Marketing for New Barbershop Owners: How to Attract Your First Clients
- Brogan
- Oct 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Starting a barbershop is an exciting journey, but once your doors open, the real work begins—attracting clients. Building a steady flow of customers requires a strategic marketing approach, especially in a competitive industry. Whether you’re a solo barber or managing a team, this guide will cover essential marketing strategies to help you bring in those first clients and keep them coming back.
In this blog:
1. Define Your Brand and Ideal Client
Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s how you present your business to the world. Think about what sets your shop apart. Are you specializing in modern fades, traditional cuts, or unique beard grooming techniques? Once you have a clear vision, you can better target your ideal clients, such as young professionals, dads who want quick but high-quality service, or trend-conscious men who are looking for a place that “gets” their style. Defining your ideal client will help focus your marketing efforts.
2. Make Your Barbershop Discoverable Online
An online presence is crucial. Start by setting up your Google My Business profile. This will ensure that when potential clients search “barbershop near me,” your shop appears in local search results and on Google Maps. Google My Business also allows clients to see your business hours, location, services, and reviews—all essential details that can influence their choice.
Beyond Google, consider setting up a professional website. Even a simple one-page site can make a difference, providing essential details like services, pricing, hours, and contact info. Link to your booking system (like Fresha or Square Appointments) to allow clients to book directly.
3. Leverage Social Media for Visual Impact
Social media platforms, especially Instagram and Facebook, are perfect for barbershops to showcase their work. Consistently post images and videos of fresh cuts, before-and-after shots, and happy customers (with permission, of course). Consider using trending hashtags to reach a wider audience. And don’t forget to interact with followers; reply to comments, answer questions, and engage with potential clients. This personal touch can make a big difference.
Creating a content calendar can help you post regularly. Include a mix of posts about your services, client testimonials, barber tips, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses of your barbershop culture.
4. Offer a Limited-Time Promotion
Promotions are a powerful way to get clients in the door. Consider offering a “New Client Discount” or a limited-time discount on popular services. Alternatively, a referral program can encourage your first clients to bring in friends. These offers give clients an incentive to try your services and, if they’re happy, they’ll likely return.
5. Focus on Client Experience and Retention
Getting clients in the door is step one—keeping them coming back is step two. Create an experience that clients will want to return for. From a welcoming atmosphere to attentive service, small touches make a big difference. This includes offering a complimentary drink, providing free Wi-Fi, or ensuring a comfortable waiting area. Consistently excellent service is the best “advertisement” you can offer, as happy clients are likely to recommend you to others.
Once you start building a client base, stay connected with them. Sending occasional follow-up texts or emails thanking them for their visit and reminding them when it’s time for a trim can encourage repeat visits. You could also offer a loyalty program to reward clients who come back regularly.
6. Build Community Partnerships
Supporting local businesses and events can help you get your barbershop name out there. Partner with local cafes, gyms, or clothing stores for joint promotions or events. For example, you could give out flyers or offer a small discount to members of a nearby gym. Likewise, sponsoring local sports teams or community events can increase brand awareness and show that you’re invested in the community.
7. Collect and Showcase Reviews
Positive reviews build trust. Encourage satisfied clients to leave a review on Google or Facebook, as many potential clients read reviews before choosing a barbershop. Respond to reviews to show appreciation, and handle any negative feedback professionally. Highlight glowing testimonials on your website and social media to create social proof, which can reassure potential clients who are deciding where to go.
8. Run Targeted Ads for Quick Reach
Social media and Google Ads can quickly get your business in front of people who may not know about it yet. Use Facebook and Instagram ads to target people in your local area. Start with a small budget, test different ad styles, and see what resonates. You might run an ad promoting a special offer or showcasing the unique vibe of your shop. Google Ads can help you reach people searching for barber services nearby, which is invaluable in driving local traffic.
Attracting your first clients takes time, but with a consistent and strategic approach, you’ll build a client base that supports your new barbershop for the long haul. Focus on delivering quality, building relationships, and showcasing what makes your shop unique. Marketing is not just about bringing in clients once—it’s about creating a brand they’ll want to return to. Keep refining your strategies, listening to client feedback, and evolving your approach as you grow.
Get in touch for a free consultation to find out how I can help put you on the map.
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