Module 11

Hair & Beauty Salons

This quick-start guide covers Google Business Profile optimisation for hair salons, beauty salons, nail bars, and similar businesses. Your work is visual — let your results speak for themselves.

Your Setup Priorities

What to do

Focus on these elements first for salons.

Step by step

  1. Photos are everything. Your work is visual. Before/after shots and portfolio images are your most powerful marketing.
  2. Reviews drive bookings. Clients choose salons based heavily on reviews. Make this a priority.
  3. Booking accessibility. Can they book online? Do they need to call? Make this crystal clear.
  4. Services and pricing. Clients want to know what you offer and roughly what it costs before booking.
  5. Atmosphere matters. Show the salon environment. Clients want to know they'll feel comfortable.

Recommended Categories

What to do

Choose categories that match your services.

Step by step

  1. Hair salon — Primary: Hair Salon or Beauty Salon
  2. Barber shop — Primary: Barber Shop
  3. Beauty salon — Primary: Beauty Salon, Secondary: Facial Spa, Waxing Service, Eyelash Service
  4. Nail salon — Primary: Nail Salon
  5. Full-service — Primary: Beauty Salon, Secondary: Hair Salon, Nail Salon, Spa
  6. Add specific services: Eyebrow Bar, Tanning Salon, Hair Extensions Service, Makeup Artist — if these are significant offerings.

Services to List

What to do

List all your treatments and services.

Step by step

  1. Hair services: Cut & blow dry, Colour & highlights, Balayage & ombre, Perms, Keratin treatments, Hair extensions, Wedding hair, Men's cuts.
  2. Beauty treatments: Facials, Waxing, Threading, Tinting (brows & lashes), Eyelash extensions, Lash lifts, Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion.
  3. Nail services: Manicures, Pedicures, Gel nails, Acrylic nails, Nail art, BIAB, Dip powder.
  4. Body treatments: Massage, Body wraps, Spray tans, Sunbed (if applicable).
  5. Include pricing if comfortable. "From £X" or price ranges help clients self-qualify.

Photos That Work for Salons

What to do

Show your best work and inviting space.

Step by step

  1. Before and after transformations. Hair colour changes, makeovers, nail transformations. The transformation is powerful.
  2. Portfolio of finished work. Hairstyles, nail art, makeup looks. Show variety and skill.
  3. Team at work. Stylists/therapists in action. Shows professionalism and personality.
  4. Salon interior. Clean, stylish space. Comfortable chairs, good lighting, pleasant atmosphere.
  5. Products used. Display of professional products shows quality.
  6. Update regularly. Add new work frequently. Shows you're active and current with trends.
  7. Quality matters. Good lighting and clean backgrounds. Your photos represent your attention to detail.

Booking and Contact

What to do

Make booking as easy as possible.

Step by step

  1. Add booking link. If you use Treatwell, Fresha, or another booking system, add the link to your listing.
  2. Enable the booking button. GBP can integrate with booking platforms to add a direct "Book" button.
  3. Phone for bookings. If you prefer calls, ensure your number is correct and you answer it.
  4. Messaging. Enable messaging if you can respond promptly. Many clients prefer to message.
  5. Walk-in policy. Mention in Q&A whether you accept walk-ins or are appointment only.

Getting Reviews as a Salon

What to do

You see clients regularly — convert that into reviews.

Step by step

  1. Ask when they love it. When the client is admiring their new hair/nails: "I'm so glad you love it! Would you mind leaving us a Google review?"
  2. Mirror or station cards. QR code visible at styling stations for clients to scan.
  3. Text after appointment. Automated text: "Thanks for visiting! If you love your new look, we'd appreciate a review: [link]"
  4. Reception reminder. Train front desk to ask: "If you're happy today, we'd really appreciate a Google review."
  5. Social media crossover. If clients post their results on Instagram, ask if they'd also leave a Google review.

Key Attributes to Set

What to do

Enable all relevant attributes.

Step by step

  1. Appointments required / Walk-ins welcome — Be clear about your policy.
  2. Wheelchair accessible — If your salon is accessible.
  3. LGBTQ+ friendly — If you want to signal inclusivity.
  4. Free Wi-Fi — If you offer it.
  5. Gender-neutral — For hair salons serving all genders.

Q&A to Seed

What to do

Pre-populate these common questions.

Step by step

  1. "Do I need to book or can I walk in?" — Your booking policy.
  2. "What are your prices for [common service]?" — Price guidance.
  3. "Do you do wedding hair/makeup?" — Bridal services.
  4. "Is parking available nearby?" — Local parking info.
  5. "Do you do patch tests before colour?" — Safety procedures.
  6. "Can I bring my children?" — Policy on children in salon.

Post Ideas for Salons

What to do

Keep your listing fresh with portfolio updates.

Step by step

  1. Recent work. "Gorgeous balayage we did today!" with photo.
  2. New services. "Now offering [new treatment]!"
  3. Trend content. "Loving this season's colour trends — book your transformation."
  4. Team updates. "Welcome to [new stylist] who joins us this week!"
  5. Offers. "20% off colour services this month."

Priority Citations for Salons

What to do

Get listed on these platforms.

Step by step

  1. Treatwell — Major salon booking platform. Essential listing.
  2. Fresha — Free booking software with directory.
  3. Facebook & Instagram — Essential for salons. Where clients see your work.
  4. Yelp — Review platform.
  5. StyleSeat / Booksy — Booking and discovery platforms.
  6. Yell, Thomson Local — General directories.

Salon GBP checklist: