You already know that a well-maintained social media presence and a dazzling website are quintessential elements in your salon’s marketing toolbox. But are there any other fabulous salon promo ideas out there that can help you attract and retain more clients.
As a matter of fact, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can follow to put your salon in front of the eyes of your customers.
Without further ado, here are 10 fresh and fab salon promo ideas that will add volume to your marketing campaign and bring more clients in the door.
1. It All Starts with a Google Search
Here’s something we can all agree on: If you want to attract more people to your salon, the first thing you must do is THINK like your clients.
What kind of services do they want? Why should they go to your salon over others in the area? And most importantly, how are they going to find out about your salon?
In today’s digital world, most people will Google search for the top-rated salons, hairdressers, or barbershops in the area. This is why one of the best things you can do for your business is to ensure you get on your local Google Search Results page.
Create a Google My Business Profile
One way to easily pop up on the screens of potential clients in your area is to make a business profile for your salon on Google.
Once you add your business name and location to Google Maps, Search, and Services, your profile can begin to rack up organic leads through easy-to-access information about your salon, including:
● Reviews
● Operating hours
● Contact details
● Your salon’s location
● A link to your website.
While we’re still on the topic of Google, let’s see what else this snazzy search engine can do for your business.
2. Run Google Ads to Gather More Local Leads
Another way to ensure your salon is seen on Google is to run Google Ads. Yes, this will involve monetary investment on your end, but the results may be well worth it!
Here’s why:
Through Google Ads, you can generate online ads that allow you to target your specific audience and draw in more leads. Not only does it build more brand awareness, but it ensures your salon’s name is front and center on potential clients’ screens.
3. Make It Easy for Clients to Book Online
Speaking of connecting with people online, you should always consider how to make redundant processes easier for both new and existing clients. In this day and age, nearly 30% of appointments are made after-hours. This is where online appointment booking comes into play!
When you invest in the right salon management software, you can simplify and even automate your scheduling process. This means you can make it extremely easy for new clients to book their first appointment with you and keep existing clients coming back.
And the best part? No calls to book and confirm appointments ahead of time are needed!
4. Hire a Professional Photographer or Videographer
Now, let’s move on to the key element that matters most in the salon industry: Capturing breathtaking images and videos of your beautiful space, stunning hairstyles, and the smiling faces of satisfied customers.
Of course, using your camera phone to capture images and videos to post on social media on a regular basis is fine, but when choosing the content to use for professional branding purposes, like on your website or in advertising, opting for a professional photographer and/or videographer is the way to go.
Some of the benefits of hiring a professional include:
- High-quality photos and videos
- Better content clarity and resolution
- The ability to crop, clip, and touch-up content with professional software
Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about taking the photos and touching them up yourself. Talk about money well spent!
Once you have your new photos and videos, you can use them on social media, your website, and even on promotional materials such as signs, branding, and magazine write-ups.
5. Take Advantage of Seasonal Events
Everyone loves a good holiday deal. In fact, nowadays most people actually EXPECT to receive some kind of coupon, discount, or promo rate during the holidays. Luckily for you, you can take advantage of this seasonal frenzy.
For starters, leverage holidays that naturally drive sales in the beauty industry like:
- Christmas
- Mother’s Day
- Valentine’s Day
- Easter
For instance, many women would totally take advantage of your salon’s special Valentine’s Day promos that can give them a lovely blow out or makeup look in time for their date, or a gorgeous festive look for that big Christmas party. Get creative with your seasonal salon promo ideas to really make your salon stand out!
Pro-Tip: Consider creating promos geared towards major high school events like prom, homecoming, and graduation. This can herd in a ton of fresh, new leads!
6. Encourage Word of Mouth with a “Tell-A-Friend” Promo
The idea is simple: Any time a client recommends a friend, and that friend comes in for a service, the client (and their friend) will receive a special reward!
Whether it be a $10 off coupon on their next haircut, a 25% discount on their next dye, or a free gift bag chock-full of desirable product samples (a great way to introduce products and potentially boost salon retail sales!), you can bring in more clients via word of mouth if you include this exciting type of promo in your marketing toolbox.
7. Add a Client Loyalty Program
Similar to the salon promo idea above, you can keep clients coming back to your salon by creating a loyalty program.
Businesses use this easy-to-implement reward system to increase retention rates and generate a positive brand presence in their customers’ minds. Many salon software systems have built-in rewards programs, so take advantage of this winning feature if it’s available to you!
Think about it – you’re probably more likely to go back to a salon that offers a sweet service discount such as a free haircut after five sessions rather than one that doesn’t.
It’s a no-brainer!
8. Consider a Salon SMS Campaign
You’ve heard of an email campaign, but what about an SMS campaign?
Change up your regular salon marketing campaigns by shooting clients a brief, personalized automated text message campaign that is sure to catch their eye. This is a great way to quickly alert clients of new promos, products, services, salon news, and more.
Pro-Tip: Keep messages short and sweet. Put the promo within the first 10 words of the automated SMS so it sticks out to your audience and incentivizes them to open the message ASAP.
9. Exchange a Freebie for a Client Review
The key to a successful promo is to have an incentive so good, it’s worth taking the bait. For instance, let’s say you walk into a new salon, receive superb customer service, and get a stellar new hairstyle.
Maybe the experience itself was good enough to make you snap a picture and tag them in your Insta story. But what if the salon told you that if you leave a review — whether it be on social media or their Google Reviews page — you will get a free gift package (such as trendy product samples) or a $5 off coupon for your next visit.
Who WOULDN’T leave a review?
Not only will this strategic plan leave a great impression on your new clients, but it will also leave an even better impression on your social media accounts and Google My Business profile!
10. Manage Your Promos with Salon Management Software
At the end of the day, the best way to ensure clients choose your salon every single time is to provide them with the best customer service and salon experience possible.
That is why you should invest in business management software that allows you to keep track of all your clients, schedules, online booking, and salon promos — all in one easy system.
With a software system built specifically for salons like Inspire by STX, you can streamline your business and focus on what really matters: your customers. Not to mention, you can manage your unique salon promo ideas within the platform itself!
Looking for a salon management software that will keep your business polished and professional? Contact us to learn how Inspire by STX can help.