How to Get More Reviews for Your Junk Removal Company

Q: What platforms are the best for collecting reviews?

Popular platforms include Google My Business , Facebook, and Angie’s List. Google My Business is especially effective because reviews there help boost your local SEO and appear prominently in search results. Choose platforms where your target audience is most active. When using software to assist with review collection, it's best to make sure they are producing reviews on these public sites, rather than off-site.

Throughout the life of your junk removal business, consistently acquiring quality reviews should be a priority. In today’s digital-first world, online reviews are often the deciding factor for potential customers comparing your services to competitors. Reviews build trust and offer social proof, showing customers what they can expect when working with your company.

So, how do you get more reviews for your junk removal business? Here are five actionable tips to boost your review count and improve your online reputation.

1. Ask for Reviews

It sounds simple, but asking for reviews is the most effective way to get them. Don’t assume happy customers will automatically leave feedback—many won’t unless prompted.

When wrapping up a job, take a moment to personally ask the customer if they’d be willing to share their experience. Explain how much it means to your business, especially if you’re just starting out. Make it clear that their feedback helps others make informed decisions and enables you to grow.

Teach your team to always end interactions with a polite request for a review. A consistent ask can result in consistent reviews.

Pro Tip: Use automatic review request systems to make requesting, managing and responding to requests so much easier!

2. Exceed Customer Expectations

Reviews are earned by going above and beyond. Customers are far more likely to leave a review when their expectations are exceeded, not just met.

Think of it this way: If you order a burger and it’s exactly what you expected, would you leave a review? Probably not. But if that burger is exceptionally delicious, or if the service stands out, you’re much more likely to rave about it online.

For junk removal businesses, this means:

Be punctual and communicate well. Provide updates on your arrival time and ensure everything is clear.
Go the extra mile. Sweep up debris after loading, double-check that the customer is satisfied, and ask if there’s anything else you can help with before leaving.
Add small, thoughtful touches. A little surprise, like buying the customer a coffee or leaving a thank-you card, can make a big impression.

When you consistently provide top-notch service, reviews will naturally follow.

3. Share Easy-to-Use Review Links

Make it as simple as possible for customers to leave a review. Sending them a direct link to your Google, Yelp, or Facebook review page eliminates the hassle of searching for your business online.

Here’s how you can do it:

Send a follow-up text or email with a personalized thank-you note and a link to your review page.
Include QR codes on business cards or flyers so customers can scan and leave a review instantly.
Ask for the review while still on-site, if appropriate. For example, you could say, “If you’d be willing, I’d love if you could leave us a quick review. It would really help us stand out online!”

The easier the process, the more likely customers will follow through.

4. Respond to All Reviews Quickly

Engaging with reviews is just as important as earning them. When customers see that you actively respond, it shows you value feedback and care about customer satisfaction.

Responding to Positive Reviews

Thank customers for their kind words and acknowledge specific details they mention. For example:
“Thank you, [Name]! We’re so glad you were happy with our service and appreciate you noticing how we cleaned up after the job. We look forward to working with you again!”

Responding to Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are inevitable, even for the best businesses. Handle them with grace:

Stay calm and professional.
Apologize if the customer had a bad experience, and take responsibility where appropriate.
Offer a solution or invite them to discuss the issue further offline.

For example:
“We’re sorry to hear you weren’t satisfied, [Name]. We take your feedback seriously and would like the opportunity to make things right. Please reach out to us at [contact info] so we can discuss this further.”

JunkBooster app shows customer reviews left on Google. The user is responding to the customer's junk removal reviews.

Remember, your responses are public.
A professional, empathetic reply can turn a negative review into an opportunity to showcase your excellent customer service.

