SEO

SEO for Hair Salons: A Complete Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on SEO for Hair Salons! In this blog, we’ll explore the power of Search Engine Optimization and how it can transform your hair salon business. Whether you’re a new salon looking to make a mark or an established one seeking growth, optimizing your online presence is essential in today’s digital landscape. Join us as we uncover the secrets to ranking higher, attracting more clients, and ensuring your salon’s success in the competitive beauty industry.

You’ll Need a Salon Website

Getting one is crucial if you still need a website for your salon. While there have been debates about whether a Facebook page or social presence is enough, having a website is essential for building strong visibility in search results.

The good news is that creating a website has become easy and affordable today. If you have the budget, you can hire an agency to design a website tailored to your salon’s needs and optimized for search engine visibility.

Alternatively, there are excellent and cost-effective website builders available specifically for salons. With these tools, you can easily create a search engine-friendly website to implement effective strategies I’ll share.

To simplify things for you, I’ve compiled a list of the best website builders for salons. Rest assured, all the builders I recommend are optimized for search engines, ensuring your website’s discoverability and ranking.

Moreover, it’s essential to consider how well the chosen website builder integrates with your salon booking software. A seamless online booking experience ensures visitors who find your website can easily schedule appointments and become valued customers. So, ensure your website and booking software work hand-in-hand to provide an excellent user experience for potential clients.

Just a Little Bit of Theory – SEO for Hair Salons Website Show At The Top of Google?

Google employs over 200 factors to determine the ranking of websites in its search results. These factors are part of a sophisticated algorithm that continuously analyzes the web and selects the most relevant and high-quality results for each user’s query. To maintain the integrity of its algorithm and prevent manipulation, Google does not disclose all the intricate details.

However, we can identify with high certainty the key elements that significantly impact a website’s ranking. It is crucial to understand that Google’s primary goal is to serve its customers, the searchers, by providing the best and most relevant results for their queries.

As a salon owner, you offer services and products people actively search for. Therefore, you can improve your search position and visibility by ensuring that Google knows your salon’s offerings. Later in this article, I will guide you on how to achieve this.

How to Get Your Salon to Show at the Top of Google:

To enhance your salon’s search engine performance and drive business growth, follow these key strategies:

Register with Major Search Engines:

Ensure your salon is registered with major search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Provide accurate and comprehensive details, including your salon’s name, address, phone number, and website.

Create Relevant Content:

Develop valuable and relevant content on your website that incorporates targeted salon-related keywords and phrases frequently used by people searching for salons in your area. This will increase the chances of your website appearing in search results when potential customers look for your services.

Build Quality Backlinks:

Seek links from other relevant and trustworthy websites to your salon’s website. Backlinks from reputable sources signal to search engines that your website is credible and valuable, thus positively impacting your search engine rankings.

Consistent Citations:

Ensure your salon’s details, such as name, address, and phone number, are cited accurately and consistently across various listing websites and directories. Consistent information builds trust and authority with search engines and local customers.

Optimize Website Performance:

Check that your website loads quickly is mobile-friendly, and secured with HTTPS. A fast, mobile-responsive website enhances user experience and can positively influence search rankings.

1. Getting Your Salon Registered With Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already, paying attention to the significance of Google Business Profile, especially for local businesses like salons, is crucial. According to Moz, Google Business Profile accounts for a substantial 19% of Google’s ranking performance for local businesses, making it a massive factor in local search results.

By registering your salon on Google My Business, you can provide essential details about your business, including its location. This allows Google to determine the proximity of your salon to potential customers when they search for terms like “salon near me,” which is a highly popular search query when people seek a new salon.

Having your details on Google, My Business ensures that your salon is considered for display in the map results visible at the top of search results. When users search for salons in their area, Google can show your salon’s information, including opening hours, contact details, and website links, providing convenient access for potential customers.

Enriching your Google Business Profile with images and additional relevant information can create a more enticing and informative result for users. You can also enable customer ratings, allowing satisfied clients to share their experiences, which is a powerful testament to the quality of your salon.

What About Other Search Engines?

Google is the most widely used search engine, making it a top priority for your efforts. Therefore, I recommend you optimize your online presence specifically for Google in the beginning stages. This article will primarily concentrate on strategies for Google, given its dominant position in the search market.

It’s important to note that other search engines operate similarly to Google, so the actions I recommend throughout this article will also benefit your performance on those platforms. Search engine optimization (SEO) principles generally apply across various search engines.

However, there are unique aspects to consider when dealing with other search engines’ equivalents of Google My Business. These platforms may have distinct features and requirements, requiring dedicated attention and customization.

For optimal results, allocate your primary focus to optimizing for Google while considering the overall SEO principles that apply across different search engines. Additionally, take the time to explore and adapt your strategy to suit the unique features of other search engine platforms equivalent to Google My Business.

Get Your Salon on Apple Maps

Likely, you are reading this article on an iPhone, considering it is the most popular mobile device today. Statistically, iPhones dominate the market, and a significant portion of map searches, approximately 33%, are conducted using Apple Maps.

As a result, many people searching for salons utilize the built-in maps app on their iPhones. This underscores the importance of ensuring your salon’s visibility on Apple Maps, as it presents a valuable opportunity to reach a substantial mobile audience actively seeking local businesses like yours.

By optimizing your salon’s information on Apple Maps and other map-based platforms, you can attract potential customers looking for salons in your area. Ensure your salon’s details, including accurate location, contact information, and business hours, are up-to-date and easily accessible on these mapping services.

Catering to the preferences of iPhone users and prioritizing your presence on Apple Maps can significantly boost your salon’s discoverability and attract more foot traffic to your business. Embrace the mobile-first approach to reach a broader audience and capitalize on the popularity of iPhones and map-based searches in the digital age.

Get Your Salon on Bing

Bing, the second largest search engine after Google, holds approximately 7% of the market today. While it may represent fewer searches than Google, it is still a significant platform with its user base. Like Google Business Profile, Bing offers a similar service called Bing Places.

Even though Bing’s share is smaller, investing 30 minutes of your schedule to add your salon to Bing Places is advisable. The process is straightforward, and the service is free, making it a valuable opportunity to expand your online presence.

By registering your salon on Bing Places, you can ensure that it is visible to Bing’s user base when people search for salons in your area. This can attract additional potential customers and contribute to your overall online visibility.

Your Salon is Now Registered on the Biggest Search Engines

Congratulations on enhancing your salon’s performance on search engines by registering for Google My Business, Apple Maps, and Bing. However, more than simply registering on these platforms is required to guarantee top rankings in search results.

Now, let’s dive into the strategies that will propel your salon to success on Google. Get yourself a fresh cup of coffee as we implement effective techniques to boost your salon’s online visibility and search engine rankings.

The following strategies will help your salon soar to new heights on Google:

Keyword Optimization:

Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the most relevant and popular search terms related to salons in your area. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your website content, meta tags, and headings to align with user search intent.

Local SEO:

Focus on local SEO tactics to target customers in your area. Ensure your salon’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent and accurately listed across various platforms. Utilize local keywords and create location-based content to appeal to your target audience.

Content Marketing:

Develop high-quality and informative content that addresses the needs and interests of your potential clients. Share valuable tips, trends, and insights related to salon services, fostering engagement and establishing your expertise in the industry.

Customer Reviews:

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business page and other review platforms. Positive reviews boost your online reputation and influence search engine rankings.

Link Building:

Earn quality backlinks from reputable websites within the beauty and wellness industry. Building a strong backlink profile signals authority and trust to search engines, positively impacting your ranking.

Mobile Optimization:

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless experience for users on various devices. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites, making this aspect critical for your search engine performance.

User Experience:

Focus on providing an exceptional user experience on your website. Ensure easy navigation, quick loading times, and a visually appealing layout to engage visitors.

Social Media Presence:

Utilize social media platforms to promote your salon, engage with your audience, and share your content. Social signals play a role in search engine rankings.

2. Create Relevant Content for Your Website and Your Salon Keywords

Google primarily aims to connect users with the most relevant and helpful search results. They have become proficient at understanding user intent and delivering accurate search results.

However, Google can only match your salon with potential customers if you provide enough information about your business. Given the competition in the salon industry, it’s essential to optimize your website’s content so that your salon stands out among others in your area.

