#439 - Google Just Changed the Rules on Reviews
Thriving Stylist Podcast
Britt Seva
4.9 • 2.1K Ratings
🗓️ 25 May 2026
⏱️ 21 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Google just changed the rules on reviews, and based on the conversations I've been having, a lot of stylists and salon owners are feeling nervous about what this means for their business. I totally get it, because when a platform that's driving real clientele for you announces major policy updates, it's natural to wonder if everything you've been doing is suddenly wrong!
Here's what I want you to know: if you've been building your Google presence the right way, these updates shouldn't shake you. In fact, most of what Google announced in April 2026 is stuff I stopped coaching years ago. The real shift isn't the rules themselves, it's that Google is finally cracking down and holding people accountable.
In this episode, I'm walking you through every single change, from why you can't incentivize reviews anymore to what's really going on with the "staff name" drama that has salon owners spiraling. I'm also sharing why Google has quietly become the most powerful tool for my highest-earning students (the ones bringing in 6-figures solo or are generating over 100 new client requests every single month).
This is your moment to get it right. No more contests, no more checkout prompts, no more hoping your reviews stick. Just a clear, sustainable strategy that actually works in 2026 and beyond.
If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/.
The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/.
Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!
With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.
Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!
If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this.
Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Being behind the chair is what you love. |
| 0:02.3 | Worrying about money, that's exhausting. |
| 0:05.5 | Imagine if 2026 was the year everything changed. |
| 0:08.7 | It's not just some stylist in our coaching program that grow their income. |
| 0:12.0 | Every single one does. |
| 0:13.9 | Over half even cut their hours while earning more. |
| 0:16.6 | And all of them, they finally feel in control. |
| 0:19.6 | No guesswork. |
| 0:20.8 | No risk. |
| 0:21.9 | Just real results in 90 days or less for our 17,000 members who are just like you. |
| 0:28.1 | Visit www.thrivingstylist.com and take the first step towards the business and the life you actually want. |
| 0:36.9 | Do you feel like you were meant to have a kick-ass career as a hairstylist? |
| 0:40.5 | Like you got into this industry to make big things happen? |
| 0:43.8 | Maybe you're struggling to build a solid base and want some stability. |
| 0:47.2 | Maybe you know social media is important, but it feels like a waste of time because you |
| 0:50.8 | weren't seeing any results. |
| 0:52.6 | Maybe you've already had some amazing success, |
| 0:54.7 | but are craving more. Maybe you're ready to truly enjoy the freedom and flexibility this industry |
| 0:59.8 | has to offer. Cutting and coloring skills will only get you so far, but to build a lifelong |
| 1:05.1 | career as a wealthy stylist, it takes business skills and a serious marketing strategy. |
| 1:10.3 | When you're ready to quit just working in your business and start working on it, |
| 1:13.7 | join us here where we share real success stories from real stylists. |
... |
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