29 Salon Marketing Ideas to Boost Your Business

Coming up with fresh and impactful salon marketing ideas is hard. Between juggling your daily responsibilities as a salon owner, managing employees, servicing clients, and taking care of taxes it’s completely normal to run out of inspiration when it comes to marketing. 

But if you want to attract new customers to your salon and increase the perceived value of your services, your marketing has to be top-notch. Hair and beauty industries are saturated with local businesses and everyone is fighting for customers. Because of that, the bar is high and it’s not enough to just offer a great service to customers. You need to step up and make salon marketing your imperative. 

In this guide, we’ve prepared some of the best salon marketing ideas that actually work and will help you attract the desired audience. 

Salon Marketing Through Branding

Maintain consistent salon branding

Maybe you think it’s a great idea to experiment with your salon branding and switch things up from time to time. But that’s a bad salon marketing idea. The branding aspect of your salon has to be consistent across all marketing channels. There should be a uniform color scheme for all your marketing platforms, making your salon business recognizable online and offline.

But branding is not all about colors and logos. Everything about your salon tells customers what your brand is about. So it’s important to know your salon’s unique story, mission, vision, and unique selling points, as they can all be used as a part of different salon marketing promotion ideas.

What impression would you like your salon to give? Choose a theme to represent that. You can try salon themes like edgy, calm, wacky, artistic, indie, or abstract. Don’t forget to tailor your branding to the customers you want to attract!

Consistent branding is one of the essential free salon marketing ideas for expanding your business. It will help separate your business from the crowd. This adds value to your salon, enabling you to charge higher prices.

When customers see your hair or beauty salon as different, they tend to tell their friends about your business. This boosts your word-of-mouth marketing. 

Developing a unique brand identity will help you create a memorable and cohesive brand image. Once you do that, emphasize your salon’s unique selling points such as particular service, specialized techniques, or exceptional customer experience. It’s important to promote these across all channels of communication, from your own website to social media and other channels. 

Salon Marketing Ideas Across Web

Create optimized website

People rely on Google when they search for things that interest them. Because of that, having a website is a key marketing tool.

One of the most important salon marketing ideas is to create a well-optimized and designed website that resonates with your audience and satisfies Google’s search engine.

The best way to have your salon website show on search results is to add service pages and keywords to it. Use these pages to describe the various services you offer. It’s important to create individual pages for each of your main salon services. Ensure the title of each page is the name of the service described on the page and incorporate keywords. To reach a broader audience, link your social media accounts to your website.

Doing all this helps Google understand your salon website’s relevance. This causes Google to show your website when people search for related words. Developing an engaging website for your salon is crucial because it’s often the first point of contact with potential customers. The key things you should pay attention to are:

• Easy navigation
• Relevant information, from services and prices to contact details
• High-quality visuals of the salon, employees, and happy customers
• Customer testimonials and reviews

Make a Google Business profile

Creating a Google Business profile is a powerful marketing strategy for capturing the clientele looking for a salon near them. You need to set up a detailed profile and ensure your salon appears in local search results and Google Maps. This will make it easier for potential clients to find you. 

Include essential information such as your location, working hours, services offered, and contact details. Additionally, include some high-quality photos and current promotions to further boost your online presence. 

Leveraging this free tool will improve your salon’s searchability and help you show your professionalism. 

Prompt clients to leave a review

When someone is trying to find a new salon, they don’t just look at the top Google results. Another really important source of information is reviews. When you have a website and Google business profile, existing clients get to share their experience with your salon online. 

New potential customers will surely take a look at what others have said and how satisfied they were. To make sure you’re leaving a good impression on them, prompt your regular client to leave a review. Highlight what this means for your salon, and if they are hesitant, try giving them some incentives so they are more likely to help you out.

Blog all about it

Designate a blog section on the salon’s website and publish high-quality content that will appeal to potential clients.

You may think many people will just skip over this content, but that’s not the case. Keeping a blog gives you more chances of ranking well on Google. As potential customers read your blogs and gain interest in your hair or beauty salon, you build trust and bring them one step closer to booking an appointment. 

