Why Getting New Excavation and Septic Clients Feels Like a Battle

If you own an excavation or septic business, you already know—getting new clients isn’t as simple as just having a website or handing out business cards.

You do great work. You have years of experience. But potential customers don’t know that. Instead, they:

• Second-guess hiring you because excavation and septic work are big investments.

• Compare your prices to cheaper, less-experienced contractors who underbid and cut corners.

• Hesitate to trust a company they’ve never worked with before.

For septic contractors, there’s an added layer of urgency and confusion—homeowners don’t always understand what they need. Some think a pump-out is a fix for every issue. Others don’t realize the risks of choosing the cheapest option for a system replacement.

We get it. It’s frustrating when you know you can deliver high-quality results, but convincing potential clients to choose you over the competition feels like an uphill battle.

So, how do you make hiring your company a no-brainer for the right customers?

The answer: Customer testimonials.

The Power of Customer Testimonials: Why They Work So Well

Think about the last time you bought something expensive. Did you take a chance, or did you look up reviews first?

People believe other people more than they believe ads. That’s why customer testimonials are so powerful. They take the guesswork out of hiring by showing potential clients that real people have already trusted you—and were happy with the results.

Why Testimonials Work So Well

Trust beats advertising. Anyone can say they’re the best, but when real customers say it? That’s credibility.

The psychology of social proof. If a homeowner sees three other people raving about your excavation or septic work, they’re much more likely to believe you’ll do a great job for them too.

They lower risk for customers. Hiring an excavation or septic company is a big decision. Testimonials reduce that fear by proving you deliver exactly what you promise.

Real-World Example: Excavation vs. Septic Testimonials

Imagine two contractors:

• Company A: Says, “We provide top-quality excavation and septic services with excellent customer satisfaction.”

• Company B: Shares a testimonial that says:

"Ironclad Excavation helped us prepare our land for a custom home build. They explained everything clearly, showed up on time, and left the site in perfect shape. Highly recommend them!"

OR

"We called Rapid Septic Services after our system backed up. They diagnosed the issue, replaced the drain field, and saved us thousands in future repairs. So professional and honest!"

Who would you trust more?

What Makes a Great Customer Testimonial?

Not all testimonials are equal. A weak review might say:

“Great company. Would hire again.”

But a strong testimonial gives specific details about the experience:
“Excavation Pros dug a new foundation for our addition. They worked efficiently, handled unexpected drainage issues, and finished on time. We felt confident the entire way through!”

“Septic Experts fixed our failing system after another company gave us bad advice. They explained our options clearly and got our new system installed fast. Highly recommend them!”

The 3 Elements of a Strong Testimonial

1. Specific details – What problem was solved?

2. Emotion – How did the customer feel?

3. Results – What was the outcome?

Testimonials should sound real and relatable, not scripted or forced.

How to Get More Raving Reviews from Your Best Clients

Most happy customers are willing to leave a testimonial—they just need a little nudge. Here’s how to do it without making it awkward.

1. Ask at the Right Time

The best time to ask for a review? Right after a successful project—when the customer is still excited about the results.

You can say:
“Hey [Customer Name], we really appreciate your business! Would you mind sharing a quick review about your experience? It helps other homeowners feel confident when choosing us.”

2. Make It Easy

Not everyone knows what to say. Give them a simple structure:
1. What problem they had
2. How your company helped
3. Their final thoughts

3. Encourage Video Testimonials

Video testimonials are gold because they feel more authentic. If a happy customer is open to recording a short video on their phone, even better.

Where to Use Customer Testimonials for Maximum Impact

Once you have great testimonials, use them everywhere.

1. Your Website

• Feature them on your homepage

• Add them to your service pages

• Create a dedicated “Reviews” page

2. Social Media

Post testimonials with before-and-after photos of your projects. A caption like:
"Another happy homeowner! Our team completed this septic system installation in just 2 days—solving their drainage issues for good. Here’s what the client had to say: [testimonial]."

3. Google Business Profile & Review Sites

Encourage customers to leave reviews on:
Google Business Profile (boosts SEO & local rankings)
Facebook & Yelp (helps build credibility)

Turning Testimonials into a Lead-Generating Machine

1. How Testimonials Improve SEO

Google loves fresh content and real user experiences. More reviews = better search rankings.

2. Using Testimonials in Ads

A well-placed review in an ad can double your conversion rate. Example:
"Rated 5 Stars! ‘Rapid Septic saved us from a complete system failure—great service, fast turnaround!’ Call today for a free estimate.”

3. Leveraging Testimonials in Blog Content

Example blog post: “How This Homeowner Avoided a $10,000 Drainage Disaster”
Instead of just telling people drainage is important, use a real testimonial that shows how your company saved a customer from a costly mistake.

How to Start Using Testimonials to Get More Excavation & Septic Jobs Today

You don’t need a massive marketing budget to use testimonials—you just need a system to collect and showcase them.

Step 1: Ask for Reviews Regularly

Make it a habit to request reviews after every job.

Step 2: Organize Your Testimonials

Keep a document with your best reviews sorted by project type (excavation, septic installs, drain fields, etc.).

Step 3: Display Testimonials Everywhere

Make sure every potential customer sees real proof of your great work.

Final Thoughts: Trust Sells More Than Any Ad

At Excavation Marketing Pros, we’ve seen firsthand how testimonials can transform excavation and septic businesses. They build trust, remove hesitation, and make it easy for clients to say yes to working with you.

Want to start using customer testimonials to get more high-value excavation and septic jobs? We can help you set up a system that brings in leads and builds your reputation.

Contact Excavation Marketing Pros today to get started.