Your nail salon deserves buzz.

No, we’re not talking about the sound of your nail drill. This is about marketing.

You know you're the best at what you do, but others need to know it, too. If you want to get noticed and stand out from your competitors, you have to advertise. Whether you're opening a new nail salon or drumming up business for your current one, promotions are a great way to boost business. The right mix of creativity and strategy turns the volume up and spreads the word – leading to a larger and stronger client base.  

Read on for 13 nail salon promotion ideas that can take your business from hidden gem to hotspot.

13 Nail Salon Marketing Ideas 

Whether you're looking to fill empty appointment slots for opening day or add to your loyal customer base, these 13 nail salon advertising examples will do the trick: 

1. Create a Website 

Attract clients with a professional website – a must-have for any nail salon. It makes your business look legit and provides all the information clients need in one place, like a service menu, pricing guide, and frequently asked questions. 

Your website should be visually appealing and match any other branding you have. For example, if your salon has a sky-blue cloud interior, add a website background and color theme that matches. Then, add images of your best work, from acrylic sets to nail art and gel overlays, to show potential clients why they should book with you.

Check out GlossGenius' Custom Website Builder for an easy, stylish setup.

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2. Add Your Salon to Google 

Google is the most popular search engine, and thousands of people use it to research and book appointments at nail salons. Take advantage of this by setting up a Google My Business (GMB) account – a free tool that ensures your business is visible on Google when potential clients search for local services. 

GMB lets you manage how your salon appears on Google Maps and Google Search. You can engage with customers directly, improve your search engine optimization (SEO), and boost your credibility.

To create an account, follow these steps:

1. Make a Google email (Gmail) account for your company.

2. Use it to log in to Google Business Profile. Then, optimize your profile with your business name, address, phone number, website, photos, and videos – any information you want potential clients to know.

3. Encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews, which will show up when someone searches for your business.

To help you take full advantage of GMB, use GlossGenius' Get Booked and Discovered On Google feature. With our help, millions of Google users can find your business and book with you in seconds – right on your GMB listing. 

3. Be Active on Social Media 

Create a TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook account using your business name. Many use these platforms as search engines instead of Google, helping you reach even more people. 

Post regularly to demonstrate your prowess and connect with current and potential clients. Social media content ideas for nail salons include photos of your work, behind-the-scenes shots and videos, and client testimonials to build trust and engagement (and don't forget the trending hashtags to increase reach). 

4. Host Contests and Giveaways 

Host contests and giveaways on Instagram and TikTok to boost your nail salon's online visibility. For example, share an image or short video of a new tool or product and give followers the chance to win their own by liking the post, tagging a friend, and following your account. 

You can also run a giveaway where followers submit photos of their favorite nail art to win a free service, like a deluxe pedicure or a gift basket of nail products. The more people post and engage with your account, the more potential clients you reach.

5. Partner With Another Local Business for Cross-Promotion 

Teaming up with a nearby business is one of the best ideas for nail salon advertising. Choose a storefront you respect and enjoy, like a spa, coffee shop, or clothing store, and inquire about collaborating on promotions together. 

Cross-promotion, which is using one product or service to promote another, exposes your services to potential customers. And since it does the same for the other business, too, you both win. Offer special deals or discounts to each other's customers, like 10% off a nail service when someone purchases a latte or a free drip coffee when a client gets a shellac manicure.

6. Get Interviewed by a Local News or Media Outlet 

Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, or radio stations and offer to share your expertise. You can discuss topics like nail trends, industry innovations, and tips for nail care. Getting featured in local media boosts your nail salon's visibility, leading to more clients and positioning you as a knowledgeable industry professional. 

7. Use SMS and Email Marketing 

Meet your clients where they’re at: on their phones. Keep them in the loop with text messages and email marketing so all they have to do is tap a notification. And the good news is that these strategies are easy to set up.

Use GlossGenius' marketing tools to send texts and emails to inform customers about promotions, special events, and upcoming appointments. You can automate text blasts so you barely have to lift a finger. Just craft the message and prepare it for take-off.

Here's an example of a compelling marketing text message: "Hi [Name]! Celebrate summer with our special offer: 20% off all nail services this month! [Booking Link]" This one is personalized and has a booking link so customers can quickly tap and navigate to your website.

Research shows that 99% of text messages are read – an impressive rate. With so many people opening and reading your texts, you’ll double your clients in no time. 

Sign up for a 14-day free trial with GlossGenius! 

8. Launch a Loyalty Program 

Loyalty programs reward repeat clients with perks like discounts and complimentary services. Create a program that matches your clients’ favorite products and services. For example, offer a free manicure or 20% off your next service after 10 visits. Loyalty programs make clients feel appreciated and encourage them to rebook – a win-win for you both. 

9. Offer Promotions and Discounts 

Attract new clients and get previous ones to come back by offering specials and discounts. For example, offer package deals, like 10% off when a client books a manicure and pedicure at the same time. Track how many clients take advantage of your promotions – and how much money you make – for insights into what does and doesn't work for your business. 

10. Use a Referral Program 

Turn loyal clients into brand ambassadors with a referral program. A referral program rewards customers for successfully bringing their friends and family into your salon with fun incentives like free nail art for every new client or a free mani-pedi for every five referrals. This marketing idea is a low-cost way to gain and retain clients, and even if people don’t bite, it gets them talking about your business. 

11. Offer Birthday Specials 

Everyone wants to feel special on their birthday, so make your clients’ days with a personalized birthday promo. Text or email a birthday wish with a special offer, like a 15% discount on their next service or a complimentary add-on. This small gesture goes a long way toward providing an outstanding customer experience, and it reminds clients to book their next appointments.

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12. Start a Newsletter 

Send clients a monthly update about new trends, services, and deals. To do this, use GlossGenius to design and email an eye-catching newsletter with your salon's logo and branding. A monthly newsletter engages existing clients and gives them something to look forward to. It also doesn’t hurt to include exclusive discount codes for loyal recipients.

13. Host Events To Showcase New Products or Trends 

While digital marketing gets the job done, inviting clients to visit the salon is more engaging and personal. Hosting events positions your salon as a trendsetter and helps attract new clients.  Plan a launch party for a much-anticipated new product or an event to showcase the latest nail trends. Offer refreshments, special discounts, and free services for attendees – whatever gets them in the door. 

Boost Your Nail Salon's Growth With GlossGenius 

Beyond marketing, you can use GlossGenius’ platform to streamline your entire business operation and enhance your client experience with features like appointment scheduling and calendar management, client management, team organization and payroll, inventory, expense reporting, and so much more. This way you can do what you do best: create stunning nails. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

Grow your clientele, increase your bookings, and watch your business thrive with GlossGenius. Sign up for a 14-day free trial today.