Fence customers drop thousands of dollars on installations—they're not choosing blindly. Reviews and testimonials are the difference between landing a $5,000–$15,000 contract and watching a prospect hire your competitor.
Why Reviews Matter More for Fence Businesses
Unlike smaller repairs, fencing is a visible, permanent investment on a property. Homeowners and contractors scrutinize every detail: gate alignment, material quality, post durability, timeline adherence. A single bad review about a leaning fence or missed deadline can kill your pipeline for months. Strong testimonials, meanwhile, let prospects see finished work, read about your professionalism, and feel confident enough to request a quote.
Where to Collect Honest Testimonials
After project completion, send a simple follow-up within 2–3 weeks. Timing matters—clients are happiest when the fence looks new and the project is fresh. Keep your request brief: "We'd love to hear about your experience. Could you share a quick testimonial?" Include a direct link or QR code to make it frictionless.
In-person is powerful. During your final walkthrough, ask the client directly if they'd be willing to share feedback. Many say yes on the spot, especially if they're satisfied. You can capture a quick video testimonial (30 seconds is plenty) right there with your phone.
Ask for specifics. Generic praise ("great company!") doesn't convert like concrete details. Prompt clients to mention:
- How smoothly the installation process went
- Whether the final fence met or exceeded expectations
- How your crew handled the site (cleanup, professionalism, timeline)
- The durability or appearance three months in
Building a Review Pipeline
Spread your collection across platforms. Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Yelp are essential for local fence businesses. Each platform reaches different audiences. A prospect searching "vinyl fence contractor near me" will check Google first; a homeowner exploring styles might find you on Facebook or Pinterest.
Incentivize without bribing. Offering a $50 gift card or discount on future services for a review is acceptable in most industries. Offering money specifically in exchange for a five-star review violates platform guidelines. Instead, say, "Leave us a review and we'll send you a discount code toward your next project."
Set a target. Aim for one testimonial every two to three completed jobs. If you install 20 fences per year, that's 6–10 fresh reviews annually. Consistency builds credibility faster than a sudden spike.
What to Do With Testimonials
Don't let them sit in review platforms alone. Screenshot and feature them on your website's homepage, services pages, and portfolio. A short video testimonial of a satisfied customer standing next to their new vinyl or wood fence is worth thousands in ad spend.
Use them in email outreach. When you send quotes, include a 2–3 sentence testimonial from a past client with similar project scope. "Sarah installed a 200-foot cedar privacy fence last spring. Here's what one neighbor said..." builds urgency and credibility in one message.
Leverage them on local listings. Platforms like Mercoly help fence contractors get found, win qualified leads, and list services and products in front of serious buyers. Testimonials on your profile there act as proof points that convert browsers into requests for quotes.
Handling Negative Reviews
A single one-star review isn't fatal if you respond professionally. Address the complaint directly ("We'd like to make this right") and ask the customer to contact you offline. Often, misunderstandings about timeline or maintenance requirements are resolved with a conversation. Public resolution shows future customers you stand behind your work.
Don't ignore bad reviews or respond defensively. That signals you don't care about quality. A calm, solution-focused reply actually improves your reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should a testimonial be? A: 2–3 sentences is ideal. Specific is better than long. "They finished on time, cleaned up perfectly, and the fence looks exactly like the design we discussed" beats a rambling paragraph.
Q: Should I ask customers to leave reviews before or after they pay? A: Always after. Request reviews 2–3 weeks post-completion, once they've lived with the fence and confirmed it's holding up.
Q: Can I re-use old testimonials if they're still positive? A: Yes, but fresher is always better. Rotate testimonials to show ongoing, recent work. If a testimonial is older than two years, consider gently requesting an updated one.
Start collecting testimonials this week—your next lead is likely reading them right now.