People choosing a salon almost always look at the reviews. Five recent five-star reviews are more convincing than any advert. The problem is that happy clients rarely write a review on their own, while unhappy ones are only too willing. That's why you have to ask for reviews. Here's how to do it systematically without being pushy.
When to ask for a review
The best moment is the first few hours after the appointment. The impression is still fresh, the client likes the result, and leaving a review takes seconds. A week later, the urge is almost gone.
How to ask so that people actually reply
- Short. One sentence and a link instead of a ten-question survey.
- Personal. "Thanks for your visit with Maria!" instead of "Rate our quality of service".
- Simple. A rating takes one click, text is optional.
Nobody asks every client individually, especially on busy days. That's why the request should go out automatically. SmartBook has an automatic review request after the appointment: the client gets a link, gives a star rating, and the review appears on your booking page.
Where reviews matter most
- On the booking page. Right at the moment someone is deciding whether to book.
- On Google Maps. Many people look for a salon on the map, and the stars strongly influence their choice. You can also suggest a Google review to particularly happy clients.
- On Instagram. Screenshots of reviews work well in Stories and Highlights.
Handling negative reviews
A bad review isn't a disaster - it's a signal. It's much worse when someone is unhappy, says nothing and simply never comes back.
- Reply quickly and calmly, without making excuses.
- Offer a solution: a call back, a free correction, a partial refund.
- Discuss the case with the team so it doesn't happen again.
When new clients see that a salon handles criticism with confidence, it builds more trust than a page full of five-star reviews.
Reviews as a management tool
Reviews don't just help with marketing. If one staff member consistently gets worse reviews than the others, that's a reason for a conversation. If several people complain about waiting times, check the service durations in your schedule.
Summary
You have to ask for reviews - ideally automatically, right after the appointment. After a few months you'll have dozens of recent reviews winning new clients for you. Try SmartBook for free and turn on review requests in the settings.
FAQ
Can I hide bad reviews?
Technically yes, but it's better to reply to them. A page with nothing but perfect reviews looks less credible.
Should I offer a reward for reviews?
Better not: reviews "for a discount" look dishonest, and many platforms prohibit them.
How many reviews do you need to build trust?
Recency matters more than quantity. A few reviews from last month are more convincing than a hundred from three years ago.
