How To Get Google Reviews For Your Massage Business (Without Feeling Awkward!)

Imagine there was something very easy – and completely free - that you could do to attract more clients; you’d jump on it, wouldn’t you?  

Well, there is something  - and you’ll have heard of it! It’s called...*drumroll*… Google Reviews!

Google reviews are powerful for many reasons:  They show off your amazing massage skills, they help new clients feel confident booking with you -

And best of all, they’re free!

Sounds so simple. All you need to do is ask your clients to leave you a review, and they do it. Easy!  And yet, we all know, in reality it doesn’t work like that.

Why Google Reviews?

Have you heard of “Social Proof”? It’s a term for that natural tendency for people to look at what others are doing or saying to help make decisions.
And this is where Google Reviews come in. Think about the last time you booked an Airbnb, or tried a new restaurant. Did you check the reviews? Of course you did! And your future clients are doing the same. A glowing review, (or ten) can help them decide whether to book with you or with the other therapist down the road.

Plus, reviews can help you rank higher on Google searches.

How many do I need?

When it comes to the number of reviews you have, more is always better (as long as they’re GOOD reviews!) I recommend aiming to have 10 reviews for every year you’ve been in business.

It’s not just about quantity of course; the quality of your reviews matters too. A good review that says “the place was clean and the therapist was professional” is ok, but Ideally, you want reviews that are descriptive and show what it’s like to have a treatment from your ideal client’s perspective. These kinds of reviews act like magnets to bring in MORE ideal clients.

How to Ask for Reviews (Without Feeling Awkward)

So how do we actually ASK for these reviews?

First, a word of caution: don’t ask all your clients at once to leave a review. Google might flag it as suspicious, if you get a sudden influx of reviews - even if they’re real. Instead, ask a few people at a time to spread things out a bit.

1. Ask at the right time

You need to choose your moment to ask - no one wants a “Hey, leave me a review!” text out of the blue. Instead, catch them when they’re already feeling great, ideally right after their session. when they’re relaxed.

I know, I know -  asking for reviews can feel weird. But just keep it light and conversational, like you’re having a chat with a friend.

Say something like:
 “I’m so happy you enjoyed the treatment! If you’ve got a minute, would you mind sharing your experience in a quick Google review? It would be so helpful to me. I’ll send you a link to make it easy”.

Bonus tip:Ask them in person first. Once they’ve said yes to you, even if they wait until they’re at home to do it, they’re more likely to follow through.

2. Post-session follow-up

If asking in person really makes you feel icky, a nice follow-up text or email can also work.. You can say exactly the same thing as above.

How to get the client to leave a review

You’ve been brave, and asked for a review - but then…nothing. It’s all very well asking for reviews, but if you’re not making it easy for clients to follow through, nothing will happen. If you just ask once and hope for the best, you’ll be waiting a long time!

Google doesn’t allow you to offer incentives in exchange for a review, so you need a system that makes sure your request turns into an actual review. People are busy, and even your happiest clients might not leave a review if it feels like a hassle. So, make it ridiculously easy. The less they have to think about it, the more likely they’ll do it. 

Remove every possible barrier. You don’t want them to have to dig around Google trying to work out how to do it. Here are some ways to make it easy for them:

1. Use QR codes
Create a QR code. You can generate one for free online (just search “free QR code generator”).

Clients can scan the code with their phone, and it’ll take them directly to your review page. Print the code on business cards or appointment reminder cards. You could also put print it and frame it as a poster in your treatment room or reception area.

Add a friendly note, like: “Did you enjoy your massage today? Let others know by leaving a review - just scan this code!”

2. Give direct links
Send them a direct link to your Google review page. Here’s how to do that:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager

2. Select your business

3. Find the “Get More Reviews” card in your dashboard

4. Click “Share review” form

5. Copy the link from the pop-up window - Then you can share that link in an email or message to the client after their session.

