5 Stars or Bust: How Google Reviews Pre-Sell Lawn Care Services

When I started my lawn care business, Maple Leaf Mowing, I had a 21-in. mower, a dream of a lawn care business, and basically zero marketing budget. In those early days, I discovered a secret weapon that cost me nothing but made a world of difference: Google reviews. I soon learned that those little stars on my Google Business Profile were more powerful than the fanciest flyer. Each new 5-star review felt like a high-five from a happy customer, and they became my unofficial sales team. 

Before I even said “hello” to a prospect, my reviews had already started pre-selling my service. I had started building trust and excitement about my work. In marketing terms, the customer was warmed up and half-sold on hiring me before I ever set foot on their lawn. I would literally have people say when I was too busy, "I will wait; I don’t want any other quotes. I want you to do it. I read your reviews!" We have all heard the dreaded words, "Great, I'm getting a few more estimates," when we ask for the sale (a.k.a. customer lingo for "I'm going with someone else").

Think about how you shop online. When was the last time you bought a product on Amazon that had zero reviews? (If your answer is “never,” you’re not alone.) I know I rarely even buy a bag of peanuts unless it has a bunch of positive ratings. Why? Because none of us want to be the guinea pig on an untested product or service. We all crave the comfort of knowing others have tried something first and loved it. The same thing applies to homeowners searching for lawn and landscaping services. 

Good reviews don’t just complement your SEO — they supercharge it.

If a homeowner Googles “landscaper near me” and finds two businesses — one with dozens (or ideally hundreds) of glowing Google reviews and another with none — which do you think they’ll call? The company with the great reputation, of course. People naturally will buy from the business that has proven itself. 

Good reviews signal, “Relax, you won’t be the first to try. Others have had a great experience.” It’s exactly why I made collecting reviews a priority at Maple Leaf Mowing. Those reviews turned my company from an unknown newbie into a trusted brand in the neighborhood (and #1 on Google, by the way). In fact, nearly all consumers now read online reviews for local businesses (around 96 percent of people) before deciding whom to trust. We’re essentially living in a world where if you don’t have stars next to your name, you might as well be invisible.

Stars That Make You Shine in Google (SEO Benefits) 

Beyond impressing potential customers, Google reviews also work behind the scenes to boost your visibility online. Think of each review as a little love note not just to you, but to Google’s algorithm. Google takes notice when a business consistently earns high ratings and fresh reviews. Those customer reviews are “critical signals” that Google uses to determine local search rankings. In plain English: a company with lots of positive reviews is more likely to show up at the top of local search results (the Google Map Pack) than a company with no feedback. Google’s goal is to serve users the best options, and a steady stream of 5-star reviews tells Google that your business is popular and trustworthy. 

Recency matters too. New reviews (especially ones with pictures) show you’re active and keeping customers happy, which gives your listing an extra SEO boost. I’ve seen this play out firsthand. As my mowing business collected more reviews, we climbed the local rankings. My website got more traffic, my phone rang more often, and I didn’t spend a dime on ads to do it. Those shiny stars even make your business listing stand out visually. It’s like having a big, flashing sign that says, “This lawn care pro is the real deal!” 

On your own website, showcasing Google review badges or testimonials can increase visitors’ confidence, keeping them on your page longer and more likely to contact you. 

In short, good reviews don’t just complement your SEO — they supercharge it.

From Happy Clients to Free Marketing 

Pro Tip: Text customers with a direct link to the Google Business Profile review page.

The best part about Google reviews? They’re essentially free marketing from your happiest clients. Every time I wrapped up a lawn job and saw a satisfied smile on my customer’s face, I’d politely ask them to share their experience on Google. Here's a pro tip: I would text them right then and there with a direct link to the Google Business Profile review page. You’d be surprised how many we were able to get. Most were more than willing as people love to support a business that treats them well. 

Over time, my Google review count grew, and so did my reputation. I remember picking up the phone on numerous occasions to hear a new caller say, “I found you online and your reviews are awesome.” That is music to any business owner’s ears. It means the hard work was already half done by the time I showed up to give an estimate. The client’s trust was built by neighbors and strangers vouching for me in those review comments. 

As I’ve transitioned from running a lawn care company to helping other landscaping businesses with marketing, I keep preaching this truth: a strong lineup of Google reviews is like having a crowd of happy customers holding up signs that say “Hire this person!”

If you’re in the lawn and landscaping industry, cultivating your Google reviews should be as routine as mowing the grass. It doesn’t cost anything except a little courteous effort: deliver great service and then kindly ask for feedback. 

Make it easy. Send a quick follow-up text or email with the direct link to your Google review page (nobody should have to hunt for it). Another bonus is very few businesses are doing this. When you implement this, you will begin to stand out and outrank even larger companies in your area. Over time, those stars add up to impressive social proof that clients can’t ignore. 

Remember, in this business, your online reputation is vital! By the time a homeowner gives you a call, they’ve likely read your reviews and already feel like they know you or at least, they know others trust you. That means less convincing and more converting.