Attracting and retaining clients is one of the most difficult things about being a salon owner. Rather than fret over an expensive marketing plan, you can use these effective salon marketing ideas to enhance your existing practices, grow your customer base, and encourage client loyalty.

Enhance your online presence

When potential clients are looking for a new salon, you want yours to be easy to find. Thanks to the internet — from social media platforms to digital marketing — your business information can literally be at their fingertips. A strong online presence makes it easier for customers to find your location, view available services, browse stylist options and read customer reviews. Drive more people to book salon services with the following salon marketing ideas.

1. Create a Google Business Profile

Google is undoubtedly the most popular search engine, holding more than 93 percent of the market share. Creating a Google Business Profile can help you stand out to potential clients by providing details, photos, and reviews of your business where they’re most likely to spot it. 

This free tool is also great for sharing business updates with your existing clientele, such as holiday hours or new service offerings. A Google Business Profile will help local clientele find you online by pushing your information above out-of-date third-party sites. 

2. Add your business profile on Google Maps 

If you’ve already created your Google Business Profile, it’s essential to verify your business listing on Google Maps so clients can easily locate your salon. You can do so by following these steps:

1. Sign in to Google Maps.
2. Search for your business’s location.
3. Right-click on the map to add your business.
4. Follow the additional instructions that appear on-screen.

3. Strive for the first page on Google

By leveraging the power of search engine optimization (SEO), you can increase your chances of claiming the top spot when someone searches “salons near me.”

You don’t have to be a tech expert to improve your website’s SEO. Some simple ways to land on Google’s first page include:

• Adding relevant keywords to your website content specific to your niche, like “best nail salon in San Diego” or “Wedding hairstylist in Vegas”
• Including compelling, descriptive titles to your web pages
• Having other local businesses or trusted sites link to your website
• Registering your salon location on Apple Maps
• Ensuring your business details are cited consistently across third-party sites 

4. Keep your website updated

Making sure your business details and services are up to date on your website is another foolproof way to improve your online presence and build trust with your customers. 

You should always keep business information like hours, promotions, and price lists updated to reflect your salon’s current status. 

5. Build a helpful blog 

If you’re confident in your writing abilities (or know someone who is), creating a blog for your salon has numerous benefits for both you and your clients. Posting regularly about industry trends or instructional topics attracts more traffic to your site — and, in effect, more potential clients to your salon. 

Keeping your blog up to date also gives you the opportunity to rank for more relevant keywords and establish a reputation as an industry expert. While putting together a quality post takes time, the return on investment is worth it. 

6. Offer your professional insight to other third-party sites

Speaking of building up your professional reputation, seek opportunities to share your knowledge with other relevant blogs or media outlets. Writers often reach out to industry experts for quotes using free sites like Help a Reporter Out or Qwoted. 

Devote some time to answering reporters’ questions (but only ones that seem like a good match!), and make sure you ask them to include a link back to your website. If your quote gets published, not only will it increase your reputability within the salon space, but you’ll likely gain a backlink to your site that’ll help boost your online visibility.

7. Set up a Yelp business page

Online reviews are more important than ever. An overwhelming 98 percent of consumers read local business reviews — and only 3 percent would consider using a business with an average rating of just two stars. A Yelp business page offers you much more than an online review site. Yelp also allows customers to book appointments, post photos of your salon (or their new hairstyle), check in at your business and share where they’ve been with friends.

8. Add a Book Now button on your Facebook page and website for online reservations

The goal of all salon marketing strategies is simple: to fill up your available time slots. Online Book Now buttons offer clients a peek into your appointment book, making it easy for them to schedule without having to call or visit in person. Customers can select stylists, service options, and available appointments on their own time from wherever they are. To maximize the number of confirmed online bookings, we recommend having a Book Now button in multiple places online — such as your salon website, Yelp, Instagram, and Facebook.

