21/08/2026
Following on from my last post ā the honest, āunpopular opinionā that I worry I might annoy people by asking for google reviews; we asked for your thoughts.
I put it out there half-expecting to be told itās pushy, or that people donāt want to be asked. Instead - genuinely, thank you - most of you said the opposite. You donāt mind being asked. Some of you said you forget unless someone reminds you. A few of you said emphatically that as a small business we absolutely MUST ask for reviews. It was heartwarming to hear that you actively want to help small businesses however you can, and a review costs nothing but two minutes.
It has been incredibly helpful to hear.
Business has been steady, but not booming this summer, if Iām honest. Turns out a heatwave isnāt exactly a booster for sauna bookings - even though, ironically, sauna is one of the best things you can do in the heat. (thatās a whole other conversation for another day!)
This whole exchange on Instagram has reminded me of something bigger: small businesses need all the help they can get right now, and so much of that help costs nothing except a moment of someoneās time, and the support of their community.
So - Iām going to start asking for reviews. Nicely, no pressure, no guilt trip. Youāll get a gentle nudge by email after every session. If thatās not for you, we totally understand. But it seems like most of you donāt mind, so thank you - to this community, to Instagram for the honest conversation, and to everyone out there who supports small businesses, in ways big and small.
And hereās the bit I didnāt expect to say out loud: Iāve spent months telling myself Iām ātoo busyā to leave reviews for other businesses I love. Having sat with this, thatās changing too. If Iām asking it of you, I should be doing it myself - for the little cafĆ©, the independent shop, the sole trader who celebrates every sale. So thatās my own gentle nudge, to me.
Thank you for helping me see that clearly.
