Whether you’ve been a salon owner for years or it’s an up-and-coming project, bringing new clients in is essential for helping your business thrive. Obviously, a high-quality salon that is clean, professional, and provides a wide range of services is important, but that’s not all. You’ll also need to have a few tricks up your sleeve to bring in new clients and keep them.
Only Use and Sell the Best Products
It might be tempting to use more “affordable” products to keep your bottom line down, especially if your salon is new and you’re still trying to bring in profits. The problem is that those affordable salon products aren’t always the best quality. To keep clients coming, you need to offer the best in the business, focusing on two or three brands to provide variety. Look for products that work to repair hair disulfide bonds, which can help hair retain moisture, look healthier, and feel better.
Learn How To Use Search Engine Optimization
Your salon’s online presence is an essential tool for bringing in new clients and keeping them interested in using your business. For this reason, your website and your social media profiles should use proper search engine optimization tactics. Create a Google Business Profile (it’s free!) to ensure you have a listing in their business directory. From there, be sure you’re using both short keywords (“salon in [your location]”) and longer key phrases (“where can i get a haircut in [your location]?”) throughout your pages. This helps bring them to the top of Google’s search engine results pages.
Focus On the Image Not the Gimmick
Too often, business owners think they need to have a gimmick to gain the attention of potential clients. The reality is that most people see right through these things and choose not to use businesses that overuse them. To bring in new clients, you need to get back to the basics. Create an online portfolio by posting your best work on Instagram (with permission from the clients, of course). Have photographs of your work printed and displayed in your salon. Showing people that you do excellent work is much more important than an advertising gimmick.
Add the Right Features To Your Website
Your website should be easy to navigate and provide as many convenient options as possible for potential and current clients. Think of it as your 24-hour receptionist. It should load quickly, have a mobile version for those searching on smartphones, and provide high-quality images. In addition to providing information about your salon and services, offer a contact form and online booking options. You might even consider using a chatbot that can answer basic questions about your salon.
Offer Incentives For Word-of-Mouth Advertising
Everybody likes a reward, so why not offer them to your current customers who can bring in new customers? Tell your clients to let their friends and family members know about your services. If someone books an appointment and mentions their name, each person can get a percentage off of their services. You can also offer discounts for people who book their appointments together or for those who are coming in for special services, such as having their hair done for a wedding.
Ask Clients To Write Reviews
Be proactive about reminding clients to write reviews of your services on Google and Facebook. The more reviews you have, the more legitimate your salon will seem to potential clients. Be sure to respond to your reviews as well. This means any negative ones as well. Responding professionally and offering solutions to the problem shows that you truly care about your customers and how happy they are with your services.
Your salon is your passion and your passion deserves to thrive. From word-of-mouth marketing to ensuring you use the best products possible in your salon, there is a lot you can do to bring in new clientele and continue to succeed in your field.
