Maybe your salon is full of the most talented, friendly hairdressers in the world. Or maybe every person who’s ever gotten a manicure from you has cried tears of joy. Or perhaps all of your stylists use only the greatest, highest-quality products that leave hair smelling better and looking shinier than ever before.
But if you don’t have a solid salon clientele? None of the rest of that matters.
In order to grow your salon, you need to do more than just offer excellent service. You’ve got to get the word out and get your dream customers to walk through that door. Finding the right clientele and helping them find you is absolutely crucial to your salon’s success.
If you’re currently struggling to attract and grow your salon clientele, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent national survey of spa and salon owners found that marketing to prospective and new customers was the #1 business challenge they faced. So how can you rise up to the challenge and start building your salon clientele?
Here are some of the best ways to grow your salon business — and start seeing results fast.
- Establish your target audience.
First and foremost, you need to figure out who your ideal client really is. Don’t be afraid to get specific! For example — is your perfect client a stylish professional in her 30s who’s willing to pay top dollar in order to look her best? Or is she a trendy millennial who favors natural products and is always looking to switch up her look? No matter who your ideal client is, make sure you keep them in mind as you run your marketing efforts. - Implement a loyalty program.
When it comes to getting more business for your salon, you have two options: you can go out there and find new clients, or you can encourage your past clients that already know about the amazing work you do to come back and return often. A loyalty program is a great way to incentivize repeat visits. And it doesn’t have to be complicated — a simple “schedule four haircuts & get your fifth one free” is enough to be effective! - Offer an introductory promotion.
Introductory discounts are great for attracting first-time customers. On your website and social media, advertise a limited-time discount for new customers looking to see what your salon has to offer. Then, provide them an exceptional experience that’ll leave them excited to come back! - Incentivize referrals with rewards.
Chances are, your ideal clients know more of your ideal clients. Ask your clients to refer friends that might be interested in your services — and offer them a reward for doing so! For example, offer them a free trial-size product of their choice or 10% off a future service for every friend they refer. - Use social media to your advantage.
Prospective clients LOVE to see results. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great ways to showcase what you can do. Take before and after photos of your clients and post the photos to social media (with permission, of course!). Consider also working with influencers to reach a larger audience. - Make booking an appointment easy.
If you’re still only accepting appointments via phone, you’re missing out on a ton of business. The easier it is to check for availability and book a first appointment, the more people will do it! Start Booking’s smart, intuitive software makes the scheduling process quick and simple.
Growing your salon clientele doesn’t have to be a complicated, arduous process. As you implement these simple strategies, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can grow your salon clientele, find your ideal clients, and start putting all of your time into doing what you love.