There comes a point when every barbershop needs to start thinking outside of the box if they want to attract new customers. You can only hand out so many free haircuts and flyers in your community. If something isn't working or you aren't reaching your goals, you'll need to try new ideas.
With the help of some good marketing ideas and promotions, you can enhance the customer experience and turn prospective customers into paying customers.
Here are a few barbershop promotion ideas to include in your barbershop business plan:
1. Offer discounts
Never underestimate the power of a discount or promotional offer. Discounts and special offers are a great way to entice new customers to try your barbershop. It helps them experience your services firsthand for half the cost. If they like what you do, you have the potential to turn them into recurring customers over time.
Consider sending discounts to your newsletter subscribers, posting them on social media, or adding a pop-up to your website. In return for the discount: you can ask for their email, so you can continue to send them promotional offers. This is a great way to build your list of prospects and continue to market to them over time.
2. Never underestimate the power of a positive review
When you’re on the hunt for new services or products, what’s the first thing you do? You most likely head straight to the reviews! If you don’t have a ton of reviews on Google, Yelp, or your website: You can encourage your current customers by offering a discount for leaving a review. Over time, you’ll have the opportunity to increase your credibility and bring in new prospects.
3. Provide entertainment with barbershop karaoke
Going in to get your haircut or your beard trimmed isn’t always fun. Depending on what you’re getting done, you could be sitting in the chair for up to 30 minutes to an hour.
That’s why some barber shops include TVs and sports to keep clients entertained. Another great option is to consider barbershop karaoke. With Singa, you can invite your customers to sing during their appointment. This is a fun and innovative way to improve the customer experience and keep your clients engaged throughout the appointment. You can also host karaoke parties and have it available at events.
With Singa, you can provide a true karaoke experience to everyone that walks in the door. You can easily have it set up on a tablet, so they can try to sing whatever song they desire and stay entertained.
4. Set up a referral program
A referral program is about using your current loyal customers to help generate new leads. In return: you’ll reward your customers with discounts, special events, or free services. You can send out an email letting them know about the referral program or make business cards they can give to your friends. Keep the business cards at the front desk and let individuals take them as they please. This is a great way to keep track of referrals. Referral programs are a great marketing tactic that works in the background of everything you do.
5. Social media advertising
Social media is one of the most effective digital marketing channels. It’s a great tool to help you showcase your work, build connections with your followers, and attract new customers. Many barbershops have found success on TikTok and Instagram reels.
@barbershop451 💚❤💛 #viral #fyp #barbershop ♬ original sound - tunes_plugg
If you’re finding it hard to grow your following organically, you can consider running targeted social media ads for your services. Social media ads are often a cost-effective advertising solution that can help you bring in new customers and gain brand recognition.
These ideas should be a good place to start for some promotions for your barbershop. Of course we can’t recommend barbershop karaoke enough. It’s a tool that will help your barbershop stick out from the rest of the community and help you attract new customers. If you’re ready to learn more, check out our Singa Business options to get started.