As a business owner who has newly opening a business, this is your chance to wow your customers and create a lasting first impression. You have the freedom to run your business how you like, and while it can be intimidating at first, the rewards are worth it.
As a stylist or barber, there is no such thing as an “overnight successâ€, as building a list of loyal clients is not an easy task. It takes valuable time and money, but remember, you are building a career to last a lifetime.
Traditionally, a stylist starts their career by working for a salon as an employee. The salon takes care of all the marketing and attracts clients, while you offer your services. Eventually, if a stylist decided to branch off and become an independent stylist or business owner, the transition can be intimidating. The freedom that comes with running your own business is worth it, so keep reading to find out how you can attract loyal, repeat customers.
1. OFFER ONLINE BOOKING
- You must offer your customers the ability to book online- this is not an option. Like you, your customers are also busy, and they crave the convenience and ease of booking online
- Clients want to search and book their appointments on their own from their mobile device or tablet
- Beautster can help you manage Online Bookings- we also have a Concierge service to help you every step of the way
2. ASK FOR REVIEWS
- Reviews build trust, and clients trust reviews
- Clients already read reviews for Restaurants, Hotels, Gyms and Beauty Products
- As a new Stylist in the area, you need reviews to build trust and your reputation- the more reviews you have, the better
- In the beginning, ask each client for a review- send an e-mail with Beautster’s marketing tool and include instructions on how to leave a review
- Offer $15 off the next service in exchange for writing a review- this should be included in your marketing budget
- Next time you are checking out an appointment, remind your customer that they will receive an e-mail with a link to leave a review
- Offer to cut your friends and families hair and ask them for reviews to build your online presence- do everything you can to gain lots of reviews!
3. CREATE PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS CARDS
- Always have business cards on hand- they should include a link to your Online Booking page and should offer 10% or 20% their next service so your customers don’t toss your card
- Hand out at least 100 business cards each month
- Find out who your ‘ideal’ customer is, and hand out business cards in public places where they spend time
- Visit businesses in your local neighborhoods and ask if you can leave a few business cards
4. OFFER SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
- You’ve heard the term ‘you have to spend money to make money’- new clients are going to cost. The goal is to invest in new clients right away, so you can earn your money back when they become your loyal customers
- Offer ‘value-added service’- pick a service that takes little time and resourced (brow waxing) and offers it for free to new clients who book one of your main services
- Be active on Social Media platforms- promote specials and include these specials on your business card.
5. CREATE A REFERRAL PROGRAM
- Use your existing loyal customers to help attract new clientele
- Print referral cards and invite your loyal repeat customers to join your program
- Invite your clients to invite their friends and family in exchange for a small perk for each new customer they refer to you
6. COMMUNITY HUSTLE
- Building a customer list requires ‘hustle’. Get outside of your comfort zone, work late, spend less money on Starbucks coffee and more money on marketing efforts – get your name out there, and you will reap the rewards
- Attend farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other community events and mingle- hand out your business cards as often as possible
- Remember, business cards don’t cost a lot and gaining new customers is worth it
7. MAKE THE RIGHT KINDS OF FRIENDS
- Befriend other professionals- photographers, wedding planners, stylists, makeup artists, and local fashion designers. Their clients will need beauty services, and you should be the first person they recommend
- Offer your new friends discounted services in exchange for every client they send your way
These are just a few creative ways to get a jump start on building your clientele. Think long-term, and remember that all your hard work in the short-term will pay off. Once the initial hard work is done, you will have the freedom to set your own hours and pricing, be your own boss and design your life the way you envision it.