.png)
.svg)
Exclusive free trial awaits!
Start your 14 days free trial today!
Discover all the tools you need to grow your business like a pro — scheduling, reminders, payments, and more.
Discover all the tools you need to grow your business like a pro — scheduling, reminders, payments, and more.
Regardless of the year, Google reviews still matter and they can make or break a business. Nearly 90% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a business, so it’s clear to say that reviews have a big impact on their final decision. But why are they so powerful, and more importantly, how can you collect more positive reviews to make your business the best choice for new clients?
First things first: the higher your rating, the greater your chances of showing up on top of the review list. What does this mean? Your business will be more visible to potential clients who are searching for the services you offer. So every positive review helps you rank better on Google.
Positive Google reviews also build trust in your business making it more likely that potential customers will choose you over competitors. Studies show that 8 out of 10 consumers will choose a business with positive reviews over one that has no reviews or negative feedback. Plus, 94% of consumers have avoided a business because of negative reviews, so maintaining a strong, positive reputation on Google is a must. So, consistently earning good reviews can give you an advantage in attracting new clients.
The sad news is that it’s not enough to just collect 100 reviews and call it a day. Reviews need to be kept fresh as 85% of consumers consider reviews older than three months irrelevant, and 40% focus only on reviews posted within the last two weeks, thus gathering new reviews should be a constant effort.
When it comes to Google reviews don’t overlook the benefits that go way beyond the basics. Yes, positive reviews can help with visibility, trust, and credibility, but there are a few unique ways they can really work in your favor that might not be so obvious.
Google reviews act like free market research. While you know the services you're offering, your clients are the ones who experience them firsthand. So, analyzing their reviews on certain services to find out their inside thoughts. If some clients comment on the calming atmosphere you can use this in your marketing, or if others want a specific service you can consider adding it to your list of offerings. Their feedback tells you what they need so you can act upon it instead of just assuming what your clients want.
Another benefit is customer loyalty through engagement. When you respond to reviews both positive and negative you’re demonstrating that you’re listening, you care about improvement, and that you value your clients’ feedback.
And let's not forget about social proof. When people see reviews, they see an entire community of people who have trusted your business. The 5-star reviews make it clear for them that you have a solid reputation and that they should trust you too.
Now let’s see eight tips on how you can gather more Google reviews for your salon or spa.
If you haven’t set up your Google Business Profile yet, now’s the time! Start by creating one or checking if there’s already a profile for your salon that you can claim. Just make sure you’re logged in with the Google account you want to associate with your business.
Provide complete and accurate information about your salon which should match the information on your website and other online platforms to help with SEO. Once that’s done, verify your profile to prove your business is legit. Then, you will have to optimize your profile by adding high quality photos of your space, stylists in action, and show happy clients. Keep updating your profile with new images regularly and posting updates about your new services, promotions or seasonal offers.
💡 Pro tip: If you use a booking app like Goldie you can connect it to Google’s booking button to make your salon services even easier to find. This way, clients can book appointments in Goldie directly from Google.
You can easily create a Google review link through your Google Business Profile and add it to all your marketing materials. Head to your Business Profile, click ‘Read Reviews,’ then select ‘Get More Reviews’ and copy your unique link. Now you can include the link in your emails, text messages, QR codes, or even use it in requesting reviews through Goldie. The easier you make it for clients to leave feedback, the more reviews you’ll collect.
Creating a QR code for your Google reviews is super simple, and best of all, it doesn’t cost you a penny. With just a few clicks, you can generate a QR code that links directly to your review page, making it effortless for clients to leave feedback. Place your QR code on business cards, thank you notes, styling stations, or even at the payment counter. This removes any extra steps and lets customers leave a review right away.
💡Pro tip: Near the checkout, display a sign with your QR code and a friendly message like, “Your biggest compliment is a positive Google review!” to make them think of how they can help your business.
Online booking apps like Goldie have automated ratings and reviews features that send clients a friendly message after their appointment, inviting them to leave feedback. You can also connect your Goldie account to your Google Business Profile to share your 5-star reviews or other top ratings. You’ll have complete control over which reviews from your booking app appear on Google.
This tip should have been put in as number #1. If you want to have a successful business and get those 5 star reviews, you will actually have to earn them as there are no tricks or hacks that will help you if you don't exceed your customers’ expectations every chance you've got. When you're just starting out, you have the perfect opportunity to give your current clients extra attention, so treat them like gold. Happy clients will lead to more customers, and the processes you put in place in the beginning will pay off in the long run, helping you deliver excellent service to every new customer that walks through your salon’s door.
The best way to get reviews is to simply ask your clients in person. When you make the request personal and explain why it's important, you’re more likely to get a positive response. For example, saying, “I'd love it if you could leave a review about your experience! As a new business, it really helps me get the word out and helps others find me online,” can go a long way. Ask when they're most excited like right after their appointment when the experience is still fresh in their minds. Just be mindful of Google’s guidelines. While you can ask loyal customers for reviews, you can’t pay or incentivize them to leave one. Google also discourages soliciting reviews in bulk or asking for specific types of reviews.
💡 Pro tip: When a new client finds you through Google, send them a personalized SMS or email after the appointment with a link to your Google Business Profile and a simple message like, “Google reviews help clients like you find us!”. People love being part of something positive and are generally happy to leave a review.
Who says reviews only have to come from your customers? You can absolutely ask your vendors and partners for reviews too. Their Google reviews can be just as valuable, showing others how professional, organized, and reliable your business is when it comes to working with industry professionals.
If you've worked with a beauty product supplier for a while, you can ask them for a review of your salon’s professionalism and how smoothly your business relationship runs. This feedback will show future clients and collaborators that you have a great reputation and make others more likely to want to work with you.
When people leave reviews, you’ll likely get a mix of the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. Unfortunately, not everyone will be happy with your work, and some might choose to voice their dissatisfaction online instead of saying it in your face. While it’s tough, it’s important not to delete these reviews. Instead, always respond in a calm and professional manner. 56% of consumers have changed their perspective on a business based on how it responded to a review, showcasing the power of effective communication. So apologize if necessary or provide an explanation, and if appropriate, invite them back for a treatment with an offer like a discount or a free additional service.
There will also be reviews that are just plain mean or unfair. If a review violates Google’s policy, it’s usually removed automatically, but if it isn’t, you can flag it for removal. Just remember, the way you handle negative reviews can really show potential customers how committed you are to improving and providing excellent service.
If you want to get more Google reviews the answer is simple: make the process as easy as possible for your customers. People are always happy to help those who’ve helped them, but they’ll only take the time to do it if it’s simple and convenient. So take some of our advice, remove all the friction, and watch the good reviews coming.
.png)
