You’ve just finished your training. You’re feeling confident with your cuts, fades are clean, and beard work is solid. But now comes the real challenge, getting clients in your chair.
If you're wondering how to get clients as a new barber, you're not alone. This is one of the most common struggles for beginners, but also one of the most important skills for building a successful barbering career.
At School of Barbers, we don’t just teach you how to cut. We teach you how to build a personal brand and attract paying clients from Day 1. Here's exactly how to get your first 50 clients, without spending a cent on ads.
💈 Step 1: Start with Friends, Family & Your Inner Circle
Your first 10–15 clients are probably already in your contacts list. Start here:
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Offer free or discounted cuts to close friends and family
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Take before and after photos of every cut
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Ask them to tag you on Instagram and leave a Google review
People are more likely to book when they see someone they know got a clean cut from you.
📸 Step 2: Build a Simple Instagram Portfolio
You don’t need 10,000 followers. You just need 10 good posts.
Here’s what to post:
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Before/after of every cut (especially fades and beard work)
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Close-ups of sharp line-ups and edge work
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BTS content showing your process
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Testimonials or feedback from early clients
Use local hashtags like #MelbourneBarber, #BarberNearMe, or #SkinFadeMelbourne to get discovered.
👉 Bonus: Add your location and booking info in your bio.
💬 Step 3: Ask for Google Reviews, Immediately
Social proof sells. A quick 5-star review can be the difference between a stranger booking with you, or scrolling past.
Set up a Google Business Profile and ask every client to leave a review. Offer a free add-on (like a beard trim or hot towel) in exchange if needed.
Once you have 10+ reviews, your name will start showing up when people Google things like:
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“Barber near me”
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“Fade haircut in Melbourne”
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“Best beginner barber reviews”
👥 Step 4: Tap Into Local Facebook Groups & Pages
This is a goldmine. Most cities have buy/swap/sell or local business groups with thousands of members.
Post something like:
“🚨 $20 Haircuts This Week Only 🚨
I’m a newly trained barber offering clean fades, tapers, and beard work at beginner rates while I build my portfolio.
Based in [Suburb Name]. Message me to book – limited spots available!”
Engage with comments, tag friends, and drop before/afters directly in replies.
🪑 Step 5: Offer Loyalty or Referral Bonuses
People love a deal, especially if it helps their mates. Try:
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Refer a friend, get $10 off your next cut
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Come back 5 times, your 6th cut is free
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Free beard trim for returning clients
Incentives work, and they help build repeat clientele, not just one-off bookings.
🤝 Step 6: Cut in a High-Visibility Space
If you’re freelancing or renting a chair, location matters. You want walk-ins, foot traffic, or visibility on maps.
Don’t hide in your garage, cut where people can see your work, hear your clippers, and feel the vibe.
And always keep signage, branding, and a booking method (like a QR code or booking link) ready to go.
🎓 How School of Barbers Prepares You for This
We know getting clients is just as important as getting clean fades. That’s why our 6-Week Academy includes:
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Marketing training and brand building
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Content creation coaching
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Setting up Instagram and Google profiles
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Real client cutting experience every week
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Business skills to get booked and stay booked
We’ve helped dozens of graduates go from zero to fully booked, and it all starts with the first 50 clients.
✅ Quick Checklist: 10 Actions to Take This Week
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Post 5 cuts on Instagram
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Create a Google Business Profile
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Ask for 5 reviews
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Offer free/discounted cuts to family and friends
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DM 10 people with your booking link
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Share in 2 local Facebook groups
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Add local hashtags to all posts
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Offer a referral bonus
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Print a flyer or QR code card for bookings
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Cut consistently — and always take a photo
🚀 Ready to Start Your Barber Career the Right Way?
At School of Barbers, we don’t just teach you how to cut, we teach you how to grow. With real shop experience, branding tips, and business training, our graduates leave confident and client-ready.
👉 Next 6-Week Academy intake is now open. Limited spots available.
📍 Melbourne-based. Learn with real clients from Week 1.