How to get recommended

The people who get recommended aren't the ones who do the best work. They're the ones who make it easy to say so, and ask at the right moment.

1. Ask when they're pleased

The best moment is straight after the job, when the customer has just said thank you. Don't wait for a quiet week. A quick, warm ask the same day beats a perfect message a month later.

2. Make it one tap

Send your link, not instructions. On Trusted by Locals a customer only needs their email address and one tap on the link we send them, about fifteen seconds. Say so in your message, because "it only takes a moment" is what people want to hear.

3. Start with five people

Your first few matter most. Think of the last five customers who were really pleased, and message each of them personally today. A message from you to one person beats a post to everyone.

Messages you can copy

A text or WhatsApp after a job

Thanks again for having me round. If you were happy with the work, a quick recommendation would mean a lot. It takes about 15 seconds and only needs your email: [your link]

An email

Hi [name], thanks for choosing me for [the job]. If you were pleased with it, would you add a recommendation? There's nothing to write: you just tap my link, add your email address and confirm. [your link]

It really helps local people find someone they can trust. Thank you.

The line at the bottom of an invoice or quote

Happy with the work? Recommend [your name] in 15 seconds: [your link]

A Facebook or Instagram post

Thank you to everyone who has recommended me so far. If I've done a good job for you, you can add your recommendation here in about 15 seconds: [your link]

In person

"If you're happy, the best thing you can do is recommend me. It's one tap on my phone, or you can scan this and do it later."

Put your link where customers already look

• Your email signature. Every email you send becomes an invitation. Your badge works there, and updates itself.
• Your website. A badge in the footer or on your contact page. It links to your page.
• Invoices and quotes. Customers read them carefully and they're thinking about the job.
• Your van, flyers and market stall. A QR code, because nobody can click a van.
• Facebook and WhatsApp. Sharing your link shows your live badge as the picture.

Your dashboard walks you through each of these, with everything ready to copy.

What not to do

• Don't recommend yourself, or ask friends who haven't used you. It won't help. Each person counts once, and the page shows when recommendations arrived.
• Don't offer discounts or rewards for a recommendation. It's not what the number is for.
• Don't chase. One friendly ask is enough. If you want to ask again, do it after the next job.

Keep it going

Make it a habit: one ask after every job. The number climbs quietly, and you'll get an email when you have new ones.

New to this? See how it works, or read why recommendations, not reviews.