Building a loyal client base and growing your barber business is the foundation for establishing a successful shop that will stand the test of time. From online marketing to creating a welcoming atmosphere, getting customers in the door and providing an excellent experience that keeps them coming back will ensure a thriving, sustainable business. In this article, we will share some effective, proven strategies that will help barbers and stylists build clientele fast.
Marketing Your Barber Business To Get Customers
Build A Website
Every barbershop needs a professional website that reflects the brand’s image, mission, and values. Aside from creating an online presence, a business website offers numerous benefits, including the following:
- Increased visibility with would-be clients
- The ability to engage with anyone who may be interested in your services
- A photo gallery that highlights your skills and work
- An opportunity to build a reputation based on trust and credibility
- A space to host online reviews
- A powerful tool for marketing
As of 2024, nearly half of all Google searches have local intent, and when accounting for mobile searches, almost 35% of all web traffic consists of local searches. The takeaway is simple: build a website with a good user experience and optimize the design for mobile searches.
Showcase Your Skills on Social Media
According to behavioral studies, social media keeps you connected to your community, and when you post consistently, it keeps your shop at the front of their minds. Images account for nearly 75% of all content on Facebook pages, and including images in your X posts can increase their share rates by 35%. As you drive engagement with others through likes, shares, and comments, more people will see your posts, resulting in more traffic to your website – and, ultimately, your barbershop.
Establish Yelp and Google Business Profiles
Yelp and Google Business are online platforms that provide information about your barbershop to customers, such as its physical location, telephone number, website, hours of operation, and more. Perhaps even more importantly, these online marketing tools allow your community to see what others have said about your business through reviews and star ratings. According to recent surveys, about 71% of all consumers say they prefer to visit a local business with positive online reviews.
Ask For Customer Reviews From Happy Clients
Getting your first few good reviews from your clients can seem nerve-wracking, but there are three simple ways to do it.
- Make the experience memorable: Your customers won’t leave good reviews unless they’ve had an incredible and memorable experience.
- Emphasize the importance of reviews: Making your customers feel influential – like their voices matter – is the best way to encourage reviews. Many barbershops even offer small incentives.
- Make the review process easy: Clients don’t want to sign up for a service, create an account, and log in to leave a review. Use a service that streamlines the process and keeps it simple. Ideally, it should take less than 30 seconds.
Become An Influencer In The Industry
You don’t need a million followers on TikTok to be a barbering influencer in your local community. All you need to do is build a brand, learn how to be an engaging storyteller, and create consistent content – all while giving your clients the best value for their money and time. With a little time and patience, you’ll be on your way to influencing the local industry in no time.
Excellent Customer Service Builds A Loyal Client Base For Barbers
Provide Consistently Great Haircuts
Customers want barbers who consistently provide clean, precise haircuts that boost their appearance. No amount of marketing or influencing can help you build clientele if you aren’t providing consistently excellent cuts every single time. Few clients will come through your door expecting a life-changing barbershop experience, but they do expect consistency in the haircut, customer service and pricing. When your clients know what to expect when they walk through the doors, they are more likely to be loyal to you and your brand.
Listen To Your Customers
Listening to your customers can help you better understand their wants and needs, allowing you to deliver a more consistent experience across the board. Make eye contact as you listen, use gestures to show your understanding, and ask questions if you aren’t sure or need clarification. When customers feel free to express themselves, they feel more comfortable and welcome.
Ask Questions To Address Clients’ Needs
Asking questions is essential for better understanding what your clients want and need. Ultimately, your questions impact the services you deliver. For example, some clients may ask for cuts unsuitable for their hair types or textures. Rather than simply informing the client, ask questions to determine how best to satisfy their needs. This way, you can avoid disgruntled patrons and craft a memorable experience.
Remember Their Names and Preferred Cuts
Keeping a record of each client that comes through your door can help you build unmatched rapport. The ability to greet your customers by name when they enter makes them feel welcome, and you can go the extra mile by remembering their preferred cuts. If this is tricky for you, keep a record for each client, including a photo (with their permission), and take note of their preferences, upcoming appointments, and, of course, their names.
Respect Your Appointments and Their Times
People live hectic lives, and when they make appointments for any service, they expect to receive that service at the scheduled time. While some clients can undoubtedly be demanding, and others may show up for their own appointments late, it is up to you to keep everything running smoothly. Start your customers’ appointments at the scheduled times and avoid backlogs.
Use A Booking Service For Convenience
A booking service is a platform that allows your potential and existing clients to book their appointments online at their convenience. The benefits are many.
- Your customers can book their appointments at times convenient for them, even when your barbershop is closed.
- Booking services are easy to use, allowing customers to schedule their appointments in just a few clicks.
- Most platforms allow your clients to customize their notifications, reducing missed appointments.
- Some booking services even enable customers to input their payment information, saving them time after their cuts.
- Choosing a booking service that asks for reviews streamlines processes and helps your barbershop grow.
Networking and Building A Community At The Barbershop
Develop Friendships
A barbershop is more than just a place to go for a cut or shave. In most communities, the barbershop serves as a hub where friends gather and discuss things happening in the neighborhood. Where possible, develop friendships with your loyal customers. Get to know their families, learn about their careers, and offer them a listening ear when things go wrong. These close-knit relationships are good for your reputation and can help grow your business.
Be Welcoming and Provide A Comfortable Atmosphere
Fresh, sharp haircuts are the foundation, but providing comfortable seating, a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service encourages conversation. Keep the temperature consistent and offer some form of entertainment, from television to music and wall decor. Some high-end barbershops install pinball machines, arcade games and pool tables to entertain loyal clients as they wait for their appointments, encouraging patrons to show up early and not miss their times.
Network In Your Community
People tend to support the communities they live in – and that includes small businesses. Do your part to boost other small businesses or even volunteer your services. For example, offer coffee from the local independently-owned shop down the street in exchange for hanging a flyer with your barbershop’s information in the window.
