Google’s search engine doesn’t just lead customers to results — it leads your business to customers. 

With search engine optimization (SEO), you can up your chances of getting discovered on the web. Hair salon SEO is a powerful tool that puts you closer to the top of Google’s search results, bringing new customers through your door after they look up “best haircuts near me.” 

Read on for a breakdown of what SEO is, why it's essential, and our most comprehensive tips for salons. 

Hair Salon Advertising: What Is SEO and Why Is It Important?

When you cut a client’s hair, you don’t just give them a chop and call it a day. You soften the edges, check for flyaways, and style accordingly.

The same goes for having a website. Yes, you could just hit “publish” and move on – but the more love and care you put into it, the more you get out of it. And that starts with SEO.

If your website is a storefront, SEO is what helps the algorithm interpret it. It makes your information more visible to Google, Bing, and other search engines so your salon is closer to the top of the search engine results pages (SERP) when clients hunt for beauty services. 

SEO has a few components, but the most important one is keywords. When you include important keywords on your website – like “unisex hair salon in Portland” or “best hair salon in Indianapolis” – they tell Google what you offer as a business. Then, when someone searches for those terms, it knows to put you in the results. We’ll explain more about keywords below. 

But there’s one more factor to know about: local SEO. This means making sure your SEO is specific to your location, whether that’s your city, neighborhood, or specific street, so people in your area can find you. Practices like updating your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business, or GMB) show nearby clients you're open for business. 

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4 Key Components of SEO

Here are some of the ways you can optimize your website:

1. Keywords

Hair salon keywords are words and phrases potential clients use to search for your services. Use a tool like Google Keyword Planner to research how people look for hair salons in your area and make a list of some keywords to include. You don’t have to go crazy here – stuffing keywords makes your website look and feel awkward. 

Add the relevant search terms to your website’s pages. For example, in your “About” section, you might say that you’re “the best hair salon in Honolulu” or that you have “top stylists on Park Avenue.” Include keywords in the titles of pages, image descriptions, and relevant copy to help Google’s algorithm understand what’s on your site.

2. On-Page Optimization

If you have an existing website that isn’t already optimized, don’t worry. On-page optimization is the process of making sure your website’s content is relevant and well-structured. This includes practices like: 

• Adding keywords
• Including internal links to other pages on your website 
• Writing meta descriptions and title tags for all pages
• Uploading images that are the right size

3. User Experience

Think about who’s actually using your website. You want their experience to be as seamless as possible, and that means they should be able to find important pages easily and quickly. Make sure your website has a visible menu that’s easy to navigate. Also check that everything’s mobile-friendly and works on different screen sizes. If someone opens your website on a tablet and all the text is wonky and hard to read, they’ll probably just click away. 

4. Backlinks

Backlinks are part of off-page optimization – the things that happen outside of your website itself that affect your SEO. A backlink is when a reputable website links to your online content, letting hair stylist search engines like Google know your site is trustworthy. For example, if you’re included in a list of the top salons in your area (and that list links to your website), that’s a backlink.

To get backlinks, you might need to put in some elbow grease. Network with local businesses, contact media in your area, and get listed in online directories (like Yelp). Even a few links can make a huge difference to Google’s algorithm and how it views your website.

The Benefits of SEO for Hair Salons

Still not convinced that SEO is worth your time? Here are more benefits of optimizing your site:

Increased Website Traffic

The better your SEO, the more visitors come to your website. And increased website traffic means more potential clients find your salon, book appointments, and review your services. 

Enhanced Local Visibility

When you practice SEO, your business has a higher chance of appearing near the top of local online search results. This enhanced visibility attracts your target market – nearby clients searching for hair services in your area. Bringing more people into your location helps you build a client base. 

Cost-Effective Marketing

SEO is an affordable marketing tactic. It drives traffic to your website without the costs of traditional advertising, like paying for billboard space or online ads. Once you optimize your website, local listings, and social media profiles to be SEO-friendly, there's less need for as much continued spending. 