You can touch upon different topics of interest, write a blog about new trends in haircuts, birthday gift ideas, or wedding gift ideas that include your services.

Not only do blogs help drive traffic to your website, but they also help with lead generation and establish your authority as a beauty professional.

Here are a few salon blog ideas:

• Recommend helpful hair products and tools
• Give beauty advice
• Give makeup tutorials
• Give skin care tips
• Give hair styling ideas

Use email as a salon marketing strategy

Communication is an important factor in fostering client relationships. So, if you run a salon business, it’s important to encourage meaningful communication with your clients. But how can you do that?

Email marketing is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. Once you build your email list, it’s always yours, while social media accounts belong to the platform. 

The best salon email marketing ideas include creating a newsletter and sharing different promotional deals. Personalizing these messages can do wonders for your business. The main benefit of email marketing is that clients tend to re-book more often, increasing customer retention. 

Here are a few examples of salon email marketing:

• Sending a thank you to a new client
• Sending birthday greetings 
• Sending reminders about hair product inventory
• Sending a reminder when a client hasn’t been in for a hair appointment in a while

Navigating this communication channel also doesn’t have to be complicated, as the whole process can be automated. So, if you are looking for new salon marketing ideas, this may be your route.

However, you should avoid sending generic or sale emails. These go directly to spam or get deleted by clients. Personalize your emails by using content such as staff images, stories, etc. This helps your clients feel more connected to you. 

Lastly, including different email marketing ideas in your marketing approach can help you forge stronger connections with your clients and improve their loyalty.

Campaigns And Loyalty Programs

Referral discounts

Image by freepik

Referral and loyalty discounts are one of the greatest salon marketing ideas to boost customer retention and loyalty while attracting new customers as well.

For example: refer one new customer and get 20% off your next appointment.

Or consider teaming up with local businesses for referral schemes. For example: refer a new customer to (name of salon) and get 20% off goods at (name of local business).

A ‘refer-a-friend program’ is an inexpensive marketing tactic for a salon with a small marketing budget.

Develop targeted marketing campaigns

You can develop targeted marketing campaigns to reach specific segments of your customer base. E.g. create campaigns for special events such as weddings, proms, or holidays and incorporate salon holiday marketing ideas to offer special packages and deals during periods when people are more likely to splurge. 

You can publish targeted campaigns on various channels including email marketing, social media advertising, your website, and local newspapers and magazines. 

Include loyalty programs

To keep customers, it is essential to make them feel appreciated. Show your clients that you value their loyalty to your salon through loyalty programs. For example: After ten appointments, give customers a discount on the 11th.

Another great salon marketing idea to boost loyalty is giving long-time customers the original price when the prices of your salon services increase. Let them know this is because you value their loyalty.

Increasing customer loyalty is vital in business, and your salon can easily capitalize on this. When you reward customers, you encourage repeat business and also generate word-of-mouth referrals. 

Use gift certificates

Gift certificates are an excellent tool for both marketing your salon and boosting your revenue. Here is how they work: clients purchase a gift certificate for a certain amount of money or for a specific service and later on gift them to other people in their lives. They can be promoted as ideal gifts for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, providing a way for clients to share their experience of your salon with friends and family. 

To maximize their effectiveness, create visually appealing certificates for various amounts. Lastly, don’t forget to promote them on your website, social media channels, and in-salon displays so you can drive more attention and sales. 

Implement service add-ons

If you are looking to increase your revenue and further engage existing customers, service add-ons can be a great way to achieve both. They are additional services or products offered alongside the primary treatment a customer is getting. For example, you can offer scalp massage with a haircut or a nourishing hair mask. Add-ons are a great way to customize a customer’s experience and offer them a more luxurious visit.

But, in order to effectively promote these additional services, you need to train your staff to suggest them during customer appointments. You can also easily add them to your online booking system and add them on their own.

