Self-promotion is a neccesity for hair stylists.
If you are fresh out of cosmetology school or are looking to boost your current clientele roster, hair stylist self-promoting ideas are vitally important. Whether you work in a salon or out of your own home, your promotion tactics should be largely grassroots. By encouraging current clients to help you gain new ones, you solidify customer loyalty while at the same time expanding your small business.
Referral Rewards
Set up a referral rewards program with your current clients. Tell them that for every new client they refer, they will each be rewarded with a free haircut. Keep track of how many people your core clients refer. If they prove to be a steady source of new clients, give them VIP treatment. Small gestures like champagne upon arrival and complimentary hair products will make your VIP clients ultra loyal, and will give them incentive to continue sending business your way.
Social Networking
Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook provide ample opportunity for free self-promotion, every single day of the week. "Friend" your clients on these sites and post hair care tips and useful hair-related Internet links that keep you in the forefront of their minds. Additionally, you can post messages on your friends' profile pages, which can be seen by their entire individual spheres of influence. "The New York Times" reports that "Some companies use Twitter as a customer service desk." Invite your clients, and their friends, to "tweet" you on Twitter if they have a question about hair styles, products or services. Respond promptly and you will begin to brand yourself as reliable and knowledgeable stylist, which will increase your desirability to new prospective clients.
Discounts
Give your current clients coupon cards to distribute amongst their friends and family members. A prospective client will be more willing to try you out if they are offered a 1/2 off deal, or a promise to receive a free hair care product at the end of their first appointment. You might also consider offering a standard 25 percent discount to anyone on her birthday, provided they can show a valid ID that proves it's her special day.
Review Rewards
Online review sites can make or break a business. Offer your current clients a discount on their next visit if they write a positive online review for you. These reviews can be viewed not only by all the friends of the individual who wrote it, but also by anyone looking for a stylist in your geographical location.
Tags: current clients, your current, your clients, your current clients, give them, hair care