When you open Google and search for “hair salon near me”, what shows up? A list of different salons show up, right? However, did your salon appear?
Well, if it did, you’re on the right track. But if it didn’t show up, you’ve got some work to do.
When you don’t appear on Google, you’re missing out on bookings from people who are looking for offerings that your salon has.
A marketing tool that is completely free and often overlooked is a Google Business Profile for salons.
Whether you own a hair salon, barbershop, skin clinic or beauty parlour, creating a Google Business Profile is imperative. In fact, since it is a free resource, you should be taking full advantage of it.
In this blog, we will be discussing how to create a Google Business Profile for salons so that you can attract more bookings on your salon appointment software.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to create a GMB for salons that will help you show up in local searches
- Learn how to list your salon on Google Maps and salon Google Business Profile optimisation
- Common mistakes you should avoid when you’re completely your business information
Google Business Profile Creation & Optimisation: A Guide
Google Business Profile Set Up
- Create or Claim your Profile
Start by signing into your Google account. You will need to use a business account rather than a personal account. Visit www.business.google.com to create or claim your profile. Once you click on “start now”, you will be guided through the setup process.
When you create a Google Business Profile for your salon, you will have to ensure that all the details you mention are 100% accurate. If a profile already exists with certain details, you will have to correct them.
When you’re creating your profile, you will have to use your exact brand name. When you’re entering your company/brand name, don’t stuff in keywords. This is misleading for potential customers and search engines. Google too does not approve of such activities. It can even suspend or penalise your listing for spam.
- Complete your Profile with Accurate Business Information
NAP consistency is of utmost importance. It stands for Name, Address and Phone Number. Your NAP should be the same/consistent everywhere – on your website, GMB profile, Instagram, and local online directories. When it is inconsistent, it confuses Google’s algorithm.
Once you have updated your MAP, you need to choose the right business category. This helps Google and other search engines understand what your business has to offer. For instance, if you run a beauty parlour, you can choose hair salon or beauty salon as your primary category followed by secondary categories such as nail salon or makeup artist. Select a category that closely matches the services you have to offer.
As part of business information, a business description is also important. Google allows you to add a 750 characters business description. Here’s where you should maximise on adding local keywords. This also helps you improve your Google Maps ranking.
Other accurate details you need to add is your website link, a booking link which redirects clients to your salon booking system and your opening hours. Ensure your opening and closing hours are accurately mentioned along with any off days.
You should also ensure that you position the map pin accurately so that your clients can find you without any trouble.
- Verify your Business
Before your GMB profile goes live, Google needs to confirm that you’re the owner of the business. Depending on your salon and business type, Google will have a verification process for your business.
Once this is done, your profile is officially created. The next step is salon Google Business Profile optimisation.
Google Business Profile Optimisation for Salons
- Add High-quality Visual Content
For every discerning salon client, aesthetics are everything. Even before they visit your salon, they will want to see what it looks like. Thus, building a photo and content engine is of utmost importance.
An incredibly powerful step in Google Business profile optimisation for salons is adding high-quality visuals. Add well-lit photos of your front desk, styling chairs, basins, and overall space. If you offer luxury services particularly, elite clients will want to see your offerings before they book.
Before-and-after shots of client transformations can also be uploaded in your content gallery. Besides this, clients too can upload their pictures when they’re leaving a review. However, the kind of pictures they upload is completely their discretion and the business has no say.
Recently, Google Maps also came up with a feature that allows businesses to create a 360° virtual tour of your space. Google ranks those businesses highly that utilise this immersive feature.
- Complete your Services Menu & Pricing Details
Another important activity when you’re optimising your profile is strategically placing or mentioning your services. Google’s algorithm reads text. Thus, ensure the services are accurately mentioned.
This is a step most salons and beauty businesses tend to forget. Mention your top services including haircuts, balayage, colour services, grooming services, nail services, extensions, hair spa and wellness services, if any.
When you meticulously mention every service you offer, it becomes easier for Google to understand your speciality.
You’re also allowed to add a short description next to every service. When you’re doing so, ensure you use highly searched local terms such as hair colouring services, keratin treatment, hair Botox, etc.
When you use certain keywords, you will be able to attract/target a particular audience.
- Gather Reviews & Respond to Them
Reviews help customers perceive how your salon is. It is an extremely important part of your salon Google Business Profile. However, simply asking friends and family to post a review isn’t going to get you anywhere. Google immediately flags such activity and can even block your profile. Reviews are something that you need to collect over time. When the reviews are genuine, it can improve your local prominence.
Keep this in mind – a salon with fifty positive reviews is more trusted than a salon with five reviews.
The best part of reviews is that most happy clients will happily leave you a review. All you need to do is ask them. Train your salon staff on how they can ask clients to leave a review.
Reviews can be asked in person, through WhatsApp or by having a printed card at the reception.
When clients leave a review, don’t just let them be. Instead, respond to them. Google rewards businesses that engage with their customers. Respond to every review whether it is positive or negative.
If there is a negative review, understand what the customer’s experience was instead of responding aggressively. Offer a generous solution or gift card if it was genuinely your salon’s fault.
- Utilise Google Posts
A lot of businesses are unaware of this feature. Creating a Google Business Profile for your salon is going to get you nowhere. You need to make your presence feel alive and active. Thus, tap this ignored feature which is Google posts.
You can utilise these profile posts to keep clients aware about salon services, events, and other updates. Think of it as a mini-Instagram. You can post updates every week or fortnightly.
With every post, ensure you add a call-to-action button that links directly to your salon software.
When you’re posting content, follow the rules set by Google and use local SEO for searches within your city.
Once you have created and optimised your GMB profile, you just need to update it regularly to keep it active.
Google Business Profile Mistakes Salon Owners Make
- Creating duplicate listings
- Keyword stuffing into business/brand name
- Fake reviews
- Uploading AI images of the salon interior and client transformations
- Leaving outdated information as it is
- Ignoring negative reviews
In Summary
Salon Google Business Profile creation and optimisation is an essential step for every beauty business owner who wants to improve their online visibility and overall Google Maps ranking.
When you provide accurate information about your business all in one place, it helps clients build trust and credibility. Potential customers can easily discover your salon on Google Search or Google Maps.
Once you’ve created and optimised your profile, don’t expect instant rankings. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Local visibility and ranking depends on an array of factors. Trust the process and you will definitely show up on local search results soon.
With Salon360, salon software, you can even manage your Google Business Profile from once place as it helps you automate routine administrative tasks.
FAQs
- What is Google Business Profile for a Salon?
Google Business Profile is a free tool that can be used by all kinds of businesses to display their business information on Google search and Google Maps. Businesses can add their address, phone number, opening and closing hours, contact details, services, photos and client reviews.
- How Long Will it Take for the Google Business Profile to Drive Walk-ins?
Once you have optimised your profile, allow 2-3 weeks for your profile to gain visibility. You will only start seeing walk-ins after 3-4 months of consistent effort, weekly posts, and active review management.
- How Often Should I Post on My Salon Google Business Profile?
You should post on your Google Business profile at least once a week. A few creative ideas include service announcements, offers, seasonal content, salon updates, and last-minute appointment slots. Those who follow your profile will definitely come back every week to see if you’ve posted anything new.
- Can I Manage Multiple Salon Branches with One Google Business Profile?
No. If you’re an eligible business owner, you need to create and manage separate profiles for every salon location, and ensure it meets Google’s guidelines. Keep the information accurate and avoid duplicate listings.
