How to Create Your brand and Website and Start a Salon
Launching a salon and website is an exciting and significant project that requires thoughtful planning. Our team of beauty professionals collectively gave their input on the best steps to creating a cohesive brand identity when coming up with the look of your website and salon space and considerations every aspiring salon owner is confronted with before taking the plunge and opening a salon.
Our step-by-step guide will help whittle all your ideas into one solid concept.
Make a checklist
Opening a salon can feel like a mountain-size goal. First, you have to produce the funds it takes to rent or purchase a building and equipment, and then there’s the marketing strategy to attract loyal and potential clients.
Here is a checklist to help you get started:
Create a budget for your business plan
Formulating a budget will help you plan for overhead, equipment, products, and other essential items, like toilet paper, soap, cleaners, and other essential day-to-day items.
Consult with a financial planner or accountant
Speaking with a financial advisor can help you establish realistic goals.
Research loans and grants
There are many resources for small business owners. Before visiting your bank, check with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for loans and microloans. A loan will help you cover overhead and equipment expenses.
Register your business
Registering your business is essential for tax and legal protection.
Find a prime location
Find a location that is accessible to your ideal client base. A commercial realtor can help you check off all the items on the list of things you’re looking for in a venue.
Get insurance
Insuring your business will protect against liability and property damage, such as theft and natural disasters.
Define your brand
Your brand identity is what will ultimately attract your target audience. When companies have a lot of unclear messaging in their branding that tends to go in different directions, it’s because they have not developed a strong identity.
Build a website
A website should exhibit your brand identity while providing essential information that is intuitively easy to find.
Planning the design of your salon website
With the advent of DIY website builders, you don’t need to be adept at coding to create a website. Browse other websites and create a list of the aspects you like and don’t like. While having a distinguished style of your own will help you stand out, the key rule of thumb is to create a clean and intuitive layout.
Here is basic information to include on your website:
- Copy infused with search engine optimization to boost your ranking and tell your brand story
- Links to social media accounts
- A booking widget for easy and convenient reservations
- An online booking call to action should be implemented on the home page
Now that you’ve compiled a list of considerations and items to incorporate into your beauty salon website, it’s time to get cracking!
Tip: Always use your personal work to showcase what you can achieve for clients. Avoid stock images. Stock images are proven to be very useful when you’re writing blogs or sending emails, but when it comes to showcasing what you and your employees are capable of, stick with photos captured of your own work.
Search engine ranking and optimization
Search engine optimization is critical for optimizing your website and increasing the chances for potential clients to find you. Hiring a web designer and social media manager can help establish a social media presence through striking design and a high SEO ranking. A content writer can wrangle your ideas into one clear and compelling message.
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, such as Semrush, is a user-friendly tool. It helps you find and use keyword research tools with ease. Another valuable way to increase your visibility is to get listed on Google. A free Google business account is a surefire way to help you get discovered!
This starter guide will provide you with a glossary of terms.
Evergreen Beauty College
Schedule a tour with Evergreen Beauty College today to have access to our industry professionals, who will give you the best insights into the world of beauty and help foster a safe and creative environment for learning your craft.
FAQ – How to create your brand and website and start a salon
How do I start a hair salon?
Learn about the costs of starting your own salon business and create a checklist for budgeting, researching loans, getting insured, and building a brand.
What should be included on a salon website?
If you’re designing your website, include the following essential information:
- Location
- Contact information, like email, phone number, and the name of your business
- A booking link on the home page to help visitors quickly schedule an appointment
Why does a salon need a website?
Having an online presence is essential in attracting and booking potential clients. Here is a list of reasons why a salon owner needs a website:
- Online presence to attract potential clients
- Advertise salon services
- Increase appointment bookings