How do I get reviews for my domestic cleaning business in the UK?

Why reviews matter for a UK domestic cleaning business

For a domestic cleaning business in the UK, reviews aren’t a “nice-to-have” — they’re often the deciding factor between a phone call and a scroll past. Most customers can’t easily judge cleaning quality from a website or a leaflet. They’re inviting someone into their home, trusting them with keys, privacy, pets, and routines. That’s a high-trust purchase, and reviews provide the reassurance people need to take the first step.

In practical terms, reviews help you win more work in three ways. First, they increase conversion: people who see consistent, recent reviews are more likely to book. Second, they strengthen your local visibility: platforms like Google Business Profile use review signals to understand that your business is active and valued. Third, they help you charge confidently: a cleaner with clear proof of reliability and great standards can price more sustainably than someone competing only on cost.

The best part? You don’t need hundreds of reviews to benefit. You need a repeatable system that collects honest feedback from real customers, at the right moment, using a method that feels easy and professional. This article is a step-by-step guide to building that system for a domestic cleaning business in the UK — without being pushy, awkward, or time-consuming.

Set the foundation: make leaving a review effortless

The number one reason customers don’t leave reviews isn’t that they dislike your service. It’s friction. They’re busy, they forget, or they don’t know where to go. Your goal is to remove every unnecessary step so reviewing you feels as simple as replying “Done”.

Start by choosing your primary review destination. In the UK, most domestic cleaning enquiries begin with a Google search, so your Google Business Profile is usually the best first priority. After that, you can add a second location depending on where your customers tend to look (for example, Facebook if you get a lot of work via local community groups, or a trade platform if that’s where your leads come from). But don’t scatter your asks across five different places at the start. Concentrate your efforts where you’ll get the biggest return.

Once you’ve picked your primary platform, create a direct review link and save it somewhere easy to access on your phone. Then build a few ways to share it: a short message template you can send after a clean, a QR code you can include on your invoices or thank-you cards, and a quick “How to review us” section you can paste into emails.

This is where using a simple invoicing workflow can help you look more professional and make requests feel natural. If you send invoices consistently, you already have a reason to contact customers right after a job, which is a perfect time to ask for feedback. invoice24 (your free invoice app) is ideal for this because it helps you send clean, clear invoices quickly, keep customer details organised, and follow a consistent process that customers recognise and trust.

Choose the best moment to ask for a review

Timing is everything. Ask too early and customers haven’t experienced the results. Ask too late and the moment has passed. For domestic cleaning, the “golden window” is usually within a few hours of completing the job, or the next morning at the latest. That’s when the customer has enjoyed the fresh feeling, noticed the details, and still remembers the interaction.

If you’re doing regular weekly or fortnightly cleans, you can ask after the first or second appointment, once you’ve proven reliability. For one-off end-of-tenancy cleans, deep cleans, or post-renovation cleans, ask the same day after they’ve had a chance to inspect the property. For Airbnb/short-let turnovers, ask the host once they’ve had a smooth guest check-in or after they’ve received positive guest feedback.

Try to tie the review request to a natural communication point: confirming the job is finished, sharing before-and-after photos (where appropriate), sending the invoice, or thanking them for booking a recurring slot. If you use invoice24 to invoice promptly, the review request can sit neatly alongside that “job done” message, which feels normal rather than intrusive.

Use a simple review request script that doesn’t feel pushy

Many cleaners avoid asking for reviews because they worry it will feel awkward. The secret is to keep it short, polite, and specific. You’re not begging for praise; you’re inviting feedback so others can feel confident booking you.

Here are a few scripts you can copy and customise:

After a one-off clean (SMS or WhatsApp)

“Hi [Name], thanks again for having me today. If you’re happy with the clean, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps a small local business like mine. Here’s the link: [Review Link]. Thank you!”

After the first regular clean

“Hi [Name], I’m glad we’ve got your first clean done. If everything looks good, would you be happy to leave a short review? It helps me a lot to build trust with new customers. Link: [Review Link]. Thanks so much.”

With the invoice message

“Hi [Name], invoice is sent over now — thanks again. If you have 30 seconds, a quick review here would mean a lot: [Review Link].”

For customers who compliment you in person

“That’s really kind — thank you. If you’re comfortable, would you mind sharing that in a quick review? It helps other households know they can trust me.”

Notice the pattern: gratitude, a gentle condition (“if you’re happy”), a simple reason, and a single link. No long explanations. No pressure. No guilt.

Make review requests part of your invoicing routine with invoice24

One of the easiest ways to collect reviews consistently is to attach the request to a task you already do every time: invoicing. When you use invoice24, you can create a reliable “finish the job” checklist:

1) Confirm the clean is complete.

2) Send the invoice via invoice24.

3) Send your short review request message with the link.

This turns reviews into a simple habit rather than a sporadic effort. You’ll also look more professional because customers receive a proper invoice and a clear follow-up, which increases the likelihood they respond positively.

