Salon Online Reviews Grow Your Business

Most salon professionals understand that online reviews are good for business. However far too many salon professionals are putting very little energy towards this part of their business. Your online reputation is crucial to the success of your business. A positive online presence can help increase visibility and searchability, which ultimately leads to more clients and revenue. One of the best ways to build a positive online reputation is to get regular positive reviews from your clients. This is essential for both stylists and salons alike. When a new potential client is searching for hair or esthetic services in their area, they usually go to review sites like Google or Yelp to check out other people’s experiences. Having positive reviews on these platforms can make all the difference when it comes to attracting new clients. In this article, our digital marketing partner from Salon S.O.S. will break down how to ask your guests for reviews, salon incentives for leaving reviews, as well as best practices to make the most of each client testimonial. 

ONLINE REVIEWS HELP YOUR SALON’S GOOGLE RANKINGS

If you’re not sure, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It boils down to using specific keywords to increase the likelihood of your business appearing near the top of Google when a consumer types in a search.  Online client reviews can be a great way to feature these keywords without even lifting a finger, especially when clients include specifics of their service when they write their review. Positive reviews from satisfied clients provides social proof that your business is reputable and trustworthy. This is a great signal to Google to be recommending your business near the top of results.  This can lead to more clicks and more traffic to your website. As a bonus, if a client review contains keywords related to the services you offer and the name of your city, town or neighbourhood, that review can help boost your Google ranking even more (because it contains specific words that match what a consumer is searching for in Google). By encouraging happy clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook and Yelp, you can boost your online presence and attract new customers who are searching for the services you provide.

If SEO confuses you but you want to learn more, click HERE to read another S.O.S. blog! Or, if you prefer to leave it to the experts, click HERE to check out SEO Solutions!

ASKING YOUR CLIENTS FOR ONLINE REVIEWS

Should you be asking salon guests for reviews? ABSOLUTELY!! We understand that nobody wants to do it in an aggressive or salesy way, so here are several recommendations that don’t feel awkward or pushy.

Consider using social media marketing to encourage clients to leave a review after their appointment. You can do this by reposting other client testimonials and asking new guests to do the same. You may also consider displaying posters or mirror clings in your salon with instructions on how to leave a review. Make it as easy as possible for them to leave the review by including QR codes or direct links to Facebook, Yelp or Google Reviews. To learn more about how to utilize QR codes in your salon/spa, click HERE to catch this S.O.S. blog post!

Another option is simply asking during the checkout process; after a client has paid for their service and is expressing how great they feel, a simple “Would you be willing to write us a quick review of your experience on Google (or platform of your choice)?”  You might even consider offering incentives for leaving a review such as bonus points in your loyalty program or a complimentary service upgrade. To learn more about our loyalty programs for salons, click HERE.

When asking for reviews, it’s important to have best practices in place. Responding to each review (both positive and negative) shows that you value feedback from your clients. Additionally, having a script prepared for asking in person or on social media can help ensure consistency and professionalism. Most importantly, make sure to UTILIZE these reviews by reposting them on your social media platforms and websites! So many consumers rely heavily on the recommendation and feedback of other customers before making a purchase or booking an appointment, so it’s so important to have these testimonials easily accessible and visible online.  And when people see a review being written, it also can motivate/inspire them to write a review of their own!

HOW TO RESPOND TO REVIEWS (POSTIVE AND NEGATIVE)

POSITIVE

Show your sincere gratitude for the kind words your guest took the time to leave! A personalized response expressing thanks can go a long way in building customer loyalty and attracting potential clients. We also recommend mentioning specific aspects of their experience that stood out, such as exceptional service or skilled stylists. And finally, inviting them to return for future services or recommending additional treatments can continue to strengthen the already strong relationship with this client!

NEGATIVE

When it comes to negative online reviews as a salon business, it is crucial to remain cool, calm, collected and most importantly, professional while addressing the concerns raised by the guest. Start by acknowledging their feedback and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Offering a solution or asking for more information demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue promptly. Encouraging further communication offline (if necessary), such as through email or phone, allows you to address their concerns privately and find a suitable resolution. You don’t want to engage in a back and forth exchange because this is public viewing!

Here is an example of how you can respond to an upset client:

“We are sorry to hear about your experience. Thank you for informing us. It is always part of our service to give thorough consultation and confirm satisfaction with every guest that leaves our salon. If you could provide us with your email or phone number so that we can contact you directly, we would like to speak with you about your experience so that we can better understand the situation and know where we can improve.”

By taking responsibility for any mistakes made and showing genuine concern for the customer’s satisfaction, you can potentially turn a negative review into a positive one and showcase your dedication to quality service. Don’t let a bad review get you down, things happen that are out of your control but you do have control and ability to rectify the situation the best way you see fit!

CONCLUSION

Receiving online reviews is one of the most effective ways to ensure a positive online reputation for your salon. By following these tips and implementing best practices, you can increase visibility and attract new clients with ease. Don’t be afraid to ask your salon guests for reviews – it’s simple but incredibly powerful! Ignoring or simply not encouraging online client reviews is not only a missed opportunity, it could also be hurting your salon businesses online reputation. Take the simple steps we covered in this blog post to increase awareness around client testimonials and how to encourage them and respond to them.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy