Top 4 Ways for Barbers to Promote Themselves
Are you interested in expanding your clientele with a good number of pre bookings instead of waiting for walk-ins? Knowing how to market yourself as a barber can be the difference between having 5 clients a day and having 20 clients a day. Barbering relies on building loyal customers and having good outreach, this means knowing how to promote yourself. If you are interested in increasing your customer numbers and furthering your advertising skills, read the list below with four ways to promote yourself as a barber curated by CADMEN Barbershop.
1. Build clientele
In order to build your clientele as a barber, you need to be exploring all avenues, this means going out of your way to attract new customers and to create long-term relationships with loyal clients too. Here are some tips
Build great relationships with your clients. Greet them heartily when they come in, have good conversations with them, listen to their stories, etc. A good haircut is not just about the quality of the cut, it is also about bringing a great customer experience to every touchpoint.
Be up-to-date. Being a barber is about more than cutting hair, it is also about styling and modernizing it. Barbering is a competitive field, and barbers are constantly finding a way to up their game. In order for you to entice customers, you have to stand out and know the craft, be caught up with the trends, and market yourself well.
Networking is important! Barbering, like any field, prospers with the help of a few connections. Reach out to other barbers, join events and keep in touch! This may provide you with opportunities to meet new customers, learn new skills, and build stronger connections in the industry.
Having a good number of pre-booked clients will give you a better sense of security as most clients will show up no matter what if they have already booked, rain or shine.
A good number of pre-booked clients will give you a better of security as most of clients will show up no matter rain or shine
2. Promote Yourself on Social Media
Social media has taken over the world and helped many businesses; CADMEN Barbershop included. Lately, we’ve been seeing barbers flourish on TikTok with millions of followers around the world. It is important to promote yourself on social media, as followers are potential clients, and word of mouth is the most effective marketing method. If people do not see you on social media, chances are they may not even realize you exist. Don't be shy to ask clients if they want to be on camera. Jump on trends, make videos for TikTok and Instagram, and come up with creative content ideas to make yourself stand out among other barbers.
A great example of this was when a young barber from Toronto was making headlines using TikTok to promote himself to millionaires, showing up at their mansions to give them fresh cuts and fades. This has gained him millions of views and followers on TikTok, not to mention a wide variety of wealthy new clients eager to be featured in his videos and get a good cut. It is possible for anyone to go viral on social media platforms like TikTok nowadays, so make sure to take advantage of these free platforms to create content showcasing your skills and abilities, you never know if you might make the next viral video.
4. Invest In Your Skills
No matter what you do, the quality of the cut you give your customer and the service you show them are the things that keep them happy and coming back. Spend your time and money wisely on education, learn from the best, and keep a growth/progressive mindset. You build and gain confidence with each haircut, and don't be afraid if you make mistakes, you will learn and improve with time, effort, and patience.
Take a class. Go out of your way to keep improving and to get better at your craft. Just as other professions continue to train throughout their careers, why shouldn’t barbers? It is a good way to stay fresh and be the best in your field. You can learn more about our Barber Academy by clicking HERE.
Invest in new products and tools. Although not accessible to all, it is important that you try to have the best quality items that you can afford at the time to increase the precision and quality levels of your cuts. Good quality tools are worth the investment in the long run because they will last you a lifetime.
Hairstyles and barbering techniques are constantly changing. Do your best to stay up to date on the latest trends and styles to ensure you can meet and exceed client demands and expectations. Do your research and take your time developing your techniques.
CADMEN Barbershop has various barber courses both online and offline for aspiring barbers. Click HERE to learn more
4. Stand Out
There are many barbers in the field who are trying to extend their reach, everyone wants as many clients as they can handle. For new barbers or barbers aspiring to grow their practice and clientele, you must go the extra mile. Standing out from the crowd will provide you with more chances. Customers like seeing determined workers, hard work usually always pays off.
Take all haircuts offered to you. For you to grow your clientele, you must take each opportunity provided to you. Don’t pick and choose, you never know what each opportunity can bring. Often the greatest opportunities are hidden from us and can appear when least expected. When Francis, CADMEN Barbershop master barber/co-founder first started, he used to stand on the street to give out his business cards for free haircuts. Don’t be afraid to come up to a good-looking guy and offer him a free haircut to build your Instagram and haircut portfolio.
Show up and Show out. Going the extra mile will be what separates you from other barbers, catering to your clients will be the most helpful tool in growing your clientele and standing out. Put in the work and put in the hours to take what is rightfully yours, show up early and stay late to build your rapport.
Be positive. The energy you project will either attract or push away clients, let’s make sure it’s not the latter. Most men are already stressed out by work or family life, they see the barbershop as a place to unwind, don’t disrupt their peace. Stay in a cheerful and optimistic mood so clients will be enticed to return.
Are you an aspiring barber? Check out some of the masterclasses, one-on-one sessions, and mentorship opportunities available at CADMEN Academy.