To achieve this, you must first understand people’s searches on Google and which keywords you want your salon to appear in. By identifying these relevant search phrases, also known as keywords or keyword phrases, you can optimize your website’s content to align with users’ search queries.

For instance, if potential customers search for the “best hair salon in London,” you want to ensure that your website includes this keyword strategically. Placing relevant keywords in strategic locations on your website helps Google understand that your salon is a relevant result for those specific search terms.

By conducting thorough keyword research and strategically incorporating identified keywords into your website’s content, meta tags, headings, and other relevant areas, you improve your chances of appearing in search results when potential customers search for services your salon offers.

Finding the Right Salon Keywords for Your Salon

You’ll now identify the keyword that best represents your salon. When you finish the exercise, I’ll take you through it; you should have 4-6 foundational keyword phrases for your salon and 8-12 long-tail keywords. Let me explain what I mean by that.

Your Salon’s Foundational Keywords

Exactly selecting the right keywords is crucial for optimizing your salon’s online visibility and attracting the most relevant potential clients. Your main keywords should accurately and comprehensively describe your business and your services. For instance, examples like “wedding hair stylist in Denver” or “best pedicure in London” are specific and target customers looking for those particular services in those locations.

Opting for broad keywords like “hair salon” may expose you to significant competition and make ranking at the top of search results challenging. On the other hand, choosing more specific keywords, such as “Vegan hair salon in Birmingham” or “best waxing in Manhattan,” increases your chances of ranking higher when users search for those precise phrases.

Using more specific keywords improves your chances of appearing at the top of search results and attracting better-quality visitors to your salon’s website. These “better” visitors are more likely to convert into clients because they actively seek your services. If someone searches for “nose waxing in Manhattan” and you provide that service, there is a high likelihood they will choose your salon.

In contrast, broad keywords like “Hairdresser” may attract users with diverse intentions, such as those seeking information about becoming a hairdresser or looking for services you may not provide.

Your Salon’s Long Tail Keywords

in addition to the 4-6 foundational keywords that accurately describe your salon’s business, it’s essential to incorporate 8-12 long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are highly specific phrases catering to your salon’s niche or specialized services. Since they are not commonly used on many websites, ranking for these keywords can significantly increase your visibility on Google’s search results.

To identify your long-tail keywords, focus on specific types of services or treatments your salon provides. For example, “best nose waxing service in Manhattan” is a long-tail keyword that targets clients seeking that particular service in that location.

Let’s go through the following three steps to help you identify and note down your salon’s keywords:

List Your Services:

Begin by listing all your salon’s services, including haircuts, hair coloring, pedicures, facials, waxing, etc.

Brainstorm Specific Descriptions:

For each service, brainstorm specific and detailed descriptions that potential customers might use when searching for those services. Think about terms like “bridal hair styling,” “balayage hair color,” “gel manicure,” “acne facial treatment,” “New wash for oily hairs” etc.

Research Search Queries:

Utilize keyword research tools, like Google’s Keyword Planner, to find related search queries and long-tail keywords that people commonly use to find the services you offer. Note relevant keywords with moderate to high search volume but relatively lower competition.

Following these steps, you can build a comprehensive list of long-tail keywords targeting your salon’s unique services. Incorporate these long-tail keywords alongside your foundational keywords in your website content, meta tags, and headings to improve your chances of ranking at the top of search results for these specialized services.

Find Your Salon Type Keywords

You want to start by finding words that people would use to identify your type of salon and services. Try to brainstorm all the variations you can think about. Try to land on 5-15 words. To get you started, let’s look at some examples of words that could describe a specific type of salon or its core service below.

Hair Salon Keywords:

Hairdresser
Hairstylist
Hair salon
Colorist
Hair styling
Hair cut
Hair Color
Highlights
Hair extension
Barber
Barbershop

Nail Salon Keywords:

Nail salon
Manicurist
Manicure
Pedicurist
Pedicure
Nail artist
Nail technician
Nail tech
Nail art
Nail treatment

Beauty Salon Keywords:

Beauty salon
Beautician
Tanning salon
Skin treatments
Waxing salon
Massage salon
Massage treatment
Spa
Spa Salon
Spa treatments
Makeup
Makeup artist

Find Your Keyword Modifiers

Adding descriptive words can enhance your salon’s online presence and capture the essence of your unique services. Consider using words that convey the quality of your service, specific types of services you offer, special occasions you cater to, or any distinct features that set your salon apart. Here are some additional descriptive words:

Best
Cheapest
Fastest
Vegan
Organic
Bridal
Wedding
Editorial

Incorporating these descriptive words into your website content and meta tags can attract more targeted and relevant traffic to your salon’s website. For instance, using words like “best wedding hair stylist” or “fastest manicure service” can specifically target customers looking for high-quality services for their special occasions or seeking quick solutions.

