1/10/2024
3 min read
The Good Name Guild
Google Reviews vs. Facebook Reviews: Where Should Tradespeople Focus?
Not all review platforms are created equal. Here's where to focus your energy for maximum impact on your trade business.
Google Reviews
Facebook
Strategy
Google Reviews vs. Facebook Reviews: Where Should Tradespeople Focus?
As a tradesperson, you've got limited time and energy. When it comes to building your online reputation, where should you focus your review-gathering efforts?
Google Reviews: The Heavy Hitter
**Why Google Reviews Matter Most:**
- Show up in local search results
- Influence your Google Maps ranking
- First thing customers see when they search for you
- Trusted by 87% of consumers for local businesses
**The Numbers:**
- Businesses with 20+ Google reviews get 3x more calls
- Just 5 reviews can improve your local ranking significantly
- 76% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
Facebook Reviews: The Social Proof
**Why Facebook Reviews Still Matter:**
- Build social credibility
- Easy for customers to share with friends
- Great for showcasing your personality
- Customers often check Facebook before calling
**The Reality:**
- Less impact on search rankings
- Fewer people actively search Facebook for contractors
- Good for existing customers, less effective for new customer acquisition
Our Recommendation: Google First, Facebook Second
**The 80/20 Rule:**
- Spend 80% of your review efforts on Google
- Use 20% for Facebook and other platforms
**The Strategy:**
1. **Primary ask:** Always ask for Google reviews first
2. **Secondary ask:** If they're active on Facebook, mention it as an option
3. **Make it easy:** Provide direct links to both platforms
Platform-Specific Tips
**For Google Reviews:**
- Ask within 24 hours of job completion
- Send a direct link to your Google Business Profile
- Respond to every review (good and bad)
**For Facebook Reviews:**
- Great for customers who are already your Facebook followers
- Perfect for showcasing before/after photos with reviews
- Use Facebook's review feature, not just recommendations
The Bottom Line
Don't spread yourself thin across every platform. Master Google reviews first—they have the biggest impact on your business growth. Once you've got a solid Google review system, then expand to Facebook and other platforms.
Focus your energy where it counts most, and you'll see better results with less effort.
**Why Google Reviews Matter Most:**
- Show up in local search results
- Influence your Google Maps ranking
- First thing customers see when they search for you
- Trusted by 87% of consumers for local businesses
**The Numbers:**
- Businesses with 20+ Google reviews get 3x more calls
- Just 5 reviews can improve your local ranking significantly
- 76% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
Facebook Reviews: The Social Proof
**Why Facebook Reviews Still Matter:**
- Build social credibility
- Easy for customers to share with friends
- Great for showcasing your personality
- Customers often check Facebook before calling
**The Reality:**
- Less impact on search rankings
- Fewer people actively search Facebook for contractors
- Good for existing customers, less effective for new customer acquisition
Our Recommendation: Google First, Facebook Second
**The 80/20 Rule:**
- Spend 80% of your review efforts on Google
- Use 20% for Facebook and other platforms
**The Strategy:**
1. **Primary ask:** Always ask for Google reviews first
2. **Secondary ask:** If they're active on Facebook, mention it as an option
3. **Make it easy:** Provide direct links to both platforms
Platform-Specific Tips
**For Google Reviews:**
- Ask within 24 hours of job completion
- Send a direct link to your Google Business Profile
- Respond to every review (good and bad)
**For Facebook Reviews:**
- Great for customers who are already your Facebook followers
- Perfect for showcasing before/after photos with reviews
- Use Facebook's review feature, not just recommendations
The Bottom Line
Don't spread yourself thin across every platform. Master Google reviews first—they have the biggest impact on your business growth. Once you've got a solid Google review system, then expand to Facebook and other platforms.
Focus your energy where it counts most, and you'll see better results with less effort.
**The 80/20 Rule:**
- Spend 80% of your review efforts on Google
- Use 20% for Facebook and other platforms
**The Strategy:**
1. **Primary ask:** Always ask for Google reviews first
2. **Secondary ask:** If they're active on Facebook, mention it as an option
3. **Make it easy:** Provide direct links to both platforms
Platform-Specific Tips
**For Google Reviews:**
- Ask within 24 hours of job completion
- Send a direct link to your Google Business Profile
- Respond to every review (good and bad)
**For Facebook Reviews:**
- Great for customers who are already your Facebook followers
- Perfect for showcasing before/after photos with reviews
- Use Facebook's review feature, not just recommendations
The Bottom Line
Don't spread yourself thin across every platform. Master Google reviews first—they have the biggest impact on your business growth. Once you've got a solid Google review system, then expand to Facebook and other platforms.
Focus your energy where it counts most, and you'll see better results with less effort.
Don't spread yourself thin across every platform. Master Google reviews first—they have the biggest impact on your business growth. Once you've got a solid Google review system, then expand to Facebook and other platforms.
Focus your energy where it counts most, and you'll see better results with less effort.