25+ Salon Marketing Ideas to Attract New Clients!

13. Focus on salons gift card promotions

Salon gift cards, certificates or vouchers are a great marketing tool. The sales are maximum during the holiday season.

A lot of salon owners wonder how to boost gift voucher sales. Well, there is no magic mantra.

Just don’t confine them to a dark cupboard. To attract new clients to your salon, you need to ensure everyone knows you sell these and keep them at your front-desk at eye level.

You can’t passively wait for clients to ask about gift cards. You got to go out there and market them.

Firstly, if you want gift vouchers in your salon to sell like hotcakes, they need to play the part.

It should not resemble a supermarket discount coupon. Instead, it should look like a luxury salon gift card.

Remember, a lot of people give these in the form of presents. It should be something special with all the details mentioned and some branding of course.

Firstly, if you want gift vouchers in your salon to sell like hotcakes, they need to play the part.

It should not resemble a supermarket discount coupon. Instead, it should look like a luxury salon gift card.

Remember, a lot of people give these in the form of presents. It should be something special with all the details mentioned and some branding of course.

You could also place the gift card in a nice carrier or envelope. It should be something that reflects your hair and beauty brand.

Once your gift card looks inviting, it’s time to promote it. Choose your words carefully and focus on the gift card recipient.

To create buzz around it, promote them everywhere. Start with your website.

You can even sell them online in the form of digital gift cards. A dedicated voucher page should help you drive sales.

You can have ready vouchers in fixed amounts and give customers the option to figure the denomination. Make sure you mention the terms and conditions clearly.

Vouchers sell the most during the holiday season. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are a few holidays where people want to buy vouchers for gifting.

Make sure you highlight them on your social media accounts and mention how they can be purchased too.

When you actively selling your gift cards it would be great salon marketing trick, more people will buy them and hence, your salon will witness better traffic and new faces constantly.

14. Ask for feedback/reviews

You’d be surprised to know that reviews and feedback can actually grow your business. A lot of new clients are hesitant to try out a salon.

But, when they read positive feedback about your business online, they feel reassured.

Thus, if you want to attract new faces, ask your existing clients to leave reviews. If you’re finding it difficult getting reviews, there are ways of doing it.

You can get reviews from happy clients by rewarding them a little. How about giving them a service upgrade on their next visit or a product sample?

Another way of going about it is striking while the iron is hot.

When a client in your salon says they love their new look or haircut, ask them if they wouldn’t mind posting a review about your salon online.

17. Embrace technology to boost salons sales

As already discussed, the beauty industry is a competitive space. If you want your brand to grow, you need to keep pace with changing trends.

If you want to boost sales, adopting latest technology is imperative. It will help run every aspect of your business.

In today’s day and age, businesses are heavily relying on automation. Whether it’s getting free salon software or changing the appointment booking process, more salon owners are relying on tech tools to transform their business.

Salon appointment scheduling software is the most popular. Gone are the days where there would be a person at the front desk taking appointments or receiving calls.

Today, the entire process is automated. Online booking gives customers the freedom to schedule an appointment anytime and from anywhere. It is super seamless and convenient.

Also, it gives no room for error since the client is doing it himself. Since the booking is made online, customers can also tweak/modify the booking.

A major reason why salon owners prefer online booking is because it sends out automated appointment reminders to the client via SMS and email. It reduces no-shows, cancellations and missed appointments.

Besides an online appointment system, salon management software has also become increasingly popular.

It helps a salon owner with appointment scheduling, inventory, client data, employee performance and payroll, retail, marketing and every other mundane task.

It injects efficiency into the salon, simplifies operations and boosts revenue. Other technology that is popular in the salon space includes virtual imaging, webcam consultation, artificial intelligence and online learning resources.

18. Enable online booking/appointment scheduling

Appointment scheduling is something we all dread. Whether it’s finding a number or waiting on the phone line, scheduling an appointment over the phone isn’t always the most pleasant experience.

Thankfully, technology is transforming the way our daily operations run. Whether it’s booking a cab or buying groceries, everything can be done at the touch of a button.

Similarly, in the salon space too, clients can now schedule their appointments using online booking software.

It’s quick, seamless, and hassle-free. There are enormous benefits of using salon appointment scheduling system.

