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Discover all the tools you need to grow your business like a pro — scheduling, reminders, payments, and more.
Discover all the tools you need to grow your business like a pro — scheduling, reminders, payments, and more.
Many talented hairstylists hold back from opening their own salon because they’re afraid they won’t be able to build a strong clientele quickly enough. It's a common fear, but the truth is that with the right strategy, you can grow your client base faster than you think.
While it can take up to two years to build a solid client list, smart and consistent marketing can cut that time in half. The amount of time it'll take depends on multiple things like the type of salon you run, its location, your marketing approach, and most importantly, your level of commitment.
Having a strong branding, paying attention to community engagement and exceptional customer service will help you accelerate your growth. If you’re willing to show up consistently and market yourself intentionally, you’ll start attracting your ideal clients sooner than you might expect.
We’ve put together 9 simple yet powerful tips to help you attract new clients and start building your clientele right away.
One of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to grow your salon clientele is through word-of-mouth marketing. Most of your existing clients love your work, and chances are they’re talking about it. Turn that praise into real growth by giving them a reason to refer their friends, family, or coworkers. Offer a simple reward for every successful referral, like 15% off their next appointment or a free add-on service such as a deep conditioning treatment or scalp massage.
To make the program effective you'll have to promote it everywhere in your salon, on your website, and across social media so everyone will be aware of it. Also, you have to make referrals as easily as possible. Hand out business cards, providing a sharable QR code, or give clients a digital referral link they can text or DM.
💡Pro tip: Always reward both the referrer and the new client. Offering an incentive on both sides will increase the likelihood of coming in again and become loyal customers.
About 71% of people choose a beauty or cosmetology salon based on social media, with 61% guided by photos posted on socials. So, social media platforms are a great way to build an online portfolio to showcase your talent, build credibility, and attract new clients.
Posting regular content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook helps you highlight your expertise and attract the right audience. Share a mix of content such as before-and-after transformations, behind-the-scenes footage from your salon, styling tutorials, and client testimonials. These visuals give potential clients a sense of your aesthetic, your technique, and what kind of results they can expect.
To increase your reach, cross-post your content across multiple platforms and tag clients, brands, and products when relevant. But make sure to ask for permission from your clients before posting videos or pictures with them on your accounts.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to build your online presence faster you can consider investing in paid ads or working with a marketing specialist to run targeted promotions in your area. You can also explore micro-influencer marketing by inviting loyal clients with engaged followings to post about their experience with you.
💡Pro tip: Your personal appearance both online and in person helps you building trust and attracting more clients. As a hair stylist or salon owner, your hair should reflect the quality of your work. When your hair looks amazing people have a taste of your style and you’ll look like an ambassador of your services.
New clients haven’t met you yet. They haven’t seen your work or built trust in your skills. So, your first goal is to grab their attention and give them a reason to try your services. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by offering a limited-time deal. Whether it’s a discounted haircut, a free add-on, or a mini treatment, giving them a low-commitment chance to experience what you offer makes it easy for them to say yes.
Just be thoughtful in how you present it. You want your offer to feel exclusive and exciting, and not look desperate. People like confidence and professionalism, so frame your offer as a special opportunity rather than a plea for business.
If you haven’t already, setting up a Google Business Profile is a must. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to get found by new clients. When someone searches for “hair salon near me,” you want your salon name to pop up with great photos, glowing reviews, and easy-to-find contact info. It’s completely free and helps you show up on Google Maps and local search results. Make sure to add your services, hours, location, website link, and of course, some eye-catching images of your work.
💡Pro tip: After setting up your Google Business Profile, take it a step further by connecting your online booking page with Reserve with Google. This allows both new and returning clients to see your services and book appointments directly from your Google listing.
A 2023 survey found that businesses that implemented online booking systems saw an average revenue boost of 27%, with some local businesses experiencing increases as high as 120%. So, creating a booking website is one of the smartest moves a hair salon business owner can make to consistently attract new clients. Rather than requiring clients to call, text, or DM, a booking website allows them to view your availability, pick a time, and book in just a few clicks any time of day or night.
An online booking website also helps you stand out by showcasing professionalism. With customizable service menus, staff bios, pricing details, photo galleries, and business information, your booking page becomes a mini-website that builds trust and gives potential clients all the information they need to feel confident booking with you. You can even link your booking system to your Instagram and Facebook pages, making it super easy for new clients to make an appointment.
Plus, software like Goldie lets you manage your calendar, avoid last-minute gaps, send automatic reminders, and reduce no-shows. You can even personalize your booking link, include your logo and business image, and set policies like cancellation windows and booking notice times.
Reviews play a huge role in helping potential clients decide whether to visit your salon. In fact, 74% of consumers trust in businesses that have positive Google reviews. The more positive feedback you gather, the easier it is to share and promote your salon across social media and your website. Be sure to kindly ask your clients to leave reviews and testimonials on platforms where people are actively searching for salons like your Google, Yelp, or Facebook profile.
Good salon marketing is all about building trust and strong relationships, so always respond thoughtfully to reviews, even the negative ones. We know negative reviews can be tough, but don’t let them discourage you. We’ve even written some tips on how to respond to negative reviews effectively.
Identify your niche to clearly showcase what sets you apart from the competition and get your more clients. This could mean specializing in sustainable products, becoming an expert in balayages, focusing exclusively on bridal hair and wedding party styles, or catering specifically to busy professionals who need quick, stylish looks. The more specific you get, the easier it is to attract clients who are looking exactly for what you offer.
Shout your talent and niche loud and proud! Use your social media platforms to share before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and educational content related to your specialty. For example, post styling tips for maintaining balayage at home or highlight your process for creating flawless wedding updos. On your website and marketing materials, emphasize your unique selling points so potential clients instantly know why they should choose you.
To make your clients come back encourage them to book their next appointment before they leave the salon. Offering standing appointments is especially helpful for services that require regular upkeep, such as hair coloring, perming, or relaxing treatments. Most stylists recommend scheduling trims or touch-ups every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the service.
To make staying on schedule easy, send friendly reminders prompting clients to book their next visit or reminding them of upcoming appointments. Keep your messages light, clear, and with simple calls to action that make booking effortless.
Many businesses nearby face the same challenge of building their clientele. If you take a walk around your salon’s neighborhood, you’ll likely spot other salons, health clubs, cafés, and more which could be great sources of new clients for you.
Look for businesses that are close to your location and share a similar customer base. While you want to avoid direct competitors, partnering with complementary businesses can be very beneficial. For example, you can team up with a nearby nail salon that could help both of you attract more clients.
💡Pro tip: Whenever you step out of your salon, make sure to carry some business cards. You never know when you might meet a potential client or a valuable business partner.
There’s no single magic potion that will bring in all new customers and turn them into loyal clients. The key is to experiment, test different approaches, and discover what resonates most with your hair salon and your clients. Keep testing new strategies, and over time, you’ll build a strong clientele.
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