Barber’s Guide to Social Media Marketing: Attracting New Clients

Social media is a powerful tool for barbers looking to attract new clients and grow their business. Once you get the hang of social media marketing, it can be the most cost-effective way to gain exposure for your business, maintain relationships with existing customers, and advertise products or services to new audiences.

The use of hashtags across multiple social networks has become an extremely effective way to categorize content on the platforms and encourage online conversations about specific topics, events, and brands. In addition to those conversations, users also share their recommendations and opinions with their friends and followers.

Link-in-Bio for Cuts and Hairstyles

A standard feature on most social networks is having a link-in-bio for purchases and scheduling. The RateCards app is a leading pioneer in this technology. The app gives barbers and independent hairstylists an easy-to-use tool for customers to setup recurring payments, buy different types of your services, and streamline payments. For more details on RateCards app features; Tap here.

Do you want to facilitate more new client referrals, not by asking for them, but through consistent, top-of-mind awareness?

Do you desire to have a well-developed presence on social media networks, but feel like you’re not up to speed on what that looks like currently?

Why Social Media is Essential for Barbers & Hairstylists?

Social media helps you stay connected to the online community, gain valuable exposure to prospective clients, market your business in an unobtrusive way, promote your salon, and stay in communication with friends and colleagues in the barber profession. 

Increased Valuable Exposure

Social media is an incredibly powerful and cost-efficient way to gain exposure for your brand and your business. When you are always right in front of their face with a consistent presence on social media, you then can introduce all the aspects of your business and service offerings scaring off your clients with too much information. This “multi-touch” approach to communicating information allows you to stay top-of-mind with your potential clients. 

Brand Yourself as A Stylish and Insightful Resource

Maybe you don’t want to just talk about how good your business is. That’s fine. One thing to remember, is when someone is considering getting a haircut, they likely want to know you know what is happening in the industry, that you’re using current techniques, and that you are prepared to answer questions about trending topics related to both the service you are providing as well as general hairstyling tips. 

But before anyone really starts to want to know about the ins and outs of your barber shop, they probably just want to know about all the stuff that makes haircuts and grooming services fun and neat. So, start to talk about the ways that the services you provide connect to things in popular culture, such as the latest fae trend or a new line of beard grooming products.

By sharing and discussing things that are both contemporary and related to your area of professional expertise, you will gain the attention of your audience – and keep it – by branding yourself as a relevant profession expert. You’re also likely to see your social profile gain followers from users visiting your page from a post shared with them.

Increased Traffic

As exposure of your barber business, brand or even you increases, you’ll not only gain a larger audience on social networks, you’ll likely see an up-tick in visitors to your link-in-bio. As this incredibly valuable process goes on, you should move social followers who visit your RateCards profile to an email list (aka CRM). This means you’ll have another touch point at which to nurture them closer to being a recurring client.

Referral Business Opportunities 

Referral business is a current or former clients’ best gift to you because they have done all the hard work necessary to bring a new client to your salon. Not only do they already have a rapport built with the referral, they know what that person is looking for when it comes to paying for services. 

Let’s get started with your social media presence 

Now that you know all the incredible benefits of a social media account for your barber shop, here are some key and quick tips, tricks and shortcuts to get yourself going.

1. Create Engaging Profiles

• Tip: Use a high-quality profile picture (your logo or a professional headshot) and a compelling bio that highlights your services and unique selling points.
• Benefit: Establish a strong first impression and inform potential clients about which services you offer.

2. Showcase Your Work

• Tip: Post before-and-after photos, videos of your work, and client testimonials. Highlight different styles and cuts to demonstrate your versatility.
• Benefit: Visual content attracts attention and showcases your skills, making it easier for potential clients to envision their own haircut.

3. Utilize Stories and Reels

• Tip: Use Instagram Stories and Reels or TikTok videos to share behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and time-lapse videos of haircuts.
• Benefit: Engage viewers with dynamic content and keeps your audience interested and connected.

4. Leverage Local Hashtags

• Tip: Incorporate local hashtags (#YourCityBarber, #YourCityHaircuts) to increase visibility among local audiences.
• Benefit: Helps attract clients from your area who are searching for barbers in their vicinity.

5. Offer Exclusive Promotions

• Tip: Share special discounts or promotions exclusively on your social media channels.
• Benefit: Encourage followers to book an appointment and boost engagement on your profile.

6. Engage with Your Audience

• Tip: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Engage with local influencers and potential clients by liking and commenting on their posts.
• Benefit: Build a strong online community and foster relationships with potential and current clients.

7. Run Targeted Ads

• Tip: Use social media advertising to target specific demographics, such as age, location, and interests, with tailored ads for your services.
• Benefit: Increase your reach and target potential clients who are most likely to be interested in your services.

8. Collaborate with Influencers

• Tip: Partner with local influencers or micro-influencers who can promote your barbershop to their followers.
• Benefit: Expand your reach and build credibility through trusted recommendations.

9. Post Consistently

• Tip: Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Benefit: Ensure your salan and barbershop stays top-of-mind and helps build a loyal online following.

10. Track and Analyze Performance

• Tip: Use analytics tools (such as GA4) or those provided by social media platforms to monitor the performance of your posts and ads.
• Benefit: Allows you to understand what content resonates best with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By leveraging these social media strategies, you can effectively attract new clients, showcase your skills, and grow your barbershop’s online presence.