You’ve found the perfect space, nailed down your salon’s vision and interior design—now it’s time to share that excitement with the world! But how do you build buzz even before your first client walks through the door? The pre-opening phase is like the backstage warm-up: it’s the moment you and your new business step into the public eye for the very first time. Do you know how to create that pleasant anticipation that will have people lining up outside your door on opening day?

It all starts with visibility: online and on-site

We live in a time when most new discoveries happen online. So it makes sense to start there. Set up your Facebook and Instagram accounts early—even if the floors are still drying and the mirrors aren’t hung yet! Share, for example:

  • “Coming soon…” photos and stories showing your salon’s design process or branding choices
  • Stories about your first tools and furniture finds
  • Photos of small details—like a unique wallpaper pattern or a customized mirror corner

The more you involve people behind the scenes, the more curious they’ll be to see your dream come to life in person. You don’t need to sell anything yet—you’re simply inviting them to join you on your journey.

If you’re looking for great content ideas, check out the article 5 Impactful Social Media Post Ideas for Beauty Professionals.

Don’t forget about your physical presence either! Professionally designed flyers in local coffee shops, little directional arrows pointing toward your salon on nearby buildings, charming posters at gyms or beauty stores—all these work wonders. If you already have a salon window, turn it into a mini-gallery with:

  • A countdown: “x days until opening”
  • A big, colorful invitation to your grand opening
  • A promise of a small gift or a free drink for the first visitors

Make it as easy as possible for passersby to connect with your new beauty spot!

Don’t forget familiar faces: loyal clients are your strongest fan base

If you have previously offered beauty services at home or another salon, your existing clients are the perfect launchpad for your new salon. Send them a personal, heartfelt invitation—whether by email, text message, or phone call—which can strongly spark their interest in your business. Since you already know them a bit, these clients will feel like old friends on opening day rather than first-timers.

Consider smart solutions here, like SalonLife’s client management tool. It allows you to find all your old contacts in one place and quickly send them personalized invitations or texts. Add a small bonus offer (for example, private booking access or a discounted trial service) to make them feel even more welcome.

Need more tips on keeping customer relations top-notch? Check out: How to Boost Client Satisfaction in Beauty Salons.

Make the excitement palpable! Special offers and a grand opening spectacle

Your opening day doesn’t have to be just another day to start working officially. Why not turn it into an event that people will talk about for weeks? Consider ideas like:

  • Discounts for the first week: “20% off haircuts,” “Opening week gift for every first-time visitor”
  • Giveaways, gift bags, or trial services on opening day (when someone wins a free spa treatment, they’ll definitely share the news with friends!)
  • Invite a local influencer or community leader to share their impressions on social media—this way, you instantly reach a wider audience

All your advertising materials, flyers, and social media posts should consistently reflect your salon’s unique personality. This helps people understand why your salon is the perfect place for a fresh, beautiful new start.

Looking for a comprehensive grand opening checklist and more ideas? See: 15 Amazing Ideas for a Stylish Salon Grand Opening.

Simplify marketing—let automation be your helper

As the opening day approaches, it gets harder to keep track of all channels and contacts. That’s why it’s wise to create a systematic marketing plan from the start:

  • Build your client database from previous customers, newsletter subscribers, and partners
  • Plan automated invitations/reminders via email or SMS so no one misses important updates
  • Use software solutions (like SalonLife’s automated notifications) to schedule invitations, reminders, and special offers across multiple channels simultaneously

This way, you can be confident that everyone nearby will know about your salon’s opening well before you officially cut the ribbon.

Feeling the anticipation build as opening day draws near? Imagine the burst of energy you’ll give your salon by taking the right steps before opening… And about the opening day itself—it also has its own little tricks and tips that will make your first workday unforgettable. We’ll cover all that in the next article, where we’ll talk about how to organize a memorable opening event and give your first customer an experience to remember!