Reviews, testimonials ASAP. How do your socials look? You need excellent quality photos (easy with newish phones) of the finished color/cut/style—even better when the happy client posts it, or if you do it in-house, ask them if you can tag them.

Is there a larger high school nearby? If you have a high schooler in your life, ask them to help you find a … I don’t know the proper term, but kind of a micro influencer type thing. Give a girl and/or guy a great haircut free or cheap if you can swing it, and in exchange, they’ll talk you up at school. I’m out of the high school age scene now, so this might be outdated info (if so, sorry).

Give away a free cut in local fundraiser/charity. A lot of time you can get some free mentions by other people in media/social media, and when others talk your biz up, it counts for more in a lot of consumers’ eyes.

Post helpful info on your socials regarding common questions or concerns in haircare. If people see you as a source of info or an expert, they’re more likely to trust you, which often translates into them buying from you.

Can you offer mobile/offsite cuts? Some people *are* actually that busy, and if you can ease a pain point, you’ll get their money easier.

If you’re in a location close to other businesses, go around when you can and meet the other owners and employees. People really do like to support people they feel like they know.