Customer testimonials are like gold for fence contractors. They build trust, show off your skills, and convince potential clients to choose you. In this blog, we’ll explain how to use testimonials effectively online to grow your fencing business.
At FenceWebs, we’ve helped fence companies for over five years with website design, SEO, local SEO, GBP optimization, Facebook ads, Google ads, and organic ranking. We know testimonials can make a huge difference. Let’s dive into simple ways to leverage them.
Why Testimonials Matter for Fence Contractors
Testimonials are proof that your work is top-notch. They show real people are happy with your fences. This builds trust with potential customers.
When someone sees a glowing review, they’re more likely to call you. Testimonials act like word-of-mouth marketing, but online. They’re powerful because they come from real clients, not just your own words.
In a competitive industry like fencing, standing out is key. Testimonials highlight what makes your business special. They can tip the scales in your favor when a customer is deciding.
Where to Collect Testimonials
Getting testimonials starts with asking your happy customers. But where do you find them? Here are some easy places to start.
Ask After Every Job
After finishing a fence installation, ask the client if they’re happy. If they are, politely request a testimonial. Make it easy by giving them a form or a link to submit their feedback.
Use Email or Text Follow-Ups
Send a quick email or text a week after the job. Thank them for choosing you and ask for a short review. Keep it simple so they’re more likely to respond.
Check Social Media and Google
Clients may already be leaving reviews on your Google Business Profile or Facebook page. Look for these and ask permission to share them on your website or ads.
Offer a Small Incentive
Sometimes, a small nudge helps. Offer a discount on future maintenance or a gift card for a quick testimonial. Just ensure it’s ethical and transparent.
How to Ask for Testimonials
Asking for testimonials can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it friendly and straightforward. Here’s how to do it right.
Be Specific in Your Ask
Don’t just say, “Can you write a review?” Instead, ask, “Could you share what you liked about our fence installation process?” This guides them to give useful feedback.
Make It Easy
Provide a simple way to submit testimonials. Use a Google Form, email, or even a text link. The less effort it takes, the more likely they’ll do it.
Timing Matters
Ask when the customer is happiest, like right after you finish a great job. They’re more likely to say yes when they’re excited about their new fence.
Be Grateful
Always thank customers for their time. A simple “Thank you for your kind words!” goes a long way. It shows you value their effort.
Where to Display Testimonials Online
Once you have testimonials, show them off! Here are the best places to put them for maximum impact.
Your Website
Put testimonials on your homepage, service pages, and a dedicated “Reviews” page. Make them stand out with bold quotes or customer photos (with permission). This builds trust right away.
Google Business Profile
Encourage reviews on your Google Business Profile (GBP). These show up when people search for fence contractors in your area. More reviews mean better local SEO rankings.
Social Media
Share testimonials as posts on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Create eye-catching graphics with short quotes. This grabs attention and spreads the word.
Email Marketing
Include a testimonial in your email newsletters. It reminds past clients why they chose you and encourages new ones to reach out.
Paid Ads
Add a short testimonial to your Google or Facebook ads. A happy customer’s words can make your ad more clickable and trustworthy.
How to Make Testimonials More Effective
Not all testimonials are created equal. Here’s how to make them shine and work harder for your business.
Use Real Names and Details
Testimonials with names, locations, or project details feel authentic. For example, “John from Austin loved his cedar privacy fence!” is better than “Anonymous customer.”
Highlight Specific Benefits
Encourage customers to mention what they loved most. Was it your fast service? Quality materials? Affordable price? Specifics make testimonials more convincing.
Add Photos or Videos
If a client agrees, include a photo of their fence or a short video testimonial. Visuals grab attention and make reviews more relatable.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Long testimonials can lose impact. Aim for 2-3 sentences that pack a punch. Edit politely if needed, but keep the customer’s voice.
Update Regularly
Fresh testimonials keep your website and social media current. Aim to add new ones every month to show you’re consistently doing great work.
