Want your salon or clinic to be fully booked with high-value clients? The key is getting found online consistently, and ahead of your competitors. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the foundation of long-term growth for modern salons and clinics. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why SEO matters for salons, which keywords to target, and how to make your website a magnet for new bookings.

Search engine optimisation

SEO for hair salons and clinics is all about making your website show up at the top of Google when potential clients search for your services. If your site isn’t visible, you’re missing out on dozens sometimes hundreds of new bookings every month.

Search engine keywords

The right keywords are the backbone of salon SEO. These are the exact phrases your ideal clients type into Google think “hair salon near me,” “best balayage Perth,” or “men’s haircut Subiaco.” Knowing which keywords matter most is the first step to dominating local search results.

Local salon & clinic SEO

Local SEO ensures your business appears in searches for services in your area. This is crucial for salons and clinics, as most clients search for services close to home or work. Optimising your Google Business Profile, building local citations, and earning local backlinks are all must-do tactics.

Your Google business profile

A complete, optimised Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) can drive up to 30% of all new salon clients. Make sure your profile is claimed, fully filled out, and updated with fresh photos, reviews, and posts.

Google Adwords for salons

Paid ads can be useful, but they’re no substitute for strong organic rankings. Focus on SEO first once your site ranks well, you’ll get free, high-quality traffic every day. Use Google Ads for salons to supplement your efforts or target highly competitive keywords when needed.

How to optimize for search engines

To climb the search rankings, you need a holistic approach. Here’s how to optimise your salon website for search engines:

• Keyword research: Identify the best hair salon keywords for your services and location.

• On-page SEO: Optimise every page for a primary keyword, plus related phrases.

• Content creation: Publish valuable, informative content service pages, FAQs, blogs, and guides.

• Technical SEO: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, fast, and secure.

• Local SEO: Build citations, earn reviews, and keep your Google Business Profile updated.

• Link building: Get other reputable sites to link to your website.

Search engine keywords

Hair salon keywords

Targeting the right hair salon keywords is crucial for attracting local clients. Here are some of the most-searched phrases:

• hair salon [location]

• best hairdresser near me

• balayage specialist [city]

• women’s haircut [suburb]

• men’s barber [location]

• hair colourist [city]

• kids haircuts [location]

• hair extensions [area]

• curly hair salon [city]

Beauty salon keywords

If your salon offers beauty services, include these keywords:

• beauty salon [location]

• waxing near me

• brow shaping [city]

• facial treatments [suburb]

• skin clinic [location]

• lash extensions [area]

• manicure [city]

• spa treatments [location]

Be the best!

Don’t just target generic keywords—position your salon as the best in your niche. Use phrases like “award-winning hair salon [city],” “top-rated beauty clinic [location],” and “leading balayage specialist [area]” to stand out.

Search keywords and phrases for Hair & Beauty Salons and Aesthetic Clinics

It’s not just about the services you offer—it’s about how your ideal clients search. Use keyword tools (like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs) to find:

• Service + location (e.g., “hair extensions Perth”)

• Service + problem (e.g., “frizzy hair treatment Subiaco”)

• Service + benefit (e.g., “long-lasting blowout Perth”)

• Service + occasion (e.g., “wedding hair stylist Perth”)

Regularly update your keyword list based on new trends, seasonal services, and client feedback.

Search Engine Optimisation FAQs for salons & clinics

What is Search Engine Optimization?

SEO is the process of improving your website so it appears higher in search engine results for relevant keywords. For salons, this means more people find you when searching for haircuts, colouring, treatments, or beauty services in your area.

Why is SEO important for hair & beauty salons?

Most clients start their search for a new salon online. If you’re not visible on the first page of Google, you’re losing business to competitors. SEO helps you get found, attract more bookings, and build a steady stream of new clients.

Is my salon website search engine optimized?

Ask yourself:

• Are all my service pages targeting specific keywords?

• Is my website fast, mobile-friendly, and secure?

• Do I have fresh content (blogs, guides, FAQs) published regularly?

• Is my Google Business Profile complete and up-to-date? If you’re unsure, consider a professional SEO audit.

How do I get my salon or clinic website higher on search engines?

• Optimise each page for a unique keyword

• Add location-based keywords

• Build quality backlinks

• Collect client reviews

• Ensure your site is technically sound (speed, security, mobile)

Does a Google Business Profile improve my Google rank?

Absolutely. Google uses your Business Profile to determine local rankings. Keep it updated with business info, photos, posts, and reviews.

How do I check how my salon website is performing?

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track traffic, rankings, and conversions. Monitor which keywords bring in the most clients.

What are salon & clinic SEO keywords?

These are the search phrases that potential clients use to find salons and clinics online. Focus on service, location, and client intent.

How does Google rank Search Engine Optimized websites?

Google looks at relevance (do your pages answer the searcher’s question?), authority (do other reputable sites link to you?), and user experience (is your site fast, secure, and mobile-friendly?).

What are the best ways to get to number 1 on Google search?

• Target the right keywords

• Publish high-quality, original content

• Build authoritative backlinks

• Optimise for local search

• Keep your website updated and technically sound

How quickly can my website get to the top of Google?

SEO is a long-term strategy. Most salons see significant improvements in 3–6 months, but getting to #1 can take 6–12 months or longer, depending on competition and effort.

Can I use Google Adwords to get to top of search engines?

Google Ads can give you instant visibility, but it’s paid traffic. SEO delivers free, ongoing traffic and higher ROI long-term.

What are SEO Meta Tags?

Meta tags are snippets of code that tell search engines what your page is about. Key tags include the title, meta description, and image alt tags. Make sure every page has unique, keyword-rich meta tags.

Get your FREE Google search report

Want to know how your salon website is performing on Google? Request your free, personalised search report and get actionable insights to boost your rankings.