9. Target local, service-focused keywords on Google Ads

As the most-used search engine in the world, Google is essential for getting your salon’s name in front of clients. However, because of the site’s worldwide reach, salon business owners must narrow their focus by targeting local service keywords. To reach local customers, you can adjust your ad settings to target people in your service area. In addition, your Google salon advertising should utilize localized keywords, such as the following:

• Hair salon in Tulsa
• Hairstylists Phoenix
• Portland beauty salons
• Manicures in Lakewood

10. Get listed on third-party directories

If you’ve just opened your salon or have yet to establish an online presence, making sure you’re listed in third-party salon directories or marketplaces can jump-start your virtual engagement campaign. Millions of new clients search sites like StyleSeat to discover and book beauty professionals in their area. Listing your salon in an online directory can:

• Give you access to a broader audience of potential clients
• Showcase your work and build your brand
• Present the opportunity to connect with other salon professionals
• Improve your Google Search rankings

Many salon marketplaces run their own advertising and marketing campaigns for their platform, so attracting new clients to your profile is one less thing to worry about.

11. Offer online booking for hassle-free scheduling

There’s a reason people prefer shopping, communicating, and even ordering their favorite pad thai online compared to in-person or over the phone — the convenience is second to none. 
Instead of having customers take an extra step to call to book, provide an easy alternative with online booking. Using a tool like StyleSeat to offer a Book Now option directly on your site streamlines scheduling and minimizes distractions on both the client’s and stylist’s behalf — no more late-night texts or last-minute calls.

12. Add Meet Your Stylist to your website for guests to take a survey and match with a stylist

If you want to serve potential customers and collect key marketing data at the same time, sign up for Meet Your Stylist, a website add-on that matches clients with stylists. Available to businesses for a monthly fee, Meet Your Stylist gets customers excited about your salon, while also collecting useful information such as demographics and contact details.

13. Include salon stylist bios and specialties on your website so clients can choose their stylist accordingly

If you’re looking for free hair salon promotion ideas, create your own stylist page on your salon website. While not as interactive as Meet Your Stylist, it offers a cost-effective way to introduce your beauty professionals to potential clients. Customers can select a stylist based on profiles, specialties, photos, and any other information you think is helpful.

Update your social media pages 

All successful salon marketing strategies include a strong social media presence. Beauty is visual — and visual content such as before and after photos, how-to-tutorials, and even salon video tours can draw in customers. You can also update your social media platforms with discounts, salon news, and other posts that keep current and potential clients in the loop.

14. Join and advertise in local Facebook groups

Because your salon’s audience is local, Facebook groups provide a great way to connect with the local community. Relevant Facebook groups in your town likely include hair care, nail art, women’s groups, and many more. 

Be careful not to simply blast these groups with your advertising. This type of salon advertising focuses on building relationships — marketing should be done organically as it comes up in conversation. Engage with the group often, not just when it applies to your salon services. Doing so builds trust and credibility so that when you do advertise your salon business, members of the group take notice.

15. Run a promotion using Facebook ads

If you want to market your salon to a broader audience, try Facebook ads. While it requires a bit of initial setup, you may find Facebook’s ad targeting features worth the effort. You can decide whether you want your salon advertising to target new or existing customers, your Facebook followers, or people who have (or haven’t) visited your website. You can also set the targeting radius around your salon’s address, as well as choose your audience based on age, gender, interests, and more. 

Examples of promotions

• Coupons for first-time customers to drive new bookings
• Seasonal discounts such as New Year’s specials or Black Friday deals
• Free services with a purchase, such as a free conditioning treatment with a haircut

16. Publicize service bundles and discounted add-ons

Other salon promotion ideas revolve around service bundles and discounted add-ons. By packaging your services together, you encourage customers to spend more in one visit. You can appeal to both new and existing clients by posting these deals on your salon website or social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Successful hair salon promotion ideas could include the following: 

• A 10 percent discount when a customer books a haircut and coloring service at the same time
• Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day packages offering multiple services at a discounted rate
• Gift certificate deals where customers receive $125 worth of services when they buy a $100 gift certificate

17. Ask stylists to tag the salon in social posts

Your stylists do great work and make a natural feature in your social media marketing. Encourage stylists to share salon content on their social media accounts or to create their own content, such as featuring a hairstyle they did at the salon. To maximize their efforts, ask your stylists to tag the salon in any of their social media posts.

18. Create a story highlight on Instagram to showcase the stylist’s skills

Instagram is all about visual content, making it an ideal platform for salon social media marketing. After you’ve added your Instagram bio and Instagram Book Now button, use the story highlight feature to group related content together on your profile to make it easily accessible for clients who access your visit profile.

