Free salon guide
How to get more Google reviews
More reviews, more recent, well answered. It's the fastest way to build trust, climb the local rankings, and turn "just looking" into a booking. Here's how to do it without ever feeling pushy.
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By Shika Studio · Works for hair, beauty, nails, barbers and spas
Why reviews are worth the small effort
- People trust a salon with lots of recent reviews before they've read a single one.
- Google shows well-reviewed, well-answered businesses higher in local search.
- A steady trickle of fresh reviews beats a pile of old ones. Recency matters.
- It costs nothing. It's just a habit of asking well, at the right moment.
First, get your review link
You want a short link that opens the review box straight away, so there's no hunting.
- Open your Business Profile (search your salon on Google, signed in).
- Find "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews". Google gives you a ready-made share link.
- Save that link somewhere handy: your phone notes, your booking app, a QR code at the desk.
Make it effortless: turn the link into a QR code (free online) and pop it on the mirror or the payment counter. People scan, tap five stars, done.
How to ask (without the cringe)
- Ask at the peak moment. Right after they've seen the finished result and they're delighted. That's when they mean it.
- Say it like a person. "If you're happy, it would honestly make my week if you left a quick review. I'll text you the link now."
- Then actually text the link while they're still there, so it's open on their phone before they leave.
- Let your booking app help. Many (Fresha, Booksy, Treatwell and so on) can send a review request automatically after each visit. Switch it on.
- Add it to your rhythm. Aim for a couple of asks a day. A few new reviews a week adds up fast.
Stay within the rules: never buy reviews and don't offer a discount in exchange for one. Google can remove them and it can hurt you. Great work plus a warm ask is all you need.
Always reply, here's how
Replying shows you care, and it's another signal Google likes. Keep it warm and short.
To a lovely review
Reply: "Thank you so much, Emma. It was a joy doing your balayage, you suit it beautifully. See you next time." Use their name, mention the treatment, sound human.
To a difficult one
Reply: "Hi Jane, I'm really sorry it wasn't what you hoped for. That's not the standard we hold ourselves to. Please email me at mah@shika.group and I'll make it right." Stay calm, don't argue, take it offline.
The trick with a bad review: future clients read your reply more than the complaint. A gracious, grown-up response can win you more trust than the one-star cost you.
Common questions
How many reviews do I need?
There's no magic number. What matters is having a healthy, recent flow. A salon getting a few fresh reviews every week looks alive and trusted, whatever the total.
Can I get a bad review removed?
Only if it breaks Google's policies (spam, fake, offensive). You can report it, but there's no guarantee. Your best move is usually a calm public reply and sorting it privately.
Should I reply to every single one?
Yes, ideally. Even a short "Thank you!" It shows you're present, and it nudges your ranking. Definitely reply to anything negative.
What if a client says they left one but it's not showing?
Google sometimes filters reviews, especially from brand-new accounts or if several come from the same wifi. Ask them to review from their own phone on mobile data, and give it a day.