Getting Your Salon Ready for Christmas: The Ultimate Guide to a Festive & Profitable Season

By Carly Knowles

Preparing your salon for Christmas requires planning and creativity to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere that attracts both regular clients and new visitors. It is so important that you actively apply a meticulously structured approach to help you get ready for the holiday season.

As we approach the holiday season, many salon owners are feeling the pressures of a challenging economy. With inflation and rising overheads, spending habits have changed, and client bookings may have slowed. That’s why being wellprepared for the festive rush isn’t just being organised, it’s essential to ensure the most successful outcomes with bookings and increased revenue.

When you take the time to plan out your Christmas season in detail, you’re setting up your business to reduce stress and increase profitability. Knowing exactly what your goals are, what promotions you’ll run, and how much revenue you’re aiming to generate can give you a clear roadmap for success and a cushion to carry you through slower periods in the new year.

Maximising Revenue with a festive sales strategy

Executing a successful holiday sales strategy requires not only careful planning but also, a team that’s fully on board. The Christmas season brings in vital revenue to cover the increased expenses that come with end of year wage bills, additional stock orders, and other business costs. This extra cash flow not only helps cover holiday expenses but can also set you up with a nest egg to support the salon in quieter months. For some owners, this might even mean creating a budget to invest in staff training, new equipment, or a fresh look for the clinic in the new year.

Empowering Your Team for Success

Communication with your team is essential to drive Christmas sales. Make sure your staff are aware of what’s on offer and how to present these seasonal promotions to clients in a way that feels genuine and engaging. A well-trained team is your biggest asset in the holiday season, and by providing clear instructions and training around these offers, you’ll equip them to confidently close sales and deliver an exceptional experience.

Leveraging Holiday Marketing

The Christmas season is one of the most profitable times of the year for salons, so having a well-defined sales strategy is crucial. From festive promotions to special Christmas packages and gift card sales, a clear plan will help maximise your revenue potential and attract new clients while exciting your loyal ones. Leverage every marketing channel available. Create themed social media posts, send out festive email newsletters, and add in-salon signage to keep clients informed and excited about your offers.

Whether it’s bundling popular treatments, offering limited-edition holiday products, or creating incentives for gift card purchases, now is the time to build a strategy that aligns with your salon’s brand and meets the needs of your clients during this special time. With the right approach, you’ll create a festive season that’s joyful, profitable, and sets you up for a bright new year.

Planning Your Christmas Marketing Strategy Early

It’s never too early to start thinking about your Christmas sales and offerings. So, do you have your festive season strategy locked in? If you haven’t yet finalised it, don’t worry, there’s still time, but it’s crucial to act now. Planning holiday promotions early will ensure you’re prepared, stocked up, and ready to maximise every opportunity the season brings.

Timing is Everything!!

Starting your Christmas marketing as early as September can make a world of difference. Early reminders encourage clients to book ahead, easing scheduling stress for both you and your clients. Begin by gently nudging clients with “Have you secured your Christmas appointment?” messages, and as you move into October and November, transition into promoting specific festive offers and services. To make sure the Christmas rush goes smoothly, take stock of your supplies.

Place orders for everything you’ll need now, as many suppliers close through mid to late January. Having enough product on hand ensures you won’t miss out on sales simply because of inventory shortages, especially when clients are primed to buy.

Map out key dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, 12 Days of Xmas Sale and Boxing Day, as well as your own special promotions, to keep your marketing efforts organised and timely. A Holiday Marketing Calendar lets you visualise your entire campaign and keep track of what’s coming up. Once dates are set, add specific tasks, such as creating content or planning out social media posts. For instance, if you’re running a laser sale on December 2nd, schedule time to film a reel or story about the promotion. This keeps each event fresh and engaging without becoming overwhelming.

By analysing this data, you can rework successful campaigns to keep them fresh and relevant. Audience segmentation is important because it involves identifying subgroups within your client base, allowing you to tailor messaging and promotions for stronger connections. For example, a younger audience may respond better to social media exclusive deals based around things like laser hair removal or tanning, while loyal clients might appreciate a VIP skin treatment package.

