4 Out-of-the-Box Marketing Ideas

Starting your own business takes guts and tenacity. But getting started is just the beginning. To be successful, it’s important to attract new clients and establish yourself as a go-to salon. Marketing is an integral part of your continued success. We’re all familiar with basic marketing tactics because we experience them every single day. From magazine ads to billboards to promoted Facebook posts, marketing is everywhere. While these channels are no-doubt effective, there are a lot of out-of-the-box ways to market your salon. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Hold a Progressive Open House

Sola Salon Studios is unique because it creates the opportunity for many different and talented salon professionals to have their own businesses under a single roof. Not only does this offer a support system for stylists, but it also creates some unique marketing opportunities. Remember the progressive dinner parties that were so popular in the 80s and 90s? The same concept can be applied to an open house. Get together with your neighboring suite-mates and plan a progressive open house. The event can be themed or un-themed, with each suite providing different treats or entertainment and inviting clients, friends, and family. Not only will the festive environment be fun for you and your current clients, but there will also be many potential new clients in attendance who may be in need of your services.

Sponsor a Local Dance Team

Sponsoring a little league team is an age-old tactic. For salon professionals, it could be even more beneficial to sponsor a local dance team. If you’re a hair stylist or makeup artist, offer your services for competition days. When your team has the best hair and makeup around, word of your salon will quickly spread. To get even more bang for your buck, ask the team members and their parents to tag you in any pictures they post to social media. It’ll introduce your business to their circle of followers.

Make a Fun Video or Song

Marketing doesn’t have to be serious. In fact, a lot of the most memorable marketing campaigns are fun and not too serious. Dianna Grissette, owner of Melvira’s Hair Studio at Sola Salon Studios Tucson, wrote and recorded a promo song about five years ago. “I was a new stylist to Tuscon, AZ, and I had to come up with a creative way to attract clients,” Dianna explained. “I wanted to do something that they would remember.”

“The video and song have impacted my business very positively. I often run into people who have heard it, and they speak to me while singing it,” Dianna said. “Every year on the anniversary of Melvira’s Hair Studio, I give away free copies of the jingle. I love that it makes people smile, and when you make people feel good, they remember you.” If songwriting isn’t your thing, consider filming a video that features you, your studio space, and some of your work. Include clips that show off your personality, and have fun with it.

Become a Vendor at a Local Farmer’s Market or Flea Market

Rent a booth at your local farmer’s market or flea market, and offer a free service. You could hand out product samples, give free eyebrow waxes, or offer mini styling sessions. The idea isn’t to make money AT the market, but to get your salon’s name out there and start attracting new clients. Introduce yourself to people who stop by your booth. Show them photos of your work, explain your background, and hand out your business card and a coupon for first time clients. These are just a few of the endless marketing opportunities available. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and a willingness to put yourself out there.