8 Ways to Get More Barbershop Reviews and Grow Your Clientele
Amalia Pop
When someone discovers your barbershop on social media or through word of mouth, what’s the first thing they do? They check your online barbershop reviews. Those reviews often make or break their decision to book an appointment with you.
And it makes sense. People want a barber they can trust, someone they’ll come back to again and again without second-guessing. Reviews give them that confidence and help your shop stand out from the competition.
So, let’s see how to get barbershop reviews that not only boost your reputation but also bring in more clients.
Why Client Reviews Matter for Barbers
Online barbershop reviews are not just nice to have. They work 24/7 to promote your barbershop. Whether you’re sleeping or cutting hair, they’re out there convincing potential clients to choose you.
Here are some more reasons:
1. They build your reputation
Your reputation is your calling card. Today, people rarely book a service without checking reviews first. Before new clients step through your door, they’ll likely know what others say about you. Positive reviews act as a trust booster, convincing potential clients that your barbershop is worth their time and money.
2. They help with your online visibility
Good barbershop reviews aren’t just for potential clients. They’re a favorite of search engines, too. Google loves reviews, which means that businesses with lots of reviews often rank higher in local searches, giving you prime visibility. The more reviews you have, the more likely your barbershop will show up at the top when someone searches for “best barber near me.”
3. They help build loyalty
Asking for feedback shows clients you care about their experience. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to come back. Loyal clients bring trust, consistent bookings, and referrals.
Basically, they become your very own brand ambassadors.
4. They offer insightful feedback
Not every review will be glowing, but even negative feedback has value. Reviews can highlight areas where you can improve. Clients may also suggest services or perks that could set your barbershop apart, like complimentary drinks or loyalty rewards.
How to Get Barbershop Reviews: 8 Ways
1. Ask your existing clients for barbershop reviews
The best way to get more barbershop reviews is to start with your loyal, existing clients. These are the people who already trust you, making it easier to ask for a little help. Whether you approach them directly or involve your team, the process can feel natural and friendly.
Your team can amplify this effort. Since they interact with clients every day, train them to casually ask for reviews during conversations, especially when clients seem happy with their service. A simple “If you’re loving your haircut, a review would mean so much!” can go a long way.
To keep everyone motivated, make it fun. Create a “review challenge” where the team member with the most review mentions wins a small prize or reward. When your whole team is involved, you’ll not only collect more barbershop reviews but also strengthen the bond between your staff and clients.
2. Simplify the review process
If you want to get more barbershop reviews, you have to make it so easy they can’t say no. The fewer steps, the better. Use platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook and give clients direct links or QR codes that take them straight to the review page.
You can add a QR code to your shop window or mirror. A simple “Love your haircut? Leave us a review!” gets attention.
But it’s better to take it a step further and automate the whole process.
Use Goldie’s ratings & reviews feature to send automated review requests right after a client’s visit. Want to make sure your online reputation stays top-notch? You’re in control. You decide which reviews get published on your booking page, keeping things professional.
Published reviews appear on your booking website, making it easy for potential clients to see why others love your services. Authentic feedback builds trust, and trust means more bookings.
But Goldie doesn’t stop there. It helps boost your visibility on Google by encouraging happy clients to leave glowing reviews on your Google Business Profile. Better reviews mean higher rankings and higher rankings mean more people finding your shop.
And thanks to Google Reserve, clients can book directly from Google Search or Maps after seeing your stellar reviews.
3. Create a pleasant experience from start to finish
We’re talking about how to get more barbershop reviews, but it’s not just about giving killer haircuts. It’s about giving clients every reason to rave about you.
Start with exceptional service, of course, but don’t stop there. Make their entire experience—from booking to payment—so smooth that leaving a glowing review feels like the natural next step.
That’s where Goldie comes in to take the stress out of managing your barbershop. Scheduling? Payments? Follow-ups? Handled. It’s like having a personal assistant, but better.
With Goldie’s recurring appointments, your loyal clients can easily book their regular trims in just a few clicks, anytime, anywhere. Plus, you have full control over approving or declining bookings as needed.
Besides, Goldie’s automated SMS reminders gently nudge clients to show up, saving you time and money.
And when it’s time to pay, our app has you covered. Clients can pay however they like—credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, you name it. Plus, you can accept deposits and tips.
4. Offer incentives without violating guidelines
Sometimes, a little nudge goes a long way. Offer small incentives to encourage barbershop reviews, but make sure they align with platform rules (no bribing for 5 stars!).
Ideas for incentives:
- A small discount on their next cut.
- Free beard trim or product sample.
- Entry into a raffle for a larger prize (e.g., a free haircut).
5. Respond to all reviews
Responding to barbershop reviews (both good and bad) shows clients that their opinions matter to you. It’s a small gesture that builds trust and strengthens relationships.
When someone leaves positive feedback, take a moment to thank them. For negative reviews, stay professional and focused on resolving the issue.
Acknowledging feedback, whether it’s praise or criticism, shows your commitment to delivering the best experience possible. Clients notice this effort, and it encourages others to leave reviews, knowing their voices will be heard.
6. Promote your best barbershop reviews
Turn glowing testimonials into marketing gold. Share them on your website, social media, and even in-store.
You can create Instagram stories with quotes from happy clients or display reviews on a digital screen or chalkboard in your shop. Plus, you can also add positive online barbershop reviews to your website and newsletters.
7. Leverage social proof with video testimonials
Video content is a powerful way to grab attention and build trust. Ask your happiest clients if they’d be willing to share a quick testimonial after their appointment. Keep the process simple and casual. There’s no need for fancy equipment; a smartphone video works perfectly.
Once you have their feedback, share it on your social media channels and website to showcase real experiences. If you need a little extra push to get clients on board, offer a small incentive, like a free product or discount, to thank them for their time. These authentic moments can make a big impact on potential clients and can help you get more barbershop reviews.
8. Track and improve your review strategy
Keeping an eye on your reviews is key to understanding what’s working and what needs tweaking. Use tools like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook dashboards to monitor feedback.
Pay attention to trends. If clients mention long wait times, focus on fixing scheduling. If they rave about a particular barber, promote that barber’s services more. Adapting based on client feedback ensures your review strategy stays effective.
Wrapping Up
Barbershop reviews do more than offer feedback.
They show potential clients that your barbershop is trustworthy. Highlight your best barbershop reviews wherever they’ll make an impact. Include them in Google ads, print them on brochures, or pair client quotes with “before and after” photos on social media.
When you showcase authentic feedback, you build credibility and make it easier for new clients to choose you, which translates into more profit.
So, the short answer to why client reviews matter for barbers is that a successful business depends on those reviews. They are the lifeblood of your barbershop.