You can create categories such as haircuts, nail art, wedding parties, and more, grouping content under a distinctive cover image with a creative name. The image and name stay on your profile so that anyone can access the highlights by clicking the cover image and at any time.  

Ideas for Instagram highlights

Consider trying the following salon promotion ideas on your Instagram story highlights:

• Salon tour: Show prospective clients the inside of your salon by posting your own videos and sharing clients’ stories where they tagged the salon.
• Before and after photos: Everyone loves a good before and after! Include photos or videos of hairstyle changes so followers can see the results.
• Hairstyles: To showcase hairstyles done at the salon, post photos/videos of completed looks. You can also share clients’ and stylists’ stories whenever they tag the salon.

Meet the stylist: Include a highlight with each stylist’s picture and a brief bio or create highlights with a stylist’s name to see their full range of work.

19. Utilize hashtags based on location

Like the index of a book, hashtags help people find a specific topic in a maze of content. Keep hashtags short, memorable, and clear — you don’t want to be so clever or niche that no one gets it. To find relevant hashtags, look to industry influencers and even your competition. When in doubt, use hashtags that describe what you are and what you do, like #DallasSalon or #MemphisNails.  

20. Set up a TikTok account and post videos of your salon in action

Salon marketing plans should include some sort of video because videos help build trust with potential customers and promote booking appointment conversions. One social media channel has truly harnessed the medium’s power: TikTok. 

Video ideas to post on TikTok

Supercharge your video presence with the following TikTok salon marketing ideas:

• Beauty transformations: Show hairstyles or manicures with before and after videos.
• Easy hair care hacks: How to tame flyaways, style a trendy cut, or make the perfect messy bun create fun hair salon promotions that can be visualized on TikTok.
• Stylists at work: Bring clients into your salon by showcasing your professionals at work.

Hairstyle trends: Increase your salon’s visibility with videos that show that you’re on top of current hairstyle trends.

21. Work with local influencers

Influencers have their own loyal followers who trust them to recommend services. Partnering with an influencer allows you instant access to their followers, giving your marketing reach a boost. When the influencer tags your salon and showcases your excellent work, it’s like word-of-mouth marketing with a megaphone. 

Because finding someone local is important, perform a Google and hashtag search for local bloggers to find an influencer you want to work with. Reach out through social media direct messages, or email, offering free services in exchange for posts about their experience.

22. Set up a selfie station in your salon

If you’re looking for fun strategies to spread the word about your business on social media, creating a signature selfie wall will have clients doing the work for you. Reserve a corner of your salon to construct the perfect backdrop for client photo ops — we love funky wallpaper, artificial flowers, or a red-carpet-inspired branded banner. 

In addition to posting on your own social profile, encourage clients to share the photo with their followers, complete with your signature salon hashtag in the caption. 

23. Always link from your social profiles to your website

Every third-party platform or site you belong to should include a link back to your main website. This way, your customers will be able to easily access more information about your salon without having to Google it. Adding a website link to your profile description can also help boost your domain authority since you’re adding a backlink from an established site — it’s a win-win. 

Build client retention through email or SMS

Visible, engaging content on your salon website and social media attracts clients in what is known as “pull” marketing. “Push” salon marketing strategies, however, keep your brand in front of customers whether they’re looking for you or not. SMS (text messages) and email marketing are two important tools in your salon promotion kit.

24. Ask clients to leave a review by sending a link through email or SMS

Simply put: reviews matter. Of people ages 18 to 34, 91 percent trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 93 percent of consumers reported that their purchase decisions were influenced by online reviews. Answering reviews is also important — 57 percent of consumers say they’re unlikely to use a local business that doesn’t respond to online reviews.

Invite your current customers to review your salon by asking them at the point of service and following up with a link via email or text. Not only does asking directly generate more reviews, but you also get real-time feedback. Use the feedback to see what’s working well, what services are popular, and what issues you may need to address.

25. Email birthday discounts to existing clients

Everyone likes to be remembered, and a birthday discount is a great way to remind customers of how much you value their loyalty. In fact, 77 percent of mobile consumers say that receiving special birthday content has a major impact on their loyalty to a brand. 

