I was talking to a hair salon owner here in San Francisco about how a salon goes about getting new customers and retaining existing ones. Wow, did I get some good ideas about marketing and selling for salon owners. Do you need some ideas for your email marketing campaigns? Check out the ones below, I think they're pretty creative.
Also, check out this post for using email for appointment reminders and this post for collecting email addresses. You might even get a good idea or two if you don't have a salon so read on...
FREE is Good
For the most part there are many things that you charge for that have pretty high margins. Consider giving these products or services away for free with a higher-priced service.
- For hair salons highlights can be expensive, why not give away something of lesser value for free, like a conditioner?
- For nail salons, what about a free manicure with a pedicure? - Do you have a time during the day when you're slow? Get people in the door with a free offer.
- Free product with a treatment - The margins on products are usually great and chances are you can afford to give away something small for free.
Getting NEW Customers
- The shared restroom - Are you in a building where you share a restroom with other businesses? Why not put a coupon or a sign there so visitors know you're there and could potentially kill "two birds" with one stone next time.
- Customer trade - Do you do hair or nails for someone who works at a local magazine, newspaper or other advertising venue? Give them free treatments in exchange for advertising.
- Friend get a friend - Offer a free color, cut or manicure when you bring a friend OR bring a friend and the friend gets it free.
- Punch cards - Give your customers a card and each time they get a treatment they get a punch in their card. On the 10th punch they get a free treatment. One last idea, keep their cards for them so that they don't have to remember to bring them.
- Birthday promotions - Free treatment on your customer's birthday. Email them on their birthday week.
Need More Stylists?
- See some fabulous hair on the street? Ask them who styled it, call them and invite them in!
Get Your Information Digital Now!
- Take all of your cards you have customer information written down on and put them into an information manager. Quickbooks and Filemaker are very easy to use and affordable!
Do you own or work at a salon? Are you doing some creative things with marketing AND email marketing? Chime in with some more ideas!
I like the shared restroom idea. You could would create a little "spa display" Perhaps a handful of beach sand, a pretty shell and a fresh flower, business cards and free samples. This is sure to grab attention. A small message relating to the "beach-spa" display is another option.
"Wish you could have a Holiday?"
Escape to (xyz salon) and drift off to a Comfortable, Relaxing place where you can Shut your eyes, Breathe deeply, Float into the Clouds, Release tension and feel Refreshed, Lighter and Ready to face the world with Renewed Power and Energy. You deserve a Moments Bliss, don't you? Ph 123 123 to Experience Innovative Salon and Spa Treatments.
Posted by: SalonProfit | June 11, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Great list of tips! Highlighting often times is extremely expensive and to throw in a conditioner is nice thought, even if it is a small bottle it is nice gesture. Also, I do think it is important to collect email addresses so that you can offer a friendly reminder of upcoming appointments or even offer discount via email newsletter. Additionally the idea of a punch card as been effective at some of my local Chicago spas generating more repeat business then before.
Posted by: Lilly | January 12, 2009 at 02:02 PM
You have a very helpful website, with many great ideas. Keep it up!
Posted by: Lori Elder | December 27, 2006 at 12:04 PM
For J:
I think there are tons of ideas for you, I'll list what I think might be good, others please comment away!
Appointment reminders in the beginning of each week (since many of you are closed on Mondays)
Free product - A free skin care product with the first treatment.
Scheduling the next appointment - This is a must before your clients leave. Then remind them with email.
Sales on SPF lotion - In the winter for the ski season, in the summer for the beach! 2 for 1 specials? Wrap the content around a newsletter about he sun's UV rays!
Before and After - Show photos of a few successful operations.
Hope these help, anyone have any others?
Posted by: Janine | October 11, 2006 at 08:27 PM
Vertical Response is great! Question: Any pointers or suggestions for using Vertical Response in the Cosmetic Surgery / Spa industry?
Posted by: J | October 10, 2006 at 04:48 PM
To get free publicity:
Once a quarter, enlist all stylists, and invite customers to volunteer two hours at a nursing home, homeless shelter or hospital to provide services...styling hair, manicures, coaching on keeping hair healthy...
The media publicity will be worth more than any paid advertising, will promote good will, further establish a salons brand in the community, and enrich the lives of those serving those who are often neglected.
Posted by: Alan Allard | October 10, 2006 at 01:14 PM