An ultimate guide on building clientele as a hairstylist

If you're just starting out in the barbershop business and looking to gain more clients, there are many ways to do so. From finding the right location and crafting the perfect business card to using Suplery, various strategies exist to get your name out there and attract more customers.

In this ultimate guide, we provide some tips on how to build clientele as a hairstylist to help you grow your business, enlarge your clientele, and keep it coming back.

How long does it take to build a salon clientele?

Everyone agrees that developing a loyal clientele is the key to success in the salon industry. Consequently, many talented hair stylists and nail technicians avoid beginning a salon due to concerns that they won't be able to construct a salon clientele quickly enough. Therefore, the question arises: How much time does it take to build clientele as a hair stylist or nail technician? To address this question, we conducted research.

Building clientele as a hairstylist typically takes 12-24 months. However, through smart marketing efforts, this timeframe can be reduced to 4-6 months. Factors such as the type of salon, its location, and marketing strategies all affect the amount of time it takes to reach a desired client base. Dedication and a clear set of goals are integral to meeting these goals efficiently.

How to build a clientele as a hairstylist

Salon owners, both new and experienced, are always on the lookout for ways to expand their clientele and grow their business. Below, we will explore strategies to bring in more customers and ensure their loyalty.

Ensure a great salon experience

Creating a positive experience for clients in a salon environment is one of the best ways of how to get hair clients fast. Often, those who receive exceptional service will return and even bring their friends. Maintain a clean salon, create an aesthetically pleasing interior and train stylists in customer service. Offer personalized experiences to new clients, such as complimentary consultations, and enhance existing services to add value.

Forget about “out-of-stock” with Suplery

As a hair salon owner, you've probably felt frustrated trying to ensure that your shelves are always filled with the appropriate products. It can be a real challenge to keep track of what's running low and ensure you always have enough to meet your customers' needs.

But what if there was a way to take the guesswork out of stocking your hair salon? You can do just that with Suplery, a new inventory management system. Suplery is designed to help businesses like hair salons keep track of their inventory and reorder products automatically when they start to run low. That means you'll never have to worry about out-of-stock products again.

Plus, Suplery makes tracking your inventory levels easy and lets you see precisely what's in stock at any time. That way, you can always be sure you have the products you need to keep your business running smoothly. If you're looking for a way to streamline your hair salon's operations and take the stress out of stocking your shelves, Suplery is the perfect solution.

Accept walk-ins

Salons located in busy shopping centers are likely to have walk-in customers. Each walk-in or overflow appointment presents an opportunity to gain a regular client, so be sure to ask them when they'd like to book their next appointment before they leave. Accepting walk-ins can be a great way to get more clients as a hairstylist, but it's important to do it correctly:

• Be friendly and welcoming. This first impression is important, so make sure you give off a positive vibe.
• Take your time. Don't rush through the service just because it's a walk-in. This will only give the client a bad impression.
• Make sure the cut or style is perfect. This is your chance to impress the client, so take your time and ensure the result is flawless.
• Follow up. After the service is complete, make sure to get the client's contact information so you can follow up with them later. This is a great way to build a relationship and turn a one-time customer into a loyal client.

Develop a loyalty program

A good loyalty program will show your clients that you value their business and are willing to give them a little extra incentive to keep coming back. Additionally, it's a great way to monitor your top customers and make sure they're always satisfied with your services. 

The short guide on how to build clientele as a hairstylist and develop a loyalty program goes as follows: 

1. Decide what kind of rewards you want to offer your clients. Some popular options include discounts on services, free products, or even exclusive access to new services or products.
2. Promote your loyalty program to your clients. Make sure to inform them of the advantages of signing up and make it simple and convenient for them to do so. You can promote your loyalty program in your salon, website, or social media.
3. Follow up with your clients and ensure they're happy with the rewards they're receiving. A successful loyalty program should be ever-evolving, so consider your customers' feedback as you make adjustments.

