5 ways to get more salon clients this month

Growing your client base doesn't require a massive marketing budget or viral TikTok fame. These five strategies are practical, affordable, and can start bringing in new clients this month.

1. Turn your Instagram into a booking machine

Your Instagram isn't just a portfolio—it's a 24/7 sales tool. Here's how to optimize it:

Your bio matters:

• Name should include location (e.g., "Hair by Sarah | Auckland")

• Bio should state what you do and who you serve

• Include your booking link as the only link

Content that converts:

• Before/after transformations (with permission)

• Behind-the-scenes of your process

• Client testimonials and reactions

• Quick styling tips and tricks

The booking call-to-action: Every post should have a clear next step. "Link in bio to book" might feel repetitive, but it works. People need to be told what to do next.

2. Ask for referrals (with incentives)

Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing channel for salons. But you can't just hope clients will refer—you need to ask and incentives.

Simple referral program:

• Give existing clients a unique referral code or link

• When their friend books and completes an appointment, both get a reward

• Rewards can be discounts, free add-ons, or loyalty points

How to ask: After a great appointment: "If you have any friends looking for a new stylist, I'd love to take care of them. I'll give you both 20% off your next visit."

3. Claim and optimize your Google Business profile

When someone searches "hair salon near me," Google Business results appear first. If you're not there, you're invisible.

Optimization checklist:

• Claim your profile at business.google.com

• Add high-quality photos (exterior, interior, your work)

• Fill out every field (hours, services, description)

• Add your booking link

• Ask happy clients to leave reviews

Reviews are gold: Aim for 20+ reviews with responses to each. This signals to Google (and potential clients) that you're active and care about feedback.

4. Partner with complementary businesses

Think about where your ideal clients already spend time and money:

• Bridal boutiques → Bridal hair trials

• Makeup artists → Cross-referrals

• Photographers → Styled shoots for content

• Real estate agents → Referrals for people moving to the area

• Gyms and wellness studios → Treat yourself after the workout

How to approach: "Hey, I've noticed we probably serve similar clients. Would you be open to a referral partnership? I'd send people your way, and you'd send them mine."

5. Run a limited-time new client offer

Sometimes people just need a reason to try you. A well-crafted new client offer can be that push.

Effective offers:

• 20% off first visit (simple and clear)

• Free deep conditioning treatment with first colour (adds value without discounting)

• Bring a friend, both get 15% off (referral + new client in one)

Important rules:

• Set a deadline to create urgency

• Limit to new clients only

• Track where they came from

Bonus: Make booking effortless

None of these strategies matter if booking is a hassle. Every marketing effort should lead to a frictionless booking experience:

• Mobile-friendly booking page

• Real-time availability

• Instant confirmation

• No phone call required

When a potential client sees your Instagram post at 10pm and wants to book, can they? If the answer is "they have to call tomorrow," you've lost them.

Implementation timeline

This week:

• Optimize your Instagram bio with booking link

• Claim/update Google Business profile

Next week:

• Launch a simple referral program

• Reach out to 3 potential referral partners

This month:

• Run a limited-time new client offer

• Ask 10 happy clients for Google reviews

The compound effect

Marketing isn't about one viral moment. It's about consistent effort that compounds over time. A client from a Google search leaves a review, which helps you rank higher, which brings more clients, who leave more reviews...

Start today with one strategy. Add another next week. Before you know it, your chair will be consistently full with clients who found you through multiple channels.