How barbershops can own the local search results: A guide to Google profiles, reviews and listings

Most people aren’t flipping through phone books or asking around for a good barber anymore. Instead, they’re pulling out their phones and heading straight to Google. In fact, more than 75% of appointments at top-performing barbershops are now booked online, indicating just how important barbershop local SEO has become. 

A quick “barber near me” search is one of the most common ways people find their next cut. This usually brings up a map pack (those top three listings with reviews, photos, and directions), followed by other nearby businesses.  

So, if your barbershop isn’t showing up on that first page, you’re likely getting passed over. Even if you’re close by and offer exactly what someone wants, you might never get the chance to make that first impression. 

Thankfully, it's not all doom and gloom. To help you stand out in search results and attract more clients online, this guide walks you through proven barbershop SEO tips, including how to: 

Let's get started. 

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of how to rank on Google Maps. An accurate listing helps Google understand your barbershop and display it to nearby clients searching for a haircut. 

But visibility is just the first step. Your profile also shapes that all-important first impression, serving as your digital front door. It may seem small, but this initial glimpse of your brand carries significant weight.  

As it turns out, shops with a complete listing are 70% more likely to attract in-person foot traffic. That’s why building and maintaining your profile is one of the most practical steps you can take to show up in local search. 

Best of all, it doesn’t take much to hit the ground running. Here’s how to begin: 

Verifying your profile is what tells Google you're the one managing the business. Until that’s done, you won’t be able to update your listing or respond to reviews (two things that play a big role in how well you show up in local searches). 

So, start by searching your barbershop’s name on Google. If it appears on the right-hand side of the search results (called the knowledge panel), look for the link that says “Own this business?” and follow the prompts to claim it. 

If you don’t see your shop listed, head to google.com/business and click “Manage now” to create a new profile from scratch. You’ll be asked to fill out your business details and verify ownership. Google may offer a variety of verification options, such as email, phone, video recording, or a mailed postcard, depending on how your account is set up. 

Once you’ve claimed your profile, it’s time to fill in the details that help Google (and potential clients) understand what your shop offers. We suggest going beyond the basics to complete the following: 

Google lets you include special attributes on your profile. These extra details help your shop appear in relevant searches and address what matters most to your clients. For example, if someone’s looking for a walk-in-friendly barbershop or one that’s great with kids, these labels make it easier to get discovered by the right people. 

Depending on your business type and location, you may be able to add attributes such as: 

Google provides you with a few handy tools to help bring in more bookings directly from your profile. For example, you can add a direct link to your scheduling system or website, allowing clients to secure a spot without needing to call or search through pages to find it.  

You can also enable direct messaging to provide a quick way for people to ask questions before booking, such as whether you have space for walk-ins or what services you offer. 

Google reviews for barbershops are one of the most powerful tools for building trust and boosting visibility. A steady flow of positive feedback helps your shop stand out in local search results. 

Nearly 80% of people check reviews before stepping into a salon or barbershop, and close to half say they’ll only consider businesses with a 4.5-star rating or higher. That kind of social proof can make or break someone’s decision to choose your shop (especially if they’re comparing you to a nearby competitor). 

However, reviews don’t just build credibility with potential clients; Google also takes notice of the following: 

This all plays a role in where your shop appears in local search results. So, how do you ask for reviews without coming across as pushy? The key is to make it easy and natural for clients to leave feedback: 

If that still feels like a lot to keep track of, you can automate it. Tools like Zenoti enable you to send review requests automatically via text or email after each appointment, helping you collect more feedback with minimal additional effort. 

Potential clients read through reviews before booking, but they also look at how you handle feedback, especially when things don’t go as planned. 

Google takes notice, too. Shops that respond regularly are perceived as more engaged and trustworthy, so they're rewarded by boosting their visibility in local searches. 

With that in mind, here’s how to handle both glowing reviews and not-so-favorable testimonials: 

Positive reviews: Always say thanks, but don't be generic. Instead, try something like, “Thanks, [Customer Name]! Glad you enjoyed the [Service].” That kind of reply feels more genuine and shows you're actually paying attention. 

Negative reviews: Don’t take the bait, even if the comment feels unfair. Acknowledge what they’re saying and try to make it right. Then, if it makes sense, offer to continue the conversation privately. Even if you can’t change their mind, a respectful reply shows professionalism and helps others see how you handle tough situations. 

Once you’ve started building up your reviews, it’s essential to maintain the momentum. That means checking in regularly, not just to respond, but to see what clients are loving (or where things could be better). 

Still, logging into your profile every day to monitor reviews isn’t always realistic. That’s where automation helps. Zenoti notifies you when new Google reviews are received, allowing you to respond quickly and stay connected to client feedback without adding to your to-do list. 

Once your reviews are in good shape, make sure your shop’s information is consistent across the web. This is where NAP, short for Name, Address, and Phone number, comes into play. When those details don’t match across platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, or Apple Maps, it can create confusion for search engines and weaken your visibility in local results. 

Unsure where to start? Don't worry; here's a quick list of platforms to check: 

Armed with your list of relevant platforms, pull up each listing and compare the following details: 

Alternatively, suppose your team is stretched or you’re managing several barbershops. In that case, you might consider listing management software that updates all your business information from a single dashboard. That way, you'll reduce the risk of inconsistencies slipping through the cracks. 

People are searching for their next haircut right now, and you want your shop to be the one they choose. A strong Google Business Profile backed with a steady flow of reviews and thoughtful responses (as well as consistent listings across the web) all work together to boost your visibility and bring in more bookings. 

That said, keeping up with all of it takes time. That’s where software like Zenoti can help you: 

When your digital presence runs as smoothly as your barbershop floor, you free up more time to focus on what matters: delivering great cuts and great service. 

Want to streamline your online visibility and grow your bookings? See how Zenoti can help.