Most clients are happy to leave a review. They just need to be asked. Enter the details below to generate a personalised SMS and email you can send right after their appointment.
When someone searches "barbershop near me" or "hair salon in [your city]", Google's local rankings are heavily influenced by review volume and recency. A salon with 80 recent reviews consistently ranks above a competitor with 20 older reviews, even if the competitor has a higher average rating.
Beyond search rankings, reviews build social proof for new clients. Someone choosing between two salons they've never visited will almost always pick the one with more positive, detailed reviews. Every review is an asset that works for you around the clock.
Send within the hour
The window of enthusiasm closes fast. A message sent 10 minutes after they leave converts far better than one sent the next day.
Use their first name
Personalisation matters. "Hey James" outperforms "Dear valued customer" every single time.
Mention the specific service
Referencing their skin fade or colour treatment proves the message is personal, not a mass blast.
Make the link obvious
Don't ask them to find your profile themselves. Give them a direct link that opens the review box.
Keep it short
The best review requests are two or three sentences. Longer messages feel formal and reduce the chance of action.
When is the best time to ask a client for a Google review?
The best time is within an hour of the appointment ending, ideally while the client is still in the area or on their way home. At this point the experience is fresh, emotions are positive, and the ask feels natural rather than like a follow-up chase.
Should I ask for reviews by SMS or email?
SMS gets higher open and response rates for review requests, typically 3 to 5 times higher than email. Email works better for clients who prefer it or when you don't have a mobile number on file. Sending both is even more effective.
How do I find my Google review link?
Go to your Google Business Profile, click on 'Ask for reviews', and Google will give you a short review link. You can also find it by searching your business name on Google Maps, clicking the reviews section, and sharing the URL. Replace the placeholder in the generated message with your actual link.
Can I ask the same client for a review multiple times?
It's fine to ask once per visit if you're seeing a returning client. If they've already left a review, thank them but do not ask again. Google's guidelines discourage incentivising or pressuring for multiple reviews from the same person.
Does getting more Google reviews actually affect my ranking?
Yes. Review volume, recency, and rating are all factors in local Google ranking. A business that consistently collects reviews signals to Google that it is active and trusted. Salons with 50 reviews at 4.8 stars typically rank higher than salons with 10 reviews at 5 stars.