Running a fence company isn’t just about digging posts and hanging panels. It’s about trust. And in today’s world, trust often starts with your Google reviews.
When someone searches for a fence company, what do they see? Your name, your rating, and your reviews. That little number next to your name can mean the difference between a call or a pass.
Here’s how to earn more 5-star reviews without begging or sounding desperate.
1. Do Great Work, Always
It sounds simple. Do the job right, and people will talk.
But it’s not just about building a strong fence. It’s about showing up on time, being polite, cleaning up, and answering questions. That’s what people remember.
If something goes wrong, own it. Fix it fast. People respect that more than fake perfection.
2. Ask for Reviews (But Don’t Be Pushy)
You have to ask. Most happy customers won’t leave a review unless you nudge them.
Keep it friendly and casual. Something like:
“Hey John, I’m glad you’re happy with the new fence. If you get a minute, would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It really helps.”
Timing matters too. Ask right after the job, while they’re still excited.
3. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Don’t make them hunt for your page.
Send a direct link. You can use Google’s “review link generator” to get your custom link. Or just search your business name, click “Write a review,” and copy that URL.
Text it. Email it. Hand them a card with the link.
4. Use a Review Request System
If you have more than a few jobs each week, doing it by hand gets tough.
Use tools like:
These can send automatic texts or emails after the job is done.
They also filter unhappy customers so they don’t tank your rating.
5. Give a Personal Touch
Don’t use the same message every time.
Mention their name. Mention something specific about the job. It shows you care, not just checking a box.
“Hi Lisa, I loved how your backyard turned out with that cedar fence. If you have a second, a Google review would mean a lot.”
These little things make a big difference.
6. Respond to Every Review
Good or bad, reply.
When people see a business replying, they see someone who listens.
For a 5-star review:
“Thanks so much, Mike! Glad we could help with your fence. Let us know if you need anything.”
For a 1-star review:
“Hi Sarah, I’m really sorry to hear that. This doesn’t sound like the service we aim to give. Please reach out so we can make it right.”
Never argue online. That makes you look worse.
7. Train Your Team to Ask
Your crew talks to customers more than you do.
Train them to spot happy customers and ask them for a review. You can even give small bonuses for reviews that mention their name.
“Josh was great! He explained everything and left the yard spotless.”
That boosts morale too.
8. Build It into Your Workflow
Make it part of your process.
- Finish job
- Walk the customer through it
- Ask if they’re happy
- Ask for a review
Don’t leave it to chance. Make it a habit.
9. Use Signs and Cards
Simple signs like “Happy with your fence? Leave us a review on Google!” go a long way.
Leave a small card with the review link and a thank you note.
If you install gates, sticker the inside with your logo and a QR code to your Google page.
10. Deal with Bad Reviews the Right Way
You won’t please everyone. And that’s okay.
But how you handle it matters more than the review itself.
Don’t ignore them. Don’t get defensive. Reach out, fix the problem, and ask if they’d consider updating the review.
Many people will. Not all. But enough to matter.
11. Focus on Local SEO with Reviews
Reviews help your Google ranking. Especially local ones.
Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date:
- Correct name, address, phone
- Right service area
- Updated photos
- Business hours
Google wants to show trusted, nearby companies. Good reviews push you to the top.
12. Don’t Fake It
Never buy reviews. Don’t ask friends or family who never used your service.
Google can spot patterns. If they catch fake reviews, they can suspend your listing.
Keep it honest.
13. Reviews as Word of Mouth
People trust reviews like they trust neighbors.
When they read, “FenceWebs did my mom’s fence and it turned out great,” that sticks.
Think of each review like a billboard you didn’t have to pay for.
14. Keep the Momentum Going
One or two reviews won’t cut it.
You want a steady stream. If your last review is from six months ago, people wonder what happened.
Set goals:
- 5 reviews a month
- 1 review for every 3 jobs
Track it. Reward your team. Make it part of your culture.
Final Thoughts
Getting 5-star reviews takes more than asking. It takes doing the work right, making it easy for customers, and caring enough to follow through.
You don’t need to beg. Just be real. People can tell the difference.
At FenceWebs, we’ve helped fence companies do just that for over five years. Not with gimmicks, but with smart, steady effort that works.
Want help getting your Google profile in shape? Or maybe you just want to show up first when people type “fence company near me”?
We’re here. No fluff. Just honest help.
Let’s get your stars shining.