Using Testimonials for SEO and Local SEO
Testimonials aren’t just for trust—they can boost your online visibility. Here’s how to use them for SEO and local SEO.
Add Testimonials to Your Website
Search engines like Google love fresh, relevant content. Adding testimonials to your website keeps it updated. Use keywords like “fence contractor in [your city]” in the text.
Optimize Google Business Profile
Encourage reviews on your GBP. Respond to every review, even negative ones, professionally. This shows Google your business is active and trustworthy.
Use Schema Markup
Schema markup is a code that tells search engines what your testimonials are. It can help your reviews show up as star ratings in search results. Ask your web developer to add this.
Share on Social Media
Posting testimonials on social media with local hashtags (e.g., #AustinFencing) can improve your local SEO. It signals to search engines that you’re relevant in your area.
Handling Negative Reviews
Not every review will be glowing, and that’s okay. Handling negative feedback well can actually build trust. Here’s how to do it.
Respond Quickly and Politely
Reply to negative reviews within 24-48 hours. Apologize for their experience and offer to make it right. This shows you care about customer satisfaction.
Take It Offline
Don’t argue online. Invite the customer to discuss the issue privately via phone or email. This keeps things professional and avoids public drama.
Learn and Improve
Use negative feedback to fix issues in your business. Did a client complain about timing? Work on scheduling. Turn criticism into growth.
Encourage More Positive Reviews
The more positive reviews you have, the less impact negative ones will have. Keep asking happy clients for testimonials to balance things out.
Examples of Great Testimonials
Here are some examples of strong testimonials for fence contractors. Use these as inspiration when asking clients for feedback.
-
Example 1: “FenceWebs built our backyard fence in just two days! The team was professional, and the wood fence looks amazing. Highly recommend!” – Sarah, Houston, TX
-
Example 2: “I was impressed by how affordable and durable my new vinyl fence is. The crew cleaned up perfectly after the job. Thanks, FenceWebs!” – Mike, Dallas, TX
-
Example 3: “The best part was their communication. They kept me updated every step of the way. My iron fence is perfect!” – Lisa, Austin, TX
Table: Where to Use Testimonials for Maximum Impact
|
Platform |
Why It Works |
Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|
|
Website |
Builds trust with visitors |
Add to homepage and service pages |
|
Google Business Profile |
Boosts local SEO and visibility |
Respond to all reviews |
|
Social Media |
Engages followers and spreads the word |
Use graphics and short quotes |
|
Paid Ads |
Makes ads more clickable |
Include a short, punchy testimonial |
|
Email Newsletters |
Reminds clients why they chose you |
Pair with a call-to-action for bookings |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, some testimonial strategies can backfire. Here’s what to avoid.
Fake Testimonials
Never make up reviews. Customers can spot fakes, and it hurts your credibility. Always use real client feedback.
Overloading with Testimonials
Too many testimonials can overwhelm visitors. Pick 3-5 strong ones for your homepage and rotate fresh ones regularly.
Ignoring Negative Feedback
Don’t delete or ignore bad reviews. Address them professionally to show you’re accountable.
Not Asking for Permission
Always get a client’s okay before using their name or photo. It’s respectful and avoids legal issues.
How FenceWebs Can Help
At FenceWebs, we’ve spent five years helping fence contractors grow online. We can make your testimonials work harder with our services.
-
Website Design: We’ll create a professional site with a dedicated testimonials page.
-
SEO & Local SEO: We’ll optimize your site and GBP to rank higher in searches.
-
Google & Facebook Ads: We’ll craft ads that feature your best testimonials.
-
Organic Ranking: We’ll help your reviews boost your visibility on Google.
Want to learn more? Contact FenceWebs at [insert contact info] to get started.
Final Thoughts
Testimonials are one of the easiest ways to grow your fencing business online. They build trust, improve your SEO, and make your ads more clickable. Start collecting them today, display them proudly, and watch your leads grow.
By following these simple steps, you’ll turn happy customers into your best marketers. Keep it real, keep it simple, and let your clients’ words do the talking.
