Now that you have your online marketing tools in place, let’s talk about how to impress your clients when they come into the salon, and how to not only keep them coming back but telling their friends about you as well!

Here are some ideas to “wow” your clients once they are in your establishment:

Offer a new-client special. Getting new clients can be as easy as welcoming them in, opening your arms, and offering them a first-visit special. Once you have them in your salon, it’s a good opportunity to show them all you have to offer, show off your fabulous customer service, and make them excited to come back.

Give each month its own unique special. Each month you have the opportunity to bring in regulars and new clients with a savings experience they can look forward to. It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy, but it can generate anticipation, extra appointments, and buzz for referrals. A sweetheart special for February, 10% off a March Madness blowout, or even an offer for bringing in a friend for April. Giving your clients something to plan will go a long way in attracting more clients and booking added business.

Excite with last-minute specials. For days that you know are going to be slow, give the feeling of excitement with exclusive, daily offers. You want to give them a sense that “it won’t last long” and they need to “act now” to take advantage of your promotion. Not only can you blast it out on your social media, website, and mobile app, but you can also make sure that there’s signage in the salon and your stylists let their clients know at the beginning of their appointment. It can be an add-on treatment, a special on a product you want to move, or a discount for another service such as a manicure. It’s a great way to add profits to a slow time.

Target your products with bundles. Work with what you have to create enthusiasm by using the products you sell in your salon. Focus on the holidays or seasons to pair products together that will be a benefit to your clients. For example, in the winter pair a hydrating shampoo with a deep conditioning mask to help your clients tame their frizz. Adding the mask, something that may not be a big seller, will give them the opportunity to try it when purchasing their regular shampoo. Pair a best-seller with an item that may need some recognition.

Gift your customers with samples. When your customers buy their regular hair styling products, it’s a good idea to add a free sample gift from time to time. Who doesn’t love a free gift? It makes your clients feel like you’re treating them to something special and gives them the opportunity to try something new that may lead to a future purchase. For you as a salon owner, it’s the perfect way to test out new products before ordering in bulk.

Promote gift cards. Always have your gift cards out at the front desk for your clients to see with some informational signage. It’s a great way for your customers to pick up a quick gift for someone and to encourage new clients into your salon. Always be sure to let them know how easy it is for them to also purchase on your mobile app – so it’s an easy shopping tool whenever they need it. Gift cards are guaranteed income for your salon, and your clients will appreciate how easy you make it for them when they need a quick gift for a friend, coworker, or that special someone.

Take pride in your salon and your image. Not only do clients take notice of how clean and organized your salon is, they also look at everyone employed at your salon. Remember, you and your stylists are essentially modeling for your salon. It pays to look good, keep your hair colored and styled in the newest trends, and show off the local trends that will appeal to the local clientele. No one wants to visit, or frequent, a dirty salon with piles of hair and similarly, no one wants to trust a stylist with outdated hair to style or color their own. It pays to look good inside and outside the salon!

Keep branded business cards on hand. Let’s face it, even though we are a digital world, there’s something to be said for having business cards on hand. Making sure you and your stylists have professional, branded business cards can help those clients spread the referrals by word of mouth. Between business cards and your mobile app, it’s an easy way for clients to share how great your salon is and pass along referrals.

Our last piece to this series will go over how valuable a customized mobile app can be to your salon. Not only is it a great booking tool, there are many other added benefits to both you and your clients.

If you’re ready to take your salon to that next level, or want to know how SalonCloudsPlus can help you with areas that you need improved upon, you can contact SalonCloudsPlus with our online form, give us a call at (888) 909-1051 or email us at app@webappclouds.com.