Marketing ideas for salons need to do more than go viral.
They need to bring in loyal, happy clients who come back and tell their friends.
Too many salons rely on random posting or deep discounts, but the successful ones take a more thoughtful, relationship-based approach
As someone who always checks reviews before trying a new place, I’ve noticed salons thrive when their marketing reflects the same level of trust and consistency they deliver in person.
And after seeing what works across different cities and styles, one thing’s clear: the most successful salons take a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach.
Here's what I've seen work across service brands and why these ideas keep the chairs full.
1. Build a Salon Brand Clients Feel Proud To Recommend
If your salon feels like a commodity, clients won’t remember you, even after a great cut.
Your salon’s brand should make people feel like they’re part of something special, not just getting a service.
Social media is loud and noisy. Email newsletters are personal.
With beehiiv, salons can create beautiful, lightweight newsletters without needing design skills or tech support. Here’s what works well in salon newsletters:
Stylist spotlights to build loyalty
Appointment reminders and special promos
Seasonal hair care tips or product highlights
beehiiv users are seeing open rates around 37.9% and rising CTRs, meaning people are reading and clicking.
3. Prioritize Local SEO To Dominate Your Area
When someone searches “hair salon near me,” your business should show up first.
Here’s how:
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
Add photos, hours, and services to your listing
Encourage every happy client to leave a review
Use local phrases like “natural hair salon in Austin” on your site
Local SEO can be your salon’s best unpaid marketing channel — but only if you actually do it.
4. Make Your Salon's Instagram Feel Like a Real Community
Instagram should feel like your salon’s personality, not just a portfolio.
Make it feel like walking into your salon, not flipping through a magazine.
5. Offer Simple Referral Rewards That Clients Want
Referrals are gold. But too many salons make the rewards feel like a chore.
Here’s what clients respond to:
Free deep conditioning treatment after one referral
$20 off your next appointment when a friend books
Product bundles for clients who refer multiple people
Loyalty points
Keep the rules simple and the rewards sweet.
6. Host Low-Key Events That Bring New People Through the Door
You don’t need red carpets and DJs. Low-pressure events often work better.
Ideas that have worked:
Bring-a-Friend nights with wine and styling demos
Mini hair care workshops led by your stylists
Local artist showcases in the salon with free touch-up stations
These events turn curious locals into paying clients.
7. Collaborate With Other Local Businesses to Cross-Promote
Your salon’s next client might be at the yoga studio down the street.
Great partnerships include:
Offering discounts to gym members or baristas
Creating bundle packages with local boutiques or cafes
Running social giveaways in collaboration with nearby brands
It builds goodwill, saves on ad spend, and helps you tap into already-loyal communities.
8. Use Short Videos to Showcase Your Salon's Personality
Reels. TikTok. YouTube Shorts. It doesn’t matter where — it just matters that you show up.
Try filming:
A “day in the life” of your top stylist
A quick tutorial on protecting color between appointments
A mini tour of your salon vibe before the doors open
Keep them under 60 seconds, and show your team’s real energy.
Lessons I’ve Learned Watching Salons Crush Their Marketing
Here’s what stands out in successful salons:
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters and doing it well.
Common Salon Marketing Mistakes To Avoid
A few traps I’ve seen hurt otherwise great salons:
Sporadic posting: One month of daily Instagram, then silence.
Over-discounting: Constant 20% off promos train people to wait for sales.
Ignoring reviews: If someone posts a bad Google review and you don’t reply, that’s worse than the review itself.
Generic messaging: “We care about your hair” is fine. “We help curly-haired clients feel confident in their skin” is better.
Don’t just market. Communicate.
Why trust me: I’ve spent the last 6 years mastering the craft of content creation and for the past 2 years at beehiiv, I’ve written hundreds of in-depth blog posts on newsletter growth, scaling strategies, marketing, and monetization.
Make Marketing Feel Like an Extension of the Salon Experience
Your salon is more than a place to get your roots done. It’s a space where people relax, laugh, and walk out feeling brand new.
Your marketing should feel the same:
From the first Instagram DM to the beehiiv newsletter they open on Sunday morning, every touchpoint should feel like a part of the experience.
Final Thoughts on Marketing Ideas for Salons
Marketing doesn’t need to be overwhelming — it just needs to be intentional.
Start with a clear brand. Add a newsletter using a platform like beehiiv. Show up consistently online. And remember that building trust is always more powerful than chasing reach.
Clients don’t want the cheapest salon. They want the one that feels right. Make your marketing help them realize that salon is yours.
