How to Get More Clients for a Barbershop?

The barbershop industry, despite its saturation, is a goldmine of potential growth. Last year, in 2023, the US alone boasted 151,516 barbershop businesses, a 5.6% increase from the previous year, and this number is only set to climb. These figures should ignite a spark in you to seize the vast market and attract clients to your barbershop. We've compiled four tips to help you stand out and catch the eye of potential clients. 

1. Enhance Your Online Presence

The first tip for getting more clients is to enhance your online presence. This includes your website, social media pages, and Google Business profile. 

Build a Professional Website

A well-designed website enhances credibility and helps build trust with potential clients. It also reflects the quality and professionalism of your services. Your website's key features include an online booking feature, a services menu, price estimates, location and contact information, and an About Us section to highlight your employees. 

Leverage Social Media

Choose your social media platforms to focus on being present, depending on your target audience. According to a 2023 study, here is a breakdown of social media usage by age range:

• 18-29 years – Snapchat (41%), TikTok (35%), Instagram (32%)
• 30-39 years – LinkedIn (34%), X/Twitter (34%), Snapchat (33%), Instagram (32%)
• 40-49 years – LinkedIn (25%), Facebook (22%), X/Twitter (21%)
• 50-59 years – Facebook (29%), LinkedIn (24%), Pinterest (24%)

Some ideas for engaging social media content for your audience are before-and-after hair photos, client testimonials, and educational videos on haircutting techniques.

Optimize for SEO

Most clients search for barbershops nearby, making local SEO crucial for attracting nearby customers. Appearing in local search results increases visibility and drives foot traffic to your barbershop.

Strategies for optimizing for SEO include:

• Create and optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate information, photos, and regular updates. 
• Use relevant local keywords on your website, such as “barbershop in [City Name]” or “best barber in [Neighborhood].” Having this information helps search engines understand your location and match you with local searches.
• Ask your clients to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. Be sure to respond to all reviews to show that you value client feedback and are committed to improving their experience.

2. Offer Unique Services and Experiences

The next tip is to stay current with trends and techniques. Specializing in the most searched styles can go a long way. An idea to have this be offered is to offer your barbers the opportunity to get any training or certifications they’d like and offer to pay for their training or certifications.   

Another way to offer a unique experience is to create a memorable experience for your clients. This experience starts as soon as someone walks through the door - the atmosphere, decor, music playing, and the whole vibe of your shop should grab and keep their interest and excitement of the experience. If you want to go the extra mile, you can offer complimentary refreshments and complementary services like bear grooming and scalp massages. 

3. Implement Strategic Marketing Campaigns

The next tip is to implement strategic marketing campaigns. These campaigns should grab potential clients' attention and convert them from searching for a barber to clients in your shop. Some ideas to think about when considering marketing strategies for your business are:



• Discount Offers: First-time visit discounts, referral discounts, holiday specials
• Partner Opportunities: Partner with local businesses and cross-promote your shops.
• Community Engagement: Attend local events like a farmers market or a neighborhood block party. Another idea is to see if you could sponsor a league's sporting team.
• Utilize Email Marketing: Gather email information from community events or current clients and send newsletters with updates, promotions, and grooming tips. 

4. Focus on Client Retention

Finally, once you get a new client, the most critical step is to keep them. Tip two above should set the tone for client retention. Making your customers feel valued and cared for in your shop is a great way to start a relationship. A personalized experience for each guest builds a strong relationship between the client and the barber. Your barber may even begin to remember client preferences; that alone goes a long way.

Another way to focus on retention is to implement a loyalty program. Reward your regular clients with discounts or free services. This will encourage repeat visits and keep your customers returning for each haircut needed, especially if they are rewarded for stopping in. Happy customers will also be the best spokespersons for your barbershop. Word-of-mouth marketing is a massive opportunity for new clients. So, making sure your current clients feel valued will allow them to feel confident in recommending your business to their friends. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite its saturation, the barbershop industry presents significant growth and success opportunities. With 151,516 barbershop businesses in the US as of 2023, and this number on the rise, it's crucial to stand out and attract clients to your barbershop. By enhancing your online presence, offering unique services and experiences, implementing strategic marketing campaigns, and focusing on client retention, you can distinguish your barbershop from the competition and build a loyal client base. Implementing these four tips will not only help you attract more clients but also ensure their continued satisfaction and loyalty, driving the long-term success of your barbershop!