Every business owner knows the power of positive reviews. They build credibility, attract new customers, and help strengthen your online presence. But getting those reviews can sometimes feel like an uphill battle—not because your customers aren’t satisfied, but because the process of asking for reviews can feel awkward or intrusive.
This guide will show you how to cultivate more authentic reviews by understanding customer psychology, implementing gentle reminders, and using the right tools to make the process seamless for both you and your clients. We’ll explore why even the happiest customers might not leave reviews without a nudge, and how to create that perfect follow-up that feels helpful rather than pushy.
A Happy Student Who Never Left a Review
Sophia just finished an amazing Pilates class. She feels strong, stretched, and totally refreshed. As she wipes down her reformer, she smiles at her instructor. “That was exactly what I needed.”
She leaves class excited, telling a friend how much she enjoyed it.
But because no one asked her to share that experience, it stays between them. Not because she didn’t love it. Sharing her thoughts never came up.
And that’s a missed opportunity—not only for the business, but for everyone looking for this exact style of Pilates class.
People Need Reminders—And That’s Okay
Most happy clients would leave a review—they just need a little nudge.
After class, they feel great. You say goodbye, and they walk out the door. Maybe you even mention leaving a review. They think, I should do that later. Then life happens. They check their phone, answer a text, and boom—moment gone.
That’s why a well-timed reminder isn’t annoying. It’s helpful. It’s not about being pushy, it’s about asking someone to share a positive experience before it fades.
And no, automation doesn’t make it impersonal. When done right, it feels like great customer service. A simple, friendly email that says:
“Hey Sophia, we loved having you in class! If you have a moment, we’d love to hear about your experience. Your feedback helps us grow and helps others discover us too!”
It’s short. It’s warm. It’s easy to respond to.
Make It Easy: Include Direct Review Links
The key to getting more reviews is removing friction. Even enthusiastic customers might abandon the process if they have to search for where to leave their feedback.
Always include direct links to your review platforms in your follow-up emails. This simple step dramatically increases the likelihood of getting a response. For example:
“We’d love to hear about your experience! Click here to leave a review on Google, Facebook, or directly through our feedback form.”
Offering multiple platform options allows customers to choose whichever is most familiar and convenient for them. Some prefer Google, others Facebook, and some may want to use your dedicated review system.
Pro tip: Getting the exact link for Google reviews can be tricky. To find it, visit your Google Business Profile, click on “Share review form,” and copy the URL. Here’s Google’s guide on how to create and share your review link.
Why a Good Review is So Important
A great review isn’t only a nice compliment. It’s a trust signal that can make all the difference for your business.
When potential clients are searching for a Pilates studio, they want to feel confident that your classes are what they’re looking for. Reviews from happy clients give them that reassurance to book.
Think about it:
- Would you try a new restaurant with no reviews? Probably not.
- Would you book a hotel if the last guest raved about the experience? More likely.
- The same goes for your studio—social proof matters.
And it’s not just about attracting new clients. Reviews keep current clients engaged, reminding them why they chose your studio in the first place.
Good Testimonials Are Good Customer Service
Asking for a review isn’t just about boosting your online presences—it’s about showing customers that their experience matters to you.
A great testimonial helps strengthen relationships. When you ask thoughtful questions, you’re showing that you care about their opinions.
Instead of just asking for a star rating, a yes-or-no, or a rate this on a scale from 1-10, try asking questions that spark real feedback:
- How are things going since we last worked together? (A great way to reconnect!)
- Why did you choose us? (This helps you understand what sets you apart.)
- What were you looking for in a [insert your program/offer/service here]? (This can shape how you market to new customers.)
Turn Every Review into a Conversation
When a client takes time to leave a review, it deserves your attention—whether glowing or critical. Responding promptly (within 24-48 hours) shows that you’re attentive and value their feedback.
Even negative reviews are golden opportunities. Every business receives them, and potential customers will look for them to see how you handle challenges. A thoughtful response to criticism can be more powerful than a dozen perfect reviews.
When responding to a less-than-stellar review:
- Thank them for taking time to share their experience.
- Consider asking them to elaborate or contact you directly.
- If they have a valid consideration, invite them to return and experience the improvement.
For example, a client leaves a review saying class was great, but they had trouble hearing the instructor over the music.
You could respond:
“Thanks for your feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed class. We’re adjusting our sound system this week to improve audio clarity—hope to see you again soon!”
By responding with care, you show that you value your customers’ input and are always improving. Future clients aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for humanity and responsiveness.
Tools That Make Reviews Simple
You don’t have to start from scratch. The tools you already have can make this easy. But we will share a few we use!
Collecting Personal Feedback
At Punchpass, we make it simple to check in with students and gather their thoughts. Our Expired Pass Automation naturally follows up when a workshop ends, creating the perfect opportunity to ask for feedback.
Want to send a quick email after class? Just create an email template, press send, and you’re done. It’s fast, personal, and keeps the conversation going. We recommend doing this in bursts, but not all the time. So maybe the first week of every month try to email every time a class finishes, then take 3 weeks off. That prevents your regulars from getting overwhelmed.
Each customer account in Punchpass allows you to note any internal feedback and share it with your team, mark progress on goals, or student concerns. There is even an opportunity to link to external files if you track feedback elsewhere.
Showcasing Reviews on Your Website
If you’re going to collect feedback you need a way to track it and action it.
To collect and showcase customer testimonials on our website, we use Endorsal, https://endorsal.io/. This tool automates the process of gathering feedback, making it easy for us to highlight authentic customer experiences that build trust and credibility.
Endorsal notifies us when new reviews come in, so we can respond quickly—whether we’re at our desks or on the go. If someone writes us a review with a rating of three stars or less, it’s immediately forwarded to our customer service team inbox.
For positive reviews, we follow-up and make sure these clients are aware of our referral rewards program to thank them for sharing their love of our software. Our favorite reviews are displayed everywhere we have the widget, in a couple lines of code. No constant web developer updates needed!
We love that it keeps everything in one place, helps us manage testimonials effortlessly and ensure that the voices of our customers are front and center.
The downside of using a separate service like Endorsal is that the only place people can really see the reviews are on our website. That matters because we all know that for local businesses, there is one place that matters – Google.
Keeping Up with Google Reviews
People are naturally curious and Google Reviews are often the first impression people have of your business. Make sure you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile, https://www.google.com/business/, and enabled notifications for new reviews. Responding promptly to Google reviews has the added benefit of improving your local search visibility—Google’s algorithm favors businesses that actively engage with their reviews. Making sure you have good reviews on Google is crucial to helping new customers find your business.
More Reviews, More Trust—With Less Effort
Encouraging happy clients to leave a review doesn’t have to feel pushy—it’s simply about making it easy for them to share their experiences.
A friendly reminder at the right time helps capture their enthusiasm before it fades, and tools like Punchpass and Endorsal streamline the process without adding extra work to your plate.
Reviews don’t just help potential clients make informed decisions—they build trust, strengthen relationships, and keep your current customers engaged. By responding thoughtfully, tracking feedback, and showcasing testimonials, you turn every review into an opportunity to grow your business.
At Punchpass, our mission is to make managing your studio easier—so you can focus on delivering amazing classes while the positive feedback keeps rolling in.
