By: Josh Fulfer
Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a customer-recorded video testimonial is worth a million. Here’s why it matters for concrete lifters:

• It’s real. A homeowner talking directly into their phone about their sunken sidewalk being fixed—that’s powerful.
• It builds trust fast. It’s not marketing copy. It’s someone who already hired you, saying they’d do it again.
• It’s simple. No script, no fancy gear. Just a real voice, in a real yard, sharing a real experience.

These short, casual videos do the selling for you. They remove doubt and showcase the outcome better than any photo or sentence ever could.

Step 1: Plant the Seed Early

Before the job even starts, say something like:

“When the job is done, and you’re pleased with how everything turned out… we hope it’s ok but we’re going to ask you for a review.”

This shows confidence and sets a clear expectation. You’re not ambushing anyone—they’ll be thinking about what they might say, even before you ask.

Step 2: Make It Easy

After the work is complete and the customer is happy, follow up with a simple ask:

“Would you be open to recording a quick video on your phone about your experience? Doesn’t need to be perfect, or anything fancy—just speak from the heart, off-the-cuff. 30-60 seconds. And text it to me. That’s it. We’d really appreciate it!”

The key: They record it on their phone. You’re not pointing a camera at them. They’re in control. That takes the pressure off.

Encourage them to do it in their yard or driveway where the work was done. Keep it casual. A short video of them simply talking into the camera for 30–60 seconds is all you need.

Step 3: Show Examples

People don’t want to feel awkward or unsure. Before you ask, share one or two examples of other customer videos you’ve received:

“Here’s one a homeowner sent me last month—it’s only 40 seconds and she just used her phone. Yours can be even shorter. No pressure at all.”

This shows it’s not complicated, it’s not polished, and most importantly—it’s doable.

Step 4: Text, Don’t Call

Right after the job, text your customer with a thank you and the ask:

“Thanks again for having us out today! If you’re up for it, I’d love a quick video review about your experience. Just record on your phone and text it to me when you have a sec. Thanks again!”

People are more likely to follow through when you text them directly and keep it easy. Don’t overthink it.

Step 5: Put Those Videos to Work

Once you have the video, use it everywhere:

• Your website homepage – Trust at first glance.
• Service pages – Let others do the talking near your “Get a Quote” buttons.
• Google Business posts – Upload it as a photo/video post with a short caption.
• Facebook and Instagram – Post it with a few lines of context (“Real review from a real job we just wrapped up”).
• YouTube – Create a playlist of short, unedited customer testimonials.

Want to boost lead flow? Add these videos alongside your before/after photos and job site pictures for maximum effect.

Step 6: Use in Sales Conversations

When someone reaches out for an estimate, send a short video along with your quote. For example:

“Here’s a quick 45-second clip a customer sent after we leveled her sidewalk. Just thought it might help you get a feel for what we do.”

It’s subtle, it’s powerful, and it makes your business look like the real deal.

The Best Way to Fight Negative Reviews? Drown Them in Good Ones

At some point, someone will leave you a 1-star review. Maybe you didn’t return their call fast enough. Maybe they were just having a bad day. It happens to every business.

The best defense is a flood of great reviews—especially video testimonials. A rating of 4.8 with 100+ reviews (including video proof) is far more powerful than a perfect 5.0 with only 4 reviews.

Be proactive. Ask every happy customer. Make it part of your job checklist. Want more tips? Check out this article on building small habits that grow your business over time.

Long-Term Value: These Videos Become Business Assets

Video testimonials don’t just help close today’s job—they add real equity to your business.

• More conversions – Videos increase quote requests.
• Better SEO – Embedded videos keep visitors engaged longer.
• Higher resale value – If you ever sell your business, a library of video testimonials and great reviews boosts your asking price.
• Bonus: The videos are great for motivating your team and yourself!

Final Thought

Don’t overthink it. These don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be real.

When someone who looks like your future customer talks about why they hired you and what the results were—it’s gold. And when you collect those stories consistently, you’ll never need to brag. Your customers will do it for you.

Ask. Text. Receive. Post. Repeat.