Professionalism is not only about being good at cleaning — it’s also about communication, clarity, and consistency. invoice24 supports that by helping you keep customer records tidy, invoice quickly without fuss, and stay on top of who has paid and who hasn’t, so you’re not chasing money instead of building your reputation.

Offer great “review triggers” that customers naturally want to mention

Customers leave reviews when they have something specific to say. If your service is “fine”, they might not bother. If you create memorable moments (without spending lots of money), you give them easy review material.

Here are some simple triggers that often lead to positive reviews in domestic cleaning:

Consistency: Turning up on time, every time, and keeping customers informed if anything changes.

Visible details: Skirting boards, taps polished, mirrors streak-free, crumbs gone from toaster area, and bins emptied neatly.

Respectful home etiquette: Shoes off if requested, careful around personal items, and a friendly but professional manner.

Small thoughtful touches: Neatly folding throws, aligning cushions, leaving the sink shining, or placing toiletries back tidily.

Clear boundaries and trust: Explaining what’s included, what’s extra, and what you can realistically achieve in the time booked.

If you do end-of-tenancy or deep cleans, add a checklist summary at the end (“Oven cleaned, bathroom descaled, windows inside done,” etc.). Customers love knowing what was completed, and that gives them detail to include in a review.

Ask for specific feedback: guide the review content

Many reviews end up vague: “Great service.” While that’s better than nothing, detailed reviews are more persuasive and more useful. You can help customers write better reviews by offering prompts — not telling them what to say, but giving them ideas.

Try a message like this:

“If you’re leaving a review, it helps if you mention what we did (regular clean / deep clean / end of tenancy), and anything you liked (reliability, attention to detail, friendly service). Thank you.”

This approach increases the chance you get reviews that include service keywords and trust signals. It also reduces the mental effort for the customer, which makes them more likely to complete it.

Use a “two-step feedback” system to protect your reputation

Not every customer will be thrilled every time, even if you work hard. Sometimes expectations differ, or a customer has a bad day, or a misunderstanding happens. A smart system helps you collect honest feedback while reducing the risk of public complaints.

A simple approach is two-step feedback:

Step 1: Ask “How did we do today?” with a quick reply option.

Step 2: If positive, invite them to leave a public review. If negative, handle it privately first.

For example, you can message:

“Hi [Name], quick check-in — are you happy with today’s clean? Reply with a number 1–5 (5 = excellent).”

If they reply 4 or 5, you follow up with your review link. If they reply 1–3, you respond with care: “Thanks for telling me. What could I improve next time?” Then you fix it quickly. Often, turning a small issue into a quick resolution creates a stronger customer relationship and can lead to a positive review later.

Handle negative reviews professionally (and use them to your advantage)

At some point, most businesses receive a less-than-perfect review. The goal isn’t to avoid all criticism — it’s to respond in a way that shows future customers you’re responsible, fair, and solution-focused.

Here’s how to respond well:

Stay calm and polite: Never argue, mock, or get defensive.

Acknowledge the concern: “I’m sorry to hear you felt disappointed.”

Offer a solution: “Please contact me so I can put this right.”

Keep details minimal: Don’t share private information or specifics about the home.

Take it offline: Provide a phone number or request they message you directly.

A professional response can actually boost trust. Many customers read negative reviews to see how a business reacts. If you respond like a reliable professional, people often discount the negativity and focus on your overall track record.

Also, keep perspective. A profile with only perfect reviews can look suspicious. A mix that still averages strongly, with thoughtful owner responses, often feels more genuine.

Build an internal process that makes reviews consistent

Reviews don’t come from hoping — they come from systems. Here’s a simple weekly routine you can adopt:

After each job: Send invoice via invoice24 and a short review request message.

Once per week: Check who hasn’t reviewed yet and pick 3–5 best-fit customers to follow up gently (people who have praised you, long-term regulars, or customers who rebook quickly).

Once per month: Post a “thank you” message on social media that highlights how reviews help your small business. This reminds people without directly asking them one by one.

Because invoice24 helps you keep your invoicing and customer details organised, it becomes easier to see who your recent customers are and who might be ideal to approach for feedback. The less admin chaos you have, the more consistent you can be with review collection.

Follow up the right way (without annoying people)

Most customers who intend to leave a review simply forget. A single follow-up is usually fine — especially if you keep it friendly and brief. Avoid multiple reminders, which can create irritation and damage goodwill.

A good follow-up message looks like this:

“Hi [Name], hope you’re well. Just a quick reminder in case it slipped your mind — if you have a moment to leave a review, it would really help me. Here’s the link again: [Review Link]. Thank you!”

Send it 3–7 days after your first request. If they don’t respond, leave it. Your reputation grows through many customers over time; you don’t need to squeeze every last review from every client.