Since the software is automated, clients can schedule an appointment anytime and from anywhere.

They can book 24/7 without the interference of a receptionist. All they need to do is check the calendar availability and book a slot that fits their schedule.

Once the appointment has been booked, they immediately get a confirmation message. Also, not just this, a major reason salon owners prefer online booking is because the system sends out automated SMS and email reminders to the clients before the appointment.

This significantly reduces no-shows, cancellations and missed appointments. Another surprising benefit of salon booking software is that when customers book online, they tend to spend more.

This is because they get time to go through the menu and choose the services they want. With a phone appointment, customers are not always aware of the services a salon offers.

Secondly, it improves customer experience and your salon revenue.

For a salon that is struggling to retain customers, online booking is the way to go. When you’re a new salon in the market, customers are usually hesitant to try you for the first time.

However, when you give them a chance to book online, they get used to scheduling appointments online and skimming through your menu.

Thus, the ease of online booking is helping salons attract more clients and simultaneously boost their overall bottom line.

For a salon that is struggling to retain customers, online booking is the way to go. When you’re a new salon in the market, customers are usually hesitant to try you for the first time.

However, when you give them a chance to book online, they get used to scheduling appointments online and skimming through your menu.

Thus, the ease of online booking is helping salons attract more clients and simultaneously boost their overall bottom line.

19. Train your salons team well

Customers may be the lifeblood of your business but your team is equally important. Without them, you’re nothing.

Thus, if you want to attract new clients to your salon, you need to ensure you train your team well.

Since they are the ones who are going to be servicing the client, they should know what to say and what not to.

The experience your stylist gives them determines whether they will come back to your salon or not.

Hold training sessions for your team at least once a month. Communicate with them your current objectives and what you intend to achieve.

Teach them how to greet a client when he/she enters, how to communicate during the service and how to maintain basic etiquette.

All this will impact whether a client returns to the salon or not. As a salon owner, it’s your job to ensure that your staff is always motivated. Give them incentives, take them for work lunches, and praise them to keep them happy.

When you make your team a part of your brand, they too will want to see you flourish and thrive. To boost sales, you can even train your team on techniques such as cross-selling and upselling.

Make sure they have the right knowledge of a particular treatment or service. It can be downright embarrassing if they’re not aware of something in front of a client.

However, don’t let the fear of not knowing something misguide the client. If you have salon software for your brand, you must also train your team on how to use it.

Keeping them abreast of the latest technology and industry trends will make them shine in front of your clients.

And, when your potential clients hear that you have such an experienced team, they too will want to visit your salon.

20. Re-evaluate your salons retail strategy

Salon marketing isn’t just about selling your services. It’s also about marketing your retail products.

If you’re looking for a simple yet effective technique to bring clients through the door, think retail. However, for that to happen, you need to get the word out.

Whether you sell shampoos, conditioners or any other beauty products, you need to let your clients know. The items that clients love the most should get your time and attention.

For items that are near to expiry, you can even run a buy-one-get-one offer. Product bundles are extremely popular too. You can pair different products and sell them at a flat-rate.

Send out SMS and email newsletters to let your clients know you’ve just received a fresh stock of retail products.

These days, everybody desires salon-like hair at home. Capitalise on this and see how your retail sells like hotcakes.

If your salon is launching a new product, you can even run an in-store event. A lot of people like to try and buy. For their sake, organize an interactive and informative event.

Collaborate with the vendor or supplier to host a beauty event in your premises. You can offer trials or even organise a giveaway during the event. Remember, the purpose is for your clients to understand the product. If they like it, they will definitely want to buy it.

Another way to boost your salon retail is by selling online and encouraging your stylists to upsell. Stylists are the people who connect clients to your salon. A client in a chair trusts a stylist with everything they say.

Thus, if you want to level-up your sales, train your staff adequately. They can casually mention the product during the service which will make the client want to try/buy it immediately.

Once you re-evaluate your retail strategy, you will definitely be able to increase your monthly revenue.

21. Run a recommend-a-friend scheme in your salon

A salon referral program is exactly what it sounds like. It’s all about rewarding your existing client base whenever they refer new businesses to your salon.