The Best Hair Salon SEO Keywords

The most effective keywords for salons are those that match exactly what your ideal clients are searching for. Here’s a list of proven, high-traffic keywords:

• hair salon near me

• best hairdresser [city]

• balayage specialist [location]

• kids haircut [suburb]

• men’s barber [area]

• hair colour correction [city]

• hair extensions [location]

• blow dry bar [city]

• affordable hair salon [area]

• curly hair specialist [city]

Regularly update your keyword list based on trends, seasonal services, and new client needs.

Most Search Hair Salon SEO Keywords

Top-performing keywords for 2025 (Australia):

• hairdresser Perth

• hair salon Sydney

• balayage Melbourne

• best hair cut Brisbane

• hair colourist Adelaide

• men’s haircuts Gold Coast

• hair extensions Canberra

Use these keywords naturally throughout your website content, service pages, and blog posts.

SEO for Salons and Spas: The Ultimate Guide 2025

You Need a Salon Website

Your website is your digital shopfront. It’s where most new clients decide whether to book with you or not. Make sure it’s modern, easy to use, and optimised for search engines.

Just a Little Bit of Theory – What Makes Your Salon Website Show Up At The Top of Google Search Results?

Google ranks websites based on relevance, authority, and user experience. The more helpful your site is to visitors, the higher it will rank.

How to Get Your Salon to Show at the Top of Google Search Results:

• Optimise your home, service, and location pages

• Use keywords in titles, headings, and content

• Build local citations and get listed in directories

• Collect and showcase client reviews

New for 2025: Optimizing for AI Search

AI-powered search is changing how people find salons. Focus on answering common questions, using natural language, and providing clear, useful information.

1. Getting Your Salon Registered With Google Business Profile

Claim and verify your Google Business Profile. Fill out every section—services, hours, photos, Q&A, and posts. This boosts your local rankings and attracts more clients.

What About Other Search Engines?

Don’t ignore Bing, Apple Maps, and other platforms. Register your salon everywhere your clients might search.

Get Your Salon on Apple Maps

Apple Maps is used by millions of iPhone users. Make sure your salon is listed and details are accurate.

Voice Search Optimization – New for 2025

More people are using voice search (“Hey Siri, find a hair salon near me”). Optimise for conversational keywords and questions.

Get Your Salon on Bing

Bing still drives a significant amount of search traffic, especially from desktop users. Register and optimise your profile.

Your Salon is Now Registered on the Biggest Search Engines

With your salon listed on Google, Bing, and Apple Maps, you’re visible to nearly everyone searching for your services.

2. Create Relevant Content for Your Website and Your Salon Keywords

Content is king. Regularly publish blogs, guides, and FAQs that answer your clients’ questions and showcase your expertise.

Finding the Right Salon Keywords for Your Salon

Your Salon’s Foundational Keywords

These are your bread-and-butter keywords—“hair salon [city],” “hairdresser near me,” etc.

Your Salon’s Long Tail Keywords

Longer, more specific phrases—“best balayage specialist Subiaco,” “affordable kids haircuts Perth.”

Find Your Salon Type Keywords

Target keywords for your specific salon type—“curly hair salon,” “men’s barber,” “organic hair salon.”

Hair Salon Keywords

Use the most relevant hair keywords for your services and location.

Nail Salon Keywords

If you offer nails, include “nail salon [city],” “manicure near me,” etc.

Beauty Salon Keywords

Don’t forget “beauty salon [location],” “facials [city],” and related terms.

Find Your Keyword Modifiers

Add words like “best,” “affordable,” “top-rated,” or “award-winning” to attract high-intent clients.

Find Your Geographic Keywords

Always include your suburb, city, and region in your keywords.

Adding Your Salon Keywords Together And Test What Works

Combine core, modifier, and geographic keywords for best results. Track performance and adjust regularly.

Visual Search and Social Proof in 2025

Add high-quality photos and videos to your site. Showcase real client results and testimonials.

Get Your Salon Website SEO Ready with Your Salon Keywords

Your Salon Home Page

Your homepage should introduce your salon, highlight services, and include your main keywords.

Page Titles

Every page needs a unique, keyword-rich title tag.

Page Meta Description

Write compelling meta descriptions for every page—include your keywords and a call to action.

Headers

Use H1, H2, and H3 tags to structure your content and include keywords naturally.

Internal Link’s Anchor Text

Link between pages using descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text.

Image Alt Description

Add descriptive, keyword-focused alt text to every image.

Get Other Websites to Link to Your Salon

Backlinks from reputable sites boost your authority and rankings. Reach out to local directories, beauty blogs, suppliers, and partners for links.

Measuring Success in 2025

Track your rankings, website traffic, and bookings. Use Google Analytics and Search Console to measure results and identify new opportunities.

Ensure Your Details Are Cited Consistently on Other Websites

Make sure your salon’s name, address, and phone number are identical everywhere online Google, directories, social media, and your website.

Ensure Your Website is Mobile Friendly, Fast, and Secure

Is Your Salon’s Website Mobile Friendly?

Most clients use their phones to find and book salons. Ensure your site looks great and works perfectly on all devices.

Does Your Salon’s Website Load Fast?

A slow site frustrates visitors and hurts your rankings. Optimise images, use caching, and choose reliable hosting.

Is Your Salon Website Secure?

Use HTTPS to protect your site and client data. Google rewards secure sites with higher rankings.

Conclusion

SEO is the secret weapon for busy salons and clinics that want to grow. By targeting the right keywords, publishing valuable content, and optimising your website, you’ll attract more local clients and build a thriving business.

Looking Ahead

Stay up to date with the latest SEO trends—voice search, AI, and new Google updates. Keep testing, learning, and improving.