5. Follow Review-Gathering Guidelines

While it’s important to encourage reviews, it’s equally vital to follow the rules to avoid penalties or mistrust. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Do not ask for only positive reviews. While you can ask customers for reviews, you cannot ask specifically for “good” ones. Feedback must be honest and unbiased.
Avoid offering incentives. Offering discounts or rewards in exchange for reviews violates platform policies and can lead to penalties.
Say no to review gating. Review gating—sending review links only to happy customers—is also against the rules. If you’re consistently receiving negative feedback, focus on addressing the root issues rather than trying to filter reviews.

Even one-off negative reviews won’t sink your business. Customers know that perfection is unrealistic, and a mix of reviews can make your profile appear more authentic.

6. Utilize Social Proof on Your Website

Once you’ve collected reviews, leverage them on your website and marketing materials. Create a dedicated testimonials page or showcase standout reviews on your homepage.

When posting on social media or advertising online, consider using a review quote and showing a star rating to attract new customers!

Highlighting positive feedback helps build credibility and boosts customer trust before they even contact you.

Why are customer reviews important for a junk removal company?

Customer reviews build trust and credibility for your business. They show potential clients that others have had positive experiences with your services, which can lead to increased inquiries and bookings. Reviews also improve your visibility in local search results, helping your business rank higher on Google.

How can I encourage my customers to leave reviews?

You can ask for reviews directly after completing a job, provide easy access to review links, and incentivize feedback with discounts or referral perks. Make the process as convenient as possible by sharing a direct link to your Google or Yelp review page via email, text, or a follow-up message.

What platforms are the best for collecting reviews?

Popular platforms include Google My Business, Facebook, and Angie’s List. Google My Business is especially effective because reviews there help boost your local SEO and appear prominently in search results. Choose platforms where your target audience is most active. When using software to assist with review collection, it’s best to make sure they are producing reviews on these public sites, rather than off-site.

Should I respond to customer reviews?

Yes! Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that you value customer feedback. Acknowledging positive reviews builds goodwill, while addressing negative reviews demonstrates professionalism and your commitment to resolving issues.

How can I handle negative reviews?

Stay calm and professional. Apologize for their experience and offer to resolve the issue offline if possible. Responding promptly and respectfully can show other potential customers that you take feedback seriously and strive to provide excellent service.

Can I offer incentives for reviews?

While offering incentives like discounts or gift cards can encourage reviews, be cautious. Most review platforms, including Google and Yelp, prohibit paying for reviews or incentivizing dishonest feedback. Ensure your approach aligns with their guidelines to avoid penalties. We recommend not practicing this, instead simply wow them with your service!

What if my customers don’t have time to leave a review?

Make it quick and easy! Offer a simple step-by-step guide, such as “Click this link → Write a few words → Submit,” making the process less time-consuming. Also, choose platforms that the majority of customers will accounts on (eg. Google & Facebook).

Can I remove fake or unfair reviews?

Most platforms allow you to report fake or inappropriate reviews. Google and Yelp, for instance, have guidelines and reporting tools for reviews that violate their policies. However, legitimate negative feedback cannot typically be removed—so focus on responding professionally.

How can I follow up with customers to request reviews without being pushy?

Send a polite follow-up message or email a few days after completing a job. Express gratitude for their business and kindly ask for a review. For example:
“We hope you’re happy with our service! If you have a moment, we’d greatly appreciate your feedback. Click here to leave a review: [Link].”

We recommend only asking 2-3 times total. If they don’t respond after the first few asks, they most likely won’t after the 10th.

Can I ask for good reviews?

You can ask customers for feedback, but it’s important to avoid explicitly requesting “good” or “positive” reviews. Instead, ask for an honest review of their experience. For example, you can say:

“We’d love to hear how we did! Please take a moment to share your experience with our junk removal service.”

Most satisfied customers will naturally leave positive reviews. Encouraging honesty ensures compliance with platform guidelines and builds trust with future clients.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong review base for your junk removal business takes effort, but the payoff is worth it. Positive reviews increase trust, improve your local search rankings, and ultimately bring in more customers. By consistently asking for feedback, exceeding expectations, and engaging with customers, you’ll set your business apart in the competitive junk removal industry.

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