Find Your Geographic Keywords

describing your salon’s location with relevant keywords is crucial for local search optimization. Here are some words that could describe a salon based on Oxford Street in London:

London
Oxford Street
Bond Street tube station (located on Oxford Street)
Mayfair (an area on Oxford Street)
Marylebone (another area Oxford Street crosses)
West End London
England
United Kingdom

Adding Your Salon Keywords Together And Test What Works

by combining the wealth of words we have gathered, let’s create some foundational keyword phrases and long-tail keywords that best describe your salon:

Foundational Keyword Phrases:
Best wedding hairstylist in London
Vegan hair salon Toronto
Top hair stylist Mayfair
Organic nail salon Marylebone
Affordable beauty salon West End London

Long-Tail Keywords:

Bridal hair stylist Oxford Street
Fastest manicure service Bond Street tube station
Vegan hair colorist in London
Organic spa treatments Mayfair
Cheapest nail art Marylebone
Wedding hair extension salon West End London

Now, let’s use these keyword phrases to search on Google and see the suggestions it provides. This will help us gain insights into the popularity of these searches and discover new keyword ideas.

For example, when searching for “best wedding hairstylist in London,” Google may provide additional suggestions such as:

“Best wedding hairstylist in London 2023”
“Best bridal hair stylist London”
“Top-rated wedding hairstylists in London”

These suggestions tell us that the original keyword phrase is popular and that there are related searches people are actively conducting. Additionally, we can use these suggestions to refine our keyword formulations and explore other relevant keyword variations.

Also read: Google Skillshop

Get Your Salon Website SEO Ready with Your Salon Keywords

Do you have your list of salon keywords now?

To get your website to show up when people are searching for your keywords, you need to have the right content on your website, which also should include your keywords. It’s good to have your foundational keywords in many places. However, avoiding the unnatural stuffing of keywords in your text would be best. Use them where it makes sense, and have them in strategically important places.

Your Salon Home Page

Your most significant foundational term should be in large letter size here. I can see why you might be tempted to use something more imaginative and unique here, but try to include at least your primary keyword, such as “Best Wedding Hair Stylist in London.”

Page Titles

The title of each page can be seen in the top web browser window bar. It’s also what visitors to your page will view when it appears on Google. It is important to ensure the headline intrigues visitors to click on it. The page’s title should also contain your most crucial keyword for that particular page.

Additionally, keep your title to no more than 60 characters. If it is longer than that, Google will chop it off, so you will only see a portion of it in the search result.

The fact that your keywords are in the title of your website makes it vital for SEO for your salon. Google keeps tabs on how many visitors to your link click on it. If many people click, Google will recognize that your website matches your search and gradually move it up the search results page.

You must either be familiar with HTML code or use a salon website builder that supports it to edit page titles. If you’re getting ready to design a new website for your salon, check out my article on the top salon website builders, where I list the ones I think are best and which all have the functionality.

Page Meta Description

The meta description of your page appears in the Google search result, much like the title tag. This brief text summary may be seen directly beneath the header. Add your page’s keyword here as well. Make this language appealing, like the title, to encourage readers to click the link. Additionally, it would be best to have a website builder for your salon that allows you to alter the meta description.

Headers

What you put in your headers will be given more weight by Google. Therefore, include your keywords in the page headers and subheaders.

Internal Link’s Anchor Text

Links pointing to your various pages will undoubtedly exist as your website grows, possibly on your pages or your menu. When constructing links in the link text, use the keywords related to the page you are linking to.

Image Alt Description

Your website’s images contribute to its Google ranking. You can write image descriptions containing keywords in the image alternative description to assist Google in understanding what is displayed on the image. The “alt text” for the image is this. When you move your mouse over the image, the text also appears.

