Tailored for owners who “don’t want to spend” and already rely heavily on Facebook/Instagram — this guide shows how a simple, low-cost website can work with social media (not replace it), bring more bookings, help appear in Google searches, and look professional without big ongoing fees.
Below you’ll find: quick strategy, 3 Sri Lankan examples, 5 international design inspirations, practical page + content checklist, a tiny low-cost tech stack & price guide, a one-page wireframe you can hand to a developer, and a short pitch script to convince hesitant owners.
1) Quick strategy — the mindset
- Treat the website as the business card that Google and new customers see; keep Facebook/Instagram as the visual/social engine people already use.
- Start small + measurable: one single-page brochure with strong photos, clear contact (WhatsApp click-to-chat), service list + prices or starting prices, map, and an easy booking action.
- Prioritise speed, mobile-first, and clarity — most Sri Lankan users will visit on phones.
- Offer a one-time setup + training (teach owner to update photos/prices) rather than pushing a monthly subscription — this matches local preferences.
2) Real Sri Lankan examples
- Naturals Unisex Salon — full brand presence, clear services & locations (example of a large, multi-branch Sri Lankan salon using a proper site). Naturals
- Liyo Salon — polished modern site for a higher-end local salon group (useful to show aspirational design). salonliyo.com
- Salon Zero (salonzero.lk) — local single-shop style with clear service listing and contact. Use these to show what works locally (photos + WhatsApp/contact are key).
3) International inspiration — features & patterns to borrow
These curated lists show modern, proven patterns (hero photo, big “Book” CTA, galleries, service cards, pricing, embedded booking):
- Site examples roundup (salons): shows hero photos, galleries, online booking patterns.
- Spa website examples (shows clean hero + booking emphasis — good for spa aesthetics).
- GlossGenius gallery of salon sites focused on booking-first design
4) Must-have pages / sections (minimum viable website for a salon/spa)
Keep it lean — this is a single-page site template that converts:
- Hero / Above the fold
- One strong image (interior/therapist at work) + 1-line tagline + big CTA: “Book / WhatsApp / Call”.
- Services (short)
- Top 6 services with short descriptions and starting prices (or price ranges). People hesitate when prices are hidden.
- Gallery (before/after)
- 6–12 high-quality photos — mobile-optimized.
- Booking options
- Primary: WhatsApp click-to-chat (fast + familiar in Sri Lanka). Secondary: simple booking form or embedded booking widget.
- About / Trust
- Short owner story, certifications, awards, marriage/bridal specialities if applicable.
- Location & hours
- Google Maps embed + phone number + Facebook/Instagram links.
- Reviews / Social proof
- 3–5 client quotes or screenshots from Facebook — owners trust their FB page more than the web; echo that on the site.
- Footer
- Business registration (if any), T&Cs, quick contact.
5) Photo & content tips (cheap wins)
- Use natural light photos on a plain backdrop — a smartphone is enough if shot well.
- Before/after + short captions: “Bride trial — color + styling” works better than long descriptions.
- Collect 10 client testimonials (even short WhatsApp screenshots are fine) and add 3–4 to the site.
- Keep copy simple and benefit-led: “Quick booking”, “Experienced therapists”, “Hygienic instruments”.
“Madam/Sir, I’ll make you a small single-page website — one beautiful page that shows what you do, where you are, and a big WhatsApp button so customers can book in 2 taps. It costs less than one season of Facebook ads and I’ll teach you how to change photos and prices. Your Facebook will still be the place for daily posts — the website just helps new customers find you on Google and look professional.”
