Simply deciding to start a hair salon makes you a boss. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding—it’s an uphill battle you’re signing yourself up for. 20% of small businesses (SMBs) fail within the first year, and 50% don’t make it past five years. But, that doesn’t have to be you. So what can a new salon owner do to ensure success? Here are five tips that will help your hair salon in Utah stand out and stay in business.
SMBs Common Pitfalls
Sometimes, small business owners make the mistake of thinking that opening a business is just like managing one. But, they’re two entirely different things. Here are some common downfalls for new salon owners:
- Marketing Efforts: Not investing enough time and money into marketing. This means attracting new clients and keeping the attention of previous ones. Without it, you may not even show up on Google when people search for a hair salon near them.
- Transparency: Not being transparent with clients and employees. This can lead to misunderstandings, negative reviews, and a loss of trust. When reputation is damaged, it can be almost fatal for a new business. Larger and more established businesses can sometimes shake the bad review off, but for a new hair salon trying to make a name, one bad review can be detrimental.
- Creating a Healthy Work Environment: As a business owner and stylist, it’s important not to forget that your employees are humans! Taking care of your team will create an atmosphere where they feel valued and want to put in their best efforts.
5 Tips for Success
To avoid making these common mistakes, here are five tips to ensure your hair salon’s success in Utah:
1. Implement Strategic Marketing
Marketing is key for any hair salon in Utah. Create a social media presence and engage with potential clients online. Offer promotions, collaborate with local businesses, and invest in digital advertising.
Reach out to influencers in the beauty industry who can promote your salon to their followers. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools, so make sure you create an experience that clients will not only talk about but share with others.
2. Uphold Transparency
Transparency is crucial for any business. Be open and honest with your clients about pricing, services, and products used in the salon. This will build trust and show that you value your clients’ satisfaction.
Transparency also extends to employee management. Clearly communicate expectations, provide feedback, and create a positive work environment for your team. Doing so will set your business apart as a hair salon in Utah with incredible authenticity.
3. Get A Reliable Space
A great location can make all the difference for your hair salon. If it’s right in the heart of your target market, you’ll have a higher chance of attracting customers! You want to make sure to research the area of your hair salon well before jumping in. A hair salon in a sketchy part of town, no matter how cheap, may not be worth the risk.
This also applies to the salon suite you choose—you want to make sure you find something consistent. Familiarity will greatly enhance recurring clients’ experience.
4. Create A Memorable Experience
People who come to a salon are not just looking for a haircut—they’re searching for an experience. Make sure you’re creating a welcoming environment where clients can relax and enjoy their time at your salon.
This is also a great time to build your brand! If your brand has a more playful, fun vibe, you can decorate the space with bright paint colors and interesting lighting. Adversely, if you’re going for a high-end ritzy, you can choose a more metallic color scheme and high-end furnishings. Your hair salon in Utah can be whatever you make it!
5. Invest in Your Education
As a stylist, it’s important to continue learning and growing. Take advantage of education opportunities that will help you stay on top of trends and improve your skills. This can also include business management courses to ensure you’re able to run your hair salon successfully. There’s no such thing as knowing it all.
Set Yourself Up for Success at Indie Studio Suites
At Indie Studio Suites, we understand the challenges of starting a hair salon in Utah. That’s why our rental salon suites come fully equipped with everything you need to launch a successful hair salon. When you rent a salon, you mitigate your business risks—making it easier to focus on providing quality services and building relationships with clients.With our help, you can avoid the common pitfalls of business owners and excel in your business. If you’re ready to jump all in on your hair salon, contact us to see our available rental salon suites. Your hair salon in Utah is just a click away from success!
