How to Get More Google Reviews for a Salon

For a hair salon, getting Google reviews is essential for improving its online reputation and attracting new clients. Customer reviews often play a decisive role when people are looking for a salon. In this article, we will look at practical strategies to increase Google reviews for a hair salon, with a strong focus on the client experience and the quality of service.

1. Create an environment that supports customer satisfaction

Before you even think about collecting reviews, it is vital to make sure every client leaves your salon satisfied. It starts with a warm, professional welcome. Make sure your team is well trained and up to date with the latest hair techniques. Good customer service also includes the cleanliness of your salon, the comfort and layout of each workstation, and the overall atmosphere of the space.

To assess customer satisfaction, consider handing out a short questionnaire at the end of each appointment. It can include questions about the quality of the cut, the attitude of the team, and the general atmosphere. For example, a salon in London introduced a simple survey with 5 star satisfaction scales, which helped them collect immediate feedback and identify areas for improvement. By reviewing the results, the salon was able to adjust its services, for instance by offering extra training sessions to stylists on the latest trends.

A satisfied client is more likely to leave a positive Google review. It also helps to create a pleasant waiting area, with recent magazines, soft music, and even drinks. That adds to the overall experience. A small touch such as offering coffee or herbal tea can make a real difference. A salon in Manchester, for example, found that adding a coffee machine not only improved the waiting experience but also led to glowing comments in online reviews.

2. Ask for reviews at the right time

The timing of your review request matters a great deal. It is best to ask right after the appointment, while the experience is still fresh in the client’s mind. You can do this in person, but also by SMS or email, using tools like Lokvi, which automates the process.

For example, after a haircut, send a personalised message thanking the client for their visit and asking them to share their experience on Google. The process should be quick and easy, for example by including a direct link to your Google Business profile. A salon in Brighton saw a 30% increase in reviews after sending a thank you SMS with a link to its Google page. This type of follow up shows clients that their opinion genuinely matters.

Another option is to train your team to ask for reviews. Encourage stylists to ask directly after a service, with something like: “If you loved your haircut, please feel free to leave us a review on Google. It really helps us.” This makes the request feel more personal and genuine. It is also important not to put too much pressure on the client. The tone should stay light and friendly, with no sense of obligation. A natural, relaxed approach is often more effective.

3. Reply to reviews to build trust

Replying to reviews, whether they are positive or negative, is an essential habit. It shows that you care about what your clients think and that you are committed to improving your service. Use tools like Lokvi to automate your replies. This feature helps you manage feedback quickly without losing the personal touch.

When you reply, thank the client for their feedback and, if needed, offer a solution or a commercial gesture for negative reviews. A salon in Birmingham received a negative review about waiting times. The owner replied with an apology and offered a discount on the next visit, turning a negative experience into an opportunity to build loyalty. It also shows other clients that you pay attention and are ready to put things right.

Avoid defensive or aggressive replies, even if the review feels unfair. Stay professional and show that you want to improve the situation. That builds trust and strengthens your brand image with future clients. A good practice is to reply quickly to reviews, which shows that you are active and engaged. If the delay is too long, it may give the impression that customer feedback is not a priority for you.

4. Use social media to encourage reviews

Social media is an excellent way to promote your salon and encourage reviews. Post photos of your work regularly, along with customer testimonials and special offers. Encourage clients to share their experience on their own social media accounts and leave a Google review.

You can also create eye catching posts on your Google Business profile to announce special events or offers. Use the automatic Google posts feature to keep your audience engaged without adding extra work. For example, a salon in Bristol ran an Instagram contest where clients shared their new haircut and tagged the salon, which significantly increased visibility and the number of reviews. This type of social engagement also helps create a sense of community among your clients.

You can also use video to show hair transformations. Dynamic content grabs more attention and can encourage clients to leave feedback. Consider creating a hashtag specific to your salon so you can easily track client posts. Through Instagram Stories or Facebook posts, you can also remind clients to leave a review after their visit and encourage them to share their experience with their own network.

5. Set up an appealing loyalty programme

A loyalty programme can encourage clients to return and leave reviews. Offer digital loyalty cards that clients can access on their phones, allowing them to collect points with each visit. That can motivate them to share their experience online.

With a well designed loyalty programme, you can also offer exclusive promotions to clients who leave a review, which strengthens their connection to your salon. For example, a salon in Brighton offers a free hair service after five visits, and clients are invited to leave a review after each appointment to track their progress towards the reward. This type of programme not only encourages feedback, it also gives clients a reason to share their positive experience.

Lastly, make sure you clearly communicate the benefits of your loyalty programme. Use posters in the salon and social media posts to remind clients what they gain from coming back, which can encourage them to become ambassadors for your brand. A bakery using a points system for every purchase found that clients were more likely to talk about their experiences on social media, increasing its visibility.

6. Use strong visuals to attract reviews

Visuals play a key role in how people perceive your salon. High quality photos of your work can encourage clients to leave a positive review. Use the automatic photos feature to update your Google profile regularly with fresh images that showcase the latest trends and styles you offer.

Also encourage clients to share their own photos on Google or social media and tag you. That creates a community around your salon and encourages other potential clients to take an interest in your services. A salon in Leeds set up a “client wall” featuring photos of happy clients, which encouraged others to do the same. You can also create photo albums on your social platforms to highlight your work and inspire future clients.

Make sure every image is well lit and high quality. Professional service attracts clients, and appealing visuals can make all the difference in how your salon is perceived. Consider organising regular photo sessions to capture your team’s best work. One effective approach is to show before and after results, which can make a strong impression and encourage clients to share their experience.

7. Analyse and optimise your review strategy

It is important to analyse your reviews regularly and understand what is working. Use audit tools such as the Google profile audit to identify areas for improvement. Look through your reviews to understand recurring feedback and common trends. This will help you adjust your offering and better meet your clients’ expectations.

A salon in Liverpool introduced a monthly review of its feedback, which helped it quickly spot recurring problems such as long waiting times. Thanks to this analysis, the team adjusted the schedule and trained staff, which led to a significant increase in positive reviews. It is also useful to create monthly reports on reviews so you can track the evolution of your online reputation over time.

By taking the time to analyse your reviews, you can improve not only the number of reviews but also their quality, which will strengthen your online reputation. Use these insights to train your team and keep improving the customer experience. For example, if several clients mention that the music was too loud, that may be something to adjust in order to improve the overall atmosphere of the salon.

8. Conclusion Act to improve your visibility

Increasing Google reviews for a hair salon requires a proactive approach centred on customer satisfaction and engagement. By putting the strategies discussed in this article into practice, you will be able to improve your online reputation and attract new clients. To make the process easier, consider using Lokvi’s solutions, which help you collect Google reviews, reply to feedback, and build customer loyalty efficiently through automation.