If you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way to building clientele as a hairstylist and developing a loyalty program that keeps your clients returning for more.

Encourage your clients to recommend you to their friends

Referred clients are the most advantageous to acquire because they don't cost anything to find and already have a level of trust. Establishing trust is essential in business, as people are more likely to transact with those they trust. Show your appreciation to those who have spoken highly of you by giving a small gift, such as free shampoo or promotional items, along with your contact information. Moreover, you can offer a complimentary service, such as a style, beard trim, or hair coloring to current clients who refer family or friends. Doing so will create an extra layer of goodwill for your business.

Have the local paper write about you

One of the most efficient ways to build clientele in a salon is to have the local paper write about you. This can be a great way to get your name out there and attract new clients. Here are a few tips on how to make this happen:

• Get involved in your community. Attend local events, volunteer, and get to know people.
• Make sure your salon is visible. Put up signs, hand out business cards, and list your salon in online directories.
• Get involved with local media. Send press releases about your salon to local newspapers and TV stations.
• Make yourself available for interviews. If a reporter is interested in writing about your salon, be available for an interview.
• Offer discounts. Many newspapers and TV stations will promote businesses that offer discounts to their readers or viewers.

Following these tips can increase your chances of having the local paper write about your salon.

Build your portfolio

As a hairstylist, one of the most important things you can do is to build up your portfolio. This will not only showcase your talent and abilities to potential clients, but it will also help you to attract new clients. Here are some tips on building your portfolio:

1. Start by taking before and after photos of your clients. Make sure to get their permission first.
2. Use social media to your advantage. Post before and after photos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook with hashtags that describe your work.
3. Create a website or blog and feature your photos there. This is a great way to reach even more people and show off your skills.
4. Network with other professionals in the industry. Attend industry events and meet-ups, and make sure to exchange business cards.

Cross-promote with local businesses

To get more recognition as a hairstylist and increase clientele in a salon, you should network and explore resources to form mutually beneficial relationships. Connect with businesses that are complementary to yours, such as sponsoring a local fashion show. Offer to provide hair services free of charge in exchange for recognition as the stylist. This is an advantageous arrangement for all parties involved.

Alternatively, you can contact the local nail salon to collaborate on a marketing initiative benefiting both businesses. Suggestions may include exchanging links, business cards, or any other creative ideas to help garner more clients. Utilizing each other's resources will expedite the growth of both establishments.

Try to rebook new clients

Once the client's appointment has concluded, ensure that their next appointment is scheduled before taking payment. To maximize sales, focus on securing the next appointment rather than offering products at this time. Send appointment reminders and ensure that all appointments are kept. This is key to providing a positive customer experience and will ensure that customers will come back.

The average customer return rate for salons stands at 30%. However, retaining customers can be challenging, as most salons offer similar services. It's crucial to make sure customers find the ideal stylist for their needs to ensure client retention.

Offer limited time promotions

Businesses can reward loyal customers with promotions or discounts, such as 50% off a haircut with the addition of a hair dyeing service. Additionally, offering a buy-ten-get-one-free promotion on business cards can incentivize customers to keep returning.

Offer a festive promotion in conjunction with the holidays: offer free styling with the purchase of any cut and full-color service, and stock up on hair styling supplies to provide a two-for-one discount. Creativity is key to building clientele as a hairstylist, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box when developing a promotional offer. Remember, even small freebies can be a great way to draw in new customers.

A salon website

In today's digital age, it is essential to bolster your business's online presence if you want to increase your hair salon's clientele. You can create a portfolio of your work, which potential clients can browse through when they visit your site. Be sure to include high-quality photos and descriptions of the services you provided. This will give potential clients a good idea of what you can do.

Finally, you should use your salon website to promote any special offers or discounts you may be running. This is a great way to attract new clients and get them in the door. Be sure to list any terms and conditions so that there are no misunderstandings.