Choosing the Right Promotions

When selecting promotions, leverage Market Research and Audience Segmentation. Look back at past Christmas seasons, what worked well last year or the year before? Understanding your customers buying behaviours, preferences, and seasonal trends can ensure you create offers that truly resonate.

Deck the Halls…. Creating a Festive Atmosphere in Your Salon for Christmas

Setting the festive scene in your salon does more than add visual charm, it elevates the client experience and encourages people to indulge in holiday pampering. By creating a warm, festive ambiance, you’re not only delighting your clients but also boosting their emotional connection to your business, which can lead to loyalty and repeat visits.

Festive Décor

Transforming your salon for the Christmas period can start with subtle touches that reflect your brand’s style. Add seasonal decor like Christmas wreaths, twinkling lights, and perhaps a tasteful Christmas tree in the waiting area. These accents make clients feel like Christmas has arrived and enhances the overall client experience and excites people to buy. A well decorated shop front doesn’t just look great, it reflects attention to detail and professionalism, creating a memorable client experience that can set you apart from competitors. Plus, Christmas themed decor provides a perfect backdrop for social media posts and festive promotions.

Scented Ambiance

Engage the senses with diffusers or candles featuring warm, festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. A cozy, seasonal fragrance helps create a comforting environment that clients will associate with your business long after they leave.

Music

Soft holiday background music can add to the mood. Choose calming, nonintrusive Christmas tunes that won’t overwhelm the relaxing environment of your space and can enhance the overall ambiance. Setting the right Christmas scene not only puts clients in a festive mood but also creates opportunities for engagement, sales, and long-term loyalty.

Xmas specials and Promotions

Crafting appealing holiday specials and promotions is key to turning the season into a prime revenue opportunity. Bundle popular services into festive packages…think “Glow for the Holidays” facials paired with a manicure or pedicure. Add value with a gift-with-purchase option or a small discount to make these packages attractive for both gift-giving and personal pampering.

Gift Cards and Vouchers

Promote gift cards as the perfect present for anyone. To boost sales, consider offering a small bonus (e.g. Bonus $20 extra with a $100 gift card purchase) or including a small, festive gift like a cookie or Christmas themed gift wrap.

Limited Edition Products

If you have retail items, introduce limited-edition or holiday-themed products, or collaborate with a local artisan to create custom beauty products for the season. Unique, festive products add a personal touch and make fantastic stocking stuffers.

Online Sales Opportunities

Create digital engagement with online sales during your holiday promotion period, like a “12 Days of Christmas” sale. Promote each day’s special deal via email, SMS, and social media. Each morning, jump onto social media with a quick video introducing the sale of the day. Whether it’s 50% off laser packages or a discount on blow-wave bundles. This daily engagement with your audience builds excitement and urgency while showcasing the convenience of purchasing through your website or by phone.

Providing multiple ways to buy, like local delivery, postage, and phone orders that can be added directly to clients files, removes barriers to purchase and adds a level of personal service that clients will appreciate.

The Power of Content Creation

Keeping your salon top of mind during the festive season is key to standing out in a competitive marketplace. Constantly creating content keeps you connected to clients between appointments without a heavy sales push. It also humanises your brand, creating brand awareness and building deeper client relationships. By sharing engaging Christmas content, you’re able to make your salon a memorable part of your customers festive experiences.

Remember, your holiday marketing efforts don’t just fill your books for Christmas— they establish strong foundations for client loyalty and engagement into the new year.

Christmas Content: Plan, Film, Edit, and Schedule

Get your Christmas-themed social media content ready to go now! This holiday content, showcasing festive offers, behind-the-scenes salon decor, and pre-Christmas treatments, should be planned, filmed, edited, and scheduled well in advance. Aim to create engaging, eye-catching visuals with hashtags like #ChristmasGlow or #HolidayPampering to draw clients in. By handling this content early, you’ll ensure a steady stream of posts that keeps your salon top of mind and frees you up to focus on client service as December approaches.

This season is an ideal time to connect directly with your client list via email or text message campaigns. Consider designing a digital flyer or catalogue that highlights your seasonal offerings, product packs with clear sale prices, gift vouchers, treatment packages, and any discounts. By showing the original price alongside the discounted offer, you’re helping clients see the value and savings they’re getting.

