Episode 2: 5 Ways To Get More Clients From Google (without spending money)
Boosting your Google Rank is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get more clients in the door.
Today, I’m breaking down the exact 5 ranking factors Google uses to determine which salons show up first in search results.
This isn’t a months-long overhaul or a tech nightmare waiting to happen. With a focused plan, you can implement all five ranking factors in under two hours. Small, intentional updates compound fast when they’re aligned with what Google actually cares about. Instead of wondering why other salons keep outranking you, you finally get to take control, and that’s where momentum starts.
HERE ARE 5 MAIN TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Takeaway #1: Reviews Are the Fastest Way to Climb Google Rankings
If Google rankings were a pie, reviews would be almost half of it—40%, to be exact. That means your reputation online matters more than your website design, your logo, or how long you’ve been in business. Consistent, recent reviews tell Google your salon is active, trusted, and worth recommending. The good news? This is one of the easiest ranking factors to influence once you have a simple system in place.
Takeaway #2: Your Google Business Profile Is Prime Real Estate
Your Google Business Profile accounts for 30% of your ranking, yet most salon owners set it up once and never touch it again. An optimized profile keeps you visible when guests search for salons in your area, especially on mobile. Photos, service descriptions, categories, and regular updates all signal to Google that your business is alive and relevant. Think of it less like a form and more like a storefront Google is constantly judging.
Takeaway #3: Local SEO Keywords Tell Google Who You’re For
Local SEO keywords make up 15% of your ranking, and they’re how Google understands what you actually do. Your website needs clear, specific language that connects your services to your location, not vague beauty buzzwords. When your pages consistently reference the services you offer and the city you’re in, Google has an easier time matching you with local searches. This is how smaller salons outrank bigger ones without spending a dime on ads.
Takeaway #4: Engagement Signals Prove People Care
Engagement signals account for 10% of your ranking, and they quietly influence how Google sees your salon. These signals include how often people click your listing, how long they stay on your site, and whether they take action once they get there. Google doesn’t just want accurate information; it wants proof that real humans find your business useful. The more interaction you generate, the more confidence Google has in showing you first.
Takeaway #5: Website Speed Can Make or Break You
Website speed and mobile usability might only be 5% of your ranking, but they can sabotage everything else if ignored. A slow, outdated, or hard-to-navigate site sends people bouncing, and Google notices. Your website doesn’t need to be fancy; it needs to load quickly, work well on phones, and make it obvious how to book. Clean, fast, and functional will always beat pretty but clunky.
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