I really need help with my Hair Salon. I am located in a shopping center and I purchased a business that originally was a barber shop then a unisex salon. I would like to change this image and make it a hair design salon. I have had the salon for three years and have kept the same name that the original owner used. What would be the best way to promote my salon and attract new customers and hair stylists?

uniqueproblemsolver

Here's a few ideas:

* Print Flyers that look like certificates and pass out to the highend business around the shopping mall to give to their customers (ex: $5 off or 50% off color to new customers)

* When charity/non-profit groups ask you for a donation. Offer them free certificates but ask them to actively give exposure to your salon. ex: Ad or logo in their marketing materials or program, see if they'll pass out your flyers at their event, mention your salon at the event. By giving ten $10 gift certificates -- will be generous since it's worth $100 but you have the opportunity to bring in ten new customers, get excellent exposure and generate good will

* A little obnoxious but effective -- offer any local models (or modeling agency) 50-100% off your services. It should be excellent word of mouth and generate new/upscale clientele

* Send press releases to local newspapers and magazines. Ex: 10 steps to beautiful hair by you and your salon. If you don't have the time to write it -- find a journalism student and offer he or she free haircuts if they'll submit press releases

* Network and pass out your flyers/information to local Art Gallery owners, Sushi restaurant owners, Pilates/Spinning/Yoga/Aerobic instructors

capecodder

Thank you for several very good suggestions. They are all worth trying. What are your thoughts on purchasing address lists and doing a mailing?

uniqueproblemsolver

I would recommend calling a local direct mail company.

Here's a couple of options:

Option A: Direct Mail a postcard or letter & envelope to all households within a 1 mile radius or pick the closest zipcode. Ask them about saturation mailing -- this way your postage is very inexpensive. (make sure to give a very aggressive offer to first time customers) -- mail standard class.

Option B: Ask for the following list: Consumer Compiled List within a 2 mile radius-- with Household Income of $50,000+, Female, Ages 25-55 (you can pick your age range and any demographics you want) --- the list and postage will cost you a little more (but it's more targeted)

Good Luck
Uniqueproblemsolver

hovis

Most areas have newspaper deliveries. You could try asking newsagents if they would include one of your flyers in the newspaper. You pay the delivery person a little extra, but you are targeting your customer area more effectively