The Best Ways to Market Your Haircutting Services Online
Here’s the truth: 93% of people search online to find local businesses, and 67% prefer booking appointments online. If your salon isn’t visible online, you’re missing out on clients. Social media, Google, and email marketing are now essential tools for growing your business.
Key Takeaways:
- Build a website: Include online booking, service menus, and client testimonials.
- Leverage Google Business Profile: Keep your hours, photos, and services up-to-date.
- Use social media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are ideal for showcasing your work.
- Encourage reviews: 98% of people read reviews before choosing a local service.
- Create engaging content: Post photos, videos, and live tutorials to attract attention.
With digital marketing, you can reach more people for less money - social ads cost just $2.50 per 1,000 views compared to $28 for TV ads. Ready to grow your salon? Let’s dive into the details.
How I Grew My Clientele as a New Hairstylist Using Social Media
Setting Up Your Online Business Presence
A strong online presence can increase brand visibility by 3.5×. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get started. Begin by creating the key digital assets your business needs.
Build a Business Website
Your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of your business. A well-designed site can drive bookings, as seen with Yukie Natori New York Salon and Spa. Make sure your website includes these must-haves:
- Mobile-friendly design: Ensures a seamless experience for users on any device.
- Online booking system: Makes scheduling easy for clients.
- Clear pricing and service menus: Helps visitors understand what you offer.
- High-quality portfolio images: Show off your best work.
- Client testimonials: Build trust with potential customers.
- Contact information and directions: Make it easy for clients to find and connect with you.
Platforms like Squarespace offer salon-specific templates, making it simple to create a professional website.
Set Up Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a key role in attracting local customers. Optimizing it ensures you stand out in local searches. Focus on these elements:
| GBP Feature | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Accurate business hours | Avoids confusion and ensures clients visit at the right time. |
| Updated service menu | Helps potential clients understand your offerings. |
| Recent photos | Highlights your work and creates a welcoming impression. |
| Regular posts | Keeps your profile active and engaging. |
| Responses to reviews | Shows you care about customer feedback. |
Match Your Brand Across Platforms
Consistent branding can increase revenue by 23%. To achieve this, ensure the following:
- Use the same logo and profile picture everywhere.
- Stick to color schemes that reflect your salon’s vibe.
- Keep a consistent tone in all your communications.
- Share identical business details (hours, contact info, services) across platforms.
- Regularly update content on your website, social media, and GBP.
Consider creating a brand guide to outline font choices, color palettes, and photo styles. For example, La Maison Salon and Spa maintains a luxury feel by using cohesive imagery and messaging across their website, social media, and GBP. This creates a unified experience that appeals to their target audience.
Keep in mind that 86% of consumers say they value authenticity when choosing brands. Share genuine content like real photos of your work, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your salon to build trust while maintaining a professional image.
Social Media Marketing Basics
Social media marketing helps salons gain more visibility and connect with clients effectively.
Pick the Best Social Platforms
The success of your marketing efforts depends on choosing platforms where your ideal clients spend their time. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Platform | Best For | Key Demographics |
|---|---|---|
| Showcasing visuals like portfolios and before/after shots | 71% of users aged 18–29 | |
| TikTok | Sharing tutorials and trending styles | Younger, trend-driven audience |
| Building community and gathering reviews | Broad age range, great for local audiences | |
| Inspiring styles and creating lookbooks | Style-conscious users looking for ideas |
Once you've selected the right platforms, focus on creating posts with eye-catching photos.
Take Better Service Photos
High-quality photos make a big difference. Use these tips to step up your photography game:
- Lighting: Natural light works best, so position clients near windows. If that's not an option, a ring light can save the day.
- Composition: Shoot slightly from above, use portrait mode to blur backgrounds, and keep the setting clean and consistent (think simple backdrops like white walls).
- Editing: Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help you adjust white balance for accurate hair color, tweak brightness and contrast, and apply filters that match your brand's vibe.
Use Local Tags and Hashtags
Local tags and hashtags make it easier for nearby clients to discover your work. Use a mix of these:
| Tag Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Location | #NYCHairstylist, #BostonHair | Attract local clients |
| Service | #BalayageSpecialist, #WeddingHair | Showcase your expertise |
| Trending | #HairTransformation, #HairGoals | Gain more visibility |
Adding neighborhood-specific location tags can further refine your reach, making it easier to connect with clients in your area. This strategy increases the chances of turning casual viewers into loyal customers.
Making Effective Videos
Videos are a powerful way to showcase your salon's skills and services. They add a dynamic element to your online presence and can help attract more bookings. Just like with photos, well-made videos strengthen your brand and connect with your audience.
