In today’s digital world, customer reviews are a powerful currency for any business, especially for salons. Potential clients often rely on reviews to decide which salon to trust with their hair, nails, or skin care. If your salon isn’t actively collecting reviews, you could be leaving money—and customers—on the table.
Here’s why your salon needs more reviews, how they impact your business, and where to start collecting them (including tools that can help, with affiliate links to some highly recommended platforms).
Why Reviews Are Critical for Your Salon’s Success
1. Social Proof Builds Trust
When someone considers trying a new salon, the first thing they’ll do is check reviews. A glowing testimonial can reassure them that your salon delivers excellent results. Positive reviews act as social proof, showing potential clients that others have had great experiences at your establishment.
👉 Tip: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews by simplifying the process. Tools like Podium make it easy to send automated review requests via text or email.
2. Boosts Local SEO
Local search is critical for salons since most customers are searching for services “near me.” Search engines like Google prioritize businesses with higher ratings and more reviews. This means having a steady stream of positive reviews can help your salon rank higher in local search results.
🔍 Did You Know? According to BrightLocal, businesses with more reviews have a 54% higher chance of being clicked on in Google results.
💡 Affiliate Recommendation: Use BrightLocal to track your salon’s local SEO rankings and monitor review performance.
3. Influences Buying Decisions
Statistics show that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. For salons, this is particularly important because beauty services are personal, and clients want to ensure they’re making the right choice.
A salon with numerous five-star reviews will almost always win over a competitor with little to no feedback.
4. Improves Customer Retention
Encouraging reviews doesn’t just attract new clients—it also deepens relationships with existing ones. When you ask customers for feedback, they feel valued, which can enhance loyalty. Plus, reviews give you actionable insights to improve your services.
5. Differentiates You From Competitors
If your salon is located in a busy area with plenty of competition, having more (and better) reviews can set you apart. Clients are far more likely to book an appointment at a salon with 200 glowing reviews than one with just a handful.
📈 Quick Fact: Businesses with more than 40 reviews earn an average of 54% more revenue than those with fewer.
Where to Get Reviews for Your Salon
Now that we’ve established why reviews are so important, let’s explore the best platforms to collect them and how to encourage your clients to leave feedback.
1. Google My Business
Google is the king of online reviews, and for a good reason—most customers begin their search here. A Google My Business profile is essential for your salon, and it’s one of the most impactful places to collect reviews.
Tips for Getting Google Reviews:
- Send a Direct Link: Use Google’s review link generator to create a custom link for clients.
- Request Reviews Post-Appointment: Train staff to remind satisfied clients to leave a review before they leave.
- Automate Requests: Tools like NiceJob can send friendly review reminders automatically.
2. Facebook
Facebook is a natural place to collect reviews because many customers already engage with your salon’s page. Recommendations on Facebook not only boost credibility but also increase your reach as they appear in the feeds of your reviewers’ friends.
How to Encourage Facebook Reviews:
- Run a Giveaway: Offer a free service or discount in exchange for honest reviews.
- Create a Post: Regularly remind followers to leave a review on your page.
- Pin a Review Post: Highlight this request at the top of your profile.
3. Yelp
Yelp is still a trusted platform for local businesses, especially salons and spas. While its algorithm can be tricky, a strong presence here can drive traffic.
Getting More Yelp Reviews:
- Ask Regulars: Politely encourage happy clients to share their experiences on Yelp.
- Respond to Reviews: Engage with all feedback, whether positive or negative.
- Offer Stellar Service: Yelp reviews often stem organically from exceptional service.
🚀 Boost Your Presence: Tools like Birdeye can help you manage Yelp reviews alongside others from different platforms.
4. Booking Apps (Like Fresha or Vagaro)
If you use a booking app, many allow clients to leave reviews directly after their appointment. This feedback is valuable and often tied to their booking experience.
How to Leverage Booking Reviews:
- Send Automated Requests: Booking apps often have built-in review features.
- Highlight Reviews: Share glowing reviews on your social media pages to encourage more clients to leave them.
📲 Affiliate Offer: Consider using Fresha, a booking app that simplifies review collection and customer management.
5. Your Website
Your website is the perfect place to showcase testimonials. Not only do reviews add credibility, but they also keep potential clients on your site longer, increasing the likelihood of bookings.
Collecting Website Reviews:
- Create a Review Form: Use a tool like Typeform to collect reviews directly from your site.
- Incentivize Reviews: Offer small discounts or loyalty points for clients who leave feedback.
6. Instagram and TikTok
While not traditional review platforms, social media can amplify client feedback. A quick shoutout or review on these platforms can go viral, introducing your salon to hundreds of potential customers.
How to Encourage Social Media Reviews:
- Feature Client Stories: Share before-and-after photos with customer testimonials.
- Host Challenges: Encourage followers to share their experiences with your salon using a specific hashtag.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local beauty influencers to review your services.
Tools to Simplify Review Management
Collecting and managing reviews can feel overwhelming, but the right tools can make the process seamless. Here are a few affiliate-recommended platforms to consider:
1. Podium
Podium allows you to send automated review requests via text and track feedback across multiple platforms. It’s perfect for salons that want to increase their reviews without extra effort.
2. NiceJob
NiceJob is another user-friendly platform for automating review collection and showcasing your best reviews on your website or social media.
3. Trustpilot
If you want to add a layer of credibility to your website, Trustpilot integrates customer reviews into your marketing strategy seamlessly.
4. BrightLocal
BrightLocal offers local SEO tools and review monitoring, making it easier to track your salon’s online reputation.
How to Ask for Reviews Without Feeling Pushy
One of the biggest challenges for salon owners is asking for reviews without sounding awkward or overbearing. Here are a few strategies:
1. Ask In-Person
When clients express satisfaction with their service, seize the moment to ask for a review. For example:
- “We’d love to hear about your experience! If you don’t mind, could you leave us a quick review on Google?”
2. Follow Up with Email or Text
Automate follow-ups to request reviews. Include a direct link to make it as easy as possible.
3. Incentivize Reviews
While platforms like Yelp discourage direct incentives, you can encourage feedback with subtle perks, such as entry into a giveaway.
What to Do with Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are inevitable, but how you handle them matters. Respond professionally and quickly, showing your commitment to resolving issues. Many clients are willing to change or delete negative reviews if their concerns are addressed.
The Bottom Line
Customer reviews are the lifeblood of your salon’s online reputation. They influence decisions, boost local SEO, and help differentiate your business from competitors. By actively encouraging and managing reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp, you can attract more clients and grow your salon.
💡 Take Action Today: Start by using tools like Podium or NiceJob to streamline your review collection. The sooner you prioritize reviews, the sooner you’ll see the impact on your business.
