TIPS ON LEAVING A REVIEW
leaving a review on google
Google’s AI now filters out reviews that feel templated or fake. These tips help the algorithm recognize your feedback as a legit human experience.
1. Wait a Few Hours
In 2026, Google often deprioritizes reviews posted while you are still physically at the business. They prefer "considered reflection" over "in-the-moment" prompts. So, wait until you get home or at least a few hours after your session to post.
2. Focus on Issues & Outcomes
Instead of just saying "I enjoyed my massage!" include the specific relief you found. If you came in with sciatica pain and left more mobile than in months, say so! Needed to find a therapist that understands fibromyalgia - mention that! Or if you dig my no-tipping policy, or hypoallergenic oil, give that a shout out. These details help so much when others have a similar issue and are seeking a similar solution.
3. Add a Pic
Snapping a photo inside my office, the entryway sign, or even your post-massage "zombie face" makes the post much more engaging. Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes posts with images, meaning more people in the community will see your experience.
4. Mention Geography
Google loves to pair people with local experts. Yet many of my clients travel from Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, or Zeeland for their massage. If you drove in from outside of Holland, please mention your city! This helps your neighbors find specialized care and tells Google that my approach is worth the drive.
leaving a review on facebook
Facebook has moved away from simple Star Ratings to Recommendations. This is designed to help your friends and neighbors find services they can trust. Here is how to ensure your feedback for Massage Sci has the biggest impact:
1. Tag
When you start your recommendation, Facebook will often ask, "What do you recommend about Massage Sci?" If the prompt appears, select tags like "professional staff," "great results," or "clean environment." These tags act like mini-keywords that help Facebook categorized businesses in local searches.
2. Check-In First
If you "Check-In" on Facebook, this is a massive trust signal on the platform. When you check-in at my office at 302 Hoover Blvd, Facebook’s algorithm is more likely to show your recommendation to your friends who also live in the Holland/Zeeland area.
3. Focus on Issues & Outcomes
Instead of just saying "I enjoyed my massage!" include the specific relief you found. If you came in with sciatica pain and left more mobile than in months, say so! Needed to find a therapist that understands fibromyalgia - mention that! Or if you dig my no-tipping policy, or hypoallergenic oil, give that a shout out. These details help so much when others have a similar issue and are seeking a similar solution.
4. Set Post to "Public"
If your recommendation is set to "Friends Only" when you post it, it helps your social circle know about me, but no one else. Before hitting post, check the privacy icon (the little globe icon). Setting it to Public ensures your review helps boost Massage Sci as a result for anyone searching for massage therapy in West Michigan.
5. Add a Pic
Snapping a photo inside my office, the entryway sign, or even your post-massage "zombie face" makes the post much more engaging. Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes posts with images, meaning more people in the community will see your experience.
leaving a review on yelp
Yelp uses an automated filter to protect businesses from spam. Unfortunately, this means sometimes real reviews from real people get hidden. Following these steps helps Yelp’s algorithm recognize you as a trusted local voice:
1. Build a Real Profile
Yelp prioritizes users who look like active members of the community. Before posting, take 60 seconds to:
Upload a Profile Pic: Accounts with a face (or even a pet!) are much more likely to be verified as a real human, not spam.
Fill in Your "About Me": Mentioning you live in Holland or West Michigan helps Yelp confirm you are a local customer.
2. Check-In First
The single most powerful way to prove your review is legit is to use the Yelp App to "Check-In" when you arrive at Massage Sci. A check-in provides GPS verification that you were physically at 302 Hoover Blvd. Reviews backed by a check-in are rarely filtered out.
3. Focus on Issues & Outcomes
Instead of just saying "I enjoyed my massage!" include the specific relief you found. If you came in with sciatica pain and left more mobile than in months, say so! Needed to find a therapist that understands fibromyalgia - mention that! Or if you dig my no-tipping policy, or hypoallergenic oil, give that a shout out. These details help so much when others have a similar issue and are seeking a similar solution.
4. Don't "One-and-Done"
If you create an account just to review Massage Sci and never use it again, Yelp will likely hide it. Take a moment to review your favorite local coffee shop, your mechanic, or a restaurant you visited last weekend. Being a regular reviewer gives your account the authority it needs to keep your feedback visible. And I'm sure those other businesses will greatly appreciate the review too!