Birthday email marketing campaigns perform better in general, with an 89 percent higher open rate and a staggering 481 percent higher transaction rate. 

So if you want salon promotions that work, consider offering customers a discount, such as 50 percent off any service or a free add-on service, the next time their birthday rolls around. Such a discount offers incentives for customers to both visit your salon and keep coming back.

26. Promote holiday limited-time offers through email

Holiday discounts take advantage of special occasions that only happen once a year. By creating a sense of urgency, such limited-time offers encourage customers to act fast. You can also create your own holiday by implementing salon promotion ideas during a low season — hold a flash sale, anniversary special, or giveaway contest whenever your business could use a boost. 

Capitalize on your salon’s popular seasons with a back-to-school special for families or holiday haircut deals in December. Also take advantage of local events that naturally increase business, such as when prom or other special events roll around. Engaging with your customers helps you anticipate what holidays or events might impact your local community the best.

27. Keep your salon top of mind with biweekly email newsletters

Although it seems like social media gets all of the attention, many small business owners neglect the power of email marketing, which happens to offer an amazing 4,400 percent return on investment compared to other online marketing methods. So if you want to remain at the top of the list in your customers’ minds when they need salon services, email newsletters offer an effective approach for promoting brand loyalty.

You can keep your content fresh and relevant by targeting specific segments of your client base. Break your email list into groups, such as: 

• Demographics: Age or gender 
• Client type: New leads, existing clients, or VIPs
• Service history: Preferred services, number of visits, or product purchases 

Targeted emails allow you to tailor your content and address the unique needs of your customers. Plus, you can better understand each segment of your client base to determine what interests them the most and what approach gets the most engagement or conversions. To avoid becoming an annoyance or white noise, aim to send your email newsletter every two weeks.

28. Email clients about two-sided referral rewards programs

Referral incentives put your happy clients to work for you. With a two-sided referral program, both your clients and their friends receive discounts or freebies for successful referrals. For example, if a new client learns about your salon from a current client, both customers receive a discount off their next service. 

Considering how powerful personal referrals can be, combine that with a tempting discount, and you make it easy for new customers to book appointments. Both your customer and their friend not only end up using your salon services, but they also engage with others about your salon and what services they used their discount for, creating a word-of-mouth campaign that works for you and keeps them coming back. A two-sided referral program offers a win for everyone involved.

29. Send thank-you emails to show your appreciation

It’s always a good idea to thank your clients for their business, whether it’s with a handwritten note or a personalized text or email. Not only can a sincere “thank you” show your customers you appreciate them, but it can also help grow your business by increasing client retention. Reiterating your gratitude through a simple note or automated email makes your client feel valued and more likely to schedule with you again.

30. Simplify appointment reminders, confirmations, and rebooking through automatic SMS responders

Once you’ve done all the hard work of gaining new customers, you want to make it easy for them to connect with your salon. SMS responders send texts to remind clients of appointments and allow them to reschedule or cancel. While also providing a personal touch, these cost-effective solutions help prevent missed appointments, reduce the burden on your scheduling staff, and allow customers to manage their bookings on their own time.

Strengthen client retention in-person

Once your salon advertising gets customers in the door, help keep them there with effective, in-person promotional tactics. The following salon marketing ideas focus on building retention, making your customers feel valued and strengthening their relationship with you.

31. Focus on curb appeal

While generating website traffic and growing your social media presence are essential steps for building your business, remember that your target audience is the people who work or live near your salon. What they see when they walk past your location will likely be their first impression of your business, so use it to your advantage. A few ways you could try to draw street traffic to your salon include:

• Posting promotions and specials in your window
• Playing mood-setting music outside your salon 
• Making sure your shop and sign are well lit
• Keeping your storefront neat and tidy

Whatever you decide to do to maximize visibility, make sure it’s still in line with your salon brand and image. 

32. Drive additional sales with gift cards

What’s better than word-of-mouth marketing? Actually having your clients gift your services to friends and family. Offering gift cards is an effective way to bring in additional income and can help drive sales even in the event of a temporary closure. Since many people perceive gift cards as “free money,” studies show that nearly 60 percent of consumers will spend more than the card’s value on goods and services. 

