Secrets to Retain, Reward and Recruit Clients

There are secrets you can use to help recruit, retain and reward your clients. There are some great ways to keep the clients coming to you even during the slow months.

1. Build a successful referral program. As we all know word-of-mouth is priceless. Spend money in rewarding your clients for bringing their friends and family in. You can create referral cards right from your computer or go get some professionally printed at your local print shop. Place these cards in clear acrylic holders at every station in the salon. Each time a new client comes in with a referral card, present them with a free product. Maybe a free full size product, a discount or a free add-on service. Then mail a gift certificate to the client that referred them.

2. Pre-book your clients. Because of the economy, clients are stretching out their time between appointments. Instead of the standard 4-6 weeks, clients are waiting 8-10. If you focus on pre-booking them every 4-6, that can make a huge difference in your average income. If you are a salon owner, schedule a stylist meeting and give statistics on why pre-booking is so important and how it can affect their income. When deciding what to offer your clients for referrals, make sure it is a gift that will build your business.

3. Offer punch cards. In this economy, everyone is looking to save money and find deals, so why not reward your clients for coming to your chair. When deciding the value, you must make sure it is worth it for them to participate in the program. The more lucrative the offer, the more motivating it will be for your client to participate. When you decide to get the punch cards printed, include spaces for the client name, value, award and expiration date. Keep track of all the awarded gifts for accounting purposes.

4. Be creative. Brainstorm and think outside of the box. It is important to make smart business decisions while still being different and creative. This will set you apart from other stylists and salon in your area.

These secrets can help you build your clientele and keep them happy all year long!

Source:

1. Promoting a Hair Stylist to Gain a Clientele. Marketing Profs. Retrieved December 28, 2009 from: http://www.marketingprofs.com/ea/qst_question.asp?qstID=12087

2. Topic: How to Build Clientele. Hairboutique.com. Retrieved December 28, 2009 from: http://talk.hairboutique.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=17626