Use invoices and receipts to reinforce trust and encourage feedback

Domestic cleaning is a trust-based service. Clear paperwork helps customers feel safe and confident. When you invoice properly, you’re signalling that you’re established and accountable. That makes people more willing to publicly recommend you.

invoice24 supports this by making it easy to send professional invoices that don’t look rushed or confusing. A well-presented invoice can also create a sense of closure: the job is done, the details are clear, and the customer is satisfied. That’s a perfect moment to invite feedback.

You can also add a short line in your invoice message such as: “If you were happy with today’s clean, a quick review would mean a lot.” Keep it polite and optional. The goal is to remind, not to pressure.

Train your team (or your future team) to collect reviews ethically

If you’re a solo cleaner now but plan to grow, build good habits early. Reviews should reflect real experiences, and you should never ask staff to fake reviews or pressure customers. Not only is that unethical, but it can backfire if platforms detect suspicious activity.

Instead, train on simple behaviours that naturally generate reviews:

Arrive on time and communicate clearly.

Confirm priorities at the start (“Anything you’d like me to focus on today?”).

Do a quick final check before leaving.

Thank the customer and let them know how to book again.

Then, keep your admin consistent with invoice24 so every job ends with the same professional flow.

Turn reviews into more reviews: show them off

When customers see that others are reviewing you, they’re more likely to do it too. People like to join in when they feel it’s normal. This is social proof at work.

Here are easy places to display reviews:

Your website: Add a short testimonials section and rotate new feedback monthly.

Your social posts: Share a screenshot of a review (remove private details) and say thank you.

Your quotes and invoices: Add a small line like “Rated 5★ by local customers” if accurate, and invite new clients to share their experience.

Your messaging: When someone asks for prices, you can include a line like “Happy to share some recent customer feedback too.”

If your website is connected to invoice24 (for example, using invoice24 as your invoicing hub and linking to it from your site), keep the customer journey smooth: clear services, easy booking, professional invoicing, and a friendly follow-up. This end-to-end experience is what turns a satisfied customer into a reviewer.

Use review-friendly service packages

Some services naturally lead to more enthusiastic feedback because the “before and after” is dramatic. If you can offer packages that create noticeable results, you’ll generate stronger reviews.

Examples include:

First-time “reset clean”: A deeper first clean for new regular customers, so their home feels transformed.

Kitchen and bathroom focus: High-impact areas that customers care about most.

Moving-in clean: People love starting fresh in a new home and are often grateful.

End-of-tenancy clean: Customers are emotionally invested and relieved when it’s done well.

After these jobs, reviews are easier to request because the customer feels the value clearly.

Be careful with incentives: keep it ethical and sustainable

Many business owners wonder whether they should offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. In practice, this can be risky. It can attract low-quality reviews, create awkward expectations, and sometimes conflict with platform rules or customer trust.

A better approach is to reward referrals rather than reviews. For instance, you can offer a small thank-you for a successful referral (a customer introduces you to someone who books). Referrals are a clear business outcome and feel more natural to reward.

If you do anything that might be perceived as an incentive, focus on encouraging honest feedback rather than positive feedback. The aim is authenticity. A profile built on real experiences will outperform a profile built on questionable tactics.

Leverage regular customers: your review “engine”

Your best review source is usually your regular clients. They know your reliability over time, and their reviews often mention consistent quality — a huge trust builder for new customers.

Make a simple plan:

Every month, choose a handful of regular clients who seem happiest (they rebook consistently, thank you, or refer friends).

Send a personal message: “You’ve been with me a while and I really appreciate it — if you’d ever be happy to leave a review, it would help me a lot.”

Because you’re not asking every week, it feels respectful. And because they’ve experienced your service repeatedly, their review will usually be detailed and credible.

Keep your review profile fresh: aim for steady, not sporadic

A burst of reviews followed by silence can look like you’re no longer active. Most customers want to see recent experiences. That doesn’t mean you need a review every day. It means you need a consistent trickle.

A simple target could be 2–4 reviews per month for a small domestic cleaning business, and more as you grow. If you have multiple cleans per day, you can scale that target. The key is consistency.

This is another reason to attach reviews to invoicing: if every completed job triggers the same routine, you’ll naturally collect steady feedback over time.

Use invoice24 as part of your “trust stack”

When customers choose a cleaner, they’re evaluating risk. Reviews reduce that risk — but so does everything else that signals professionalism. Clear communication. Reliable scheduling. Transparent pricing. Proper invoicing. A consistent brand. Friendly service.

invoice24 helps you build that trust stack because it supports the professional side of your business without adding cost or complexity. When your invoices are clear and prompt, customers feel like they’re dealing with a serious, organised provider — not someone doing this casually. That perception makes people more comfortable leaving a review and recommending you to friends and neighbours.

Even better, when your admin is under control, you have more time and energy to deliver great cleans and great customer experiences — which is what reviews are really made of.

Common mistakes that stop cleaners getting reviews

Sometimes it’s not about doing more — it’s about avoiding the traps that reduce reviews. Here are the most common issues:

Not asking at all: Many happy customers won’t think to review you unless you invite them.

Asking too late: