Want to know how one salon generated over 1,500 five-star reviews without constantly asking clients? Pony Studios in Oakland cracked the code with an automated system that any salon can implement.
Here’s how to get more 5-star reviews for your salon on Google and Yelp with just a few clicks.
Watch the teaser:
And see the full Episode 34 of Marketing 100, where Brett Foreman, co-owner of Pony Studios, reveals their exact process for turning happy clients into glowing reviews automatically.
Continue reading below for our complete breakdown of Pony Studios’ review system, including their client communication strategy, software setup, and practical tips you can use in your salon today.
How to Automate Your Salon’s Review Process
Pony Studios’ review success comes down to a simple two-part system:
First, they handle all scheduling and payments through Mangomint.
We tried everything out there but Mangomint is truly best in class.
Next, they connect Mangomint to BirdEye, a customer communication platform that automatically reaches out to clients after their appointment. Happy clients are invited to leave a review, while feedback from less-satisfied clients is handled privately.
This automated approach ensures we’re only getting reviews from our most satisfied clients, Brett says. That’s how we maintain such a high rating.
Transform Your Salon Reviews Into Powerful Marketing
Getting great reviews is just the start. The real value comes from how you use them.
Reviews from real clients are pure gold. They’re more convincing than any marketing message you could write yourself.
Here’s how Pony Studios puts their reviews to work:
Quick Social Media Wins
Their most effective posts are surprisingly simple: a screenshot of a five-star review paired with the client’s after photo.
Team Recognition
Every two weeks, Brett shares standout reviews with his team.
When stylists see clients raving about their work, it energizes the whole salon.
This simple practice helps keep his team motivated and focused on delivering five-star experiences.
Better Search Rankings
Those 1,500+ glowing reviews do more than just impress potential clients. They help Pony Studios dominate local search results. When someone searches for “best salon near me,” guess who shows up first?
Automating Excellence
The beauty of this system is that it runs itself. “Once you set it up, you’re consistently collecting reviews from your happiest clients,” Brett explains. “No awkward asks, no follow-up needed. Just authentic praise from real clients.”
↓ Pin it for Later ↓
Set Up Your Own Review System
Ready to start collecting reviews automatically? Here’s Brett’s step-by-step guide to getting started:
1. Choose the Right Software
Your salon management system is the foundation. We wasted time and money trying different options before finding what worked.
Tip: Check out our complete salon automation software guide to learn more.
Look for software that:
- Handles both scheduling and payments smoothly
- Integrates easily with other tools
- Comes with real human support when you need it
Whatever system you choose, make sure you can actually talk to their support team. You don’t want to be stuck watching tutorial videos when you need help.
2. Add Your Review Collection Tool
BirdEye changed everything for us. It handles all our client communication and automatically collects reviews.
The key is setting it up to:
- Send satisfaction surveys after each appointment
- Only request reviews from your happiest clients
- Handle all client messages through text (no more phone tag!)
3. Create a Simple Management System
“You need a process, but it doesn’t have to be complicated,” Brett explains. His team:
- Checks reviews three times daily
- Responds to messages promptly through text
- Handles any concerns privately and quickly
- Shares positive feedback during team meetings
Pro tip: Consider assigning these tasks to your front desk manager or bookkeeper. “You can’t do everything yourself,” Brett advises. “Delegate this to someone who can give it consistent attention.”
4. Put Your Reviews to Work
Reviews are valuable assets. Don’t just collect them—use them.
Here’s what works for Pony Studios:
- Turn your best reviews into social media posts
- Let stylists share their personal reviews alongside client photos
- Track which review posts drive the most bookings
- Focus on local search visibility
The key is starting small. Pick one or two things to focus on first. You can always expand later.
Beyond Reviews: Building Your Brand
While reviews are powerful, they’re just one piece of your marketing puzzle.
We also show the personality of our salon. The fun moments, our space, our team culture. It all matters for building our brand.
Learn more about how to grow your salon business through authentic marketing.
But here’s a surprising tip: A quick selfie video of your team having fun will get 6 times more engagement than an expensive professional shoot. People connect with real moments.
Final Tips from Brett
Before you dive in, Brett has a few words of wisdom to share: “Everything needs intention behind it,” he emphasizes. “Know what you want to achieve before you start.”
Ask yourself:
- What’s your main goal? (More new clients? Better retention?)
- Who will manage the system day-to-day?
- How will you measure if it’s working?
Start Small, Think Big
Begin with what you can manage consistently. “It’s better to do a few things well than try everything at once,” Brett advises. For example:
- Set aside 15 minutes each morning to check reviews
- Share the best feedback in your weekly team meeting
- Use one great review each week for social media
Ready to Get Started?
Take a quick look at your current review situation. Are you making it easy for happy clients to share their experience? Are you putting those reviews to work for your salon?
With the right tools and a simple system, you can build a steady stream of authentic reviews that bring new clients through your door automatically.
Ready to Learn More?
Try the Tools
Try Mangomint free for 2 months with our link→
Learn from Pony Studios
Want to see these strategies in action? Visit:
Pony.salon – See how they showcase their reviews
Ponyeducation.com – Hands-on education for salon owners
Ponyeducation.live – E-learning platform for stylists
P.S. For even more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
