Much like other niche industries, beauty salons are experiencing a second wind of sorts, growing in popularity across the nation. In fact, even during times of financial turmoil, the beauty industry — which salons are, obviously, apart of — rarely experience dips in business. (Even during pressing times, people still want to look their best, regardless of how much it may cost.)
But, that’s not to say you can rest easy and ride those evergreen industry coattails without a second’s thought. If anything, this recent influx in salon growth across the country is reason enough to make sure yours stand out. And, thankfully, there is no shortage of ways to do just that.
Here seven ideas to make your salon pop and, thus, attract a bevy of new customers through your doors.
1. Create a One-of-a-kind Space
Like we’ve said before: People do, actually, judge a book by its cover. And the same philosophy stays relevant when we’re perusing shops to visit.
Creating a unique space — both from an indoor and outdoor perspective — is crucial to attracting new, loyal customers. Think about it: when was the last time you saw a dingy, dismal storefront and said: “Yea, this place deserves my business!”?
Think about incorporating interesting bits of architecture and playing with a broad color palette. People are, scientifically speaking, more captivated by warm, bright colors than they are lackluster hues. Also, don’t be shy about hanging art in and around your shop, as well.
And, if you really want to go the extra mile, think about featuring and selling pieces from local artists. This is a phenomenal way to both add character to your space, while also organically marketing to another subset of consumers.
2. Encourage Online Reviews
The vast majority of consumers these days will hawk online reviews prior to checking out a restaurant, salon, you name it; they’re that important. And, if you’re salon is lacking online reviews, that raises a red flag to curious minds looking for a new salon to check out.
To encourage online reviews, offer your clients certain incentives whenever they leave one. Conversely, if you receive a bad review, make it a priority to not only respond to it but see how you can rectify the situation. A negative online review, even if it’s just one, can affect your revenue — but fixing it can reverse that from happening.
3. Appeal to Millennials
Millennials are quickly becoming the largest consumer base in the entire country — so, suffice to say it’d be a wise idea to appeal to them.
But, in order to entice them over your doormat, you first have to know what they’re drawn to. Below are a few key things to focus on to attract those twenty- and thirty-somethings to your salon:
- Be savvy on social media and stay active (and engaged) on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
- Build certain deals and saving into your services that can attract these cash-strapped consumers
- Embrace eco-conscious practices; millennials are more likely to do business with companies that are environmentally responsible.
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly; a growing number of consumers of all ages, including millennials, are using their mobile devices more to research and find businesses.
Work these above-mentioned things into your salon’s business model, and, rest assured, you’ll see millennials flocking to your establishment in droves.
4. Run Online Deals
Like we hinted to above: More and more people are spending literally hours on their devices a day, be it working, watching streaming services, or, yes, looking for a new salon to visit.
Try and run “e-deals” on social media sites, online banner ads, and, of course, on your website that can be redeemed in your shop.
5. Become a WiFi Hub
Everyone’s on their phones, nowadays. So, it’s little wonder why having your salon connected to the world-wide-web at high-speeds is a good idea. To make sure only paying patrons can tap into your WiFi network, password protect your network.
6. Create a Digital Loyalty Program
Choosing to create a digital loyalty program is a phenomenal way to help attract new customers to your salon. And, by opting to create a completely digital one with Loopy Loyalty you’re foregoing physical production costs and reduce waste, which is a saving that goes right into your shop’s revenue.
So, not only are your loyal customers coming back for continued business, but they’re boasting slightly smaller carbon footprints, too boot. (See what we did there?)
Feeling inspired to create digital loyalty cards for your business to really make it stand out above the rest? Check out Loopy Loyalty, the world’s first digital stamp card solution for Apple Wallet & Google Pay and schedule a demo today.