Stay active on social media

Utilizing social media is among the most reliable ways to build clientele as a hairstylist. With merely a smartphone, a well-crafted strategy can be implemented to garner results. Consider featuring photos of clients' before and after haircuts on social media to demonstrate your talent. 

Compose a post addressing frequently asked questions about hairstyles, and create a video to showcase the best cuts for specific age groups. Additionally, provide photos of stylish 'dos that flatter different face shapes. 

Social media is a useful tool for targeting niche markets. It lets you narrow their reach geographically and demographically according to income, age, and interests. Additionally, Facebook advertising campaigns can be launched for as little as $1 per day.

Set up a google my business profile

Google My Business is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. By setting up a profile, you can make it easier for potential clients to find your business and learn more about your services.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a Google My Business profile as a hairstylist:

1. Go to google.com/business and click “Start now”.
2. Enter your business name and address. If your business doesn’t have a physical location, you can enter a service area instead.
3. Choose your business category. For example, you might select “hair salon” or “hair stylist.”
4. Add a profile photo and cover photo. These can be pictures of your work, your salon, or anything else representing your business.
5. Write a business description. This is your chance to tell potential clients what makes your business special.
6. Fill out your business hours, contact information, and website URL.
7. Once you’ve completed all the required fields, click “Finish”.

How to build clientele as an independent hair stylist

To build a client base quickly, it is essential to put in extra effort outside the salon. If you are still to build up your clientele as a hairstylist, here are some practical, straightforward ways to do so:

1. Advertise online. Utilize social networking and local business websites to maximize your online presence. Starting a blog or website is an excellent way to showcase your work while also providing information on current trends, products, and techniques.
2. Keep improving your skills. With new trends emerging all the time, staying up-to-date is key to remaining competitive. Continuing education classes, seminars, and professional events and conferences are great opportunities to enhance one's techniques, network with peers, and stay abreast of the latest trends.
3. Facilitate client scheduling. Client management applications and software will provide you with a convenient way to manage your appointments while also allowing your clients to schedule appointments with you online.
4. Stay close to the community. Attend local events and gatherings to become acquainted with other business owners and professionals in the area. By increasing your visibility and creating connections, you will draw more attention.
5. Offer something unique. What can you offer that other hairstylists in your area don't? Think about what makes you stand out and use that to your advantage. Whether it's your unique style, your personality, or your ability to really listen to your clients' needs, make sure potential clients know what sets you apart.
6. Provide an exceptional experience. Once you have a client, go above and beyond to make sure they have a great experience. This could include things like offering a complimentary drink, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment, or going the extra mile to make sure their hair looks amazing.

Building a clientele as an independent hairstylist can be a challenging task, but with the right strategy and a bit of hard work, it can be a rewarding experience. Follow the provided tips and you’ll be on your way to success.

Suplery - best inventory solution for your hair business

If you're in the hair business, you know that managing your inventory can pose a challenge. There are numerous products to keep track of, and it can be difficult to determine what is in stock and what needs to be ordered. Suplery steps in to help with that. For your hair business, it is the best inventory solution. Using Suplery, you can effortlessly manage your inventory and ensure that you always have sufficient supplies.

Suplery offers thorough supplier management, allowing you to quickly and easily access order and payment history. Reorder alerts are included in the platform to help you stay on top of stock changes and built-in analytics to provide insights into product usage and order. Additionally, it provides seamless CRM system integration to streamline data processing. Learn more about Suplery today to see how simple it is to manage your hair business on our platform.

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Final thoughts

Building a clientele as a hairstylist requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and creative marketing strategies. By establishing a strong online presence, creating an inviting environment in your salon, and being personable and professional with your clients, you can make a lasting impression and build a strong clientele. Additionally, offering discounts, referral programs, and other incentives can help to attract new clients and ensure that they stay with you. By following these tips, you can successfully start as a hairstylist and build a loyal client base.