The Stylist’s Toolbox.com

Do things seem a little tight right now? Stylists tell me that their clients are waiting longer between appointments and choosing lower maintanence haircolor so the results last longer.

Do you have a plan to grow your salon business during this rough spot? How are you going to find some new clients without spending a small fortune on advertising? I’ve got a couple of low cost ideas to help you bring in some new clients without breaking the bank, as well as some thoughts on keeping them happy, whether you a salon owner or a booth renter. tag

I know it seems like people are spending all of their money on gas right now, but rough economic times are a great time to look for new clients. People will always spend money on things that matter to them and that make them feel good.

But when things are tight, they are also more willing to walk away from places that they don’t perceive as being a good value. Small things make a huge difference, so find a couple of ways to go above and beyond to add value to your services. By taking care of the details, each client’s experience will be something to tell their friends and family about. 

Maybe you need a Referral Program. 

Traditional referral plans aren’t strong enough to be effective anymore. The days when we can ask our clients to send us 10 people in trade for a free haircut are past.

Referral rewards need to be immediate and should thank both the client and their referral. We want your clients to be motivated to action. You can offer any number of things – a gift certificate to the salon, complimentary retail products or free services. Just be sure that whatever you are offering has value to the client.

When the referral comes in, welcome them to your salon and give them the star treatment. New client welcome bags are a great way to do this. Every new client receives a bag filled with a service menu, some samples, a $5 gift certificate good on their next visit, a listing of upcoming events and promotions and maybe a sheet that explains any frequent buyer programs, bang and neck trims or how the waiting list works. It’s an easy way to set yourself apart from every other salon in town and make your new clients feel special. 

I know of a salon that provides client bags for their new booth renters to hand out to their clients as a way to welcome the new stylist’s clients into the salon. It helps the clients feel like they belong there and it lets them experience some of the products that the salon retails. 

Be Our Guest Cards

Another great tool to bring in new clients is a ”Be Our Guest” card. A Be Our Guest card has your contact information and invites the recipient to come in for complimentary services. You should hand them out to great looking high profile people - waitresses, cheerleaders, Starbucks baristas, even grocery clerks – anyone who sees a lot of your potential clients and has the personality to talk up you and your services.

When you meet one of these people, compliment them on their great look, give them a Be Our Guest card and invite them into your salon for a haircut, color, or any other service you choose. Do your best work ever and send them out the door loaded with your business cards.

When someone compliments them on their wonderful new do, they will primed and ready to send them your direction. Make sure that you have given the Guest the whole treatment so they can tell their friends and customers what to expect.

A high profile walking, talking example of your work can bring droves of people to your door, just by giving away a cut and color. Not a bad return on your investment. Have your new client bags ready and give one to both the Guest and to all the referrals they send your way.

A final note, whenever someone sends you a referral, take a minute and call them or send them a note to say thanks. Simply letting your clients know how much your appreciate them can be the most effective customer service tool you have.