Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best barber shops in the world use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy running your barber shop and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your chair.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for barber shop owners.
Get the content idea list made for barber shop owners
A lot of barber shops manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a barber shop
We have studied dozens of barber shops’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for barber shops - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Barber Shop |
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High-Quality Haircut Photos | Visually appealing images of haircuts can make potential customers excited about getting a similar style, encouraging them to visit the barber shop. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the barbers, tools, and haircutting processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the barber shop. |
Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and package deals can attract new customers looking for value. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the barber shop to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, such as grooming workshops or special theme days, can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal styles or holiday grooming packages can attract customers looking for special services during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
Grooming Tips | Sharing grooming tips and tricks can engage followers who are interested in maintaining their look between visits. |
Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the barber shop top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the barbers creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some barber shops make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best barber shops in the world. Replicate them now!
How can barber shop owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your haircuts and styles are essential.
People choose barbers with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the hair looks fresh, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your barber shop. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal styles. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for barber shop owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your barber shop “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your barber shop, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for barber shop owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your barber shop. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for barber shops on social media
Our team has crafted this list featuring very specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for barber shops, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your barber shop.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Haircut Photos | Use natural light by positioning clients near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied clients to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free trim or product sample as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their new haircuts by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your barber shop on Instagram. |
DIY Grooming Tips | Film short, simple grooming tips using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce the team during slow hours. |
Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a striking photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature barbers with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the shop. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite styles or suggestions for new services. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite haircuts. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your barber shop. |
Barber Shop Decor Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like posters, plants, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using biodegradable products or recycling. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the prep work, such as setting up tools or mixing hair products. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free haircut. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free grooming product. |
Seasonal Style Posts | Highlight seasonal styles and trends using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the style to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best barber shops in the world!
There are barber shops that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for barber shops
Investing in top-notch social media content for your barber shop might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal clientele.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
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Live Haircut Tutorials | Hosting live or recorded haircut tutorials where your barbers demonstrate popular styles can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
Interactive 360° Shop Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your barber shop, including the cutting stations and lounge areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
Limited Edition Grooming Products | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal grooming products available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
Barber’s Chair Experience | Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit in a special chair and receive a premium service while interacting with the barbers can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Hairstyle Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology where customers can see a 3D representation of different hairstyles can enhance the grooming experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Grooming Events | Hosting themed grooming events, such as a vintage barber night or a beard grooming workshop, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Haircut Challenge Contests | Organizing haircut challenge contests (e.g., fastest fade or most creative design) can create viral moments, attracting competitive barbers and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local barbers or grooming brands to host pop-up events can introduce your barber shop to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your barber shop, the barbers' personal journeys, or the history of barbering can create an emotional connection with customers. |
Interactive Style Selection | Allowing customers to choose styles for a custom haircut via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste grooming products or sustainable practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Barber Services | Operating a mobile barber service in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main shop later. |
Grooming Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly grooming kits and tips can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Barber Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced grooming techniques from your barbers can attract grooming enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Grooming Experiences | Organizing flash mob grooming events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for barber shops on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many barbershop owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new clients for your barbershop.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Barbershops | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the barbershop appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your haircuts, staff, and shop to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with hair or the barbershop confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your barbershop, haircuts, grooming tips, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your barbershop's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your barbershop positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on hair, community, and your barbershop's unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your barbershop can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your barbershop seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your barbershop. |
Make your barber shop more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best barber shops in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your barber shop
We understand that as a barber shop owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a barber shop are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically designed for barber shop owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your barber shop. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small barber shops on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your barber shop's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your barber shop's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your barber shop could make more money!
Most barber shop owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.