Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Palmisano
Hi Erica , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2016, the company where my business partners and I worked was unexpectedly shut down, forcing us to figure out our next steps. We had spent years here honing our digital marketing and leadership skills and had already seen how effective SEO could be in driving business growth. One of my partners also co-owned a salon, which became one of our first SEO clients, and through that experience, we recognized a clear opportunity in the salon industry.
We started FirstPage Marketing in 2017, with a focus on helping small businesses improve their online presence. As we gained more salon clients, we realized they had unique marketing challenges, and we built out the Salon.Marketing brand to serve that niche. Over time we have partnered with industry leaders, including L’Oréal PPD’s Level Loyalty Rewards program, that have allowed us to develop tools and strategies specifically for salon owners, helping them grow their businesses in a way that makes sense for their industry.
Today, FirstPage Marketing continues to grow, serving businesses across multiple industries, while Salon.Marketing remains a leader in digital marketing for salons and spas across the country. Recently, we were named a Bulldog 100 business and were ranked 40th in fastest-growing companies on the list. Before FirstPage I thought that career success would be linear and as I worked harder, I would take another step up the ladder, but what I have learned is that life is full of plot twists. Some of the best opportunities have come from failures or unexpected pivots.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our journey has had its share of challenges. FirstPage Marketing was born under difficult circumstances—what we had poured years of energy into was coming to an end, and we were there through every step of the transition. In the process, we had to lay off 70 employees, half in October 2016 and the rest in January 2017. It was an incredibly tough experience, and in many ways, we spent the first couple of years building our company while still processing the weight of that loss.
Then, just a few years later, the pandemic hit. As businesses and salons were forced to close their doors, many of our clients faced financial uncertainty. We knew they wouldn’t be able to afford our services while also trying to keep their businesses afloat, so we offered discounted or deferred payment options to ensure they could maintain their online presence. It was an honor to support them during such a difficult time but it also affected our bottom-line.
Like any growing business, we’ve had our share of ups and downs, but we’ve always viewed those struggles or failures as opportunities to learn and adapt. Every hurdle has shaped us into a stronger, more resilient company, and that mindset continues to guide us forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Salon.Marketing, we specialize in website design, local SEO, and Google Ads for salons and spas, helping them attract more clients and grow their online presence. What truly sets us apart is our deep industry knowledge and our unparalleled customer support. One of our founding partners co-owned a salon, giving us firsthand insight into the unique marketing challenges salon owners face. We don’t just offer digital marketing services—we provide tailored solutions designed specifically for salons, making digital marketing more effective and accessible.
Beyond strategy, we take customer service seriously. We know that for many salon owners, managing a website project can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve invested in refining our onboarding experience and support systems, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We serve as a dedicated partner for our clients, guiding them through every step of the process with clear communication, hands-on support, and a commitment to making their digital marketing experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.”
We’re also proud to be the only digital marketing provider partnered with L’Oréal PPD’s Level Loyalty Rewards program, allowing salon owners to redeem points for our website and local SEO services.
At the end of the day, we’re more than just a digital marketing agency—we’re a trusted partner invested in our clients’ success.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
At Salon.Marketing, our core values—Being Driven, Resourcefulness, Dependability, Having Fun, and an Eagerness to Educate—shape everything we do. We are passionate about helping salons and spas grow, finding creative solutions to their challenges, and being a reliable partner they can count on. We also believe that digital marketing should be both effective and enjoyable, which is why we bring energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to education to every client relationship. To see more of our work and stay updated with all we are up to, follow us on Instagram at @salon.mktg.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salon.marketing/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salon.mktg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salon.mktg
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstpagelife/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://firstpagelife.com/
