You can be the best nail artist in the world, but it means nothing if you aren’t working to promote your business to new clients.
1. Exhibit at a hair & beauty show
I’m sure that you have heard of, attended, or at least seen pictures and videos of these events. Either way, setting up an exhibit at a beauty show is a great way to increase your salon’s brand awareness and to get your name out there to new clients. Hair and beauty shows are a great way to demonstrate the talents of your salon’s stylists in an environment where you know everyone attending is very interested in your profession. There is bound to be a ton of potential new clients in the crowd! Having plenty of pictures and videos from your exhibit to upload to your website/social media will also do wonders for positioning you as an industry leader in your community.
2. Have your own YouTube channel
While everyone is busy with their social media channels, don’t forget about the goldmine that is YouTube! It can be time-consuming to create video content, but YouTube is still profitable for many salons. After all, YouTube reaches nearly 2 billion users every single day. We smell an opportunity! Try posting videos of your nail technicians working on popular nail trend or even take it a step further and make it a step-by-step tutorial so that it reaches a wider audience (tutorials are always popular!). Don’t worry too much about your video skills either, often people appreciate when a video looks real and authentic compared to content that is ‘over-edited’ with a bunch of effects added. Just remember that lighting is super-important! Videos are much more effective than still images in attracting audience engagement as well.3. Posters in popular places
Although it may seem like an aging practice, print media can still be an effective way of getting your name out there. The tricky part is knowing where they will be looked at and read, instead of ignored. Think about other businesses that have similar clientele to yours. Fitness centres, dance academies, gymnasiums, local cafes, hotel lobbies, etc. If you run a nail salon, you might want to strike up a deal with the local hair salon, and refer clients to one another. Co-marketing is a great way to attract new clients. It’s a win-win situation for both businesses involved. The simple act of walking around your community and talking to local businesses is a great way to spread the word about your salon. You may be surprised by the number of businesses that will let you put up a poster. The important thing with this tactic is to invest the money into making them look attractive and professional.4. Sponsor a charity event
One of the most rewarding moves you can make as a salon is to find a way to give back to your community. It’s going to help those in need, and make your salon stand out to potential new clients. There are a number of different ways to give back, and you’ll have to find one that you’re most comfortable with. Every community is unique, so might want to ask around to find where you might be able to help most. One example would be to team up with the local unemployment office, and offer free manicures to people who are searching for employment. Fresh, beautiful nails is a great confidence booster, and can make all the difference in an interview situation.
5. Update your Google My Business Listing (GMB)
With “salons near me” searches on the rise, make sure you’re showing up when people search for local salons in their area. When people search for your business on Google – to check opening hours, make an appointment, or to find your address– reviews connected to your Google My Business page show up alongside the search results. Make sure your location and contact details are correct. Link your most popular products and services through your GMB listing. Load up your GMB page with glowing reviews from your clients. After all, five star reviews are powerful social proof. So, get in the habit of asking happy and loyal customers to leave a positive review. Send an automatic follow-up SMS or email to clients and request a review. Include the GMB page link in your message.
6. Promote a Lunch Time Package
Your clients are busy people – a visit to the salon can be a welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of a work day. Create and promote an express service package that is 30-45 minutes, affordable and something simple that anyone can enjoy on a lunch break. Approach nearby businesses and drop off fliers to market your new package. After all, what’s better than sneaking in a quick pamper session between meetings? Your clients will love this service, and so will your salon’s bottom line.7. Run Paid Search Ads
Be present in the moment your prospective clients are searching for you. Make sure your salon features at the top of Google’s search results. When you set up your search campaign, be specific. After all, you’ll pay every time someone clicks your link, so you’ll want to only show your ad to people that are likely to book with you. For example, target people located within walking distance of your salon. You can also define the specific words a person needs to use when searching. This could include the services you offer in your salon. By being targeted with your ad copy, you’ll increase the chance that when people click your ad (and you pay), the visitor will decide to book with you.8. Create an Insta-Friendly Space in Your Salon
In the world of social media, sharing is caring. Want a sure fire way to bring in new business? Having people share pictures from your salon is the best form of social proof you can get. Set up a space in your salon for people to snap selfies after their service. Invest in a ring light to ensure your clients feel picture perfect when snapping their new do.’ Incentivise your clients to share their post-service selfie. Offer clients who share their selfie a discount off their next service. Make sure your salon has a check in point for Facebook and Instagram. If you’re not sure how to set this up, check out Facebook’s handy guide. When people share, ask them to @mention your salon’s Instagram handle, use any hashtags you’ve created for your salon, as well as check in to the location. A selfie station generates free, word-of-mouth marketing – think of it as a modern day testimonial.