To streamline the shopping process, take it a step further by designing a landing page that links directly to your online store, allowing clients to view your festive catalogue, select offers, and complete their purchase in just a few clicks.

Christmas Countdown and the 12 Days of Christmas Promotion

One of the most effective holiday marketing strategies is a “12 Days of Christmas” promotion, offering daily specials in a countdown to Christmas. This approach has been a game-changer for many businesses that we coach, driving significant sales and creating a festive buzz that keeps clients coming back. By saving your biggest discounts for this promotion, you avoid discounting throughout the year and instead concentrate your efforts on the season’s biggest sales opportunity.

This promotion isn’t just about deals, it’s a chance to create excitement and engage your staff. Make sure your team is well-prepared and motivated, speaking the same sales language to consistently reinforce the promotion. With everyone on board, you’ll maximise the impact and create a memorable, profitable experience for clients.

This structured approach to seasonal marketing can make a lasting impression on your clients, positioning your salon as the go-to destination for Christmas pampering and gift-giving.

Delivering Service Excellence

AMAZING Customer service is paramount, especially when clients are ready to invest in their Pre-Christmas self-care. Even as you and your team power through the busy season, remember to go the extra mile in positivity, kindness, and service. Small gestures create memorable experiences that keep clients coming back.

Create a festive event or VIP night, offering clients mini-treatments, product demos, or gift-wrapping services for gift card purchases. This exclusive touch not only drives sales but also strengthens client relationships. Offer seasonal refreshments such as spiced tea, hot chocolate, or festive themed water infusions. Christmas-themed treats, like water bottles with holiday stickers, bowls of Christmas chocolates, and scented candles can add to the festive experience, making each visit feel special.

Show appreciation with small thank you cards or gifts. A simple, thoughtful gesture, like a cookie or discount card for a January service, goes a long way in building loyalty. These tokens remind clients of your gratitude and invite them back in the new year.

Setting Clear Expectations and Building Motivation for team preparation

A successful holiday season hinges on a well prepared, motivated team. Set up clear communication with your team regarding work hours, break times, and any extra shifts needed for the December rush. Outline their sales targets and rewards, and strategize together on how to achieve them. When everyone knows what to expect, they’re more likely to stay focused and energised.

• Encourage staff to add a festive touch to their attire with accessories or themed t-shirts. This boosts team spirit and creates a fun, festive atmosphere that looks great in social media posts.

• Keep your team engaged with fun December games like holiday bingo or a balloon-popping incentive game, where small rewards or bonuses keep spirits high. Friendly competition and rewards for hitting sales targets add a playful element that helps the team maintain momentum.

• With increased holiday traffic, it’s essential to plan appointments and promotions in a way that keeps things manageable. Avoid burnout by scheduling adequate break times and ensuring everyone’s hours are clear. Extend salon hours only as needed around your busiest days to maximise bookings without overwhelming the team.

Preparing for Last-Minute Appointments

As demand rises, maintain a waitlist system to capture those last-minute clients eager for Christmas treatments. This ensures you can fill every available slot efficiently.

Declutter and deep clean the salon to keep the space tidy, organised, and ready for increased foot traffic. Place orders early for retail products, gift cards, and seasonal items, and stock up on essential supplies so you can focus on making sales without supply concerns.

Setting ambitious but achievable targets, ideally aiming for at least a 10% increase over last year, helps everyone stay goal oriented. Create a fun, visual target tracker in the staff room, such as a Target tracker thermometer, to keep progress engaging and top of mind for the whole team.

Go into 2025 already booked out

Turn these seasonal shoppers into repeat customers. Talk to them, engage and encourage these clients to book in the New Year. You may even like to reward your customers with a separate promotion for when they book their first 1 or 2 New Year appointments they get a free gift or incentive.

The holiday season is an exciting time, and I wish you and your teams the very best in capturing every sales opportunity. Embrace the festive spirit, keep stress at bay, and enjoy the journey. With careful planning, you’ll be ready to head into 2025 strong, with a solid foundation to keep your business thriving in the New Year.

Here’s to a successful, joyful season and a prosperous year ahead!

Carly x

For more information on how Coach Carly can help your business:carly@totalcoachingacademy.com @totalcoachingacademy_