How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Salon (and Why It Matters)
Google loves Google Reviews - and so should you!
They’re one of the most powerful tools for local SEO. Reviews help your salon show up in Google Search and Maps, build trust with potential clients, and can lead to more bookings and revenue.
Why Google Reviews Matter:
♦ They appear alongside your Business Profile on Search and Maps.
♦ They boost your visibility in local search results.
♦ They give potential clients confidence in your services.
♦ More positive reviews = more new clients through the door.
How To Get More Google Reviews
What YOU Can Do
- Incentivise your team by rewarding stylists who get the most Google reviews.
- Consider doubling this reward if the review includes a selfie or a photo of their hair - visual proof helps!
- Ask stylists to encourage 'friendly' clients to include key phrases such as 'the best hairdressers in XXXX' , or 'best salon in XXX' in their reviews - Google loves that, and it helps improve your Google ranking.
- Follow ALL of the tips on the checklist below!
What WE Can Do
- Write beautiful newsletters encouraging your clients to leave a Google review - with a direct link.
- Set up our YourSalon.co system so when someone leaves a review on your website, it prompts the client a day or two later to leave a Google review.
- Feature Google Reviews on your homepage.
- As part of our GBP Management service, we respond to ALL of your Google Reviews - bad or good - to save you time.
Your Free Checklist - The Best Ways to Get More Reviews
1. Ask In Person
When clients are checking out, ask them directly for a review. A friendly, personal request goes a long way.
2. Use QR Codes
Get a QR Code linking directly to 'Leave a Google Review'. Add it to a poster at reception or on mirrors - make it visible! On the poster, mention that stylists who are named in reviews will be rewarded to encourage clients to mention their stylist by name. If you need help sourcing a QR Code, ask your Client Manager.
3. Send a Follow Up Text
With Salon IQ, you can automatically text clients after their visit to ask for a review. You can also track how many reviews each team member gets, making monitoring performance easy.
4. Send a Follow Up Email
Send a follow up email thanking each client personally. Ask your Client Manager to create a dedicated page with a form for stylists to fill out after each appointment, automatically triggering a follow-up email to the client.
5. Share the Link
Make sure your Google review link is in every email - appointment confirmations, thank you emails, and newsletters. It's also a good idea to send a dedicated email that’s only about reviews every 6 months. This gentle reminder can spark a wave of new feedback.
6. Use Salon Spy
If you're using Salon Spy, clients can repost their reviews directly to your Google review page, helping you maximise visibility and build your online reputation.
7. Incentivise Staff
Create some buzz! Encourage your team to ask clients for reviews after their appointment and make sure the client mentions their stylist or therapist by name. Offer fun rewards like time off or a cash bonus for the most mentions. If they mention the stylist’s name, that stylist gets a £5 tip from the salon for example. There's no client incentive, so it doesn’t break any of Google’s rules.
8. Post on Social Media
Share a great photo of your work with a happy client, along with the glowing review they left. Then, include a short message asking other satisfied clients to leave a review too - it’s a great way to build trust and boost visibility!
Top Tip!
Google reviews are even more powerful when they include photos! Encourage your clients to snap a quick selfie after their appointment, either on their own or at a designated “selfie spot” in the salon with great lighting and a clean, stylish backdrop.
Why does this matter? Google tends to prioritise reviews with images, as they’re seen as more engaging and trustworthy. Plus, they help showcase your work in a real, authentic way that potential clients love to see.
Responding to Reviews
Responding to all Google reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your clients and their feedback. It builds trust, boosts your reputation, and signals to potential clients that you’re professional, engaged, and committed to great service.
