How To Make More Money As A Barber: 5 Essential Tips

Looking for ideas on how to grow your barber business and make more money?

Developing your barber shop marketing strategy could be the difference between success and failure for your business.

Barbers typically rely on drop-ins only, rather than advanced bookings. Therefore, increasing footfall and retaining customers are key concerns.

So, how can you get customers to keep coming through the doors?

In many areas, barber shops are a saturated market. You really need to stand out against the competition to clinch those walk-ins. Moreover, you need to provide a great service inside to make those customers want to return to you for their next haircut.

1. Update your exterior

Barber shop marketing begins at the storefront. Pavement signs are the best way to alert passersby to the presence of your business. You can simply display your brand name/logo and opening hours, or you can choose to add additional info.

Listing some of your services helps potential customers to think about their grooming needs. Displaying your social media handle encourages them to check out your online presence.

You can use your window space to display images of your previous work. This provides evidence of your skills and builds trust before they've even entered the premises.

A cable or rod fixed window display allows you to display multiple images at the same time. To make them even more attractive, opt for LED-lit versions. These illuminate your images with a soft glow to draw the eye of passersby and attract new clients.

Another solution for your shop front is to use individual window poster holders or poster stands. Always make sure your opening times and phone number are displayed in your window too, as well as your name on social media if you want to build a following.

2. Build your online presence

You might have noticed that's the second time in this article that social media has been mentioned. If you're thinking "I don't have an online presence", then it's definitely time to create one!

Having an online presence really helps with building reputation and trust among consumers, especially younger ones. Style-conscious people may want to look at evidence of your previous work and customer reviews.

Many people will search online for "barbers near me", and you want to be the one to show up in their searches!

So set up that profile on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok even. But also make sure to claim or create your (free) Google Business Profile. This enables you to get added to Google Maps, plus you can start adding information and gathering Google reviews.

You can also set up your business account on Facebook and Yelp, too, but Google is undoubtedly the most popular and important of these. Once you're set up, ask all of your happy customers to leave a positive review.

3. Expand your services

Many barbers offer other services such as beard shaving and grooming, hair colouring and waxing. Using interior poster displays to show your services is a great way to earn more money in your barber shop. Standoff signs and cable and rod displays look really stylish for this.

Be sure to display a price list for these too, as this will make the decision process easier for your customers.

Ask every customer, every time, whether they would like any add-on services during their haircuts. This gives them the opportunity to add something on impulse.

4. Increase your repeat customers

Barbers are less likely to take bookings ahead of time than women's hair salons. But, if you want to keep your customers returning, ask each client if they want to book in for their next appointment.

Stand out against your competitors by offering online booking too. If you're worried about cancellations, charge a deposit at the time of booking, or charge a no-show fee.

Handing out loyalty cards is another great way to get customers coming back. Everyone enjoys getting something for free. Offer a free haircut after a certain number of visits. This will help you keep repeat customers.

Display your loyalty cards using a business card holder on your countertop. If possible, print the loyalty cards on both sides. This way, they can serve as both a business card and a loyalty card. This ensures that every customer takes your details home with them.

5. Sell products

This is something that is already a common practice in women's hair salons, but is seen less in barber's shops. Selling the products you use, such as hair styling products and beard oils, is a good way to make some extra money.

Display your products around the till area, elevating them with product support stands. This will encourage impulse buys from your clients at the point of sale.

Use poster hangers to create an advertising space for brands around your business.

For the duration of the treatment, you have a captive audience to see your ads, so make it count!

Closing thoughts

Maximising your earnings as a barber isn’t just about cutting more hair. It’s about working smarter, enhancing your marketing, and standing out from competitors.

Focus on building trust, expanding your services, and leveraging your online presence. By attracting and retaining clients, you can significantly boost your income. With consistency and a forward-thinking mindset, these essential tips can help you create a thriving business.

Check out our Hair and Beauty Hub for our full collection of advice and ideas to improve your hair or beauty business.