Developing an effective salon advertising and marketing campaign can test any salon owner in today's' economy. However, developing affordable, and most importantly, effective salon marketing programs don't have to take your last cent. Below are five cost-effective salon marketing ideas that will get new customers in the door and keep them coming in:

5 Cost Effective, Simple Salon Marketing Ideas

1. Cross promotion: Your salon clients also patronize other businesses in the area, like the plaza dry cleaner, ladies fitness club, smoothie shop and tanning salon. Approach these business owners and design flyers and other marketing literature promoting all of the businesses. Then, have all the businesses distribute the information in a united front.

2. Give Back to your community through charitable programs. Nothing ties you to your local customers like a program to raise money for a hair related cause in your area - like the Cancer Society. This will increase your businesses exposure to the community, help a great cause and make you feel really good inside.

3. Discounts! In today's economy everybody is looking for a deal. Be strategic in your offers. Your discounts should attract first time new customers to try your shop out and current customers should be encouraged to join your shops loyalty program that gives them free services discounts after a certain number of paid services.

4. A smile and a flower! Lots of folks pass by your business every week. A smile and a flower with a coupon or salon services attached will create lots of good feelings and gain new customers. Bulk flowers are not expensive and a smile is always free.

5. All ages love to get pampered. Develop Mom and Me Makeovers for a friendly family atmosphere and extra clients or approach your local Senior Centers to promote senior discount programs.

These are just a few ideas to jumpstart your salon and gain new customers. This video has even more ways to make sure someone searching for a salon in your area thinks of you first!