If you have spa facilities, offer two for one or a discount on two people coming in for a massage. This attracts couples wanting to do something special together. You could also talk to local restaurants perfect for Valentine’s Day dinner and see if you could offer discount coupons from participating restaurants with a spa package. It’s always a good idea to network with local businesses because everybody wins!

There is no better way to get online fast that using a blog to do it. A blog is a great way to build an online presence and get information out about your salon, new services, hot products, and trends.  There are many free online tools out there to help you get started. Your new blog can be online and generating new business for you in 24 hours.  All it takes is a little time and effort to keep fresh information coming.  Once you setup your blog, your readers can subscribe to your blog feed and get instant notification whenever you write new material. This is the new way to generate an online client base and just regular readers that value your opinion on hair and beauty.  Talk about your holiday specials and enjoy your holiday season! 

Postcards can be very important marketing move. Send postcards to current clientele or use postcards to attract new customers. There are some low cost service providers that can help you design a great postcard, set up a mailing list of local customers and mail the postcards out for you. 

It may be difficult, but try not to take it personally. Someone may come to you for years and decide they need a change, which is nothing against you- they just happened to see something different. If the switch occurs within your salon, at least the salon is still keeping the business. Sometimes a switch may be necessary because there is a personality conflict of after years either the stylist or client had bad habits that became increasingly frustrating (habitual lateness, always changing appointments at the last minute, etc.). If the issue is a service that the client is not 100% satisfied with, then hopefully the client will tell you. This is a great reason to make sure before they leave you that day, make sure you ask if they are happy and not to sugarcoat it. Let them know they can be honest with you and you will build an even stronger relationship hopefully keeping them around for a long time.

If a switch does happen, try to be cordial and move on. You have a list of clients who still need you.

Do you have any suggestions or switch stories?  We would love to hear them!

Is your salon hiring? There is a new job board entirely dedicated to beauty industry related jobs. If you are a salon owner you can post jobs free. If you are a stylist, barber esthetician, or any other beauty professional start your job search here. You can browse open positions at salons across the country and apply onlne.

Check out www.salongigs.com