How to Promote a Hair Salon Without Going Broke

As a business owner, you may think you have to spend a large portion of your budget on advertising. However, this isn't true if you know how to promote your salon without going broke. Use some alternative marketing techniques to bring in new clients.

• Pass out flyers at malls, stores and events. Place flyers on car windows and in business windows that allow local ads. Print business cards and pass these out in a similar fashion.


• Write an article for your local newspaper giving hair tips. Ask the newspaper for a small ad next to the column in exchange for your writing services.


• Create a referral service. Give discounts to existing clients who refer friends and family members to your salon.


• Place ads on online classified websites. Many of these websites have a section for businesses to post service ads. Use these free online venues to spread the word about your salon and promote current specials.


• Trade with radio stations. Give away free coupons to radio stations to use for on-air prizes. Radio stations will typically trade with local businesses for prizes, so this can be a good way to get radio airtime for free.


• Join a local networking group. Come to group meetings to network with other local business owners. You will likely score some new clients and meet lots of prominent local business owners.


• Take advantage of your storefront and place a large sandwich board outside with daily specials. If you have large store windows and are a good artist, you can use these windows to make homemade billboards.