We know what you're thinking. You read the title of this and thought, "Um, did you say build my client list? It's winter break–I'm just trying to keep up with my current clients' needs!"
It's true; the holiday season is usually a madhouse for in-demand beauty pros like yourself. That, combined with the fact that you're actually trying to enjoy your holiday, too, can make the idea of acquiring clients so overwhelming.
You know what the good news is? There are ways to do it all without adding to your plate. What if we told you that you can do more than just keep up with the hustle and bustle of the seasonal demand in your shop?
What if we told you that you can do it all AND build your client list, too?
Your interest is piqued. We can tell, beauty pro.
In this blog, we're sharing our top five tactics for acquiring new customers and converting them into regulars on your client list–all in a semi-passive way that allows you to get the most out of your holiday season.
Strategic, Seasonal Discounts are a Must
We don't mean to say this the way it sounds but don't be afraid to take advantage of the holidays. It's no secret that this season is a time of giving–but it's also, historically, a time of spending.
Your audience is actively looking for beauty pros like you before all their office parties, events, and family celebrations. Make the choice easy for them–give them what they're after (for a seasonal discount).
Be strategic about this offering, too. You don't want to just offer blanket deals on every service you provide. Check your books–what's historically the most sought-after service this holiday season? How can you offer your audiences a great deal that also invites them to become regular customers? Get creative with your process and make sure every discount has a seasonal spin.
Create Easy Gift Bundles & Guides
Do you really want to convince someone to become a regular customer? Make their life easier. Yeah, your skills are important–but they'll love you for simplifying their lives.
Put together seamless little gift bundles and baskets they can purchase for their loved ones this holiday season. Market the heck out of them. Potentially offer a discount on gift baskets when they're bundled with a service appointment or a gift card.
Even if they're not customers, they'll see this as an incentive to become customers. A steal of a deal on easy gifts for their families and friends? And they get your services out of it? Yeah, that's an easy decision.
Social Media Marketing Strategy
Blend your strategic discounts, seasonal flavor, and social media strategy into a targeted approach. If you can, start planning your social media marketing campaigns ahead of time–ideally at the same time you're planning your seasonal discounts.
Know what you're pushing, how you're nurturing your audience, and what tactics you're planning on employing to draw new customers in.
Seasonal-themed social media giveaways are a great way to get more customers in your door and follow your online presence. Free resources (tutorials! DIYs!) on your social spaces that feed into your email list can help you gather new leads and find potential itching to convert to customers.
Lean Into the Season to Get Some Attention
People go nuts for the holidays–let your salon, shop, or spa do the same. Decorate, catch peoples' eyes, and make sure anyone who passes your shop or stumbles upon your socials knows that you're all about that holiday cheer.
Potential customers are likely going to seek out salons and shops that value the same things they do. And honestly, holiday cheer is an easy thing to get behind (from a value perspective AND from a marketing perspective). So, go ahead, decorate your space with tinsel, add some holiday decor, and don't be afraid to let your Christmas-Hannukah-Winter-Solstice-Kwanza cheer spill out the door.
Whatever you do, make sure you're blending that holiday marketing decor with your brand identity. You want people to know you've got holiday happiness, but you want to make sure they can still pick you out of a lineup. Put your spin on the holidays and feel free to go hard!
Don't Skimp on Seasonal Cheer
We know, we know–you're always charming, and your customer service is always on point. But the holidays, for as great as they are, can be trying for some customers. They might be in bad moods, they might be depressed, or they might just be overwhelmed with their long lists of to-dos before the season is over. The best thing you can do? Throw a lil holiday cheer their way.
Be more patient. Be more receptive. Be a rock for them when they need to talk. Encouragement, top-notch listening skills, and empathy go a long way–especially during the holiday season. Do you really want to build those client lists? Be a great example during the holidays–especially for your new clients. Trust us, it'll keep 'em coming back for more.
The Wrap-Up
Ready to try our semi-passive strategic tactics to grow your client list this year? We thought you might be. Remember, we're offering insight, advice, and guidance all the time–not just during the holiday season. Make sure you subscribe to Beauty Insurance Plus for the inside scoop and the latest hot gossip in the industry. Happy holidays, beauty pros!