Give out product samples

Most salons have exclusive products they use and sell, and if you are looking for a way to market them, giving out samples is the perfect marketing strategy. Your staff should inform customers of everything they are using, and if the client likes the results, they will likely ask to purchase the product. Samples allow clients to experience the quality of your products firsthand, which can lead to increased interest and sales. 

You can easily distribute them during special promotions or give them out during a client’s visit. Don’t forget to include information about the product’s benefits and how it can be used. This strategy will also help you increase client satisfaction, as people love getting freebies.

Create salon SMS campaigns

Running salon SMS campaigns is a great idea if you want to increase the chances of customers hearing what you want to say. This channel can be used to send limited promotional deals or special events. It’s also useful for product recommendations to boost retail sales. Have an open slot due to a cancellation? Use SMS to quickly let your customers know. Truthfully, there is so much you can do in terms of customer engagement if you leverage this channel the right way.

No other marketing tool offers the same click-through and open rate. SMS marketing is among the most effective ways to get your salon marketing messages to clients. You can even express gratitude by saying, “Thank you for being a great client“ or wishing them a happy birthday.

Events and Promotions

Host an event in the salon

A fun salon marketing idea that gets your name out there is to host an event in your salon. A little publicity goes a long way, and hosting events is a good way to publicize your salon. You can create digital business cards with event schedule details and contact information and share them across all channels like your website, and social media platforms. 

You can try hosting pamper parties for charity, for a birthday, or bachelorettes.

You can also try hosting pamper parties for charity, birthdays, or bachelorettes. This exposes your salon to new potential customers and helps you bond with current clients.

Take advantage of special days like clients’ anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Black Friday, New Year’s, and Christmas. These are ideal times to host events in your salon or to invite local businesses to do so. For example:

• For a Mother’s Day event give a discount of 20% off for all mother’s hair spas.
• For Valentine’s and proms try offering teen clients a free manicure with every haircut. This guarantees an increase in customer traffic to your salon.
• For customers’ birthdays and anniversaries try offering free blow dry or facials with their hair appointment. This will make them feel valued and special.
• For Black Friday, offer a free blow-dry with facial and hair appointments. This tends to attract women in their mid-20s.

Collaborate with local influencers

Besides partnering with local businesses, collaborating with local influencers to boost your salon’s exposure is also a great idea. They can promote your business on their social media platforms and attract new customers to check out your salon. This brings a fair deal of exposure and tells people who are not aware of your salon what you’re all about.

However, this particular salon social media marketing idea can be pricey and may not give you the best results if you don’t select good influencers to collaborate with.

Teach a class or workshop

Teaching a class or a workshop boosts the image of your salon and shows you as an expert in the field.

You could host the classes or workshops in your salon,  as well as partner with local colleges and community centers to offer grooming and beauty classes.

Here are a few tips for grooming classes/beauty workshops:

• Teach a braiding or easy up-do class for at-home styling
• Teach a ’Single Fathers workshop’ to help single dads learn how to style and care for their little girl’s hair
• Teach a shaving and grooming class for teenage boys

Salon Marketing Ideas for Social Media

Create a Facebook community

Believe it or not, Facebook remains a powerful platform for building a loyal client base. There are many salon marketing ideas for Facebook specifically but start by creating a dedicated community page for your salon. This way, you’ll be able to engage with clients, share updates, promote special offers, and foster a sense of belonging among your customers.

Regularly post engaging content such as behind-the-scenes looks, client testimonials, and haircare tips to keep your audience interested and active. Interacting with members through comments and messages will help strengthen relationships and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

Set up a photo op area in your salon

Image by freepik

People love taking selfies and a hair and beauty salon can benefit from this trend. Set up a mini photo area within your salon and encourage your clients to post pics on their social media platforms.

A selfie area is a fun experience for your clients. But you have to keep a few things in mind to make this salon marketing idea a successful one:

• Great lighting is a must. 
• Use a neutral wall or a personalized background with your salon logo and social media handle.
• Include props like a salon hashtag cutout or image in the background to promote your salon.
• Ask clients to use the same hashtag when posting so that all the posts will appear under it.
• Encourage customers to take and post a few pics before leaving the salon. After all, it’s when they feel and look their best that they’ll be willing to share.

