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Building Google Reviews is one of the most effective ways to grow your business online. Your reviews help clients find and trust you, improving your discoverability in Google Search and Maps. Unlike reviews that sit within a booking platform, Google Reviews stay with you. They’re visible everywhere and boost your search ranking, right where your new clients are searching.
Google Reviews impact your discoverability
When someone searches for “best hair salon near me” or “nail salon open now” etc Google decides who shows up first. Your Google Reviews are one of the biggest signals that help your business rise to the top of local search results.
Google typically shows only three businesses at the top of a local map search. The more recent and relevant your reviews, the higher your chances of being featured.
Reviews tell Google that your business is active and trusted, keeping you discoverable when people are looking for services like yours.
- Unlike reviews stored inside booking platforms, Google Reviews appear publicly across Google Search and Maps, giving you continuous visibility and right where new clients are searching.
Reviews are your real reputation
People do not just trust what you say about your business, they trust what others say. Reviews are modern word-of-mouth, and they influence whether a client books with you or moves on.
Nearly every new client checks Google Reviews before booking!
Businesses with a 4.5+ star average rating are significantly more likely to attract new clients.
Regular reviews show you’re active, consistent, and deliver great service.
Reviews build long-term trust with both clients and Google’s algorithm.
Clients who find you through positive reviews are often willing to book higher-value services.
You can turn feedback into business growth
Responding to reviews - both good and bad - shows clients and Google that you care about feedback and service quality. It also helps strengthen client loyalty and signals that your business is trustworthy and engaged.
| Rating | How to respond (quickly!) | Why this works for your salon |
Positive (4-5 Stars) | Say a quick, warm thank you. Mention the specific service they got (e.g., "Thanks for loving your new balayage!"). | Boosts SEO: Builds Loyalty: |
Negative (1-3 Stars) | Apologise professionally. Do not argue. Offer to discuss it privately to fix the issue (e.g., "We're sorry to hear about your experience. Please call us so we can make it right."). | Saves Your Reputation: People reading the complaint see you take responsibility and try to fix mistakes. This demonstrates professionalism and builds credibility. |
Two easy ways to collect Google Reviews in Timely
There are two simple ways to encourage clients to leave Google Reviews using Timely, depending on whether you want to collect them automatically or reach out to existing clients.
| Automated Google Review Requests | SMS Campaign for Google Reviews | |
| When it sends | Automatically after each appointment | Whenever you choose |
| Who it targets | Clients who have just had a service | Any clients (past or current) |
| Effort required | Set and forget | Manual, one-off send |
| Best for | Ongoing, hands-free review collection | Kickstarting reviews or rebuilding reputation |