How to keep your salon growing through economic challenges.

By Kara Lehmann

Relationship marketing is all about building connections with your clients and creating a sense of trust and loyalty. By focusing on the relationship rather than just the transaction, you can create a long-lasting bond that keeps your clients coming back again and again - even in tough times.

Here are some tips for using relationship marketing to attract your ideal clients into your salon.

1. Know your ideal client.

Before you can attract your ideal clients, you need to know who they are. Take some time to define your ideal client based on factors like services, age, gender, income level, interests, and lifestyle. Once you have a clear understanding of who you are trying to reach, you can tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and preferences.

Next, you want to get really clear on what their drivers are to coming into your salon. Are they coming to see you to build confidence? Are they wanting to relax and have more self care? Do they struggle with their appearance? This might mean you have a couple of different ideal clients for various products and services. Knowing what they desire, and their pain points really helps to build more personalised marketing strategies to connect with each of them.

2. Build a strong online presence.

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business growth. Make sure your salon has a strong website that takes your clients or new clients on a journey. Make sure it speaks to them and really connects with them on a deeper level. Your website can be such a powerful tool to help drive more sales and bookings through your doors. So, taking some time to evaluate your website is so important.

Next, it’s vital to your business growth to stay active on social media. Social media can often feel exhausting or overwhelming if you don’t have a strategy in place. You have the potential to build a strong community of loyal and raving fans, by showcasing how you can help solve their problems, what your business can do to support the local community and how you’re making a positive change on the lives that cross paths with you. So, if you’re feeling like social media isn’t your strength, it may be time to start looking at a solution to outsourcing this area of

3. Offer exceptional customer service. One of the most important aspects of relationship marketing is providing exceptional customer service. Treat every client like they are the most important person in the world and go above and beyond to make sure they feel comfortable and valued.

Remember their names, ask about their lives, and take the time to listen to their concerns. Make visiting your business a priority for them. Create moments of excitement and add in small elements of gratitude for them consistently supporting you. Have seasonal promotions or events to have fun with your clients and build a sense of community.

4. Create a loyalty program.

A loyalty program can be a great way to reward your regular clients and encourage them to refer their friends and family to your salon. Offer VIP events, incentives, free services, or exclusive access to new products or services. Think outside the box on ways in which you can do something a little different that makes them go ‘wow’!

5. Host events and workshops

Hosting events and workshops is a great way to build relationships with your clients and offer them added value beyond your services. Consider hosting a makeup tutorial, a skincare class, fundraising event, or a product launch party. Not only will this help build relationships with your clients, but it will also give them a reason to bring their friends and family to your salon.

6. Ask for feedback.

Finally, be sure to ask your clients for feedback on their experience with your salon. This shows that you care about their opinions and are committed to providing the best possible service. Use this feedback to improve your services and make your salon even more appealing to your ideal clients.

In conclusion, relationship marketing can be a powerful tool for attracting your ideal clients into your salon. It can make your business memorable. By focusing on building connections and creating a sense of trust and loyalty, you can create a long-lasting bond that keeps your clients coming back again and again. By implementing the tips above, you can start building these relationships today and set your salon apart from the competition.

Kara Lehmann The Beauty Boss VA & Mentor @ Kara_thebeautybossva