WE CARE YOU GROWSalon marketing on Google: a checklist for hair, nail and beauty salons
New clients look for a salon the way they look for anything nearby. They search on Google Maps, scroll through photos of the work, read reviews and book. If booking takes more than a tap or two, many will try the next salon on the list.
Free for up to 3 shops. Starts from your Google Maps listing.
Where clients find and book a salon
- Google Maps"Hair salon near me" and "barber near me" searches end on map listings, where a booking button lets clients book without leaving Google.
- InstagramIt works as your portfolio, and clients compare cuts, color and nail work here before choosing.
- BooksyA booking app used by barbers and salons in the US, UK and other countries, and a Reserve with Google partner.
- VagaroSalon and spa booking software with a client marketplace, widely used in the US.
- StyleSeatA US booking marketplace where clients search for independent stylists and barbers.
- FreshaA salon booking platform common in the UK, Ireland and Australia that can connect bookings to Google.
- YelpStrongest in the US, where many clients read salon reviews on Yelp alongside Google.
What to check on your salon's Google Business Profile
- Exact categoryChoose "Hair salon", "Barber shop", "Nail salon" or "Beauty salon" to match what you mainly are. Add a second category only for a core service you really offer in the same shop.
- Full services listAdd each service, such as balayage, fades, gel manicure or facials, with a short description. Keep service names plain and put prices in the price field, not in the name.
- Booking buttonConnect your booking software if it works with Reserve with Google, or add your own booking link. Check with your provider first, since some charge for bookings made through Google.
- Hours that match how you workIf you take walk-ins, list the hours your door is open. Google's guidelines say businesses that work only by appointment shouldn't list regular hours, so make the booking button easy to find instead.
- Photos of real workUpload recent photos of your own work, the chairs and the entrance, with clients' permission. Stock photos tell new clients nothing about your skill.
- Products you sellIf you sell hair, nail or skin products, add them to your profile's products section with photos.
- Description with specialtiesSay what you're known for, such as curly hair, color correction or skin fades, and the neighborhood you serve. Write it for people, not for search engines.
- Review repliesThank clients for the specific service and answer complaints calmly. Never mention private details about a client in a public reply.
What not to do
- Don't ask clients to name their stylist in a review or give staff review quotas; Google's policy forbids both.
- Don't offer a discount on the next visit in exchange for a review; Google removes incentivized reviews.
- Don't hand out the review link only to clients who seemed happy; selective asking is review gating, which Google prohibits.
What KAEWOO handles each month for salons
- Set up online booking
- Booking options & info
- Instagram profile
- Yelp business page
- Reply to reviews
- New review alerts
Free for up to 3 shops. Starts from your Google Maps listing.
FAQ
I already use Booksy or Fresha. Do I need the Google booking button too?
If your provider works with Reserve with Google, connecting it puts a booking button on your Google listing that feeds the same calendar. Clients then book from the Maps result without hunting for your app link.
Should a barber who rents a chair have a separate listing?
Only if they meet Google's eligibility rules for individual practitioners, such as being reachable at the verified location during stated hours. When in doubt, keep one accurate listing for the shop.
What does KAEWOO's free checkup look at for a salon?
After you sign up and enter your salon's name or Google Maps link, KAEWOO reads your listing, including services, photos, booking links and a recent sample of reviews with your replies. It checks where you appear on Google Maps for your category at a grid of points around you, compares you with top nearby salons, and gives a score out of 100 with an action plan.