Increasing your hair salon’s online impact: A guide to digital marketing for hairdressers

As a salon owner, digital marketing is your greatest ally whether you're showcasing impressive hair transformations on Instagram, connecting with clients through Facebook, or ensuring your salon appears in local Google searches for hairdressing services.

Having an online presence is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have.

Join us as we take a look at why embracing the digital world can be a game-changer for your hairdressing business, not just in attracting new clients, but also in keeping your loyal clients coming back for more!

Social Media Tips: Best practices for using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other platforms

Show off your work with Instagram

If you're not already using Instagram, you're missing out on a fantastic opportunity. Instagram is a visual platform perfect for highlighting your stunning hair transformations, occasion hair, and vibrant colour jobs. 

By consistently posting your best work via high quality photos and videos, you can attract new clients who are looking for an excellent hairdresser in their area. 

Don't forget to use location tags so people know where you are based, as well as relevant hashtags such as #HairGoals, #SalonLife, and #[YourCity] Hairdresser to reach a new audience. 

Build Your Brand

Instagram also helps you to build a recognisable brand. From your styling techniques to your salon’s vibe, every post can reflect your brand’s personality. Consistent posting and engaging content can establish you as a go-to hair expert.

Engage with Your Audience

Engage with your followers by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and sharing behind-the-scenes content. Building a community around your brand fosters loyalty and keeps clients coming back.

Showcase Client Testimonials

Happy clients are your best advocates. Share their glowing reviews and transformation photos on your feed or stories. Testimonials build trust and encourage others to book an appointment.

Keep Up with Trends

Stay updated with the latest hair trends by following industry leaders and popular hashtags. You can incorporate trending styles into your services, keeping your offerings fresh and appealing.

Promote Special Offers

Instagram is a great place to announce special offers, promotions, and events. Use stories, posts, and reels to spread the word quickly and effectively.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with other professionals in the industry, from fellow hairdressers to other salon businesses all across the country. Networking can lead to collaborations that benefit both parties - Win win!

Connect & Engage On Facebook

Facebook is a great tool for managing new clients. Make sure that your salon has a dedicated Facebook page with all of your contact info, services, and hours clearly visible for all to see. 

Share updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content. Videos and live streams work great here too by catching the attention of the mindless scroller! (We're all guilty of it!)

Build Client Relationships

Facebook Messenger allows you to communicate directly with clients, answering questions, booking appointments, and providing customer service. Quick and personal responses can enhance client satisfaction and you can even set up some automations on Facebook Messenger which means you don't have to spend time writing the same message out time and time again. 

Integrate with Instagram

Since Facebook owns Instagram, you can easily integrate your marketing efforts across both platforms. Manage your ads, messages, and posts from one place, saving you time and effort.

Attract new clients

Facebook has a massive user base across all age groups, which means you can reach a wide and diverse audience. Whether your clients are teens or retirees, they’re likely to be on Facebook.

Gather and Show off your Reviews

Positive reviews on your Facebook page can significantly boost your credibility. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews, and make sure to respond to them, showing appreciation and addressing any concerns professionally.

Create memorable content with TikTok

TikTok is incredibly popular among younger audiences, especially Gen-Z and Millennials. If you want to attract a younger clientele, TikTok is the place to be.

Keep it Short and Sweet

TikTok videos are quick and catchy. Show off your best hair transformations, styling tips, and fun salon moments in short, bitesize videos.

Educational Content

Snappy, educational videos are also incredibly popular on TikTok. Why not share quick hair care tips, styling advice, and product recommendations to position yourself as an expert in your field. Informative content can boost your credibility and attract followers that are interested in your expertise.

Follow Trends

TikTok thrives on trends and challenges. By participating in trending hashtags and challenges, you can increase your visibility and reach a broader audience.

Use Music

Incorporate trending songs in your videos to make them more discoverable. 

Engage with Others

Interact with other users by liking, commenting, and dueting their videos.

Track your Performance

Use TikTok’s analytics to track the performance of your videos. Understanding which content resonates with your audience can help you refine your strategy and create more effective videos in the future. 

