Are Your Reviews Helping You Grow or Holding You Back? Why 5-Star Feedback Will Make or Break Salons in 2026

Why should a salon owner care about client reviews?

Because clients trust other clients more than they trust you.

This is not personal. It is psychology. Modern clients make decisions based on social proof, and reviews have become the most influential form of proof available.

Here is what the latest industry behaviour tells us:

1. Clients are 3 times more likely to book with a salon that has recent 5-star reviews compared to a salon with no new reviews.
2. 87 per cent of people check Google ratings before trying a new salon.
3. A single negative review without recent positive ones can reduce new bookings by up to 30 per cent.
4. Salons with a steady flow of reviews rank significantly higher on Google, even without paid ads.

This means your reviews are no longer just feedback. They are a full-scale marketing channel.

The power a review holds in a salon business

A review does more than validate your work. It can:

1. Increase new client bookings instantly

Every recent 5-star review improves your Google ranking and places your salon in front of nearby clients ready to book.

2. Build trust before the client even enters your salon

Potential clients want reassurance. Genuine reviews give them that instant emotional confidence.

3. Boost team morale

Reviews are the most authentic form of recognition your team can receive. Celebrate them and you strengthen culture.

4. Highlight your strengths

Clients often mention specific services, stylists or experiences. This gives you insight into what truly sets you apart.

5. Reveal development opportunities

You cannot grow without understanding client perception. Reviews spotlight what needs attention.

6. Influence spending habits

Clients who trust your salon through reviews are far more likely to book higher-value services.

The simple truth:

“Reviews drive revenue. And lack of reviews stops it dead.”

Why online presence matters more in 2026 than ever before

The online landscape has shifted dramatically in the last 18 months. Clients now have more choice, more comparison options and more visibility into nearby competitors than ever. The salons thriving in this environment are the ones controlling the conversation about their brand.

In 2026:

• Google prioritises salons with recent customer-generated content (reviews).
• Younger clients rely heavily on social proof before spending.
• Platform trust has increased, meaning reviews directly influence ranking.
• Competition is fiercer, so differentiation through reputation is essential.
• AI-driven booking behaviours rely on review data to recommend salons.

Your online presence now extends far beyond your website or Instagram feed.

It lives in every star rating, every comment and every Salonspy review.

And clients are watching.

Interested to discover why 2,500+ salons trust SalonIQ? Connect with us

Salonspy + SalonIQ: Your review system on autopilot

Here is where the power of technology steps in.

SalonIQ integrates with salonspy to automatically collect verified reviews after appointments. Instead of chasing feedback or relying on clients to remember, the system does the work for you.

Benefits include:

• A high flow of authentic, verified reviews
• A stronger Google presence
• Insight into team performance
• A trustworthy source of client sentiment
• Social proof that grows daily

This is how the modern salon builds trust.

Turning reviews into revenue: simple tools that make a huge difference

You do not need complicated marketing to increase reviews. You need a process.

Here are three of the most effective review boosters we see salons using:

1. QR codes at reception

A quick scan and the review is done before they even walk out the door.

Receptionists love this because it is simple and immediate.

2. “Leave a review and get enter a monthly draw”

Small incentive, big impact.

This creates a win-win. The client gains value and the salon gains visibility.

3. Automated review requests through SalonIQ

Sent at the perfect time, with no extra effort.

These are proven to generate far more reviews than manual reminders.

Do all three consistently and your reviews will multiply.

The real cost of ignoring reviews

A salon with no recent reviews looks:

• outdated
• risky
• less trusted
• less relevant

Clients will choose a salon with a current, active reputation over one with a silent digital footprint every single time.

In 2026, silence online is worse than negativity. It signals uncertainty.

How to maximise your online presence starting today

Here is a simple structure any salon can adopt:

Step 1: Activate salonspy through SalonIQ

Start collecting verified reviews immediately.

Step 2: Incentivise reviews with a monthly draw

£5 off next visit or a free treatment draw.

Step 4: Share reviews everywhere

Google, Instagram, Facebook, website, salon screens.

Step 5: Train your team to ask with confidence

Not forced, not scripted, just invited.

Step 6: Celebrate every review

What you celebrate, grows.

The takeaway: reviews are your new marketing team

If you want to attract new clients, retain loyal ones and dominate your local area in 2026, your reviews cannot be passive. They must be active, consistent and visible.

Salon owners who master this are already seeing:

• higher booking rates
• fuller columns
• stronger team morale
• improved client trust
• higher average bill

Reviews have become the heartbeat of your online presence and the foundation of your salon’s reputation.

If you want to maximise your online presence with less effort and far more impact, SalonIQ and salonspy are the partnership that will get you there.

Ready to transform your online reputation?

Let us show you how powerful your reviews can become.

Want to discover how SalonIQ can help you drive team performance and salon growth? Book a free demo today and let’s talk about what’s possible.