While the reward for the referrer is completely your choice, most referral programs usually offer a discount for future service, a treatment or a product.

So, the best part of a recommend-a-friend scheme is that you’re getting new business and your existing clients will also return more frequently.

However, you can’t simply run a referral program and tell nobody. It requires a little planning and has to be systematic and exciting.

It should make your existing clients want to refer your business to their friends and family. Firstly, start by delighting your customers. You can’t win a new client if your existing ones are not happy.

Make them look and feel beautiful so that when someone sees their hair or skin, they want the same. Next, if you really want your client to make a referral, you’ve got to bribe them a little with a complimentary service or incentive.

It can be anything such as a complimentary finishing style, a discount on a future service, or a product bag.

With that being said, don’t give away too much of your time and money. Remember, you’re still in the business and if you want to survive, you got to thrive.

After you’ve decided on your offers, spread the word. Marketing your referral program is key if you want your salon clientele to grow.

Train your stylists to start a natural conversation with a client in the chair. Inform them about the “recommend-a-friend” scheme you’re running.

If people know about your program, they’d be more inclined to refer their friends only to get that complimentary coupon/discount.

Once your referral program is on in full swing, track the data. Use your salon software to monitor how it’s actually doing.

If you notice it’s producing the results you desire, keep it going because this would be a great salon marketing idea!

22. Partner up with a local business

Have you ever considered partnering with a local business? If yes, it can be a game-changer for your brand.

It’s a strategy to promote a business that is industry-friendly and likeminded. Partnering with a local business is a win-win for both.

For example, if your salon specialises in hair and nail services, you can partner up with another business that excels in facials, waxing and other beauty services.

Don’t be surprised at what we’re saying. Partnerships are amazing.

Since you don’t directly compete with the brand, you can cross-promote each other. The mantra is simple. They get to service your clients and you get to service theirs.

However, you can’t just go out there and partner with any brand in the market. Well, just like any other partnership, there are rules.

Firstly, they should have a great reputation. You should feel confident doing business with them because you’re going to be referring your best clients.

Secondly, they should share company values similar to yours. Also, find a business that is similar to you yet different.

Your services should be related yet be unique. You don’t want them eating into your business. Once you find an appropriate business to partner up with, you need to chalk out how you’re going to be helping each other.

Well, there are two ways of going about it. You can either do so internally by distributing their brochures and marketing collateral in store or by hosting an event.

Whatever it is, make sure both you and the other business are promoting each other on your social media platforms.

Let your audience be aware of this. At the end of the day, strong communication will result in the right clients coming in.

23. Setup a selfie station/photo booth in your salon

We’re occupants of a digital age. We want to document everything we do and put it out on social media.

Whether it’s a dish or a new look, the ‘gram has seen it all. The same theory applies for salons as well.

When a client is in your salon chair, their confidence is through the roof and, if the stylist has done his job well, they’d obviously want to take a picture of themselves.

Whether it’s a fresh cut, style or colour, taking a photo is one thing most people do. They might even credit the stylist and mention your salon. Well, that’s a win-win.

But, what if the lighting in the photo isn’t great and doesn’t do justice to the service you’ve offered?

There is only one solution to this – setting up a designated selfie station or photo booth in your salon.

Depending on your space, you can setup a designated area for clients to take photos of themselves.

It should be the perfect place for clients to capture their new look before they leave your premises.

It doesn’t have to be something over the top. Even a clean, branded wall will do. If you don’t have a selfie station in your salon, it’s definitely a missed marketing opportunity.

Also, when you have a designated area, you can be assured of the quality of the pictures your client takes.

It’s most likely to be well-lit, inviting and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also a great way to make your clients your biggest marketers.

Other benefits of a selfie station include brand promotion, creates the fear of missing out and makes others want to participate, it gives you content to post on your salon account without much effort, and it promotes your stylists and motivates them to do better.

Creating a photo booth isn’t hard. It all depends on your space and how much you’re willing to invest.

The background you choose doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be a textured wall or something with your logo printed all over. Whatever you do, make sure it’s clean.

The focus should be on the client not the background. Besides this, amp up the space with LED lights, tropical artificial plants and fun props.

