The International Salon and Spa Academy (ISSA) wanted to improve its local services reviews and ratings. Within 10 months of working with Thrive Local, the ISSA generated 675 new reviews and improved its rating to 4.4 stars.
Thrive Local also helped the client manage public review responses and provided long-term best practices to keep the momentum going.
4.4
Average Star Rating
+145%
New Reviews in 10 Months
From the Client
“I want to give a big thank you to our amazing marketing team at Thrive Local for helping us achieve this Google Reviews Award. Your support, strategy and dedication have truly made a difference in how we connect with our clients and grow our online presence.
Tim, Matt and Ralph have been amazing to work with. Their work behind the scenes — from helping us gather authentic reviews, assisting with the response to the reviews while making sure we’re visible and engaging — has been key to this achievement. We’re proud of this milestone, and we’re even more proud to have Thrive Local as our partner.
Thank you for helping us shine!”
– Carrie Cathey,
Executive Director at International Salon and Spa Academy
Project Overview
Before partnering with Thrive Local, the ISSA had only 276 all-time reviews and a modest 3.7-star average rating. Recognizing that its digital footprint didn’t reflect the quality of service and training it offers, the ISSA collaborated with Thrive Local to improve its overall rating across review platforms.
We implemented a multi-pronged approach that included automated review generation, review monitoring and response management. Our team guided the ISSA on ways to proactively request reviews at key moments in the students’ journey. We also took over responding to reviews, ensuring each feedback received a timely, professional response.
Additionally, Thrive Local provided the ISSA with a review response best practices document and long-term insights into managing its digital reputation.
The Results
In just 10 months, the ISSA saw measurable improvements in both review quantity and quality. With Thrive Local’s support, it has turned satisfied students into enthusiastic online advocates, contributing to increased trust, local visibility and enrollment interest.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
About the Client
The International Salon and Spa Academy is a nationally accredited beauty and wellness school offering hands-on training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, hair styling and nail technology. With over 50 years of experience, the ISSA combines real-world salon experience with industry-relevant education to prepare students for successful careers in the beauty industry.
