After temporary closure, reopening your hair salon can be a challenging time. How do you let your customers know you're open for business again? How do you attract new clients? While it may seem daunting, there are creative and effective ways to start building your salon's clientele before the doors even open.

Follow these five tips to get your salon ready for reopening success:

1. Boost Your Social Media Presence

While your salon is closed, don't neglect your social media channels. In fact, increase your activity to stay top of mind. Post fun throwback photos, behind-the-scenes images, polls, beauty tutorials, and more engaging content. Respond quickly to comments and messages. Run social media ads to attract followers in your local area. Offer sneak peeks of any salon renovations or new services coming when you reopen. Tools like Facebook Live and Instagram Stories are great for real-time, conversational connections.

2. Send Email Campaigns

Use your salon email list to inform past clients you'll be reopening soon. Send a series of friendly, value-driven emails focused on education and expertise. Share hair care tips, product recommendations, tutorials, special offers, and updates on reopening timelines or procedures. This shows you care and gets clients excited to return. Just avoid overt sales pitches and keep the tone helpful. Offer an incentive for current clients to forward emails and refer friends.

3. Network with Local Businesses

Think beyond just clients. Network with nearby businesses to spread the word about your reopening. Create partnerships with fitness studios, spas, bridal shops or other complementary establishments. Ask if they will promote your salon to their customer base via newsletters, emails or social media in exchange for offering their referrals special discounts. Place signage, flyers or business cards with neighboring retailers. The more the local community knows you're coming back, the better.

4. Refresh Your Website

Give your salon website a refresh before opening your doors again. Update services, staff bios, galleries and any new safety procedures for reassurance. Create a popup or banner announcing your reopening date. Develop a referral rewards program clients can learn about and share online. Add client testimonials and before-and-after photos. Optimise SEO so you rank high for local searches like "salons near me" or "hair salons in [city]".

5. Hold Virtual Consultations

Offer free virtual consultations to book appointments in advance of opening. Clients will appreciate personalized service and the chance to discuss their hair needs. Existing clients can reconnect and meet new staff. It's also a great opportunity to consult with potential new customers. Promote the service on social media and your website. Send past clients emails inviting them to schedule. Virtual consults are a great way to boost rebooking for salons while allowing clients to participate safely and conveniently.

Reopening your salon after a closure takes strategic planning and promotion. But by actively marketing your services, enhancing your digital presence, networking locally, updating your website, and offering virtual consultations, you can proactively build excitement and your clientele prior to opening day. Stay consistent across channels and communicate your genuine commitment to safely serving clients with excellent hair care.

With a little creativity and effort, you can welcome both returning and new customers back to a successful salon reopening. Don't wait until the last minute – start connecting with your audience now. Then be prepared to wow them with your impressive salon environment and services when the big day arrives.