How salon owners can attract better fit clients (without relying on chance or referrals)

Marketing is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a salon, and it’s often the reason growth feels inconsistent or exhausting.

In this episode of Hairstylist Rising, Jodie sits down with Katie, salon owner turned founder of MYA, to break down what effective salon marketing really looks like when it’s designed to support retention, team culture, and sustainable growth.

Katie shares how her experience building and scaling commission salons led her to uncover one of the biggest issues in the industry: clients leaving after one visit simply because they weren’t matched with the right stylist the first time. From there, the conversation expands into how salons can use marketing to create stronger connections, better first impressions, and longer-lasting client relationships.

You’ll also hear a refreshingly practical take on email marketing, SEO, personal branding within salons, and why marketing should feel more like relationship-building than selling.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why marketing is about far more than getting new clients in the door
2. The real reason many new clients don’t return after their first visit
3. How better client-stylist matching improves retention and team morale
4. What salon owners should prioritize when it comes to websites and SEO
5. Why email marketing still matters for salons in 2026
6. How personal brands can strengthen, not threaten, the salon brand
7. What it actually means to nurture clients beyond the first appointment

Resources mentioned:

1. Learn more about MYA: https://joinmya.com/
2. Follow MYA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinmya
3. Katie’s book, From First Date To Forever