Get Other Websites to Link to Your Salon

Your salon is currently well on its road to ranking highly on Google! Now that your website has been registered with the major search engines, you know what the keywords for your salon are and how to begin including them on your website.

This is fantastic; you should soon see the fruits of your labor.

But you can take more action.

Having other websites link to yours is crucial in establishing your website’s credibility with Google. If other websites connect to you, Google will push your salon higher in the search results since it sees this as an indication of confidence from the other site.

Ensure Your Details Are Cited Consistently on Other Websites

You will need more than links to your website to increase Google’s confidence in you. Your search performance will improve if your salon’s information is referenced on other websites. Your salon’s NAP, or name, location, and phone number, are those details.

Consistent referencing of your NAP is crucial That you are consistently utilizing the same phone number and address. You are similarly formatted.

Ensure Your Website is Mobile Friendly, Fast, and Secure

Finally, you can do a few technical things to ensure your salon’s website appears better in Google Search results. Google wants to create the best possible experience for its customers. Its customers are people using their search.

Is Your Salon’s Website Mobile Friendly?

Most individuals browse the internet these days on their mobile devices. Google will therefore promote your salon’s website in the search result if it determines that your website is mobile-friendly, which means that it adjusts to the smaller mobile displays to produce a positive user experience.

This will already be taken care of for you if you choose a decent website builder to create the website for your salon. If you’re considering revamping your website, you may read my article on the top salon website builders, many of which include built-in mobile compatibility.

Does Your Salon’s Website Load Fast?

Website speed is crucial for providing a positive user experience, and people have become increasingly impatient with slow-loading websites. Research has shown that even a slight delay in page load time can significantly decrease user engagement and potential customers.

According to a Google page load time study, 53% of visitors will abandon a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. Optimizing your website’s speed is essential for retaining visitors and reducing bounce rates.

You can use free tools like Pingdom to check your website’s speed. This tool tests your site’s speed and provides insights into the factors causing slow loading times. Common reasons for slow website speed include:

Website Hosting:

The speed of your website can be affected by the server’s performance where it is hosted. Choosing a good website builder with reliable hosting can help ensure faster load times for your salon’s website.

Large Images:

High-resolution images can significantly slow down page loading times. Striking a balance between image quality and file size is essential to maintain a fast-loading website without compromising visual appeal.

Addressing these issues can help improve your website’s speed and enhance user experience, which, in turn, can positively impact your search engine rankings. Fast-loading websites are more likely to be promoted by Google as they prioritize delivering a seamless user experience.

Is Your Salon Website Secure?

Previously, only websites that take credit card payments needed to consider this. However, Google now favors all secure websites. Secure communication is defined as all user-to-website communication being encrypted.

Most website hosting companies offer free website security; all you need to do is ask for a certificate to be implemented.

A website’s security can be determined by whether the web address begins with “https://” rather than just “http://.” Near the URL address, most web browsers also display a padlock.

Conclusion

As we conclude this journey through SEO for Hair Salons, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights into digital marketing for your business. Implementing SEO strategies can enhance your salon, expand your customer base, and stand out in the crowded marketplace. Stay updated with SEO trends; consistently improving your online presence is key to long-term success. So, optimize, and watch your hair salon thrive like never before! Best of luck on your path to online success and beautifying the world, one client at a time.

FAQs

Why is SEO important for hair salons?

SEO is crucial for hair salons as it helps them rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential clients to find them online. By optimizing their website and content, hair salons can attract more local customers, increase visibility, and stay ahead of competitors in the beauty industry.

How can hair salons improve their local SEO presence?

Hair salons should create location-specific content to enhance local SEO, optimize Google My Business listing, and ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) across all online platforms. Encouraging customer reviews and local outreach efforts also improve search rankings.

What role does content marketing play in hair salon SEO?

Content marketing is vital for hair salons as it helps establish expertise and trust among potential clients. By creating valuable blog posts, tutorials, and hairstyle guides, salons can engage their audience, drive more traffic, and improve their overall SEO performance. Providing useful and informative content also encourages clients to return and refer others, fostering long-term success for the salon.

Check out relevant guides for other local businesses, too: