Marketing: Curious about marketing within your business? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Marketing

We dive in to the wide world of marketing within your barbering business. Photo by @gabriella.clare on Instagram. barbering business. Photo by @gabriella.clare on Instagram.

Marketing with the Duke

Coventry-based, multi-award-winning barber, Michael McCarthy talks to us about marketing and shares his experiences with creating a successful business.

Michael owns the Stylish Duke brand, an awardwinning name which was awarded Britain’s Best Barbershop in 2021, after only three years in business.

Stylish Duke has grown exponentially over the last few years. This is all down to Michael’s fantastic tips and tactics, bringing high standards to the business that have supplied the Duke with an array of loyal, supportive clients.

One of the many things that Michael believes contributes hugely to his marketability is the fact that, at Stylish Duke, they’re welcoming to all types of clients. “We have clients from all walks of life come in, from people in the music industry to homeless people who are looking for a coffee and a chat. We treat everyone with the utmost respect.” Michael said.

Michael is constantly trying to up his game, working with the local community

You have to spend money to make money.

on projects to get the name out. He is a firm believer that, when marketing to your clients, quality is of the utmost importance and tries to offer a higher standard of services than his competition. “I only work on an appointment basis, so I give my full attention to one person,” Michael adds.

Something that often goes unnoticed is that marketing isn’t necessarily simply selling products to your clients. It can be the overall promotion of your business. Michael always asks his clients if they’re happy to leave a Google review. This has helped them to achieve the highest fivestar rater barbershop spot on Google in Coventry.

As always, social media promotion plays a huge part in your brand’s marketability. Michael makes a point to constantly be promoting the brand on his socials.

“I’m always showing off my work on all the platforms and going to all the hair shows, networking with others in the industry. I’m also writing articles, working with magazines and working with other brands,” Michael said, “I am constantly

promoting my brand on social media, posting videos of my products on all platforms and using them to create quirky haircuts.

“When you have the right knowledge and skills to do the job properly, people become emotionally attached to the brand and want to be part of it. I have also had the opportunity to have my brand and myself featured in multiple magazines.”

Michael sees that entering a lot of competitions is one of the best ways to raise his profile. Alongside this, branding everything he posts and works on is hugely beneficial. “I ask people to post on their social media after buying Stylish Duke hair products,” Michael adds, “I try to always have my brand on display. I wear T-shirts, bags, hats, socks, and even shorts. I give stickers to everyone I meet!”

For all of you newcomers in the industry who are here looking for some more top tips, Michael stands by industry networking and promotion and offers this advice: “Unfortunately, you have to spend money to make money. Promoting your business is key to standing out in an industry full of talented people.

“Work with your community on projects in your area. Also, getting your brand featured in a magazine will raise your profile in the industry and use all the social media platforms to promote your business. Have your logo and brand on display at all times!”

Michael ultimately sees that the key to being successful in business is hard work, long hours and always putting the client’s best interests first.

“Never forget that without our clients, we have no business,” Michael adds, “If you do your job to the best of your ability, a client will almost certainly recommend you to a friend or family member. In return, this will promote your brand and business.

“If you want it bad enough, you will be successful. You just have to keep in mind it doesn’t happen overnight. You will have to work hard to achieve it.

“The truth is, unfortunately, that we get nothing for free in this world, especially in business. If you promote your business the right way, you will only grow stronger. I believe in you, now all you have to do is believe in yourself and achieve the success you deserve.” Michael finishes.

It seems that the best way to make your brand marketable and appealing is to keep your foot on the gas, work hard and ensure that you’re providing nothing but the best for you and your clients.

Follow @stylishdukebarbershop and @stylishdukehairproducts on Instagram. Visit www.stylishduke.co.uk for more information.