Top 6 Barbershop Marketing Ideas from Jays Barber Club and Pro Barber Academy

Barbershops are everywhere—whether you're strolling down Belfast High Street, Donegall Road, or Botanic Avenue, or even across the UK, you’ll find them on nearly every corner. With so many shops in the business, standing out isn’t easy. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, you're up against fierce competition—some with more experience, others with greater success.

To rise above the rest, skill alone won’t cut it. That’s where smart marketing comes in.

To help you level up, we’ve teamed up with Jay Millar of Jay’s Barber Club in Belfast to share six proven marketing strategies that can give your barbershop the edge it needs.

Let’s dive in!

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1. Partner with Local Businesses

When you're starting out—especially on a tight budget—it’s easy to think you have to do everything alone. But forming strategic partnerships with complementary local businesses can create a strong network of support and boost your visibility.

Here are some collaboration ideas to consider:

• Men’s clothing stores – Cross-promote services to attract stylish clientele.
• Local gyms – Offer exclusive discounts to gym members for a fresh post-workout cut.
• Coffee shops – Create a seamless experience where customers can grab a coffee before or after their trim.
• Wedding venues – Provide grooming packages for grooms and groomsmen to expand your reach into the wedding industry.

These partnerships go beyond traditional advertising, helping you connect with your community while bringing in new customers.

2. Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Social media is a great tool, but when people search for barbershops, they turn to Google first. That’s why setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile should be a top priority.

To make the most of it:

• Ensure all business details (hours, location, services) are accurate and up to date.
• Upload high-quality photos of your shop, team, and haircuts to showcase your work.
• Engage with reviews—respond promptly to both positive and negative feedback to show you value customer input.
• Keep your profile fresh with regular updates, posts, and special offers.

Positive reviews, in particular, are game-changers. They build trust and heavily influence potential customers’ decisions, making them more likely to choose your shop over competitors.

3. Develop Strong Brand Awareness

In an oversaturated market—especially one as competitive as barbershops—standing out is crucial. A well-established brand not only makes you more memorable but also builds trust, which directly translates to business growth.

Your brand should be everywhere—from social media to shop signage and everything in between. While it takes effort to build, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Here are some key branding strategies:

• Create a logo and visual identity that’s distinctive and unforgettable.
• Design branded merchandise like t-shirts, caps, or grooming products to boost visibility.
• Maintain a cohesive look across all marketing materials—both online and offline.
• Sponsor local events and use branded materials to increase exposure.

But remember, branding isn’t just about a logo—it’s about the full experience you provide. From the atmosphere in your shop to how you interact with customers, every touchpoint should reflect your brand’s personality and values.

4. Run Strategic Promotions and Deals

Well-planned promotions can help drive traffic during slower periods, but be mindful of how you structure them. Avoid pricing yourself too low—discounts should highlight your value, not undermine it.

The goal is to attract customers while reinforcing the quality of your services, not giving them away for next to nothing. Focus on offers that create excitement without diminishing your worth.

Effective promotion ideas include:

• Introductory offers for first-time customers
• Loyalty programs that reward repeat visits
• Package deals combining multiple services
• Seasonal specials tied to holidays or events
• Limited-time offers to create urgency

A booking platform like Booksy can streamline these promotions and make them easily accessible to customers.

5. Create Engaging Content

In today’s digital world, content marketing is essential for barbershops looking to establish authority and connect with customers—especially with the rise of social media.

Here are a few compelling content ideas for barbershops:

• Before-and-after transformation photos
• Short tutorial videos on styling techniques
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your shop culture
• Staff spotlights that highlight individual barbers' skills
• Customer testimonials

Hyperfocus on making content that is truly entertaining but related to your field and provides actual value instead of just promos. This approach helps create trust, loyalty and a perception of expertise.

6. Reward Existing Customers

Getting new customers is great but retaining old ones is even better, especially if your cost per acquisition is high.

Here are a few customer retention strategies to consider:

• Implement a points-based loyalty program
• Offer exclusive services or products to regular customers
• Remember personal details and preferences
• Create a referral program with incentives
• Host customer appreciation events

When customers feel like they’re valued, they don’t just come back. They come back with friends.

Final Thoughts

The best marketing highlights what makes your barbershop unique. Rather than blindly following these six strategies, feel free to adapt them to fit your brand, and refine as you go. Stay adaptable, and you’ll see both your customer base—and your profits—grow.