3. Give step-by-step instructions
For clients who aren’t great at the tech side, walk them through the process. You can just say, “Click this link, log into your Google account, and write a quick comment” to help make the process seem easy.

Obviously if someone doesn’t have a Google account, they’re not going to be able to do it. Instead, ask them to leave a review on a different platform. That could be your Facebook business page or your booking system. If all else fails, you can ask for a hand written review. Even if you can’t put it on Google, you could always add it to your website or as a “case study” on social media. something is better than nothing!

4. Give them a template
People often put off leaving reviews because they don’t know what to say or worry about “getting it wrong.” Take away the pressure by giving them structure to follow.

The great thing about giving them a structure is that you won’t end up with those pointless reviews that say nothing useful (i.e “the place was clean and the therapist was professional”).

Here’s an example email you could send after they’ve agreed to leave a review:

Subject Line: Feedback questions enclosed! :)

Hi [NAME],

Thanks so much for agreeing to leave a review -I really appreciate it!

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to write, so here are a few simple questions to help. Feel free to answer them in your own way, or write something completely different if you prefer. Even just a star rating would be great!

1. Did you have any worries before booking with me? Did the things you were worried about come true, and if not, what happened instead?
2. How did you feel after the treatment?
3. How has having treatments helped you? Can you share any specific results?
4. If you were telling a friend about me, what would you say?
5. Have you had similar treatments elsewhere? If so, how was this different?

Thank you so much for your time! Here’s the link to leave your review: [Insert Link]
Take care.

The easier you make it, the better your chances of getting those stars.

Use Social Media

Social media is great for getting reviews. Your followers already know and like you, so they’re more likely to respond and want to help.

Here’s an idea for a post:

“If you’ve had a massage with me and enjoyed it, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a quick Google review. Your feedback helps others find me and supports my small business!”

Make it fun by adding a challenge:
 "I’m aiming to get 10 new reviews this month—can you help me out?"

Use visuals like photos of your treatment room, a lovely testimonial and the link or your QR code.

Automate

If you use an online booking system, make sure you use its automated features. A lot of systems let you add a review link to confirmation or follow-up emails. Automation makes it easy for you, so you’re not having to manually send reminders.

Here’s an example of what you could say in a follow-up email:

“I hope you enjoyed your treatment today! If you have a moment, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a Google review. Here’s the link: [Insert Link]”

What to do when the reviews come in

That first glowing review feels amazing, but don’t stop there - how you respond to reviews matters too. When a client takes the time to leave a nice review, thank them! A quick response shows you care and it looks professional.

Say:

“Thank you so much for your kind words, [Client's Name]! I’m so glad you enjoyed your session. Looking forward to seeing you again!”

What about negative reviews? Don’t take them personally – again, this is a chance to show your professionalism. Just take a deep breath and respond calmly. Address their concerns, and show you’re open to improving. Something like, 

“I’m so sorry to hear this wasn’t what you expected. Please call me, I’d love the chance to make it right.”

Show off your stars

Once you’ve got a stash of reviews, don’t let them just sit there - put them to work! Share snippets on your website, social media, and in your leaflets and flyers.

Be consistent

Getting reviews is an on-going activity. To keep your Google presence strong, you’ll need to make it a regular part of your routine. Set a reminder to ask every new client, or make it part of your follow-up email template.

Remember - getting reviews might feel awkward at first, but most clients are happy to help, you just need to make it easy for them. That means giving them a direct link, asking when they’re feeling great after a treatment, and following up with a gentle reminder and that should help you to turn those good intentions into actual reviews!

About the Author

Business mentor for massage therapists, Nikki Wolf has over 20 years in the industry; including teaching, owning a massage school, and managing spas. Nikki is on a mission to demystify marketing for therapists and empower them to build their own thriving businesses. When she isn't massaging or mentoring, she’ll be walking on the beach with her dog, Storm. Find out more about mentoring at Orchid Massage Academy.