Builds Credibility and Trust

Potential clients trust companies that are listed high in the SERPs. Appearing at the top of the list on Google makes you seem credible and encourages customers to check you out. 

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SEO For Hairdressers: 6 Tips 

The right strategies make SEO little work and all reward. Boost yours with these actionable tips for salon owners: 

1. Build a Website and Optimize Your Content

Your website should be as welcoming and professional as your physical salon. Use GlossGenius's Website Builder to create a clean, professional-looking site that users can navigate easily. Showcase your services, prices, and contact information, and add relevant keywords to your content to tell search engines what you're all about. 

2. Create a Google Business Profile 

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful local SEO tool. It gives you control over what Google shows searchers. Instead of pulling information from your website or other sources, it shows the information you’ve given it through your Business Profile. This makes sure potential clients see only the most relevant and up-to-date information. 

Follow these steps to create a Business Profile: 

1. Create a Google email (Gmail) account for your business and use it to sign in to Google Maps.

2. Add your business to Google in one of the following ways: 

• Type your salon's address in the search bar and click or tap Add Your Business, found on the left in the Business Profile.
• Right-click on the map and click or tap Add Your Business.
• Click or tap Menu at the top left, and then click or tap Add Your Business.

3. Follow the directions to complete the sign-up. 

GlossGenius Gold and higher subscription plans also include Reserve with Google, so you can easily let clients book through your Google listing.

Update your listing with as much relevant information as possible, including your: 

• Business name
• Summary of services
• Address
• Phone number
• Hours of operation
• Recent photos

3. Set Up Google Analytics for Your Website

Figure out which SEO tactics work for your website – and which don't – by tracking the site's performance. To do this, set up a (free!) Google Analytics account, which provides insights into traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates, like how often a visitor books an appointment. 

Analyzing this data helps you improve your SEO strategy. For example, if the report says people only spend a few seconds on your website before leaving, you need to figure out a way to get them to stay (like clearer menu options or a pop-up that gives them a discount).

4. Get on Local Business Directories

Local business directories like Yellow Pages and Yelp give you backlinks and boost your local SEO. Add the same details across as many directories as you can, and include relevant keywords in your descriptions. Being listed enhances your salon's credibility and helps potential clients find your salon online. 

5. Ask for Reviews and Respond to Them

Reviews from happy customers improve local SEO because they show search engines you're a trustworthy business with quality services. Encourage happy clients to share their thoughts on Google, Yelp, and Facebook, and respond positively to the reviews whenever you can. This shows both search engines and potential clients that you’re active and happy to help. Gloss Genius also integrates with these platforms so you can easily add reviews to your booking site.

If your salon receives negative reviews or constructive criticism, don’t panic. It happens to every business sometimes. Address the concerns kindly. Engaging with reviews shows potential clients their satisfaction is important to you – and that you’re always willing to rectify situations. 

6. Build a Social Media Presence 

Showcase your salon team's talent by regularly posting on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. By sharing new styles and products on social media, you increase your visibility online and show potential clients your fantastic results. Don't forget to add keywords and relevant hashtags to your captions. This helps your SEO by telling search engines more about what you offer, giving them the information they need to rank you higher in the SERPs. 

GlossGenius' marketing tools make managing your social media presence a breeze. You can personalize campaigns with the help of Genius AI, which will generate post ideas for you. Or you can choose from a library of post templates about everything from appointment openings to online booking announcements. 

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Enhance Your Salon's Online Presence With GlossGenius

Make your online presence as smooth and sleek as your blowouts. GlossGenius’ platform supports SEO efforts with features like sleek, customizable website templates and seamless Client Review Management. Our built-in marketing tools help you create a stunning online presence, boosting your local SEO and drawing customers straight to you. 

Sign up for a 14-day free trial with GlossGenius today and find out how our all-in-one platform can boost your salon's online reputation and help you gain clients.