You check Google and see your competitor down the street has 80 reviews.
You have 15.
Your first thought: "How are they getting so many reviews? What are they doing that I'm not?"
The answer is simpler than you think.
They just ask more consistently than you do.
That's it. That's the whole secret.
The Math That Changes Everything
Let's run the numbers for a typical salon:
- You serve 50 clients a month
- 15-20% will leave a review when asked
- That's 7-10 new reviews per month
- 90+ per year
In 6 months, you go from 15 reviews to 55+.
In a year, you're over 100.
Your competitor isn't better than you. They're not more likeable. Their clients aren't more generous.
They just have a system for asking.
Why You're Not Asking
If it's this simple, why doesn't everyone do it?
Because it feels awkward. You don't want to seem pushy or desperate.
But here's what you're missing:
Your happy clients actually want to help you.
They like you. They want to see you succeed. They just need a nudge.
When you ask for a review, you're not begging for a favor. You're giving them an easy way to support a small business they already like.
When to Ask
Timing matters more than you think.
The best moment to ask? Right after the service, when they're happiest.
- They just looked in the mirror and loved their hair
- The experience is fresh
- The emotion is high
Not a week later when they've forgotten. Not via email they won't open. Right there, right then.
Or within a couple hours via text—while the experience is still top of mind.
What to Say
Keep it simple. Here's what works:
In person:
Via text:
That's it. No long explanation. No guilt trip. Just a simple ask with an easy link.
Make It Stupid Easy
Every extra step you add costs you reviews.
Hard way: "Leave us a review on Google!"
(They have to search for your business, find the right one, figure out how to review...)
Easy way: Send a direct link that opens straight to the review box.
The difference? 5 seconds vs. 2 minutes. That gap is where you lose most people.
Options that work:
- Text message with direct link — One tap and they're there
- QR code at checkout — They scan, they're there
- Email with big button — Though text works 4x better
The Real Reason You're Behind
It's not that you don't know this stuff.
It's that you're busy running a salon.
Clients come in. Clients leave. By the time you remember to ask for a review, they're already home watching Netflix.
Your competitor with 80 reviews? They're not thinking about it either.
They just automated it.
Every client gets a text 2 hours after their appointment. No one has to remember. No one has to feel awkward asking. It just happens.
That's the difference between 15 reviews and 80.
The 90-Day Catch-Up Plan
Here's how to close the gap:
Week 1: Get your direct Google review link. Make it easy to share.
Week 2-4: Ask every single client. In person, then via text. Track who you asked.
Month 2: Build it into your process. Every client, every time. No exceptions.
Month 3: Evaluate. If you're getting 5-10 new reviews per month, you're on track.
By month 3, you've added 20-30 reviews. By month 6, you've doubled your count.
The gap closes faster than you think—once you start.
The Bottom Line
Your competitor isn't better than you.
They just ask more consistently.
The math is simple:
- 50 clients/month
- 15-20% leave reviews when asked
- 7-10 new reviews per month
- 80+ per year
Make it easy. Ask at the right time. Do it every single time.
The salons winning on Google aren't doing anything magical. They just made asking part of their process.
You can close the gap in 90 days. You just have to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I beat a competitor with more Google reviews?
To beat a competitor with more reviews, start asking every customer consistently. If you serve 50 clients per month and ask each one, you'll get 7-10 new reviews monthly (15-20% response rate). That's 90+ reviews per year. In 6 months, you can close even a large gap. Your competitor isn't doing anything special—they just have a system for asking. Build one yourself using automated emails, text messages, or QR codes.
How do I get more customers for my salon?
The most effective way to get more salon customers is to build your Google review profile. 81% of consumers check Google reviews before choosing a local business, and 93% trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. More reviews with a high rating means you appear higher in "salon near me" searches. Focus on getting 50+ reviews with a 4.5+ star rating to stand out from competitors.
What should I say when asking for a review?
Keep it simple and natural. In person: "I'm so glad you love it! If you have a minute, a Google review would really help us out. I can text you the link." Via text: "Hi [name]! Thanks for coming in today. If you loved your visit, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review: [link]." Don't over-explain or guilt trip—just make a simple ask with an easy way to follow through.
How long does it take to get more Google reviews?
With consistent effort, you can add 20-30 reviews in 90 days. If you serve 50 clients per month and ask each one, expect 7-10 new reviews monthly. In 6 months, you'll have 40-60 new reviews. The key is consistency—asking every customer, every time. Businesses that automate review requests see faster results because they never forget to ask.
Should I use review software or ask manually?
Automated review software typically outperforms manual asking because it's consistent—every customer gets a request without you having to remember. Software sends requests at the optimal time (1-2 hours after appointments), includes a direct link, and can filter unhappy customers to private feedback instead of public reviews. Manual asking works but requires discipline. Most salons that dominate on Google reviews use automation.