Record Hair Tutorial Videos
Hair tutorials are a great way to highlight your expertise. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started - a smartphone or an affordable camera like the Sony ZV-1 works well. For clear audio, consider an external microphone like the Rode smartLav+ ($79).
Here are a few tips for filming tutorials:
- Look up popular hairstyle trends to stay relevant.
- Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and at eye level.
- Rehearse your process before you start recording.
Film Your Salon and Staff
Give viewers a peek into your salon's environment and team. Use editing tools like FilmoraGo or Adobe Clip to make your videos look polished. Create content such as a quick salon tour, introductions to your staff, or time-lapse videos of hair transformations. To get the best results, film during quieter times and gather extra footage of stylists, products, and client reactions.
Run Live Social Media Sessions
Live streaming is an excellent way to connect with your audience in real-time. Platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live let you interact directly with potential clients. To make your live sessions engaging:
- Plan 20-30 minute sessions on topics like "Quick Morning Hairstyles" or "Color Consultation Tips." Announce them at least a week in advance.
- Set up consistent lighting, a clean background, and use a dedicated audio recorder (like the Zoom H1n) for better sound quality.
- Interact with viewers by addressing them by name, answering their questions, and using polls or Q&A features to keep things lively.
Managing Customer Reviews
Online reviews play a major role in your salon's success - over 98% of consumers read reviews for local businesses. A strong review profile doesn’t just attract new clients; it builds trust in your services. Incorporate these review strategies into your online marketing to strengthen client engagement.
While growing your social media presence, don’t overlook the importance of managing customer reviews to maintain and enhance your reputation.
List Your Business on Review Platforms
Make sure your salon is listed on major review platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook to improve local visibility. Keep your profiles updated with current photos, business hours, and service details. If possible, add direct booking links to make it even easier for potential clients to connect with you.
"We have gotten the most reviews we've ever had since moving to Phorest. Clients truly love to share their experience, and it helps us understand what improvements to make, if any. I never realized how important reviews were, but they connect you so much to the client." - Lisa Yaldoo & Olivia Shouenyia, Owners, The Beauty Lounge
Respond to Client Reviews
Did you know that 45% of consumers prefer businesses that respond promptly to negative reviews? For positive reviews, thank the client, mention specifics from their feedback, and invite them to return. For negative reviews, aim to respond within 24 hours. Use the client’s name, acknowledge their concerns, offer a solution, and move the conversation offline for detailed resolution.
"In the customer's mind the clock starts when he or she posts a negative review, and your reputation drops with every hour you delay providing a response. Bad reviews that remain unanswered signal to other customers you are disinterested." - Chip Bell, Customer Service Expert
Encourage Clients to Leave Reviews
Ask for reviews right after appointments using tools like QR codes, automated follow-ups, or friendly in-person requests. Research shows 76% of clients asked to leave a review actually do.
Take D. Anthony Hair Studio as an example - they increased their reviews from 13 to 230 by adopting this proactive approach.
To streamline this process, set up a review management system that includes:
- Automated follow-up messages
- Direct links to review sites
- Staff training on how and when to ask for reviews
- Regular monitoring of review platforms
- Pre-written templates for responding to feedback
Share glowing reviews on your social media channels to amplify their impact. Positive reviews can boost conversion rates - up to 40x on Facebook and 8.4x on X (formerly Twitter). By consistently engaging with your clients' feedback, you’ll not only grow your review count but also strengthen your salon’s reputation.
Conclusion
Promote your haircutting services online with a well-planned, multi-channel digital approach. With 76% of people favoring online bookings, digital marketing has become a must-have for salon growth. The basics outlined here provide a roadmap for improving your salon's online visibility and performance.
Consistency in branding helps build trust and recognition. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showcasing your work. Industry expert Stephanie Mitchell advises:
"The best thing you can do is focus your efforts on smart marketing. Choose the most effective things that can bring you the most attention, clients, and revenue and work on those."
Leverage SMS and email for client communication - SMS messages have an impressive 98% open rate. Automated booking systems also make scheduling easier for clients and help streamline your operations.
Here’s a quarterly plan to guide your efforts:
| Quarter | Focus Area | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Foundation Building | Optimize your website and Google Business Profile |
| Q2 | Social Media Growth | Create a content calendar and plan photo/video strategies |
| Q3 | Review Management | Set up a review system and use response templates |
| Q4 | Client Retention | Run SMS/email campaigns and improve booking systems |
Build a strong online presence by creating an engaging digital storefront, sharing compelling social content, and responding thoughtfully to client feedback. These strategies will help you attract new clients and keep them coming back.
