How to get your first clients with Sway — without a marketplace

You do not need a marketplace to get started

Many new UK therapists, barbers, and stylists assume they must list on Treatwell or Fresha to find clients. Marketplaces can help with discovery, but they take commission — often 20–35% on new clients — and list you beside competitors.

Sway gives you a booking page you own from day one. Your first clients usually come from people who already trust you or find you locally, not from a marketplace directory. The job is making it effortless for them to book.

Start with people who already know you

• Message friends, family, and former colleagues with your Sway booking link — not 'let me know if you need anything'.
• Offer a launch rate or introductory service to your first 10–15 clients in exchange for honest feedback and a Google review.
• Ask every happy client: 'Do you know anyone who might like this?' Word of mouth is still the strongest channel for new UK service businesses.
• Make rebooking easy — clients who book again through your link are yours, with no commission.

Local search: Google Business Profile

When someone searches 'massage near me' or 'nails [your town]', Google Maps decides who gets the click. A complete Google Business Profile with photos, hours, and your Sway booking link turns searches into appointments.

This is free and often the highest-ROI step after referrals. See our Google Business Profile guide for setup details.

Social media that converts

• Put your Sway booking link in your Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook bio — replace 'DM to book'.
• Post consistently: your space, your work, client results (with permission), and how to book.
• Use Stories to show available slots: 'Thursday 2pm open — book via link in bio'.
• Respond to comments with your booking link, not 'check my DMs'.
• Local hashtags and geotags help nearby clients find you.

Local partnerships and visibility

• Cross-refer with complementary businesses: a salon and a lash tech, a gym and a sports massage therapist.
• Leave cards with your booking QR code at cafés, coworking spaces, or gyms near your studio.
• Join local business networks and Facebook groups — contribute helpfully, link when relevant.
• If you rent a chair, ask the salon owner to add your booking link to their Google listing or reception area.

Why Sway fits the first-client phase

Every client who books through your Sway page is yours — no marketplace cut, no competing listings on the same checkout. You keep the full relationship and the margin.

Free tier means no monthly cost while you are building volume. Deposits reduce no-shows on precious early appointments. Reviews on your booking page build credibility before you have years of Google feedback.

As Sway grows, clients can discover businesses on the platform — but you are never charged marketplace commission for bookings.