5 Budget Friendly Marketing Strategies for Barbers
“This is chess, not checkers”. As we enter a slower time of year, barbers are strategizing various marketing methods to keep their books full. They keep hearing ‘Use Social Media’, but are hungry for more. Social media is a component of a complete marketing plan, but it is not the only strategy. So before you start spending money on Google Ads, Social Media Ads or posting everyday on Instagram, let’s start with other strategies you might not be thinking about.
Let’s dive in.
Website SEO Optimization. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve the ranking of your barbershop in search engine results. To put this simply, clients go to Google to find a barber. They search “barbershop in my city” or “best barber in my city” or “best haircut in my city.” When you search this, does your barbershop show up on page 1? Page 2? What number on page 1? Number 1 on page 1? Do you have to scroll down to find you? There are basic SEO strategies you can implement for free that will help get you closer to the top.
Google Reviews. Reviews will improve your ranking and get you closer to the top. Google rewards businesses with a higher ranking when they have Google reviews. Offer a promotion for 1 month. Give clients $10 off a service when they write a Google Review. That might be nudge they need.
Local Community Partnership. Consider collaborating with other businesses, organizations or schools in your city. Partner to raise money for a cause you are passionate about. On Saturdays, 10% of all proceeds go to a non-profit organization. Do something that gives back. This can be a great way to build deeper relationships with your city, help with a cause you are passionate about and also spread word about your barbershop.
Email Marketing. This method of marketing keeps clients engaged between appointments. How many people have sat in your chair during the last year? Some of them just need a friendly invitation to come back. Email is a great way to re-engage them. Offer a $5 discount when they come back. As we enter a recession, a small discount might be a great way to get them back while helping them out.
Referral Program. Empower your most loyal clients with a reward for referrals. Boutique fitness studios call this ‘Bring a guest’. If a member brings a guest to class, they get some type of reward. Think about implementing this strategy for your clients. If they refer 5 people to you, then they get a free t-shirt. If they refer 10, they get 2 free services. If they post on social media, they get 30% off product. Some of your most loyal clients might do this without even wanting a reward, but others might love it. Consider creating a stamp card so each loyal client can track their progress.
Need help with your budget? Free Bookkeeping Template
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Need help with your budget? Free Bookkeeping Template _
Remember, it’s important for you to discover marketing strategies that work best for you. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches to see what works. Try one strategy for 1 month. Try another next month.
Always ask a new client: “how did you find out about me?” Write this down. This is how you can track which strategy was most efficient.
So, which one will you try?
Written by Matthew Mendoza
Matthew Mendoza is a licensed barber, educator and consultant. He hosts the podcast Beyond Barber School which provides emerging barbers with the critical guidance needed to start their business. In addition, he writes a newsletter called theGuideline about the latest trends in the barber industry.
