If you’re ready to hustle a little and get creative, here are some organic (a.k.a. free) marketing tips to help you fill your chair with the clients you actually want.
1. Post What You Want to Do
Instagram and TikTok are basically your portfolio, so use them wisely! Love doing blondes? Post your best blonde transformations. Hate cutting bobs? Stop posting them! You attract what you show, so make your feed scream, “This is what I love to do!” Bonus points if you use a consistent editing style or fun captions that reflect your personality. Consistency is key here—your ideal clients won’t find you if you post once every other month.
2. Make a Business Card
Get on Canva and design a business card that does more than just say your name. Add a photo of yourself and highlight your specialty—or the specialty you want to build. Hand these out everywhere: at the bar, in the bathroom line, to that random girl at Target who keeps touching her split ends. It doesn’t have to feel salesy—just be friendly and say, “Hey, if you’re ever looking for a stylist, I’d love to do your hair!” People will appreciate the gesture, and you’ll stay top of mind.
3. Start a Referral Program
Turn your happy clients into your personal hype squad. Offer them a discount on their next service (say, 20% off) for every new client they refer, and sweeten the deal by giving their friend a little perk too, like 10% off their first visit. When someone refers a new client, track it! Use a Google Sheet, an app, or even your Notes app to stay organized. At the end of the month, you’ll know exactly who’s bringing in the most referrals—and maybe you can throw them an extra thank-you.
4. Get Active in Facebook Groups
Your local Facebook groups are goldmines for new clients. Join groups in your area, but don’t just lurk—participate! Comment on posts, give recommendations, and let people get to know you as more than just “the hairstylist.” Then, when someone inevitably asks for a hair referral, slide into the comments with your booking link and a quick message like, “Hey! I’d love to take care of you. Here’s where you can book with me!” Being active makes your name stand out, so people think of you when they need a new stylist.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Sell Yourself
Whether you’re chatting with a stranger at a coffee shop or catching up with an old friend, let them know what you do! It doesn’t have to feel pushy—just casually mention that you’re a stylist and that you’d love to help them out if they ever need a fresh cut or color. You’d be surprised how many people don’t already have a stylist they trust (or are secretly dying to find a new one).
Marketing your skills doesn’t have to be awkward or expensive. It’s about putting yourself out there, being consistent, and making it easy for people to connect with you. A little effort goes a long way—and before you know it, your chair will be booked solid!