Seriously. Let’s talk about turning that dusty corner or empty room into a cash cow for your salon. It’s easier than you think.
Play the short…
… and watch the full episode 61 of Marketing 100 with salon marketing experts John Hallberg and Kayle Yanez as they walk through salon space ideas and real-world examples of salons transforming unused spaces into profitable service areas.
Continue reading below for practical tips, revenue calculations, and insider strategies from successful salon owners who’ve maximized every square foot of their space.
Download our free Cross-Selling Scripts PDF. It includes conversation starters, objection handlers, and role-playing scenarios.
Why Unused Salon Space Is a Missed Revenue Opportunity
Let’s be real: Every square foot of your salon needs to earn its keep. An empty room is just watching potential profits walk out the door.
A friend who’s managed some killer salons told me, “All the best spots I worked at had an aesthetician, makeup artist, or lash tech. You need diverse services for that synergy.”
She’s dead right. The sharpest salon owners I know use complementary services to become the go-to beauty spot and make way more money doing it.
Keep Your Clients (And Their Wallets) In-House
Your clients already trust you with their hair. They clearly care about how they look, they spend money on themselves. Why on earth would you send them somewhere else for lashes or facials?
Like Daniela Woerner said on our podcast, people like her are your ideal spa clients already sitting in your chair. Don’t make them leave!
Bring these services in-house and watch your revenue climb. It’s also a cornerstone of mastering salon rebooking, as clients have more reasons to return.
Numbers back this up. Older clients (55+) make up almost a third of salon visits (Source), and they want the whole beauty package. Plus, personalization is the number one thing keeping customers loyal these days.
Hot Take: If You’re Not Diversifying, You’re Basically Giving Money Away
Seriously. Every empty room in your salon is basically writing checks to your competition.
I’ve seen salons lose great clients just because they didn’t offer the brow wax or facial that client wanted.
Okay, How Do I Actually Do This?
I know, I know. “Great idea, but sounds like a headache.” It doesn’t have to be!
We’ve broken it down into steps based on what actually works:
↓ Pin it for Later ↓
Step 1: Check Out Your Space
Got an office just for paperwork? Can that paperwork move somewhere else? I’ve seen owners turn tiny back rooms into money-making treatment spaces. Ask:
- Can I realistically fit a treatment table and the gear in here?
- Can the junk currently stored there go in storage, the attic, anywhere else?
Step 2: Run the Numbers
Let’s talk money.
- Roughly calculate the revenue from the new service(s).
- Add up the setup costs— equipment, maybe a storage unit—and see how it stacks up against what you expect to make.
A salon owner I know turned her office into a skincare room. Her monthly revenue jumped 22% in three months. She literally said to me:
“I wish I’d done this sooner. Clients love the convenience, and my bottom line loves the boost.”
Step 3: Smart Hiring & Training
Hire smart.
Often, salons grow because they luck into hiring someone with extra skills. Next time you’re hiring, look for a stylist who also rocks at lashes or brows.
Training your team, especially with role-playing (McKinsey) really works for cross-selling. Combine that with some smart incentives, and you’ll see bigger profits and happier employees .
Step 4: Natural Upselling & Cross-Promotion
Your own stylists become walking billboards. It’s one of the simplest salon marketing ideas that work: happy team members naturally promoting services.
Your stylists are often your biggest evangelists for your aesthetician. Their skin looks great, clients notice, conversations flow, and you’re effortlessly upselling.
And don’t forget processing time! I’ve seen salons easily add an extra $35–$65 per client with quick brow tints or mini facials while color processes.
Plus, beauty products have amazing margins 55-80%, way higher than services 5-20% (McKinsey).
Retail is key, so focus on selling salon retail products effectively.
Step 5: The Nitty-Gritty Checklist
- Lease Terms: Check your lease. Make sure you can make changes.
- Contractors: Get quotes from contractors you trust. Little tweaks often pay off fast.
- Smart Hiring: Look for candidates with multiple talents (stylist + lashes!).
Step 6: Measure Your Success
You’re busy. You need proof this is working:
- Track monthly revenue and average client spend. Compare before and after.
- Measure client retention and retail sales tied to the new stuff.
Seeing the numbers makes growth less scary.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Small.
Yeah, running a salon AND trying to grow it is… a lot. My advice? Don’t rush into five new things at once. Choose one complementary service—lashes, facials—that fits your current clients. I’ve seen owners boost monthly revenue 15–20% in just three months by adding one new service well. Think of it as the first step in how to scale your salon.
Mangomint – Salon Software That Isn’t Dusty (We Promise)
And while we’re talking about making life easier…
Mangomint is dust-free. We promise you. It’s easy-to-use, and honestly makes your day-to-day easier.
If your current software feels like it belongs in a museum, check out Mangomint. It’s clean, simple, and just works. Give it a whirl risk-free (and snag an extra free month via our link).
The Bottom Line: Use That Space!
So, here’s the plan:
- Turn empty rooms into money-making services.
- Make upselling easy and natural.
- Keep clients happier (and spending more) by offering client satisfaction, convenience, and loyalty.
- Track your wins and plan your next move.
It’s just smart business. And yeah, it’ll make you more money.
Get Our Complete Cross-Selling Scripts & Training Cards PDF
Want to make cross-selling feel natural and boost your service revenue? Download our free Cross-Selling Scripts PDF. It includes all the conversation starters, objection handlers, and role-playing scenarios your team needs to confidently recommend new services.
Download the Cross-Selling Scripts PDF →
P.S. For even more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
