As a hardwood flooring pro, you put in long hours to make sure every project turns out right. From the first consultation to the final sanding and finishing, you turn rough floors into smooth, finished works of art. But there’s one last step that many contractors overlook—making the most of your final conversation with the homeowner.
The moment you wrap up a flooring job, the homeowner is experiencing the full impact of your craftsmanship. They’re walking on beautifully installed, refinished, or restored floors, and chances are, they’re thrilled with the results. This is the perfect time to go beyond collecting the final payment and secure something even more valuable: a positive review.
Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever
Word-of-mouth has always been one of the best ways to bring in new work, but these days, that word-of-mouth happens online. More and more homeowners rely on Google reviews, Yelp, Facebook, and Houzz before deciding which contractor to trust with their flooring project.
Having a strong collection of positive reviews can help your business in several ways. First, it boosts your ranking on Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for a local flooring contractor. The more high-quality reviews you have, the better your chances of showing up at the top of those search results.
Reviews also play a major role in building trust. A recent study found that 93 percent of people read online reviews before making a hiring decision. Homeowners want to feel confident that they’re choosing the right person for the job, and a steady stream of positive feedback from past customers makes it much easier for them to take that next step.
Beyond search rankings and credibility, online reviews also serve as free advertising. When homeowners leave glowing reviews, they often share them with friends and family on social media, giving you valuable exposure without spending a dime. A strong reputation online helps you stand out in a competitive market, reinforcing that you are a trusted expert who delivers quality work.
How to Ask for a Review the Right Way
While some customers will leave a review on their own, most need a little encouragement. The key is to make asking for a review feel like a natural part of your process rather than an afterthought.
One of the best ways to do this is by setting the expectation early. When you first meet with a homeowner, mention that customer feedback is an important part of your business. A simple statement like, “We rely on word-of-mouth and reviews to keep doing what we love. If you’re happy with the results, I’d really appreciate a quick review at the end,” lets them know up front that you’ll be asking later on.
When the project is finished, use the final walkthrough as an opportunity to make the request personal. Point out specific details about the craftsmanship—how well the stain turned out, how seamless the transitions are, or how the finish complements their space. This reinforces the quality of your work and makes it easier for the homeowner to express their satisfaction. Then, casually ask if they’d be willing to leave a review. A simple, “I’m really glad we got to bring your vision to life. If you’re happy with the results, would you mind leaving a quick review? It really helps us out,” is all it takes.
Making the process as easy as possible will also increase the chances of homeowners following through. Before you leave, send them a direct link to your Google Business page via text or email. You can also print a QR code on invoices or thank-you notes that takes them straight to the review page. A few days later, follow up with a short message thanking them again for their business and reminding them about the review.
Putting Reviews to Work for Your Business
Once you’ve built up a strong collection of reviews, it’s important to make the most of them. Featuring them on your website is a great way to build credibility with potential customers. Adding a testimonials page or embedding Google reviews on your homepage gives visitors a real sense of the experiences past clients have had working with you.
Reviews also make great marketing material. Screenshots of positive feedback from satisfied homeowners can be turned into powerful social media posts that showcase your work. You can even incorporate reviews into your quotes and proposals—showing potential customers what others have said about your craftsmanship can help close deals faster.
Taking the time to respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, is another way to strengthen your reputation. Thanking homeowners for their feedback shows professionalism and reinforces that you care about customer satisfaction. If you ever receive a less-than-perfect review, addressing it in a calm and professional manner demonstrates your commitment to service and improvement.
Final Thoughts
The last few minutes on a jobsite aren’t just about cleaning up and collecting payment—they’re an opportunity to lock in future business. Homeowners are never more excited about their new floors than in that moment, and that’s when they’re most likely to leave a great review.
By making it part of your process, personalizing the request, and making it easy for them to follow through, you set yourself up for long-term growth. A happy customer today can bring in new customers tomorrow. So, before you shake hands and walk away, ask for the review. Your next job might depend on it.
Tyler Powell is the founder of AllWell Agency, a digital marketing agency that offers solutions tailored specifically for hardwood flooring installers. If you’re ready to take the first step toward improving your digital marketing strategy, visit allwellagency.com or email tyler@allwellagency.com.