Instagram Ads for Salons: The Complete Guide to Attracting New Clients

If you run a salon, you know how important it is to keep your chairs filled and your appointment book busy.

But with so many salons out there, how do you stand out and reach new clients?

That’s where Instagram ads for salons come in.

Instagram isn’t just a place to share pretty pictures—it’s a powerful platform for growing your business, building your brand, and connecting with people who are looking for exactly what you offer.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Instagram ads to attract more clients, boost your bookings, and turn your salon into a local favourite.

Why Instagram Ads Work So Well for Salons

Instagram is a visual platform, and salons are all about visual transformation—before-and-after shots, vibrant hair colours, glowing skin, and happy clients.

According to Statista, there are over 34 million Instagram users in the UK, and many of them use the app to discover new trends, styles, and local businesses.

Instagram ads let you:

• Reach new clients in your area
• Showcase your best work with stunning images and videos
• Promote special offers or new services
• Drive bookings directly from the app
• Build brand awareness and loyalty

Getting Started: Setting Up Instagram Ads for Your Salon

You don’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to get started with Instagram ads.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Set Up a Business Profile

First, make sure your salon has an Instagram Business or Creator account.

This unlocks advertising features and gives you access to analytics.

• Go to your Instagram profile.
• Tap the menu (three lines), then “Settings.”
• Select “Account,” then “Switch to Professional Account.”
• Choose “Business” and fill in your salon details.

2. Link to Your Facebook Page

Instagram ads are managed through Facebook’s ad platform, so you’ll need to connect your Instagram account to your salon’s Facebook page.

• In Instagram settings, tap “Account” > “Linked Accounts” > “Facebook.”
• Follow the prompts to link your accounts.

3. Decide What You Want to Achieve

Do you want more bookings, more followers, or just to get your name out there? Common goals for salons include:

• Getting more appointment bookings
• Promoting a new service or stylist
• Building your brand in your local area
• Getting more followers and engagement

Knowing your goal will help you choose the right ad type and measure your results.

Creating Instagram Ads: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Ad Format

Instagram offers several ad formats, perfect for salons:

• Photo Ads: Show off your best cuts, colours, or nail designs.
• Video Ads: Share quick tutorials, transformations, or a tour of your salon.
• Carousel Ads: Display multiple images or videos in one ad—great for before-and-after shots.
• Stories Ads: Full-screen ads that appear between users’ stories. These are eye-catching and perfect for flash offers or announcements.
• Reels Ads: Short, engaging videos that can go viral and reach a wider audience.

2. Target the Right Audience

One of the biggest benefits of Instagram ads is precise targeting. You can show your ads to:

• People in your local area (by postcode, city, or radius)
• People interested in beauty, hair, nails, or wellness
• Specific age groups or genders
• People who follow similar pages or have engaged with your content

This means you won’t waste money showing your ads to people who aren’t likely to become clients.

3. Set Your Budget

You can start small—just a few pounds a day.

Instagram lets you set a daily or lifetime budget, so you’re always in control of your spending.

4. Design Your Ad

• Use high-quality images or videos: Natural light, clean backgrounds, and real clients work best.
• Add a clear message: Tell people what you offer and why they should choose you.
• Include a call to action (CTA): Examples include “Book Now,” “Learn More,” or “Call Today.”
• Use hashtags and location tags: This helps your ad appear in local searches and trend pages.

5. Launch and Monitor Your Ad

Once your ad is live, keep an eye on how it’s performing.

Instagram and Facebook provide detailed analytics so you can see:

• How many people saw your ad
• How many clicked or booked
• What’s working (and what’s not)

Adjust your ads as needed to get the best results.

Creative Ideas for Salon Instagram Ads

Not sure what to post? Here are some tried-and-tested ideas that work brilliantly for salons:

• Before-and-after transformations: Show real results from your clients (with their permission!).
• Meet the team: Introduce your stylists, therapists, or nail artists.
• Seasonal offers: Promote discounts for holidays, back-to-school, or wedding season.
• Client testimonials: Share quotes or videos from happy clients.
• Quick tips: Short videos on hair care, skincare, or styling tricks.
• Behind-the-scenes: Give a peek into your salon’s atmosphere and daily life.

For more inspiration, check out this Instagram for Business beauty guide and see how the top salons are using ads.

Measuring Success: What to Track

To know if your Instagram ads are working, keep an eye on these key metrics:

• Impressions: How many times your ad was shown
• Reach: How many unique people saw your ad
• Clicks: How many people clicked your link or CTA
• Bookings: How many appointments came from your ad
• Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and saves

You can view all this data in Facebook Ads Manager or directly on your Instagram Business profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using low-quality images: Blurry or dark photos don’t attract attention.
• Ignoring your audience: Make sure your targeting is set to your local area and ideal clients.
• No clear CTA: Always tell people what you want them to do next.
• Forgetting to test: Try different images, messages, and offers to see what works best.

FAQs:

How much does it cost to run Instagram ads for a salon?

You can start with as little as £5 a day. Costs depend on your audience size, competition, and how long you run your ads.

What type of Instagram ad works best for salons?

Before-and-after photo ads, video tutorials, and Stories ads are especially effective for salons.

Carousel ads are great for showcasing multiple styles or services.

Can I target people in my local area with Instagram ads?

Yes! You can set your ads to show only to people within a specific city, postcode, or radius around your salon.

How do I get more bookings from my Instagram ads?

Use a clear call to action like “Book Now,” link directly to your online booking system, and make it easy for people to contact you.

Do I need professional photos for Instagram ads?

While professional photos help, you can get great results with well-lit, clear images taken on your phone—just make sure they look clean and inviting.

Conclusion

Instagram ads for salons are one of the most effective ways to attract new clients, showcase your talent, and grow your business.

With the right strategy, creative content, and smart targeting, you can fill your appointment book and build a loyal following—without breaking the bank.

If you’re ready to take your salon marketing to the next level, Socially Spotted can help you create stunning Instagram ads that get real results.

Start today, and watch your salon become the talk of the town!