Setting Goals for a Successful 2025 at Your Salon: The Girl Boss Guide

It’s 2025! The confetti has settled, the champagne buzz has worn off, and now it’s time to get down to business. We know the thought of setting new goals might feel like just another thing to add to your already overflowing to-do list. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Setting goals for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With the right mindset, a little strategy, and a lot of passion, you can make 2025 the best year yet for your salon. So, grab that coffee (because we both know you need it), and let’s dive into how to set some killer goals that will set your salon up for success in 2025!

woman with a megaphone

1. Get Clear on Your Vision (and Be Specific!)

First things first: What do you want your salon to look like in 2025? It’s time to dream big! Maybe you want to grow your team, expand your services, or launch a killer product line. The key here is to be specific. For example, instead of just saying, “I want to make more money,” try this: “I want to increase my revenue by 20% through new service offerings and higher retail sales.”

Pro Tip: If you have a vision for your business, write it down. When you put it on paper, you’re way more likely to bring it to life. And don’t be afraid to get creative—your goals should excite you, not stress you out!

2. Set SMART Goals

You’ve probably heard this before, but let’s take a minute to break it down. SMART goals are:

  • Specific: Be clear on what you want.
  • Measurable: How will you track your progress? (We love a good spreadsheet, right?)
  • Achievable: Make sure your goals are realistic—nothing too out of reach.
  • Relevant: Does this goal truly align with your business? Does it get you closer to your vision?
  • Time-bound: Set a deadline for when you want to achieve your goals.

For example, instead of “I want to grow my salon,” set a SMART goal like “I want to add 5 new clients per month by improving my social media presence and offering first-time client discounts.”

3. Focus on Your Finances (I Know, Not the Fun Part!)

Okay, we’re diving into the least glamorous part of running a salon: money. But don’t worry, you got this and we’re here to help! If you’ve been running your salon for a while, you already know that understanding your finances is key to long-term success. So, this year, let’s make managing finances your new best friend.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Create a budget: Take a close look at your expenses and figure out where you can cut costs. Maybe you don’t need that extra delivery service for product orders, or maybe you could negotiate your rent or utility costs.
  • Set financial goals: Want to build up your emergency fund? Maybe you want to save for a new chair or even a bigger space. Whatever it is, get specific about your savings goals.
  • Track your numbers: Invest in a solid bookkeeping software. Use tools like Salon Accounting to help you easily track your finances, manage your revenue, expenses and profits. It’ll give you a clearer picture of your financial health and help you stay on top of things.

Trust me, once you get the hang of it, finances won’t feel like that impossible hair tangle. It’s a little painful at first, but once it’s smoothed out, you’ll feel so empowered. And excited about making decisions that move your business forward!

4. Build Your Client Base (Because Word-of-Mouth is Queen)

You know that the best marketing tool you’ve got is your loyal clients. Happy clients = happy business, so in 2025, it’s time to ramp up those referral programs and social media strategies.

  • Referral Programs: If you’re not already offering a referral discount, what are you waiting for? A little “bring a friend, get a free add-on” deal can go a long way in building a loyal client base.
  • Social Media Goals: Aim to post more often and get creative. Showcase your work, behind-the-scenes moments, and even client testimonials. It’s all about creating that “must-book” vibe. Set a goal for how many posts or stories you want to share per week, and track your engagement!

5. Invest in Yourself and Your Team

Running a salon isn’t just about doing everything yourself. Your team and your own personal development are just as important for hitting those goals. Set time aside to improve skills, attend workshops, and even treat yourself to that coffee shop latte you’ve been eyeing all week.

If you have a team, make sure to set goals for them too. Maybe it’s increasing client retention, getting them to attend a new training, or simply boosting morale with some fun team-building activities. A motivated team makes for a successful salon!

6. Keep It Balanced

As a girl boss, you’re used to hustling, but let’s not forget the importance of self-care. Yes, it’s possible to grow your salon and still find time to hit the spa, take a walk, or enjoy a Netflix binge. Set boundaries for work-life balance and prioritize moments that fill you up so you can give your best to your clients and your business.

7. Celebrate Wins (Big and Small)

This is the fun part—celebrate every little victory. Whether you hit a revenue goal, booked that big new client, or just survived the holiday rush, give yourself a pat on the back. Being a business owner isn’t easy, and acknowledging your progress helps you stay motivated and on track.