1 · The friction
Sound familiar?
What salon owners tell us about Instagram-only marketing.
“We're busy on Instagram but invisible on Google”
Most people check Google for reviews before choosing a local business.
Source: BrightLocal, 2023
“All our bookings come through DMs”
Answering the same questions one by one takes hours each week.
Source: Tift client work
“Our prices aren't anywhere online”
If people can't see a price, many will book somewhere that shows one.
Source: Tift client work
“All our prices are in a pinned post”
Prices buried on Instagram can't be read by search or AI tools.
Source: Pattern we check for in audits
2 · The numbers
Getting found, by the numbers
87%
Of people use Google to read local business reviews
BrightLocal, 2023
98%
Read online reviews for local businesses
BrightLocal, 2023
46%
Want to see a review from the past month
BrightLocal, 2023
82%
Of salon bookings are made on a phone
Goldie
Instagram shows your work. Google and your website are what get you chosen by someone who doesn't follow you yet.
3 · The checklist
Tick off what you already have
Your score updates as you go.
Your score
0 / 12
You're set up to be found beyond Instagram.
Good start. Close the gaps on Google and your website.
Start with a simple website and your Google profile.
Your own home online
Reviews
Instagram, working for you
4 · The decision
Do it yourself, or get help?
Do it yourself if
You can build a simple site with a template.
You have one location.
You're comfortable with Google Business Profile.
Get help if
You have no website at all.
You want to show up for specific services.
You have more than one location.
Red flags
Your Instagram is the only place your prices exist.
Your domain is owned by someone else.
No reviews in the last three months.
5 · In practice
What getting found beyond Instagram usually looks like
Challenge
Busy on Instagram, but invisible to anyone who searches Google or asks AI.
Action
A simple website with services and prices, a complete Google profile with a booking link, and a review routine.
Result
30 days
Watch Google profile views and bookings over the first 30 days.
6 · Quick answers
Questions salon owners ask us
Do I really need a website?
If you want to be found by people who don't already follow you, yes. Search and AI tools read websites far more easily than Instagram.
What should be on it?
Services, prices, location, hours, booking link and photos of your work.