Summer Success: 4 Strategies for Barbers and Hairstylists to Boost Bookings

Summertime is in full swing which can be challenging for barbers and hairstylists with their clients going on vacation. No-shows and cancelations tick up during these hotter months but there are ways to minimize that negative impact on your business. In this blog, we will cover 4 easy ways to boost bookings, how to attract clients, get them booked, keep those appointments, and make the entire experience one they want to come back for time and time again.

1. Attract more customers to your salon with omni-channel

If all roads lead to Rome, then more channels will lead more customers to your business. But you have to build the roads first.

When given some thought, there is a handful of accessible channels business owners can tap into in order to be more visible to their customers. Social media, DMs, Ttext Messaging, cross-promotional opportunities, and other methods are a few simple ways to get eyes on your services.

Social Media
One of the most important channels for omni-channel marketing is social media. By creating engaging content and building a following on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. Here you can provide unique insights, tips, and tricks that keep audiences engaged and when they need your services, you will be top of mind.

Many business owners leverage social media’s photo-sharing capabilities as a portfolio, showcasing before and after transformations, after-care techniques, client testimonials, and so much more.

Social media is the only channel to consider when the more channels you build, the better the opportunity to be discovered. Responsive inbound communication management is essential for any salon looking to attract more customers. In other words, front desk and reception, direct messaging, and chatboxes are all additional forms of communication that your clients may wish to leverage.

Texting or Live Chat
For example, a live chat feature on your salon's website can have numerous benefits for both you and your clients. Firstly, it’s an incredibly convenient and fast way for clients to ask questions or book appointments without having to make a phone call or send an email.

This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and a higher likelihood of repeat business. Additionally, the live chat feature can help to reduce the workload on your front desk, freeing up time for them to focus on other tasks. It can also make your salon appear more modern and tech-savvy, which can attract new clients who value convenience and efficiency. Overall, a live chat feature can improve the customer experience and help your salon stand out in a competitive market.

If a live chat option isn’t an accessible option right now, you can turn your social media DMs or use Booksy’s SMS/texting to correspond with your clients.

Cross-Promotions
When you specialize in a service, say haircutting, for example, there is a long list of services you don’t offer. This is where cross-promotions and cross-selling can boost your business. You can recommend and refer your clients to another provider who offers an adjacent service. For our example, a hairstylist can refer their client to a trusted esthetician for a brow wax or facial service. 

With established relationships, those service providers will return the favor and direct their customers to you as well. This is the Law of Reciprocity at work and you can use it to not only grow your business but help another professional grow theirs right alongside you.
 

2. Build your portfolio on social media and booking apps

Establishing and building an online presence is a vital component of taking your business to the next level. Many beauty service providers and barbers can become booked solid with just word of mouth. But being able to be choosey with your clientele and increase your prices, requires more than just having the doors open.

In fact, having a social media presence can launch your business into authority status and create a brand around your services. Take Philip Wolf for example with over seven hundred thousand follows on Instagram. He built his business as a hairstylist and is now a fixture in the beauty education space. And guess what? He’s booked solid. Check out these screen captures from @philipwolfhair on Instagram showcasing his page and post about his next live event.

Take your audience and customers behind the scenes, share your process, the reason you’re in business, and what about your job brings you joy. Think about what kind of content you want to post and a schedule that you can stick to. Overall, having a robust social media platform can be a game-changer for businesses looking to attract new customers and establish themselves as leaders in their industry.

Customers buy with emotions first and logic second. Sharing more about your business, passion, and process wins the emotional bid. Then you seal the deal with high-quality before/after portfolio photography and an easy way to book. Try Booksy for free.
 

3. Reduce cancellations and no-shows with (SMS/Texting and quick rescheduling prompts)

You can build lasting relationships, send appointment reminders, blast a promotion to your entire customer network, and offer last-minute openings without being on the phone or glued to a computer. Booksy has built-in marketing and messaging features that are easy and quick to use, designed especially for the beauty provider and barber community.

Sending these messages takes just a few taps and protects your business’s bottom line in the process. Beyond that, using this feature means consolidating a sizable portion of your communications because the app handles any SMS/text messaging marketing needs. 

4. Create a high-end experience

There’s no substitute for the guest experience when it comes to growing your business. The good news is that this vital component is nearly free because you don’t have to have a swanky salon or even the latest trendy salon equipment to create a high-end experience. You can create an environment your clients are happy to come back to by creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, maintaining clean facilities, and adding thoughtful touches.

Cleanliness & Maintenance
A salon that is clean and inviting will leave a positive impression on your clients, making them feel comfortable and relaxed during their services. This also shows that you care about your clients’ well-being and health, which is especially important in today’s world. By providing a space that is free from clutter and dirt, your clients will feel more at ease and be more likely to return for future services.

In addition to creating a welcoming and clean environment, it’s important to maintain it consistently. Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your salon stays in top shape and your clients continue to feel comfortable and at ease. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your equipment and surfaces will also help to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, which is especially important in a shared space. By taking the time to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, you’ll keep your clients happy and coming back for more.

Thoughtful Touches
There are several ways to elevate the salon or service experience for your customers that cost the business owner nearly nothing. Here is a short list of considerations to wow your guests.

• Complimentary beverages (seltzers, infused waters, or even champagne)
• First-appointment welcome packages (bounce-back coupons, thank you notes, business card with your booking link and social media handles, and a complimentary product sample)
• Seamless communication (ensure you are easy to reach and booking or rescheduling is an intuitive and accessible process)
• Comfortable waiting areas
• Minimized waiting times

Conclusion

These four techniques and methods will keep your books full this summer. Firstly, ensure that you have a few strong paths for clients to find you. Being visible in the sea of other business owners is so key to getting booked in the first place. Social media channels with a stellar portfolio is your ticket to the world of being booked-solid. Secondly, keep building your portfolio with your best work, before and after transformations, and client testimonials. Thirdly, reduce the opportunity for no-shows and cancellations by keeping in close contact with your clients. Sending appointment reminders and messages on Booksy keeps this fast and easy. Fourth, make the experience one to remember. There is no blowout or fade on the planet that can make up for a terrible salon or shop experience.

These four tips will serve you well as you close out the summer and beyond.