If you’re only collecting reviews on Google, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. Paid directories like Yelp, Thumbtack, and Angi still drive leads—and the best way to stand out is by stacking reviews across every platform. In this article, I’ll share the strategies I use (and recommend) to build up strong review profiles everywhere, not just Google.

Start With the Platform That Brought the Lead

One of the biggest mistakes I see is asking a customer who found you on Google to leave a Yelp review. That just feels off. People are more likely to leave a review on the platform they used to find you. So if they came from Thumbtack, ask for a Thumbtack review. If they came from Angi, ask there.

It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference. When you're direct and relevant, people are more likely to follow through.

Ask in Person—Especially for the First 10

If you’re serious about getting reviews, nothing beats asking in person. After the service is done and the customer is happy, just say something like:
"Hey, would you mind leaving us a quick review on [platform]? It really helps."

Especially when you’re building your first 10 reviews on a platform, that personal ask makes a huge difference. And there’s real psychological power in hitting that double-digit number—10+ reviews feels way more credible than just 3 or 4.

Always Respond to Reviews

If the platform allows it, respond to every review—positive or negative.

This doesn’t just show appreciation. It builds trust and gives future customers a feel for how you interact with real clients. A thoughtful reply like,
"Thank you so much, Amy! Loved meeting your pup and glad we could take care of those ants!"
goes a long way.

It shows personality. It shows pride. And it shows you're paying attention.

What About Bad Reviews?

You're actually more likely to get bad reviews on paid directories than on Google. Platforms like Yelp just attract a different type of user—more critical, more transactional.

That’s why it’s crucial to publicly respond to negative reviews whenever possible. A well-written reply shows maturity and professionalism. Don't ignore or delete—it’s better to say something like:
"Sorry to hear this happened. That’s not the level of service we stand for. I’d love to make it right—please reach out so we can fix it."

Also, match the tone and length of their review. If they wrote a full paragraph, don’t just drop a one-liner.

Should You Incentivize Reviews?

Yes—as long as it’s ethical and platform-compliant.

If you’re already offering something for Google reviews (like a bonus for your techs), extend that to other platforms too. Don’t treat Yelp reviews as second-tier. A Yelp review is still worth $20. And it builds real, lasting value across your brand.

Pro tip: Google sometimes shows other platforms on your business profile. If you’re crushing it on Google and Yelp and Angi, they’ll actually display that. That builds massive trust and boosts conversions.

Reviews Also Help SEO—Even on Other Platforms

Even though Google wants to keep people on its own listings, it still pulls in signals from around the web. Having consistent, positive reviews on multiple platforms strengthens your online presence overall.

And as tools like ChatGPT and other AI systems get smarter, they’re scanning everywhere—not just Google. The more reviews you have on reputable platforms, the better you’ll perform in those models too.

Final Thoughts

Reviews are digital real estate. They’ll live online forever and compound in value over time. Every new review makes the next one more likely—it’s the bandwagon effect in action.

So here’s the move:

• Ask for reviews on the platform where the lead came from

• Ask in person when possible

• Respond to every review, especially the bad ones

• Incentivize across all platforms

• And remember: every review adds long-term value

You’ll never regret getting more reviews. They’re the highest leverage asset you can build in local marketing.