13 strategies to fast-track your beauty business growth

As we head into the busiest time of year for salons, the lead-up to Christmas is the perfect opportunity to hit big business goals. But success doesn’t just happen — it’s the result of consistent actions and smart strategies.

If you want to end the year on a high (and set yourself up for long-term growth), here are 13 proven ways to accelerate your beauty business success.

1. Think abundantly

Scarcity thinking (“there aren’t enough clients”) will keep you playing small. The truth is, there are more than enough clients to go around — but you need to focus on attracting the right ones. When you believe there’s room for everyone, you stop competing on price and start focusing on what sets you apart. This might be your expertise, your client experience, or your personal brand. Abundant thinking attracts more opportunities, referrals, and high-quality clients who value your work.

2. Ask for help

Trying to grow your business alone is the slow and stressful route. Every successful salon owner has, at some point, sought guidance from someone further ahead — whether that’s a coach, a mentor, or a peer network. The right support helps you make better decisions, avoid common mistakes, and see your blind spots. Consider joining an industry-specific program or finding a mentor who understands the beauty business landscape.

3. Spend less time working on clients

If you’re fully booked with client work and have no time for business development, your growth will stall. To scale, you need to free up your time for higher-level activities — like training your team, refining your marketing, and improving your systems. Even reducing your client hours by 5–10 per week can give you the breathing room to work on the business, not just in it.

4. Accept responsibility

Your results are a reflection of your actions. While it’s tempting to blame the economy, competition, or even staff, this mindset keeps you stuck. When you take full responsibility, you shift into problem-solving mode. Ask yourself: “How did I create this situation, and what can I do to change it?” This mindset puts you back in control and speeds up your progress.

5. Get uncomfortable

Growth lives outside your comfort zone. That might mean raising your prices, hiring your first team member, speaking at an event, or posting video content for the first time. Discomfort is a sign you’re moving into new territory — and the more you practice it, the faster your confidence (and results) grow.

6. Solve problems for your ideal clients

The most successful salon owners don’t just sell services — they solve problems. Maybe your ideal client wants longer-lasting lashes so she doesn’t have to worry about touch-ups before holidays, or maybe she’s looking for a salon that feels relaxing instead of rushed. Understanding these needs allows you to position your services as the solution, which makes your marketing more effective and your offers more irresistible.

7. Price for profit

Copying competitors’ prices is risky — they might not even be profitable themselves. Instead, know your numbers. Calculate your costs (including rent, wages, products, and your own pay) and set your prices to include a healthy profit margin. Review them regularly — if your expenses increase, your prices should too. Clients who value your work will be happy to pay for quality.

8. Focus on your own business

Scrolling and comparing yourself to others can drain your energy and confidence. It’s more productive to track your own metrics — revenue, retention rate, rebookings — and aim to improve them month by month. You can still draw inspiration from others, but don’t let their highlight reel make you doubt your own progress.

9. Grow a team

If you want to significantly increase your income and reduce your workload, building a team is essential. A strong team increases your capacity, allowing you to serve more clients without burning out. Start by hiring someone for tasks that free up your time, whether that’s another therapist or a receptionist, and build from there.

10. Set goals

Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift through each month without making meaningful progress. Set specific, measurable goals for revenue, client numbers, or retail sales, and track them consistently. Stretch goals are powerful — even if you don’t quite hit them, you’ll end up further ahead than if you hadn’t set any at all.

11. Nurture existing clients

It’s more cost-effective to keep a current client than to win a new one. Regularly show your appreciation — send thank-you messages, offer loyalty rewards, or simply remember their preferences and milestones. Clients who feel valued are more likely to return and refer others.

12. Invest in yourself

Your skills, mindset, and knowledge are the foundation of your business. Courses, conferences, and coaching can provide fresh strategies and motivation. View these as investments rather than expenses — the return on investment often lasts for years.

13. Increase client retention

Aim for at least 80% of your clients to rebook. High retention creates stability and reduces the pressure to constantly attract new clients. Strategies include follow-up messages, pre-booking incentives, and ensuring every appointment feels personal and memorable.

By focusing on even half of these strategies, you’ll see a noticeable shift in your salon’s profitability, stability, and growth. Remember — small, consistent changes lead to big results over time.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start implementing proven strategies that actually move the needle, I can help. As an 11-year salon owner and beauty business growth coach, I’ve helped hundreds of salon owners scale their income, grow confident teams, and create more freedom in their lives. Whether you want to increase profits, step back from the treatment bed, or build a personal brand, I’ll give you the tools, strategies, and support to get there faster.

Click here to learn more about working with me 1:1 or in my group programs — and let’s start building the business you’ve been dreaming about!