Create engaging video content

Video is one of the most popular communication tools today. Viewers spend millions of hours of their time watching YouTube and other social media platforms. Using this salon marketing idea is sure to give you a boost in appointment bookings. Here are two types of videos to use.

A salon tour video

Your current clients know and trust you. This trust relationship is essential for a salon to be successful and it is developed through interaction and communication.

To help cultivate such a relationship with potential customers create a video that shows you, your team, and your salon. Post it on social media and embed it on your salon’s website.

An explainer video

People prefer to watch interesting shorts rather than long videos.

A short engaging video or mini-shoot during a customer’s session helps you connect with prospective clients. Be sure to get the customer’s permission before filming and uploading.

Depending on your budget you can hire a salon marketing agency to produce and edit the video for you. Otherwise, you can ask a friend to record the video with a later-model smartphone.

Upload it to social media such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube and on your salon’s website. This salon marketing idea is sure to impact your conversion rates of website visitors into new clients.

Create engaging social media content

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are great for engaging with your audience in two-way communication and showcasing your salon’s expertise. By sharing interactive content such as Q&A, high-quality photos, employee spotlights, and educational videos, as well as user-generated content, you’ll build relationships with potential clients and convert them into actual clients.

Another great salon marketing idea is to run contests and giveaways. Organizing them on social platforms will boost your visibility, increase brand awareness, and skyrocket engagement. Offer a free makeover or any other service you provide to a lucky winner to spread the word about your salon. 

Salon Marketing Ideas for Advertising

Local advertising for salons

Although we live in a digital era, newspapers, magazines, and other print publications are still among the top marketing ideas for beauty and hair salons. 

Salon owners can pay for a listing or an ad in the next issue or on their websites. Be sure to include the unique features of your salon. E.g. your selfie area or specialized techniques.

Local papers love local stories. So if you have an intriguing and relevant story there is a high chance they’ll feature you and your salon. Tell the story of how your salon started or why you offer particular types of services the competition does not.

Maybe you have an expert grasp of a particular beauty topic. Why not ask to write an article for their blog and ask for a link back to your website in exchange?

Create business cards

Business cards are a classic yet effective tool for promoting your salon and establishing a professional image. They offer a tangible way for potential clients to remember your contact information and services.

Design your cards to reflect your salon’s brand, using your logo, colors, and a clean layout. Include essential details such as your salon’s name, address, phone number, website, and social media handles.

Hand out these cards at community events, display them at your salon, and share them with other local businesses. Consider adding a special offer or discount code on the back to encourage new clients to book an appointment.

Increase your salon street’s visibility

When focusing on your local advertising efforts, enhancing your salon’s street visibility is crucial. People need to be able to find your salon in order to actually come in. Start with a well-lit signature that draws attention both day and night. Invest in engaging window displays or street signs to capture the interest of pedestrians. 

Lastly, if local regulations allow, consider placing banners or posters in high-traffic areas nearby. Also, ensure your salon’s exterior is clean and well-maintained, as a tidy and welcoming appearance can attract potential clients. 

Digital advertising for salons

Run time-sensitive promotions

For promotions to be intriguing they need to be time-sensitive, exclusive, or limited in supply. For example, you can hire a B2B PR firm to run a promotion for ’one week only’ where new clients receive a gift card or discount.

No salon owner wants to lose profit by giving too many discounts. The solution is to offer more than one service as a package, only available for a limited time. Then include the discount in the package.

Be sure to make your promotion sound so attractive that people don’t want to pass it up. When they learn about the promotion they should say to themselves “Oh my gosh, this is only available until X time. I have to get this.”

Facebook ads

Some beauty salon owners have had little success with boosted posts on Facebook. However, if done right, Facebook ads are useful for salon marketing and attracting new clients.

