How to get more reviews for your salon
Getting reviews requires asking at the right moment—when clients are happiest with your service. Make the process easy, ask personally rather than generically, and respond to reviews you receive. Consistency matters more than volume.
Why reviews matter
Potential clients check reviews before booking. A salon with recent, positive reviews appears trustworthy and active. No reviews (or old reviews) raises questions. Reviews also help with local search visibility—Google favours businesses with consistent review activity.
When to ask
Timing affects whether clients actually leave reviews:
- Right after a successful appointment (they're happy and the experience is fresh)
- When they compliment your work (they've already expressed satisfaction)
- After a problem was resolved well (surprisingly effective)
- Not when they're rushing out or seem stressed
The best time is during checkout or within a day of the appointment. Waiting longer reduces response rates dramatically.
How to ask
Ask personally
"If you're happy with how it turned out, I'd really appreciate a quick review on Google. It helps other people find us." Personal requests work better than generic signs or automated messages.
Make it easy
Provide a direct link to your review page. QR codes at checkout, links in follow-up messages, or even a tablet at the counter. Every step you remove increases completion rates.
Follow up once
If you send appointment confirmations or follow-up messages, include a review link. One reminder is fine; multiple requests feel pushy.
Where to collect reviews
Focus on platforms that matter for your business:
- Google Business Profile (most important for local search)
- Facebook (if your clients use it)
- Industry directories (like salon-specific listing sites)
- Your own website (less SEO value but good for social proof)
Don't spread too thin. A strong presence on one platform is better than weak presence on five.
Responding to reviews
Positive reviews
Thank them specifically. Reference something from their visit if possible. Keep it brief but genuine.
Negative reviews
Respond professionally and take the conversation offline. Acknowledge their concern, apologise for their experience, offer to make it right. Don't argue publicly—other potential clients are watching how you handle criticism.
Responding to all reviews shows you're engaged and care about client feedback.
What not to do
- Don't offer incentives for reviews (against most platform policies)
- Don't write fake reviews (easily detected and damages trust)
- Don't ask unhappy clients (address their concerns first)
- Don't respond to negative reviews emotionally
- Don't ignore reviews entirely
Building a review habit
Make asking for reviews part of your routine:
- 1Train all team members to ask after successful appointments
- 2Have review links readily accessible (QR code, saved link)
- 3Set a simple goal (e.g., one new review per week)
- 4Check and respond to reviews regularly
- 5Thank team members when their clients leave positive reviews
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