A Guide to Getting Glowing Online Testimonials for Your Spa

Phil Ingram
Nov 18
4 min read

In the spa and wellness industry, trust is everything. A client is trusting you with their body, their stress levels, and their precious downtime. Before they ever book an appointment, they will do one thing: check your reviews.

A Google profile filled with glowing, five-star testimonials is the modern equivalent of a personal recommendation from a best friend. It allows you to charge premium prices and keeps your appointment book full. Conversely, an empty - or worse, mediocre - profile is the single biggest silent killer of new business.

But here is the frustration: You know you provide an incredible service. You see clients floating out of your treatment rooms in a state of bliss. Yet, few of them actually take the time to leave a review.

How do you bridge the gap between a happy client and a public testimonial? It’s not about luck; it’s about strategy. Here is your guide to building a five-star reputation and getting online testimonials.

1. The Review Begins Before the Treatment

You cannot ask for a five-star review if you haven't delivered a five-star experience from the moment they walk in. The treatment itself might be perfect, but the "experience" includes the booking call, the greeting, and the atmosphere.

The Transition: Does the stress of the outside world stop at your door? The smell, the lighting, and the warmth of the greeting must be immediate.
The Small Touches: A warm neck pillow while they wait, a glass of cucumber water before they ask, or a personalised consultation card. These are the details people mention in reviews.
The "Unspoken" Review: If a client feels rushed at reception or if the changing room is untidy, you won't get a five-star review, no matter how good the massage was.

2. Timing is Everything: The "Post-Glow" Ask

Most spa owners are afraid to ask for reviews because they don't want to ruin the relaxing vibe. But silence gets you nowhere. You need to pick the right moment.

Don't ask in the treatment room. That is a sacred, quiet space.
The Magic Moment: The perfect time is at the front desk, after the payment is settled, and they are booking their next appointment. They are relaxed, happy ("the post-treatment glow"), and feeling grateful.
The Script: Keep it casual and genuine. "I’m so glad you felt the tension melt away today. Honestly, it helps us so much when lovely clients like you share their experience. If you have 30 seconds later, a quick Google review would mean the world to our team."

3. Remove the Friction (The "Lazy" Factor)

Clients are busy. Even if they intend to leave a review, they often forget to do so the moment they walk out the door. You have to make it effortless.

QR Codes at the Desk: Don't make them hunt you down. Have a small, elegant card at the reception desk with a QR code that goes directly to your Google Review submission page.
The "Review Station": Some salons keep a dedicated iPad at the reception area locked to the review page, though in the post-Covid world, personal devices are preferred.

4. Gamify the Team Incentive

Your therapists are your best advocates. Clients form a bond with their therapist, not just the business. Use that connection.

Run a Competition: Tell your team, "For every review that mentions your name specifically, you get a $10 bonus (or a point toward a prize)."
Why It Works: Suddenly, your team has a reason to deliver exceptional service and to drop the hint: "If you enjoyed today, please do mention me in a review, it really helps me out!" Clients love helping their favourite therapist succeed.

5. The "Thank You" Response

Nothing kills review momentum faster than ignoring the reviews you do get.

Reply to Every Single One: Whether it’s good or bad, reply.
Personalise It: Don't use a copy-paste template. "Thank you, Sarah! I'm so glad the hot stone treatment helped your back pain. We'll see you next month."
The Signal: This tells future reviewers that you are listening and that their effort in writing a review will be appreciated.

Automating the "Ask" with meed

Even with the best training, your reception team can get busy or feel awkward asking for a review face-to-face. This is where technology can act as your safety net.

If you are using meed to manage your loyalty program, you have a direct, digital line to your customers that feels personal, not transactional.

Instead of an awkward conversation, you can let the system do the work:

The "Welcome" Prompt: When a new client scans to join your loyalty program, they are already on their phone. You can include a link in your program description or welcome message that says: "Loving your time with us? Leave a review here."
The "Milestone" Nudge: Identify your most loyal clients—those who have visited 5 or 10 times. These are the people who love you but perhaps haven't thought to review you. You can use meed to send them a targeted message or coupon that includes a gentle prompt: "You've been with us for five visits now! We'd love to hear what keeps you coming back."