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In order to open a successful salon, there are a few key steps to take. Find out what they are on our blog.

If it’s been a lifelong dream of yours to open a salon, there are a few key areas of planning that must be considered in order to raise your chances of success. While 2021 has brought about a myriad of challenges for businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this shouldn’t stop you from correctly understanding the vital steps required towards owning and operating a salon.

It would be convenient if you could simply click your fingers and make an entire shop appear. More than the brick-and-mortar establishment, it would also be filled with talented employees and customers spilling out of the door. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as that. Managing a salon comes with a list of responsibilities and considerations to ensure legal compliance, customer satisfaction, and financial stability.

Read on to discover the key steps towards opening a successful salon in 2021:

  1. Create a solid business plan

It’s crucial to draw up an initial business plan covering the foundations of your vision in order to effectively finance and market your salon. You can either start with a simple one-page business plan such as the lean canvas model or create a more extensive plan that delves into every business intricacy you can think of. Regardless of which type you opt for, it’s important to have some sort of springboard for your salon to bounce off.

It’s recommended that you address the following:

  • Customer segments
  • Acquisition channels
    • Social media
    • Networking
    • Email marketing
    • Events
  • Supplier/distributor plan
  • Revenue streams
  • Cost structure
  • Required resources
    • Physical equipment
    • Online marketing and customer experience tools
  1. Find the right space

Finding the perfect location for your salon can be an exciting yet equally daunting task. Whether you’re looking to buy a shop or seek out the best Brooklyn store space, for example, it’s crucial not to take this step lightly, as it can become one of the priciest expenses. It’s important to evaluate your geographical needs and choose wisely.

Considerations may include:

  • How populated the area gets
  • Reputation of location
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Hidden costs
  • Close to public transport
  • Location of competitors
  1. Understand the costs

It’s crucial to determine exactly where your funding is being directed. It’d be disappointing to successfully open up your salon only to fall the next year due to crippling debt and disgruntled, underpaid employees. Assessing your financial requirements before diving is key.

Costs may include the following:

  • Payroll
  • Business licenses and area permits
  • Renting fees and security deposits
  • Equipment
  • Inventory
  • Insurance
  1. Understand local laws and regulations

Depending upon where your salon is located, state and local council-mandated regulations may differ. It’s wise to properly research what is legally required of you before opening. Otherwise, you may face financially threatening consequences.

Legalities may include:

  • Cosmetology and other salon licenses
  • Employer identification number (EIN)
  • Registering your business name
  • Building permits
  • Health and safety requirements
    (1)
  1. Create a powerful marketing strategy

In order to attract customers to your store, you’ll need to adopt an effective marketing strategy. This may involve maximizing your online presence, utilizing social media platforms, posting physical advertisements around the area, or even asking your friends and family to spread the message via word of mouth. (2)

  1. Give your salon an edge

Once you’ve attracted prospects to your salon, you want them to feel welcome and inspired. This may be achieved through careful consideration of the exterior and interior design of your salon, the adoption of a quirky or clever company name, or thoughtful treats and freebies offered while your clients get their hair done. Attention to detail may very well land you a reputable name amongst the fashion and beauty market.

If a customer walks into your salon only to be met by a single chair surrounded by boring-colored and cracked walls, zero temperature regulation, and mind-numbing music, they’re less likely to return. Optimizing your salon’s level of comfort and flair is important if success is what you’re aiming for.

Final thoughts

In order to open a successful salon, it’s wise to ensure you create a solid business plan from which your salon can bounce off and take the time to understand your customer base. The more attention you pay to the details, the more likely clients are to return.

Confirming that you understand and abide by any state and local laws is also essential. Additionally, as with any other business venture, you’ll need to find the right space and take note of the costs that you should expect for the daily operations. Create a powerful marketing strategy as well to get the word out that your salon is already open for business.

References

  1. “Regulations and Rules for Opening a Salon”, Source: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/regulations-rules-opening-salon-18598.html
  2. “7 beauty salon marketing techniques for attracting new clients”, Source: https://www.myob.com/au/blog/beauty-salon-marketing-techniques/