Why Reviews Matter for Yoga and Fitness Studios
In this post, I want to break down why Google reviews are so vital for your yoga and fitness studio and share actionable tips to help you consistently build your reviews.
Why Building Google Reviews is Crucial
Reviews build trust, which is the foundation for converting prospective clients into loyal members. Positive reviews are social proof that your studio offers valuable classes, creating credibility among newcomers.
Your Google review count and the frequency of reviews can impact your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential students to find you online. More reviews translate into more traffic, more inquiries, and ultimately more bookings.
Strong reviews reinforce your reputation. With a solid reputation, you can confidently attract more clients and even charge premium rates for your services, boosting profitability.
With those benefits in mind, let’s dive into how you can implement an effective review-building process!
Building a Consistent Review Process
Having a repeatable, consistent process is key to generating more reviews for your yoga and fitness studio. It’s fine to start by manually reaching out for reviews via text or email, but over time, creating a system that works for you will save you effort and boost your results.
Since 2023, Google has been using a ranking factor known as “review velocity.” This refers to the consistency with which new reviews appear on your profile. In simple terms: regular reviews help your rankings and visibility.
That’s why consistency matters – you want to stay active with reviews, not only to gather them but to keep the momentum going.
The Right Way to Ask for Reviews
The phrasing of your review request matters! Remember, when someone leaves a review, they’re doing you a favor. Be polite and express gratitude for their time.
Here’s an example of a friendly review ask:
“Hi [Client’s Name], thank you so much for attending our class! If you could do me a huge favor and leave a review on Google, I would really appreciate it. Reviews help others find our studio and help us grow. Thank you! *INSERT REVIEW LINK*”
🤔 Not sure where to find your review link? It’s located in your Google Business Profile dashboard. If you need help, reach out, and I’ll send you the link ASAP!
Timing is Everything
The best time to ask for a review is when your client is feeling positive about their experience. After a great class, when they’re feeling relaxed and energized, is the perfect time.
Here’s a step-by-step method I recommend:
- After class, chat briefly with your clients about their experience.
- Hand them a review card or a flyer with a QR code that directs them to your Google review page.
- Politely ask them to leave a review if they enjoyed the class.
- For added convenience, you can also send a follow-up email or text message with the review link a few hours after class.
Automate the Process
As you build your review strategy, look for ways to automate the process. Many CRM systems can send automatic review requests after a class or once a membership renewal is processed. Automating these follow-ups ensures you don’t miss opportunities to gather feedback.
Training Your Staff
Ensuring that your entire team understands the importance of gathering reviews is essential. Staff can play a significant role in prompting reviews after classes. Training your instructors, receptionists, and other team members to ask for reviews at the right moment—when clients are happy and feeling positive—can make a huge difference in the number of reviews you collect. This can be as simple as encouraging staff to remind clients, in person or via email, to leave a review after a particularly good experience.
In addition, it’s helpful for your team to understand the phrasing to use when asking for reviews and to ensure they are consistent in how they request them. You can even provide them with a script or guidelines to follow so that they feel confident asking clients for feedback.
Offering Bonuses for Staff Mentioned in Reviews
Consider offering bonuses or incentives to your staff members who are mentioned positively in client reviews. This not only motivates your team but also encourages them to build stronger connections with clients, leading to better experiences and more loyal customers. When staff members are recognized in reviews, it reinforces their dedication to delivering exceptional service and can improve overall client satisfaction.
You can structure the bonus system in different ways:
- Individual Bonuses: Reward staff each time they’re mentioned in a review, whether it’s a small monetary bonus, a gift card, or another perk.
- Team-Based Rewards: If the studio reaches a set number of positive reviews in a month or quarter, reward the entire team, fostering collaboration and boosting team morale.
Keep in mind that the reviews should always be genuine, and the focus should be on providing great service. The incentive is simply an added motivator for excellent performance, not a way to encourage fake reviews or unethical practices.
Ideas for Building Reviews
Now let’s talk about some ideas to help you get started with gathering reviews for your yoga and fitness studio:
Text and Email Review Link
A simple and effective way to request reviews. Have a template ready that you can quickly send after each class. Be sure to follow up with a friendly reminder a day or two after class.
Review Cards with QR Codes
My favorite strategy! Create a simple card that includes your review link as a QR code. Leave these cards with your clients after their class or post-session, so they can easily scan and leave a review on the spot.
Include Review Requests in Newsletters
In your regular email newsletters, include a brief request for reviews. If you’re sending an email about new classes or events, add a link to your Google reviews.
Ask Your Best Clients
Don’t hesitate to reach out to clients who regularly leave positive feedback or who you know love your studio. Ask them directly if they would mind leaving a review.
By consistently asking for and gathering reviews, you’ll boost your reputation, improve your Google rankings, and ultimately grow your business!