7 Paid Advertising Tips for Hairdressers: Targeting Your Local Audience

Paid advertising, also known as pay-per-click or online advertising, involves paying for ad placements on various platforms to promote your products, services, or content to a targeted audience. 

Unlike organic marketing, where growth happens naturally over time, paid advertising provides immediate visibility and reach.

Paid advertising is a powerful tool for salon businesses or mobile hairdressers looking to quickly and effectively reach a large audience.

Here are some of our top tips for hairdressers looking to try paid advertising...

1. Know Your Platforms

Facebook and Instagram Ads

These are fantastic for reaching your local audience. You can create eye-catching ads with photos and videos of your best work.

Google Ads

Perfect for getting your salon to show up when people search for hair services in your area.

TikTok Ads

Great for creative and fun video ads that can capture the attention of younger clients.

2. Target Locally

Set Your Location

Use location targeting to make sure your ads are seen by real people in your area.You can specify your city, postcode, or even set a radius around your salon.

Use Local Keywords

In Google Ads, use keywords like “hair salon near me,” “best hairdresser in [your village / town / city]’,” and other local-specific terms such as ‘top-rated hair salon in [your village / town / city]’ or ‘affordable haircuts in [your village / town / city]’.  These terms will help you reach potential clients in your area.

3. Highlight Your Unique Selling Points

Show Off Your Skills

Use high-quality images and videos of your work. Before-and-after shots, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes clips can grab attention.

Promotions and Offers

Advertise any special deals, discounts, or new services to entice potential clients.

4. Create Engaging Content

Compelling Copy

Write clear, engaging ad copy that speaks directly to your audience. Highlight what makes your salon special and what makes your business stand out. 

Call to Action

Always include a strong call to action, like “Book Now,” “Schedule Your Appointment,”

5. Monitor and Adjust

Track Performance

Keep an eye on how your ads are performing. Platforms like Facebook and Google provide insights into how many people are seeing and clicking on your ads.

Adjust as Needed

Don’t be afraid to tweak your ads based on what’s working and what’s not. Change up your visuals, try different copy, or adjust your targeting.

6. Budget Wisely

Start Small

If you’re new to paid advertising, start with a smaller budget to test what works best for your salon.

Focus on ROI

Pay attention to which ads bring in the most business and invest more in those.

7. Use Retargeting

Stay Top of Mind

Retargeting ads help you reach people who’ve visited your website or engaged with your social media but haven’t booked an appointment yet.

Personalised Ads

Show them personalised ads to remind them of your services and encourage them to come back.

And don’t forget your reviews!

Tips for Getting Online Reviews and Managing Your Reputation

1. Don't be afraid to ask

Ask for a review when clients are at their happiest—right after a fresh cut, colour, or styling session. Provide simple instructions or links to your Google, Yelp, or Facebook review pages. A follow-up text or email with the link works wonders.

2. Create Incentives

Why not offer a small discount or a free product sample for clients who leave a review, or enter clients into a monthly draw for a gift card or free service when they post a review.

3. Highlight Your Reviews

Share positive reviews on your Instagram and Facebook pages. It not only boosts your credibility but also encourages others to leave their feedback.

4. Respond to Reviews

Always reply to positive reviews with a heartfelt thank you. It shows you value their feedback. For negative reviews, respond professionally and offer to resolve the issue. A calm, proactive approach can turn things around and show potential clients that you care.

5. Engage with Happy Clients

Send a quick message a few days after their appointment to see how they’re enjoying their new look. It’s a nice touch and a great opportunity to ask for a review. Personalised thank-you notes or messages can leave a lasting impression and prompt clients to share their experiences online.

6. Keep Improving

Use reviews as a tool for improvement. If multiple clients mention the same issue, take it as constructive criticism and make changes.

7. Celebrate Successes

Don't forget to share positive feedback with your team and celebrate those wins together!

By leveraging the power of social media, gathering glowing online reviews, and running targeted paid ads, you can attract new clients, build a loyal following, and, most importantly, keep your appointment book full.

We can help you!

As a family-owned business at CoolBlades, we’re passionate about supporting the professional salon industry and 100% dedicated to supporting your success every step of the journey!

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