Customer testimonials and feedback are often underestimated tools in-salon growth. However, reviews can have a positive impact on your business, growth and reputation. Here are a few reasons why.
1. It builds credibility & trust
Most people will Google a business before making a final purchase decision. In fact, 91% of 18-34-year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Furthermore, 93% of people said that a business’s online reviews influenced their decision on which business to choose.
Credibility builds trust in a business, as it shows that you will actually deliver on your promised services. Plus, having a wealth of positive reviews show potential customers that you can be trusted, you deliver on your promises and you are the expert in your field.
2. It boosts SEO performance
What you may not know, is online customer reviews can actually improve your SEO. Plus, it’s important to remember that what your customers say can impact your ranking. Positive words and language can increase your overall visibility, as it signals to Google that you are delivering a good service.
Let’s take an example. Say someone types in “hairdressers near me”, you will notice that the salons with a combination of the highest and most ratings will be shown first. It really does pay to ensure your salon is continually gathering those reviews to remain at the top of the list.
3. It helps identify areas of improvement
Reviews can show you what your salon is doing well, but they can also provide valuable insight into what you can improve on.
Receiving constructive feedback, although difficult, is very helpful because this allows you to identify areas that you didn’t know were of value to your clients or things you may not have noticed before.
It also gives you the opportunity to respond to the feedback in a positive and professional way, which will be seen by other potential customers. People will often trust you as a business more if they see you are proactive in trying to resolve an issue, no matter how big or small. After all, mistakes can happen, we are all human.
4. It gives you a connection with your customers
If a customer leaves a review make sure you respond either the same day or within 24 hours. A mistake a business often makes is not responding to these in a reasonable time.
Responding quickly shows your customers that you care about them, you’re attentive and you value them. If someone has taken the time to write a review, respond and thank them for doing it.
This allows you to continue connecting with your customers outside of your business.
In conclusion…
Reviews are a powerful way to grow your business and make your business stand out from the crowd.
Don’t forget to ask customers for reviews; if you have never done this it is not too late to start. You can send out an email, ask them when they are next in the salon or even run a competition to encourage reviews.
Shortcuts Salon Software can assist your business by streamlining your processes and saving you time. With our features, you can set up an automatic email to be sent to a client after their appointment, which can facilitate easy access for them to leave a glowing review.