33. Encourage clients to spend more with express services

If you already have a full salon schedule and loyal customer base, shift your marketing efforts to increasing money spent per client. One reliable way to do this is by persuading clients to add on express services during their appointment. 

Service additions like volumizing hair treatments, hair glossing, or nail art require little additional time or product overhead, so you’re immediately increasing your net profit.

34. Offer product samples to your clients

How many half-full (or unopened) hair oils and face creams do you have tucked away in your vanity right now? We’ve all purchased beauty products we thought we’d love but end up never using. 

Save your clients the hassle (and cabinet space) by offering trial-size samples. Handing out samples of the products you used during a service is a great way to let clients “try before they buy,” building trust and increasing the likelihood of them purchasing the full product at their next appointment. 

35. Create a one-of-a-kind experience

In marketing, there’s something called a unique selling point (USP) that every business has. It’s what sets you apart from your competition, attracts new customers, and keeps them coming back. For most salons, their unique selling point lies in providing a one-of-a-kind experience that isn’t easily replicated. From candy buffets to dog-friendly amenities, there are plenty of ways to create that wow factor that’ll have all your clients talking. 

In addition to marketing your services and expertise, narrow your target market with multiple USPs — just make sure your experience is still on brand!

36. Carry exclusive products your clients can’t find anywhere else

Speaking of USPs, one salon marketing idea that’ll set you apart from your competitors is carrying and promoting exclusive products other salons don’t. You’ll increase revenue with product sales and keep fans of the products coming back for more. 

37. Simplify your pricing structure 

Even if you’re able to do it all, listing every service and add-on you can think of to your menu may overwhelm your clients. 

Our advice? Take a cue from the restaurant industry and stick to what you do best. Offer a simple menu that showcases your expertise with clear prices listed. Not only will your clients appreciate the simplicity, but you’ll also save money on product and labor costs. 
Not sure how much to charge? Check out our guide to average hair salon prices in the U.S. to get started.

38. Give out business cards after each visit

In the “oldies but goodies” category, business cards still matter in our modern online world. They effortlessly display your salon’s brand identity, demonstrate your professionalism, and distribute your contact details. As tangible objects to hold on to, business cards help customers book their next appointment (even if they’re not online) and recommend your salon to others.

39. Offer points-based loyalty programs to clients during checkout

Around 71 percent of consumers feel their loyalty programs give them important benefits, but they also give your salon a path to increased customer retention, sales, and referrals. Like punch cards and referral programs, points-based loyalty programs reward customers for doing business with your salon. You offer a set amount of points for each referral, service, or product purchase and then reward customers once they reach certain thresholds.

Loyalty programs allow you to better engage with your customers because you can describe a wider variety of products and services when explaining the point system. You can also use it as an opportunity to increase retail sales by encouraging customers to add products to their visit, which can help them earn more points.

40. Offer product discounts during checkout to returning clients

Make your returning customers feel appreciated by offering free or discounted products at checkout. Offer a free shampoo or gloss treatment with their hair service, or you can offer free polish for touch-ups after a manicure. Offering free or discounted products at checkout can help move inventory and create goodwill all while building a relationship with your customer. You now have a conversation starter at their next appointment — ask, “How did that product work out for you?”

41. Ask clients to rebook for their next visit before checkout 

By offering to rebook at checkout, you can help get your clients back in the salon before they’re even out the door. Instead of simply asking, make it part of your checkout routine to give clients a reason to rebook. 

Perhaps you let them know how quickly you get booked, or you let your clients know when you need to see them again to keep their new look fresh. No matter how you set it up, offer to conveniently get them scheduled now to increase the likelihood that your clients will return promptly.

42. Hand out punch card coupons for a reward on a client’s 10th visit

Another marketing staple, punch cards reward customers for their loyalty to your business. After their 10th visit, your salon can give out a free service or product because you know it’s much easier — and cost-effective — to keep one customer returning 10 times than to try and find 10 new customers.  

As the salon owner, consider carefully what products and services apply toward the punch card as well as the reward to give on the 10th visit. You want clients to see the value of returning, so you need to select products and services they value most. From free haircuts or manicures to free full-size products, punch cards offer a tangible token to engage your clients and market your small business.

