Salon Charity Partnerships – 4 Steps to Make a Difference (+ free templates) | Ep. 54

Today, we’re discussing salon charity partnerships – a way to contribute to your community while boosting your business.

You might be thinking: “Charity? As a marketing strategy?” Yes. But before the “how,” let’s clarify the “why.”

This isn’t about slapping your logo on a charity event and calling it a day. We’re not fans of “brand washing” – partnering with a cause solely for appearance.

Instead, we’re talking about building genuine, long-term relationships with organizations that align with your salon’s values and allow you to make a meaningful difference in your community.

It’s about finding the balance between doing good and growing your business. This is the essence of cause marketing for salons: aligning your business with a cause you believe in to create a positive impact.

Consumers are increasingly demanding this. Did you know 64% of millennial consumers buy from brands that reflect their personal values¹. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a change in how people spend their money.

Play the short…

…and watch the full episode 54 of Marketing 100 with salon marketing experts John and Kayle as they discuss why charity partnerships benefit your salon and community.

Continue reading to learn how partnering with a charity can help your salon give back, strengthen your team, and grow your business.

🚀 Download the following PDF resources to get started:
Salon Charity Partnership Evaluation Checklist
Salon Email Outreach Templates for Charity Partnerships

1. Build Genuine Partnerships with Local Charities

As salon owners, you’re not just providing services; you’re building businesses that are part of a larger community, which comes with a responsibility.

As business leaders, we should use our platforms to give back and contribute positively. Successful salon charity partnerships are built on this foundation of genuine purpose.

This isn’t just a fluffy, feel-good statement. It’s about recognizing your salon’s power to make a real impact. It’s about aligning your business with a purpose that goes beyond profit and resonates deeply with your team and clients.

Research shows that the authenticity of your corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts impacts consumer purchase intention.²

As business leaders, we should take that responsibility and we should come back to our purpose…the bigger purpose of what it is that we want to do.

2. Strengthen Your Salon Team Through Community Service

Consider the impact on your salon’s culture. Partnering with a charity gives your team a shared mission, fostering unity, purpose, and camaraderie. This is key to building a strong salon culture.

3. Become a Community Leader Through Salon Giving

This is where you connect with your community on a deeper level. It’s about showing up, being present, and actively participating in improving your local area. This builds trust, generates goodwill, and establishes your salon as a caring and responsible community member.

And let’s be real, it’s also a great networking opportunity. You’re meeting like-minded people, building relationships, and increasing your salon’s visibility within the community.

4. Marketing Benefits of Salon Charity Partnerships

Okay, let’s talk marketing. While it’s not the primary reason for partnering with a charity, it’s a significant benefit. It’s a natural way to boost your salon’s visibility and attract clients who share your values. This is where cause marketing for salons shines. It’s about attracting clients who align with your values and appreciate your commitment to social responsibility.

And it’s increasingly important, with 46% of consumers closely watching brands’ social responsibility efforts.⁴

Consider adding a charitable giving component to your salon loyalty programs, like donating a portion of redeemed points to your partner charity.

This is a “knock-on benefit.” You’re not trying to market your business through charity work, but it happens naturally. You’re showing up in the community, being seen, and making a positive impression. This can lead to new clients, increased brand awareness, and even positive media coverage.

Be sure to promote your charitable efforts on social media to increase visibility and engagement.

Salon Charity Ideas Beyond Donations

Here’s where it gets exciting. As a service business, you can contribute beyond just writing a check. Here are a few effective ideas:

• Volunteer Your Expertise: Offer your team’s skills at charity events. Think mini-makeovers, styling sessions, or even just lending a helping hand. Consider hosting successful salon events in partnership with the charity, such as a “Glam for Good” day where a portion of proceeds goes to the cause.
• Sponsor Events with Services: Donate gift certificates or service packages for raffles and auctions. It’s a win-win: you support the cause, and potential clients get to experience your salon.
• Team Up with Your Suppliers: Reach out to your product reps and see if they’re willing to donate products for gift baskets or giveaways. It’s a great way to strengthen those relationships and get your name out there.
• Tap into Your Client Network: You talk to your clients all the time. Use those conversations to learn about the causes they’re passionate about and find potential partnership opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions like:

• “Are there any local charities you’re involved with or passionate about?”
• “Do you know of any community organizations that could use our salon’s services?”
• “Are you involved in any fundraising events that we could potentially support?”
• “Are any of your clients social workers? Are they community organizers? Do they work in health care or elderly care, other, you know, charitable causes? Do they donate their time to organizations?”

You talk to your clients so much, you vibe with them, you align with them in a lot of ways. This is just another way to connect with them on a deeper level.

Create a Successful Salon Charity Partnership

Choose a charity that resonates with you, your team, and your salon’s values. Don’t pick something random. Find a cause you believe in.

Start small, build genuine relationships, and be consistent. This isn’t a one-time thing, it’s about creating a long-term partnership that benefits everyone involved. We believe this is one of the most effective, overlooked marketing strategies for salons.

It’s about building a successful and meaningful business. It’s about connecting with your community, empowering your team, and making a real difference. And, yes, it’s a great way to grow your salon.

Getting Started: First Steps

• Research: Identify 2-3 local charities that align with your values (use the questions above).
• Reach Out: Contact the charity’s volunteer coordinator or development director. Introduce yourself and express your interest in partnering.
• Initial Meeting: Schedule a meeting to discuss their needs and how your salon can help. Be open to their suggestions.
• Start Small: Begin with a single event or a small donation to build the relationship.
• Communicate to your team: Get your team involved from the beginning. Share your goals and vision for the partnership.

🚀 Ready to start? Download our free resources to launch your salon’s charity partnership:

Salon Charity Partnership Evaluation Checklist: Use this checklist to evaluate potential charity partners and find the best fit for your salon.

Salon Email Outreach Templates for Charity Partnerships: Get professional, customizable email templates to reach out to potential charity partners.

Click the links above to download these free resources and start making a difference today.

P.S. For even more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.

References

1. Value-Driven Consumerism And What Your Website’s Got To Do With It – Forbes.

2. Authentic corporate social responsibility: antecedents and effects on consumer purchase intention | Emerald Insight.

3. 8 ways to engage employees on corporate social responsibility activities – Pawprint Eco.

4. 16 Brands Doing Corporate Social Responsibility Successfully – Digital Marketing Institute.

Appendix: How to Check a Charity’s Legitimacy

Before partnering with a charity, verify its legitimacy and alignment with your salon’s values. Here are resources to research potential partners:

1. Verify Tax-Exempt Status: Use the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool to confirm that the charity is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures your contributions are tax-deductible and that the charity meets basic IRS requirements.
2. Check CharityWatch: CharityWatch is an independent charity watchdog that rates charities based on their financial efficiency, accountability, and governance. View their list of Top-Rated Charities organized by cause to find highly effective organizations.
3. Consult State Regulators: Most states have regulatory bodies that oversee charitable solicitations. Check with your state regulator (often the Secretary of State or Attorney General’s office) to see if a charity is registered and in good standing. Some states provide online databases of charity financial information.
4. Review the Charity’s Website: A reputable charity will have a website that clearly describes its mission, programs, leadership, and financials. Look for transparency and readily available information.
5. Look for Third Party Reviews: Check websites like Guidestar and Smilehub.