Are you wearing one too many hats in your business? It’s a lot to juggle from being the stylist, accountant, receptionist, and sometimes even the plumber.
But when it comes to marketing your salon, is doing it all yourself costing you more than you think? Let’s find out where DIY salon marketing works and where it doesn’t.
Get ready for episode 19 of Marketing 100, where salon marketing experts John and Kayle discuss when to roll up your sleeves and when to call in the pros.
Next, read the guide with practical DIY vs. outsourcing tips.
The True Price of DIY Salon Marketing
We entrepreneurs are a special breed, aren’t we? Our can-do attitude gets us far but can sometimes hold us back.
Have you considered the opportunity cost of handling every task yourself?
Opportunity cost is the value of what you’re missing out on when you choose one alternative over another. In other words, every minute you spend designing a flyer is a minute you’re not spending on high-impact activities only you can do.
As salon and spa owners, we’re often plumbers, psychologists, lawyers, and more, all in one day.
While gaining experience in various areas is invaluable, focusing your energy where you excel is crucial. Otherwise, the cost of stretching yourself too thin can be high.
Think about it:
If you were paying yourself an hourly rate, would spending that time on tasks outside your expertise make sense?
Smart Salon Marketing: When to DIY and When to Outsource
Learn when to outsource and when to handle tasks yourself. This balance allows you to maximize your impact and focus on areas where you can shine.
Tasks to Consider Outsourcing
Website Development: Unless you’re a web expert, a professional can create a polished site that attracts clients and saves you time in the long run.
According to web credibility research from Stanford, 75% of users admit to judging a company’s credibility based on their website’s design. A well-designed website isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building trust with potential clients.
But if you’re considering DIY, check out our guide on how to create a salon website.
Branding and Graphic Design: Professionals can create a memorable logo and cohesive branding materials that resonate with your target audience. This investment can pay off significantly: businesses with consistent branding experience up to 20% greater overall growth and 33% higher revenue than those with inconsistent branding (Marq).
For inspiration, see top salon websites that nailed their branding.
Repetitive Administrative Tasks: Consider a virtual assistant for tasks like posting content across multiple platforms or formatting newsletters. Consider using salon automation to streamline processes.
Tasks That Need Your Personal Attention
Social Media Content: Your authentic voice and behind-the-scenes insights create genuine connections with followers. Share real moments that showcase your salon’s personality. Learn how to engage your team in boosting your social media presence.
Client Communications: Personalize newsletters, client inquiries, and offers. Your knowledge of your clients is invaluable for building loyalty. Learn more in our guide on email marketing personalization for salons.
Brand Voice and Core Messaging: Keep control of your salon’s unique identity and values. Create a brand voice guide to maintain consistency across all platforms.
Read more: Fly Your Freak Flag: Weird Salon Marketing Ideas That Shouldn’t Work (but do!).
Calculating the Real Cost of DIY Marketing
Opportunity cost isn’t just a buzzword, and it’s a critical concept for your business. Consider this:
- Your time is valuable. If you spend 5 hours designing a flyer, that’s 5 hours you could have spent expanding your business or serving clients.
- Quality matters. A professional can often do a task faster and better, leading to greater returns.
- Long-term gains. Investing in expert help now can pay dividends in the future.
By focusing on tasks only you can do, you’re investing in your business’s core strengths.
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Hiring Expert Help for Your Marketing
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to find professionals who can effectively support your salon’s marketing efforts.
Define Your Needs: Clearly outline the tasks you need help with and your expected outcomes before starting your search.
Use Reputable Platforms: Explore freelance marketplaces like Upwork or specialized platforms like 99designs to find vetted professionals.
Review Work and Ratings: Examine portfolios and past client feedback to ensure the professional’s style and reliability align with your needs.
Start Small: Begin with a small project to test the working relationship before committing to larger tasks.
Communicate Clearly: Set clear expectations about project requirements, timeline, and budget from the outset.
Key Takeaways for Salon Marketing Success
As we’ve explored, smart marketing for your salon isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about making strategic choices that maximize your impact and grow your business.
Key takeaways:
- Recognize the actual cost of DIY marketing, including opportunity costs
- Identify tasks that benefit from your personal touch versus those better handled by professionals
- Use outsourcing to free up time for high-impact activities that only you can perform
Ready to transform your salon’s marketing approach? Take these steps today:
- Review your current marketing tasks and identify areas for potential outsourcing
- Research professionals or tools that could help with these tasks
- Create a plan to reallocate your time to high-impact activities
P.S. For more proven strategies to improve your salon marketing, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
