Podium
Automates Google review requests via SMS after each job, and it actually works. Also handles messaging and text-to-pay, but the USD pricing stings a bit in AUD.
Starting from
$149/mo
Free trial
14 days
Free plan
No
Overall rating
4.3/5 (1,540)
“Great at automating review requests and it works, but the price adds up quickly and you're locked into their ecosystem. Worth it if Google reviews directly drive your leads.”
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Overview
Podium is one of the leading customer communication platforms for local service businesses globally, with a strong and growing presence in Australia. It solves three problems tradies consistently face: getting more Google reviews, managing customer messages from multiple channels in one place, and collecting payment via text.
The review automation is the headline feature. After a job is completed, Podium sends a personalised SMS to the customer with a direct link to leave a Google review. The conversion rate on this approach is significantly higher than email-based review requests. Businesses typically see 3–5x more Google reviews within 90 days.
Strengths: Review automation is best-in-class for local service businesses. The unified inbox (SMS, Facebook, Google Business, website chat) stops messages from slipping through. Text-to-pay reduces invoice chase time. Good integration with job management tools.
Limitations: USD pricing means AU cost varies with exchange rates. The platform can feel broader than a small trade business needs. Some integrations require the higher-tier plans. Customer support response time has been inconsistently rated.
If Google reviews are a priority, and they should be for most trade businesses, Podium pays for itself quickly.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- ✓Review automation drives 3–5x more Google reviews, highest ROI customer comms tool
- ✓Unified inbox stops enquiries slipping through from multiple channels
- ✓Text-to-pay reduces late payment and invoice chase time
- ✓AI review responses save significant time for high-volume businesses
Watch out for
- ✕USD pricing adds cost uncertainty, monitor exchange rate impact
- ✕Broader than most small trade businesses need. You may not use half the features
- ✕Some integrations require Pro tier, check before committing to Core
- ✕Customer support response time varies
Best for
Trade businesses doing 10+ jobs per month that want to build Google reviews aggressively and consolidate customer messaging. High ROI for businesses where reputation is a key lead source.
Not ideal for
Very small businesses (1–3 jobs per week) where the subscription cost exceeds the value. Also redundant if your CRM (e.g. GoHighLevel) already handles review requests.
Key Features
Top Integrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings
1,540 reviews
Source: Capterra
Checked April 2026
Pricing
Reviews, messaging, and text-to-pay essentials
Full automation, AI responses, advanced reporting
Enterprise pricing for multi-location businesses
Podium is billed in USD. AUD amounts are indicative at current exchange rates, verify current AUD pricing at podium.com.
Technical
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