24. Host your salon fundraising event

A fool-proof way of attracting new clients to your salon is by hosting a fundraising event. There are certain causes people are extremely passionate about or might suddenly feel the need to contribute towards something.

Today, the way customers are spending their money is changing. Social consciousness has made people loyal towards companies with charity programs.

They want their money to go into causes they believe in. Thus, as a salon owner, it would be a good idea for you to host a charity/fundraising event.

It will make your salon shine in the eyes of your audience and make you feel good that you’re doing something towards society.

You don’t have to host a charity event often. Once in three months is good enough. Involve and motivate your staff, and raise awareness for a cause.

You could even establish a local partnership with a charity organisation. You can either decide to offer grooming services for the underprivileged or introduce premium services where all the payments would go to charity.

Once you’ve decided on the goal of your event, market it well. Let people know that you’re hosting such an initiative.

Boost your post so that you can attract better traffic. You can create a fundraising menu with certain services.

The best way to collect maximum donations for your fundraiser is by only including premium services in your menu.

Think hair colouring, haircuts, pedicures, blowouts and more. During the event, keep a close track of the donations that are coming in.

Give your clients the assurance of where their money is going. You could even print out pamphlets that accurately mention everything about the charitable trust/organization.

At the end of the event, you can even hand out coupons that people can use on their next visit. This is an amazing way to get recurring customers. Every salon should consider incorporating charity into their salon business culture this will be useful for others and a good salon marketing idea too.

25. Host your salons client appreciation event

The benefits of hosting a client appreciation event in your salon are innumerable. For those who don’t know, what is a client appreciation event? Well, it’s just a fun event where you celebrate your clients.

That’s right! You invite all the big spenders and ask them to get their friends along. Think of it as a unique opportunity to expand your horizons.

Once you’ve invited your loyal patrons to this party, you need to decide what you’re going to do. Since your goal is to celebrate your clients and thank them for their business, you should reward them with complimentary services.

While you may not be able to offer full services, you can always setup stations around your salon where you can perform express services such as file and polish, brow grooming, party makeup, blowouts, beard trims and head massages.

Your clients should think that it was worth visiting your party. If it’s dull and boring, don’t expect these people to turn up at your next event.

Besides attracting new clients to your salon, a client appreciation event also helps with client retention. It establishes long-term loyalty.

If you’re a salon that’s been in the business for a few years, you should host this event annually. However, be strategic about the month you’re hosting the party in. Don’t sacrifice the big numbers and revenue.

Besides attracting new clients to your salon, a client appreciation event also helps with client retention.

It establishes long-term loyalty. If you’re a salon that’s been in the business for a few years, you should host this event annually.

However, be strategic about the month you’re hosting the party in. Don’t sacrifice the big numbers and revenue.

If weekends are busy for you, don’t host it then. We recommend you host the party between 5-8pm on your dull days.

Lastly, make sure you’ve ordered some short eats and beverages for your guests. Nobody likes going to a party where there is no food.

26. Attend/Participate in a salon trade show

Besides attracting new clients to your salon, a client appreciation event also helps with client retention.

As a salon owner, you may be incredibly busy ensuring your hair and beauty business thrives. However sometimes, instead of dealing with clients on your salon floor, it may be a good idea to go out there and see what’s trending.

Offline methods of salon marketing work wonder as well. If there’s a hair and beauty show in your city, we highly recommend you attend it.

It’s a great opportunity to network and let your brand be heard and seen. If you can’t attend it yourself, it’s important that your brand name is being represented.

Ask your top stylist if they’d like to come along. It’s a great excuse to network, meet people, get contacts and give your social media efforts a boost.

Trade shows usually have people from all walks of life. Thus, you get to learn a lot. Be sure to mingle with as many people as possible.

Whether they are competitors or salon product suppliers, everyone will definitely have something to share with you.

Don’t forget to take your business cards along. Give it to anyone who seems enthusiastic about your business. You even get to learn about new deals on latest salon products.

Another reason why tradeshows and exhibitions are beneficial to salon owners is that they get to learn about upcoming industry innovations.

From new equipment that will save time and money in your salon to better methods to manage clients, there’s a lot you can learn about.

Also, most trade show relationships never end there. People continue networking even after the event.

This is a win-win situation for budding salon owners who want to sharpen their business acumen skills.