Dee Valley Tree Maintenance
Owner reference — not public

Post-Job Review Process

Follow this process after every job to build up reviews and testimonials consistently. Bookmark this page on your phone.

Why this matters

For a local tree surgery business, reviews are the single most powerful way to win new customers. Most homeowners search "tree surgeon near me" and choose based on reviews before they even look at a website. A steady stream of genuine reviews also improves your ranking in local Google search results — meaning more enquiries without any advertising spend.

Step-by-step process

1

Before you leave the job

  • Walk the site with the customer — point out what was done and why
  • Check they are happy before packing up
  • Leave the garden clean and tidy — rake up all cuttings
  • Mention you'd appreciate a review if they're pleased with the work
2

Same day — send a follow-up text

  • Send the SMS template below within a few hours of finishing
  • Personalise it — use their first name and mention the specific job
  • Include your Google review link (get this from your Google Business Profile)
  • Keep it short and friendly — no pressure
3

One week later — if no review yet

  • Send a single follow-up text or email (use the template below)
  • Only follow up once — don't chase repeatedly
  • If they respond positively but haven't reviewed, offer to send the link again
4

Collect testimonials for your website

  • If a customer sends a positive reply by text or email, ask if you can use it on your website
  • Screenshot WhatsApp messages with permission — these make great testimonials
  • Use the feedback form at /feedback to collect written testimonials directly
  • Update your homepage testimonials section every few months with fresh quotes

SMS template

Copy and personalise this — replace [NAME] and add your Google review link.

Hi [NAME], thanks for having us out today — hope you're happy with the work! If you've got a moment, an honest review would mean a lot to us and helps other local homeowners find us. You can leave one here: [YOUR GOOGLE REVIEW LINK]. No pressure at all — thanks again, Jacob @ Dee Valley Tree Maintenance

Tip: save this as a note on your phone so you can copy it quickly after each job.

Email template

Use this when you have a customer's email address. Replace all [BRACKETED] sections.

Subject line

Thanks for choosing Dee Valley Tree Maintenance

Body

Hi [NAME],

Just a quick note to say thanks for having us out [today/this week] — it was great working on your [trees/hedges/garden].

If you're happy with the work, an honest Google review would mean a great deal to us. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps other homeowners in the valley find a tree surgeon they can trust:

[YOUR GOOGLE REVIEW LINK]

No obligation at all — but it really does make a difference for a small local business like ours.

Thanks again,
Jacob
Dee Valley Tree Maintenance
07593 402642

Tips that make a difference

Timing is everything

Send your message the same day as the job — satisfaction is highest immediately after good work.

Text beats email

SMS has a much higher open rate than email for trades. Most customers will read a text within minutes.

Don't ask for 5 stars

Ask for an "honest review" — it sounds more genuine and customers are more likely to respond.

Personal beats generic

Mention the specific job ("the oak in your back garden") — it shows you remember them and feels less like a mass message.

Collecting testimonials for your website

Even without Google reviews, you can collect written testimonials directly. Send customers to your feedback form — their responses come straight to your inbox and you can add the best ones to your homepage.

View your feedback form

When you're ready: set up Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is free and takes about 15 minutes to set up. Once verified, customers can leave Google reviews that appear in local search results — this is the single biggest thing you can do to win more enquiries from homeowners searching for tree surgeons in Dee Valley.

  1. 1. Go to business.google.com and sign in with your Google account
  2. 2. Add your business name, category (Tree Service), and service area
  3. 3. Verify by postcard or phone — Google sends a code to confirm your location
  4. 4. Once verified, copy your review link and update the templates above
  5. 5. Come back here and ask to add Google reviews to your website