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Google Reviews & Photos: The Secret Weapon for Tree Services and Contractors
- Brian Buckle
- Dec 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4
If you’re in tree service, electrical, remodeling, or any trade, you’ve probably heard this:
“We found you on Google and liked your reviews.”
Whether you love Google or hate it, this is the reality:
When homeowners compare 3–4 contractors, they almost always look at:
Reviews
Photos
How “real” you look
The crews that treat reviews and photos like part of the job are getting more of the good calls.
The best part? You’re already doing the hard work. You just need a simple system to capture it.
1. Why Reviews Matter More Than Perfect Websites
Homeowners don’t read like marketers.
They don’t study your layout. They don’t inspect your fonts.
They do things like:
Search: “tree service near me” or “electrician Auburn CA”
Compare a few options in the Google results
Click the ones with:
Solid star ratings
Plenty of reviews
Recent activity
Real photos
If you’ve got 10 reviews and your competitor has 90+, you’re starting the race in last place — even if you’re better at the work.
So the mindset shift is:
Reviews aren’t “nice to have.” They’re part of your sales process.
2. How to Ask for Reviews Without It Feeling Awkward
Most contractors don’t ask because it feels weird. The trick is to build it into your process, not your mood.
Where to ask:
Right after a job when the customer is clearly happy
When you send the final invoice
After a follow-up text: “Everything still looking good?”
Simple scripts you can use:
In person:
“Hey [Name], we really appreciate working with you. We’re trying to show more of our work online. If you’re happy with everything, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I can text you the link.”
By text:
“Hi [Name], thanks again for having us out for your [tree/electrical/remodel work]. If everything looks good, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other homeowners know they can trust us. Here’s the link: [short link]”
By email (invoice follow-up):
“Thank you for choosing us for your recent project. If we did a good job, a quick Google review would mean a lot. It helps us stand out from the big companies and keeps our crew busy with great clients like you. Link: [link]”
If you’re nervous about wording, AI can help you draft a friendly script — then you tweak it to sound like you.
3. Make It Easy: Create a Direct Review Link
If you want more reviews, you have to make it simple.
On your website, in emails, in texts – use a direct link that takes customers straight to your Google review form.
Basic steps:
Search for your business name in Google.
Click your listing (on the right side / map area).
Click “Write a review.”
Copy that URL, or use Google’s “Get more reviews” link in your Google Business Profile dashboard.
Shorten it with a link shortener if it’s messy.
Then:
Save that link in your phone notes
Add it to your invoice templates
Put it on your website as “Leave a Review”
No hunting. No friction.
4. Turn Every Job into 3–5 Strong Photos
Next to reviews, photos are huge for trades.
Homeowners want to see:
That you do the type of work they need
That the results look clean and safe
That you’re a real, local crew
You don’t need a DSLR. A decent phone camera is fine.
What to photograph:
Before & after of the main project area
Wider shot: shows context and scale
Detail shot: clean connections, careful cuts, neat work
Safe crew shots: hard hats, proper gear, no cigarettes, no chaos
Avoid:
Visible license plates or house numbers (blur or crop if needed)
Faces of kids or homeowners (nope)
Anything sloppy or half-finished
After each job, make it a checklist item:
“Take 3–5 photos for Google.”
5. Uploading Photos the Right Way
Dumping all your photos into one upload every few months is better than nothing, but you’ll get more traction by posting steadily.
Best practices:
Upload a few photos per job to your Google Business Profile:
“Before and after tree removal – Auburn”
“Panel upgrade – Roseville”
“Backyard lighting install – Grass Valley”
Write a short, plain caption:
What the job was
City/area
Any special note (tight access, storm damage, safety focus)
Example caption:
“Removed a large dead pine threatening a home in Applegate. Tight access next to the house and power lines – job completed safely with full cleanup.”
AI can help you turn quick bullet notes into a short caption, but you keep the real-world details.
Your photos are not just pretty pictures. They’re proof.
6. Responding to Reviews (Even the Short Ones)
When people see that you respond to reviews, it signals:
You’re active
You care about your customers
You’ll likely be good to work with
For positive reviews:
Keep it short, specific, and human.
“Thanks, [Name]! We appreciate you trusting us with your property. Glad we could take care of that oak safely for you.”
For negative or mixed reviews:
Stay calm. Don’t argue. Show that you’re reasonable.
“Hi [Name], thanks for the feedback. We’re sorry you didn’t have the experience you expected. We’ll reach out directly to see how we can make this right.”
AI can help you brainstorm a few response templates, then you adjust tone as needed.
7. Turn Your Google Presence into Your Best Sales Rep
Here’s the big picture:
Every time you:
Finish a job
Ask for a review
Upload a few photos
Respond to feedback
…you’re quietly building a 24/7 sales asset.
When the next homeowner searches “tree service near me” or “electrician in Auburn,” your:
Stars
Review count
Photos
Responses
…will speak before you ever pick up the phone.
You already do the hard work in the field. Putting a simple review and photo system in place makes sure that work keeps paying you back.
We offer a quick “Reviews & Photos Checkup” for tree services, electricians, and contractors. We’ll:
Look at how you show up today
Suggest a simple review request system your crew can actually use
Outline a photo checklist for your next 5 jobs
That way, the work you’re already doing can turn into more of the jobs you actually want.
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