Whether you are new or have been in the game a while, we all have one thing in common—we want to generate more business, aka get new clients! In the Salon industry one of the biggest challenges we can face is continuously filling our appointment books. These tips and techniques can help you grow your salon business and get new clients!
If you are just starting out, try one or two tips at a time. Once you have success with those, go on to try out some of the other tips.
1. Identify Your Ideal Clientele
This should be your first step in creating a marketing plan. Who is your ideal client—the busy mom, the businesswoman, or the on-the-go teenagers? Visualizing who you want your clientele to be will help you decide how to reach them.
2. Research
Where do your ideal clients like to gather? Try leaving business cards at the coffee shops those moms and businesswomen may frequent. Promote local high school events to target the teens. Think about sponsoring or participating in 5k walk/runs. There are a ton of different ways to go about this, but do your research and get creative!
3. Business Cards
Your business card should be a good representation of who you are and what you do. The possibilities are endless for using your business card with other marketing ideas! You can post your cards on bulletin boards around your area, participate in neighborhood functions, pass them out to other businesses, and even include promotional offers on your card.
4. Buddy System
Get acquainted with fancy spas in your area, they could refer you new clients when they are booked. Trade with massage therapists so they have someone to refer, and vice versa. This could lead to joining an open house! Who wouldn’t love a cut, color, and massage package?
5. Web Presence
Purchase a domain name and create a dot-com. Your website is a great way to advertise yourself with minimal effort on your end. You can put as much, or as little information, about your business. A useful tool on your website is having a “Frequently Asked Questions” portion to provide answers to common questions you may get.
6. Google
A good majority of your clientele is going to try to Google you, so make sure your business is searchable. You can register your website to Google Search Console and instantly have a Google presence. The best part? It’s free. It’s the perfect step for getting your website and contact information found by the exact people who are looking for your services!
7. Offers that can’t be refused
When you are first starting out in this industry, think about providing an incentive for clients to book an appointment with you. Try offering a free add-on to the service they are booking, such as a free brow wax with a color and cut. You can also try to do a two-for-one deal for first time customers or even half-off a service. Just be sure to ask for the rebooking and get their contact information for future marketing.
8. Gift Certificates
Everybody loves to receive gift certificates! They’re a great way to pamper someone, so give out reward-gift cards that new and loyal clients can pass along to family and friends. You could also create a referral program where clients receive a discount when they refer your business to a family member or friend and they book an appointment.
9. Reach Out to Past Clients
Once you build your clientele, keep track of their information in a database or an email service. For clients you haven’t seen in a while, send out an email with a friendly “hello, we haven’t seen you in a while!” People are busy and enjoy being reminded to take time for themselves. Whatever you chose, make sure it’s personal and specific to each client, so they don’t feel like just another person on your marketing list.
10. Be Social
Use social media to build your client base. Post content that will intrigue your potential customers—people love before and after pictures! Include facts, information, and photos that your audience will find appealing.
This is just the start! What tips do you have?