What does one need to do to benefit from Facebook advertising? Here are 5 points to keep in mind to get it right:

• Use friendly and personalized language
• Use short video clips instead of still pictures
• Run time-sensitive promotions and include a call to action button.
• Use Facebook Ads Manager to keep track of the metrics and analyze the numbers as frequently as possible
• Change the text copy and creatives timely. This optimizes your ad campaign and helps you get more clients.

A great feature of Facebook advertising is that it allows you to target audiences based on interest. For example, one can target an audience with an upcoming birthday via an ad that reads, “Treat Yourself!” Or try targeting people who are engaged with an ad that reads, “Let Us Pamper You for Your Big Day!”

Salon advertising via Instagram

Instagram is great for promoting your brand. It’s not only a form of free salon promotion that shows off your business via your posts, photography style, and filters and colors you use, but also a great paid advertising platform.

Leverage it by showing off a portfolio of your work to a wider audience. Be sure to include your booking form in Instagram ads as a call to action for clients who contemplate making an appointment.

Email newsletters

Are you looking for a way to further engage with your audience and encourage repeat business? Well, email newsletters may just be the tool you need. Well-crafted newsletters can help you inform your clients of new promotions, services, or products you are offering. However, don’t turn them into a sales pitch, as they will just get deleted. The key is to strike the right balance between promoting your business and fostering a deeper relationship with the clients. 

In this communication channel, personalization is crucial, as it makes your clients feel valued. Make sure your newsletters are visually appealing and easy to read on both desktop and mobile devices. Include clear calls to action, such as booking an appointment or redeeming a special offer, to see immediate effects.

TikTok ads

TikTok took the world by storm a few years ago, and the hype around it keeps growing. With its engaging, short-form video content, it offers a unique opportunity for salons to reach diverse audiences. However, you do need some video editing knowledge or additional help if you want to reach your full potential, as the market is already saturated.

TikTok has a huge user base, and through ads, you can easily filter out the ones who are most likely to become your future clients. 

Google Ads

A salon website that is optimized for search engines may still not appear at the top of Google’s search results. SEO takes time and it’s a long-term game. What can you, as a salon owner, do to ensure the salon’s website shows up on top?

Use Google’s ad service to run paid search campaigns. Google Ads are pay-per-click search engine results. These appear when people do a Google search for relevant keywords.

This means if someone searches for a hair salon located in your area Google will show your salon website at the top in an ad form. A normal search engine result and a Google Ad differ. A Google Ad displays the word “Ad” in green under the ad title.

This salon marketing idea enables you to target people who do not know about your salon but are looking for the services you offer. This empowers you to reach only serious clients who are ready to pay. And the best thing about it? You only pay when people click on your ad.

To reduce the number of people who click your ad without becoming customers, only show it to those likely to book you. This can be done by making the ads visible only to customers within a certain distance from your hair salon. When setting up a search campaign, be as specific as possible. Explain your services. Include what makes your beauty or hair salon different from competitors in your area, and add a link to your contact and gallery web pages.

Put These Salon Marketing Ideas into Action and Get Booked 24/7

These salon marketing ideas are sure to help you retain existing customers and attract new ones. By shifting your focus to branding, web presence, campaigns, social media, local events, and advertising, you’ll enhance your salon visibility, attract new customers, and inspire customer loyalty.

It’s important to regularly analyze and tailor your marketing strategy based on salon industry trends and real-life data to stay ahead of competitors. But if you’re patient and consistent, you’ll get booked 24/7.

And a salon booking solution, like Trafft, can help you further enhance customer experience, leading to long-term loyalty. With an easy-to-use interface and intuitive dashboard, you can analyze whether your salon marketing ideas work. You also have an overview of new customers, the most popular services, and repeat customers.

But the best thing about Trafft is how easy it is for customers to schedule appointments and even get appointment reminders. Scheduling takes only a minute or two, and your booking website is 100% customizable to fit your salon branding.

Try Trafft for free and reap the benefits of this powerful salon management software.