43. Partner with local businesses to give a coupon at checkout

Pool your marketing efforts with another local business by handing out each other’s coupons at your registers. Don’t simply drop off business cards at the partner location — be sure that you frequently visit and engage with the staff. The more they know you, the more likely they are to refer their customers to you.  

While you don’t want to partner with a direct competitor, your audiences should overlap enough that their clientele could easily become yours and vice versa. Since visiting a salon should be an experience, look for businesses that can help extend that experience. Partner by location (for example, a cafe in the same shopping center as your salon) or by theme (such as a wedding planner or formal dress shop in town).

44. Provide an itemized list of the products used on the client to promote sales

To promote product purchases in your salon, provide customers with written lists of products used during their visit. Be sure to tune in as clients discuss things they enjoyed about their salon experience and highlight the product that gave them that shine, offered a great scent, stocked that vibrant nail color, and so on. 

Better than just verbally giving them a list, customers can refer to a text, an email, or printed notes when they want to buy products weeks or months later. When paired with your business card, you offer added value as well as a way for the customer to get back in touch.

45. Sponsor community events

To promote your salon business to a wider audience, you might want to sponsor a community event. Consider sponsorship to be a long-term investment. Besides creating community goodwill, at local community events, you can tap into a customer base you haven’t reached before and generate brand awareness while meeting new potential customers. 

Consider these hair salon promotion ideas that involve community sponsorship:

• Offer free haircuts during a hair donation event 
• Donate goodie bags with hair care products or service coupons to a local raffle 
• Have a toy or food drive at your salon, giving clients a discount for each item (or number of items) they bring

46. Host community events like meet-and-greets and hair tutorials

Get customers in the door with community events at your salon. Host events or create your own event so new and current customers can meet stylists and get to know your salon better. Offer practical tutorials on exciting hair or nail trends or show attendees how to do a relaxing head massage. Reward your customers and promote your brand at the same time with gifts like travel-size products or branded items like pens and nail files.

47. Throw a client appreciation event

Everyone deserves to feel special — especially your VIP clients. Once a year, plan a client appreciation event at your salon for a fun day of complimentary mini services, yummy hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and more. Engaging and treating your regulars can have a huge impact on establishing strong relationships.

48. Set up a fundraiser

Charitable events demonstrate your salon’s goodwill and help you build relationships with clients. As a salon business owner, you can set up your own fundraiser by pledging a percentage of proceeds to the charity of your choice. Per-purchase donations are a great way to bring attention to a new product or service, or give your salon a boost during a slow season. You can set the rules and timeframe that make sense for your bottom line: donate a portion of all salon services for one day, or all products for a week.

Other salon marketing strategies and tips

Before you go rushing to restructure your service menu or revamp your store window, check out these salon marketing best practices and tips to ensure your target audience gets the memo. 

49. Keep your branding consistent

Through your salon’s design, advertising strategies, social media posts, and USPs, you’ve created a unique brand image your customers can recognize and trust. When launching new services or campaigns, use consistent colors, tones, and fonts outlined in your brand guidelines to keep your image and messaging consistent.

50. Don’t be afraid to get creative

As off-the-wall as some of these marketing strategies can be, getting creative is what will get you recognized and remembered. Generate new, innovative ideas that’ll get your audience involved by asking yourself:

• What does my audience do for fun? If you’re a vegan hair studio targeting young, health-conscious women, hosting a group hike or even an in-studio yoga class can be an effective way to attract potential clients and build brand awareness. 
• How can I surprise my audience? Structuring your strategy around the element of surprise is called guerilla marketing. This can look like a temporary mural on sidewalks or buildings, secret celebrity stylist collabs, or an eyebrow-raising publicity stunt. The goal is to get people talking about your salon. 
• What’s trending now? From the ice bucket challenge to de-influencing, brands participating in popular social media trends are getting noticed — especially if they’re the ones sparking the flame. 

51. Use direct response writing 

Direct response writing is used to persuade or influence your audience to take action — think “browse our styles” or “book now.” When putting together your service pages, email campaigns, landing pages, ads, and even social media captions, double-check that you’ve included a call to action convincing readers to take the next step in their buyer journey.

Whether you want to start small or make a big splash, there are plenty of salon marketing ideas you can try for your business. Getting listed on StyleSeat will also help you grow your clientele and fill your schedule. We help you run ads, send personalized reminders, and more.