Choosing your location is one of the most crucial aspects of starting your business. It would be best if you did market research, study your target demographic and building costs. Since brick and mortar shops dictate the business image, clients, and budget, you should consider all the aspects in choosing your salon location. One of the few essential elements in the optimal salon location is the size.
When choosing the perfect area for your salon, keep in mind that it should be large enough to support your equipment, staff, and customers. That’s why you should plan for your salon’s future. Renting a small room would suffice when you’re starting with few clients but would be detrimental once you have amassed more loyal brand followers. After all, moving your business location could cost you money, time, and, more importantly, regular patrons. Thankfully, there are proven strategies you can adhere to when selecting the best location for your salon. Listed below are a couple of crucial factors you need to consider when choosing where to establish your business.
Visibility Should Be a Priority
Exposing your salon’s location and your brand to plenty of people is a surefire way to attract your target demographic. Furthermore, increased visibility can establish your brand in your complex or block. With this, you can garner a reputation through word of mouth or via advertisements.
Your marketing strategy also shines when you increase your visibility. Hence, it’s vital to create a plan to target your preferred clients. For example, suppose you want to maintain exclusivity and to deliver a classy experience to clients. In that case, you can opt-in for exclusive building leases or a secluded block to create the image you want to portray. Furthermore, the services you offer to customers will change your salon’s optimum location. If you’re only allowing clients per appointment basis, it’s best to place your salon on a quiet complex in the city to lessen walk-in inquiries.
The Salon Should Be Comfortable to Both Your Clients and Staff
A location with excellent foot traffic is a safe way to garner attention for your salon. However, you shouldn’t choose a location for customer intent alone. It’s vital to think of your staff’s accessibility to the salon in consideration. Commuting is a huge factor for your staff’s willingness to take the job, productivity, and schedule. Furthermore, nearby restaurants are another influential factor for your team. Salon locations that do not have any nearby dining areas can be a major hassle for your workers.
Your Salon Should Stand out Among Its Competitors
Existing or prospective business competitors will always be near your shop’s vicinity whether you like it or not. Other salons can offer different services and competitive prices your business doesn’t have. Hence, it’s recommended to study their offerings and pricing to gain insights into how they run their shop. Take note; your competitor research shouldn’t dictate how you’re going to run your salon. It’s simply a marketing strategy to know what edge you can offer that they don’t.
If you want to trounce off your competitors, offer perks that they don’t have. Amenities such as complimentary beverages, professionally designed interiors, and a comfy atmosphere can let you edge out the competitors. Take note; these services require routine conditioning and repair. It’s best to keep in contact with trusted AC maintenance services and handicraftsmen whenever problems occur.
Surrounding Shops Should Complement Your Salon
Customers looking to fix their hair at salons often have other appointments in mind. Whether it be dining outside or going to the spa, they’ll prefer businesses close to tasks they’re planning to do. Hence, as business owners, we should select a location that will positively complement our salon.
As discussed above, choosing what nearby businesses you want to be close with depends on your target demographic. If you’re offering services on an appointment basis, a nearby café or accessory shops will benefit both businesses since waiting customers will pass the time while waiting. If your shop relies on walk-in customers, it’s best to place your salon at malls or street markets since these areas have higher foot traffic.
Your Establishment Should Be Accessible to the Locals
Placing a high-class salon in a low-income neighborhood would be unfavorable to both the business and the community. Hence, before establishing your business, you should do extensive market research beneficial to your company and brand. Keep your target demographic in mind when looking for prospective areas where you’ll locate your salon. Once you know the locale’s ins and outs, you can now market your business towards them.
Another aspect of client accessibility is your salon’s reachability. If you’re looking to attract out-of-state customers along with locals, you should situate your business along main roads, near major highways, or accessible shortcuts. After all, shops that are easy to come to are desirable to both employees and customers.
