Cutting to the Top: How Barbershops Can Rank Higher and Get More 5-Star Reviews

As a barbershop owner, you take pride in your craft. You’ve worked hard to build a space that feels like home to your clients. But in today’s world, great cuts alone aren’t enough. If you want to keep the chairs full, especially with new clients, you need to show up where people are looking: online. Ranking higher in local search results and collecting five-star reviews are two of the most powerful ways to grow your shop. This guide breaks it all down in plain English.

Why Local SEO Matters for Barbershops

When someone needs a haircut, they usually pull out their phone and search something like "barber near me" or "fades in [city]." That’s where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes in. It’s all about helping your shop show up at the top of search results when people in your area are looking for a haircut.

The truth is, even if you're the best barber in town, if you don’t appear in those results, many potential customers will never find you. Local SEO isn’t about chasing algorithms; it’s about showing up in the places people already search.

Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you do nothing else, claim and complete your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It’s free, it only takes a few minutes, and it plays a huge role in local rankings.

Here’s what to do:

• Claim your profile: Go to google.com/business and follow the steps to claim or create your business listing.

• Fill in every field: Include your shop name, address, phone number, hours, website, and services.

• Be consistent: Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) match exactly across your website and any other places your shop is listed.

• Add photos: Upload real, high-quality photos of your shop, your barbers, and your cuts. Keep these updated regularly.

• Respond to reviews: Thank people for good reviews. If you get a bad one, respond calmly and professionally.

Google uses your profile to decide when and where to show your business. A complete, well-maintained listing helps you rank higher and builds trust with people searching.

Build a Website That Works for You

Not every shop has a website, but having one gives you an edge. A website is your online storefront. It tells people who you are, what you do, and how to book with you.

Here are some tips:

• Keep it simple: A homepage, services page, and contact page are usually enough.

• Use the right words: If you're in Atlanta, mention phrases like "barber shop in Atlanta" or "best fade in Atlanta" in your site’s text. This helps Google connect your site to searches.

• List your services: Be specific. Mention haircuts, beard trims, line-ups, shaves, or whatever you offer.

• Make it mobile-friendly: Most people search on their phones. Make sure your site loads fast and looks good on small screens.

• Include basic info: Your address, phone number, hours, and a link to book should be easy to find.

Even a simple website can improve your credibility and help you show up higher in search results.

Get More 5-Star Reviews (the Right Way)

Online reviews are one of the first things people look at when choosing a barber. They also help you rank better in search results. More good reviews = more trust + better visibility.

Here’s how to get them consistently:

1. Ask after a great experience: When a client leaves happy, that’s your window. Say something like, “Hey, if you liked the cut, would you mind dropping a quick review on Google? It really helps.”

2. Make it easy: Have a QR code at the register or a short link you can text. The easier it is, the more likely someone is to leave a review.

3. Follow up: If you use booking software that sends texts or emails, include a polite review request after the appointment.

4. Respond to all reviews: Thank people for the good ones. Stay calm and professional with any bad ones. This shows future customers that you care.

5. Keep it consistent: Don’t try to get 50 reviews in one day. A steady trickle looks more natural to Google and builds your reputation over time.

Avoid offering discounts or incentives for reviews. It can violate platform rules and may come off as inauthentic.

Why Reviews and Rankings Work Together

Good reviews do two big things:

• They build trust. When someone sees 100+ people saying you’re great, they feel confident giving you a try.

• They boost your visibility. Google uses reviews as a signal of how trusted and active your business is. Shops with better, more frequent reviews tend to rank higher.

Think of it like this: high rankings bring people in the door, and reviews help them decide to walk through it.

A Final Word

You already know how to run a great barbershop. Applying that same care to your online presence can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with your Google profile. Get a basic website in place. Ask for reviews when the time feels right. Do those things consistently, and you’ll see the results.

Your reputation already exists offline – now it’s time to make sure people can find it online too.