In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at salon reviews and testimonials. Did you know that the hair and beauty sector is the area which has “grown the most significantly in the last 3 years” with regards to the amount of customers actively searching for reviews of a particular hair or beauty salon. “In 2012, this figure was 9% compared to a huge increase in 2014 of 31%.” (Bright Local, 2014) Currently there are no statistics from Bright Local with 2015’s figures however with a very apparent and rapid year-on-year increase we are (approximately) looking at just under 50%. That’s a whopping half of your entire market judging you on your business and talents before they even reach your front door. Nearing to 2016, this figure is very likely to keep on increasing which means salon reviews and testimonials are increasingly more important than ever. Facebook tends to be the most popular social channel in the hair, beauty and tanning industry, so the majority of this blog focuses on Facebook reviews. However we will note other methods to help grow your business and all of these skills are completely transferrable so please keep reading!
Facebook is a heavily saturated market with salon owners for multiple reasons. First of all, it is a social network, allowing the ability to connect and engage with your niche market. Secondly, Facebook is aesthetic. Not only do you have the ability to post pictures, videos and infographics, it is friendly and easy to use from the inside working out making it a great place to really establish a brand online with the additional support of customer reviews.
How reviews can help you and how to get more of them!
• The great thing about having a reviews section on your Facebook or Website is that clients can access this at their convenience. It is also coming from a non-biased party which means the ‘reviewer’ has no loyalty to your salon which installs more trust with the potential buyer.
• Speaking of loyalty, online reviews are not only great in acquiring a new customer but a great area for you to establish some loyalty with your current clients. The best way to win reviews is going out of your way to ensure a happy customer. This means being completely personable with all clients and ensuring an enthusiastic approach with all of your clients.
• Rewarding reviewers is important. It doesn’t have to be 50% but a small gesture which shows your appreciation for their time and custom.
• Don’t ask anyone and everyone to review you. Salon Tracker Software’s review service is great because you can send this to the (loyal) individuals you choose. You simply need to right click once you have confirmed an appointment and you can fire this off with a set delayed time. It’s important to be selective with reviewers because a true reflection is a client who is loyal to your services.
• Google + is a gold mine! Probably the greatest review you can receive since it helps to optimise your search engine ranking. The only downfall is you need a Gmail account so customers can shy away from this somewhat. However, if they have an account, see if they would be willing to review with a simple step by step guide send out.
• If a client is particularly grateful or enjoys a service, they tend to email. Simply ask if they would mind transferring this to Facebook or Google and make sure you add a link on how to!
• Respond to bad reviews as positively as you can with a professional manner and apology for their services. May be even offer to welcome them back for a chance to rectify. If they are serious complaints with ill manners then they should be reported immediately.
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