The success or growth of any business usually hinges on its ability to attract and retain clients. If you’re a salon professional, chances are you’ve already researched potential salon suites for rent and found an ideal location. But, the job is far from done.
Often, if you’re new to a particular field, learning the ropes can be overwhelming. And truth be told, talent alone won’t cut it. You need a way to maximize your costs and professional knowledge. So, where do you start, and how do you look for clients?
If you’re new on the scene, you’ve lucked out. We’ve prepared a guide to help in your outreach campaign so that clients can beat a path to your door. Let’s get right to it.
1. Run Instagram Ads
To build your brand, you need to get the word out. One way to do this is to run Instagram ads. The ads should be creative and eye-catching to help you stand out from the competition. You can also use relevant hashtags to target potential clients who might be interested in your services.
You don’t have to settle for the hard sell – gently showcase your skills and brand. Here are a few pointers to make Instagram work for you:
- Create a business profile – It might be tempting to use your profile to advertise your business, but don’t. You need to create a separate business profile so people can find you easily. Plus, it’s easier to advertise your business using such a profile, allowing potential clients to get contact you.
- Choose the right image – First impressions matter; your profile image is the first thing potential clients will see. Pick an image that captures the essence of your brand.
- Post-before-and-after photos of your work. This is an excellent way to show off your skills and get people talking about your work. Strong visuals are a must-have for any salon business – they attract new followers, promote engagement, and could persuade them to book a session.
2. Organize an Open House
An open house is a great way to introduce potential clients to your salon business. Such an event would allow you to build relationships and promote your brand. When organizing an open house, ensure to:
- Advertise the event – Spread the word about your open house through social media, flyers, and word of mouth.
- Prepare for the event – Have plenty of business cards on hand, as well as refreshments for your guests.
- Create a good impression – Ensure your salon is clean and presentable. You want potential clients to see your salon as a place of relaxation, not a cluttered space.
- Offer incentives – Offer your guests discounts or freebies to sweeten the deal. This is an excellent way to thank them for their time and get them to include your salon in their list of options.
3. Make Google Your Friend
Google offers some invaluable tools you can use to scale your business. For instance, Google My Business provides free listing, allowing you to manage your business’s appearance on Google Search and Maps. With this tool, you can:
- Update your business information – Ensure your details are accurate and up-to-date, such as your opening hours, address, and contact information.
- Add photos – People love visuals, so add high-quality photos of your salon. This will give potential clients a taste of what to expect when they visit.
- Encourage reviews – Reviews help build trust and credibility, so encourage your clients to leave them.
You can also use Google Ads to target people searching for salon services in your area. The great thing about such an approach is that you’re not simply winging it and hoping to strike gold. Google Ads allows you to market your business to people actively looking for salons in a given area. In short, you’re marketing to people who intend to book a salon and are browsing for options.
4. Leverage on Local Events
Local events are excellent opportunities to generate buzz for your business. If you’re looking for ways to attract new clients, consider partnering with or sponsoring a local event. Doing so will help you:
- Build relationships – When you partner with other businesses or sponsor an event, you build relationships with them. These associations can be beneficial in the long run, so nurture them.
- Get your name out there – Local events are excellent opportunities to get your name and brand out there. Your salon will be listed as a sponsor when you sponsor an event, providing an avenue to promote your business and attract new clients.
Getting potential customers through your doors is arguably a tough task. But with the right strategy, you can do it. Just remember to be patient and consistent in your approach. Hopefully, these pointers can help new clients know about your salon, your range of services, and how you can help them look and feel their best.