Guides / Hair salon · Updated 2026-11-09

How to set up a Google Business Profile for a hair salon or barbershop

Most people choose a salon by looking at the map, the photos and the star rating before they ever see your website. Here is how to set the profile up so it answers the questions a new client has: what do you do, how much, when are you open, and how do I book.

What to gather first

• Your business name exactly as it appears on your sign, door and business cards.
• Street address (a salon with a storefront or a booth in a suite shows its address).
• Opening hours, including late nights and Sundays if you have them.
• Your service menu with prices or price ranges.
• A booking link if you use Square, Vagaro, Booksy, Fresha, Acuity or similar.
• 10 to 20 photos: exterior, interior, chairs, products, and finished work (with client permission).

Step 1: Claim or create the profile

1. Search your salon on Google Maps while signed in to the account that should own it. Choose Claim this business if it already shows up. If not, add it from the Google Business Profile start page.
2. Business name only. Do not add "Best Hair Salon in [Town]" or a stylist's name unless it is really part of your brand; Google can remove names with keywords or taglines.
3. Enter your street address. If you are a mobile stylist who only travels to clients, hide the address and set a service area instead. If you rent a chair in a suite, check that the address and suite number match your sign.

Step 2: Primary category and the few extras that matter

Your primary category should match the largest share of your business: Hair salon, Barber shop, Nail salon or Beauty salon. Add secondary categories only for things you really do, such as Hair extensions service or Waxing hair removal service. Google recommends the fewest categories that describe your core business. If you are a barbershop that also does shaves, say that in services, not with an extra category.

Step 3: Build your service menu

This is the most useful part for a client and the one most salons skip. In Services, add each service with a short description and a price or "from" price:

• Women's cut and style - from $[45] - includes wash and blow-dry
• Men's cut - $[28]
• Root color - from $[70]
• Balayage / highlights - from $[150], consultation required
• Kids' cut (under 12) - $[22]

Only list prices you will honor. If a service needs a consult first, say so. It prevents the "you quoted me $45" review.

Step 4: Description

Seven hundred and fifty characters is the limit; the first two lines matter most. Describe what you do, who you do it for and how to book. Template (364 characters), replace the [brackets]:

[Salon name] is a [hair salon / barbershop / nail studio] in [town] offering [cuts, color, styling]. Our stylists specialize in [balayage, men's cuts, curly hair]. Walk-ins welcome [days]; book online or call for appointments. Located at [street] with free parking [behind the building]. Mention any allergy or sensitivity when you book and we will plan around it.

Skip claims you cannot prove ("best", "award-winning") and do not paste a list of keywords or town names.

Step 5: Add the booking link

In the dashboard, look for Bookings or the Appointment link field and paste the direct link to your booking page. If you use a booking platform, check it supports Google's booking button; if not, the appointment link still shows as a clear button. Test it on your own phone from the live profile: tap, pick a service, and confirm it loads in under five seconds. A broken link loses more appointments than having none.

Step 6: Photos that fill chairs

Google wants JPG or PNG files between 10 KB and 5 MB, ideally 720 by 720 pixels, in focus and well lit, with no heavy filters or major alterations, since the image should reflect reality. Upload a logo, a cover photo of your best interior shot, an exterior photo so people recognize the door, team photos, and before-and-after work shots with client permission. Short videos can run up to 30 seconds. Add new work every week or two; stale photo sets look like a closed shop.

Step 7: Verify and set accurate hours

Verify by the method Google offers (video, phone, email or postcard). Then set your real opening hours, plus special hours for holidays. If you are "by appointment only" most days, say so in the description rather than setting hours you will not keep.

Step 8: Reviews, no-shows and negative feedback

Salons get detailed reviews, good and bad. You can ask clients for a review (a text after the appointment with your review link works well), but you cannot give discounts or freebies for it, only ask happy clients, or review your own salon. Reply to every review within a day or two. For a complaint, thank them, apologize for the experience, state one factual line, and invite them to call you. Never publicly reveal a client's service history or personal information; Google prohibits that.

Step 9: Post, then keep the profile fresh

A weekly post is enough: a new cut or color, open slots this week, a holiday hours notice, or a product you stock. Add a Book button. Once a month, update your photos and check that your hours, prices and booking link are still correct.