link to your review page included in every completion invoice.
Responding to Reviews — Positive and Negative
Respond to every review — positive or negative — professionally. Thank positive reviewers personally and specifically. Respond to any negative reviews promptly, professionally, and constructively: acknowledge the concern, explain your perspective briefly, and invite the reviewer to contact you directly to resolve the issue.
Your responses to negative reviews are read by potential customers as much as the reviews themselves. A professional, constructive response to a critical review often reassures potential customers more than a page of positive reviews alone.
Build your reputation where it matters most: apply to join the Roofing Protection Scheme and get your verified RPS profile working for you alongside your Google reviews.