[T Hamilton]

What would be some marketing strategies for starting a new salon in regards to your image?

[Clough]

Hi, T Hamilton!

Well, for one thing, you could be using the many free ways that you can advertise on the Internet as well as having free websites that get excellent exposure when people do searches for that kind of service.

If you're interested and would like to more about how to do that, please let me know.

Hopefully, others will also be along to address your question.

Thanks!

[uvware]

There are a lot of approaches to this and it really depends on what type of salon you have. Does it cater to upscale clientele with other amenities such as beauty products, spa, etc or is more cost affordable? What do you feel is the strength of the salon?

That type of business is takes time to grow and "word of mouth" and "customers experience" plays a large part of your repeat business.

I would start with some local marketing. Street signage can help the peope in the neighborhood know you are there. Make sure your statement is impactful.

Go onto community social networks, some people use things sites like craigslist or city searches.


Offer a radio stations some freebies to see if they will exchange for an on-air mentions.

Contact the local or community newspaper or circular, maybe one of their reporters would be interested in writing up your story.

Try a grand opening, you can try making doing it with a beauty and health approach, maybe partner with some other businesses. Manicures, massage spas... and offer free 10 min massages, hair consultation, makeovers and color consultation, etc. What might be a fun offering is have them come in with a picture and upload their face to a hairstyle program where they can pick and chooe styles to overlay on their picture to see what hairstyles they like and what looks good on them.

Maybe try a promotion. Get a hair cut and bring in a friend for 50% OFF.

Or you can go the traditional way and pay for advertising, which can be rather expensive and hard to choose which medium. Cable, Radio, print, etc.

I say try the grassroots approach and remember that with any advertising frequency (along with your message) is important. Meaning, the rule of thumb is that consumers need to hear a commercial 3 to 4 times before it becomes effective.

Lastly, customer service! I can't tell how many times people have wonderful stores with great ideas but no customer service. People don't greet people anymore, give them a personal touch, get to know their customers. That is so important and customers remember that.

Good luck!