5 Tools to Ensure Success
with Your Salon Suites
1. Mindset
In order for you to be a successful salon owner, you have to first believe that it's possible. Then, you have to put ACTION behind your thoughts and be confident enough to make it happen. If you want to be a successful salon owner, you need systems, personal branding, marketing, list of clients, and a clear plan of action. In your mind, you have to be willing to do any and everything to guarantee your success. When you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed, that is the fear of failing or actually succeeding settling into your mind.
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2. Salon Scheduling
Stylists completely underestimate the benefit of using technology to assist their business. When you become a salon owner, you have to take care of all the aspects as if you were still in a salon. There's always a receptionist, right? Right. Clients expect to be able to book appointments with you 24/7. Don't miss out on potential clients, because they have to text you to get an appointment. Having systems in place will help your salon business run like an oiled machine. But, did you know you can use your instagram profile to directly book with clients? Here's how:
1. Set up a business page on Facebook.
2. Connect your business page to instagram
3. Convert your Instagram to a business profile
4. Choose your scheduler, like Vagaro or Booksy, an app that integrates with Instagram, and connect the app to your Instagram page.
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3. Loyalty and Referral Programs
A great way to establish amazing client relationships is to offer rewards through the use of referral programs for existing clients and loyalty points when they leave you reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, or any other review site. Always remember to continuously keep your clients in mind by building strong relationships with them. Creating an email marketing system that will help you maintain those relationships. Use this marketing system to update them with salon news, their current referral and loyalty level, and get them scheduled for their next appointment.
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4. Social Media
The power of social media can make or break your business. Have you hit a client ceiling? Are you looking for new and exciting ways to tell stories to your clients and potential clients? Do you want to grow a following and be able to constantly interact with people who love your brand? Do you want to build a brand? The possibilities are endless with social media. Use images, videos, live stories, messenger, and other tools to create a seamless brand. Instagram has even introduced IGTV which gives you an opportunity to upload quality videos to your Instagram "channel." You now have the chance to create your own reality show, tutorials, or other quality video content. The sky is the limit! It's time to get creative.
Social Media *Bonus Tip* Always remember to drive your social media following to your marketing list. If something were to ever happen to your followers or page, that's it. You can't get them back. Build a tribe and constantly remind them to join your mailing list so, they know when you will be traveling, special offers and discounts, and even events you host.
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5. Networking Events
Now that you are a salon owner, you are responsible for gaining new clients. This can be difficult coming from a salon that was putting money into their branding and you were just used to showing up and expecting clients to fall at your feet. Well, those days are over. New salon suites owners get discouraged when they are unable to get all their clients from their previous salon or spa. Newsflash...
YOU are the talent. The same way you attracted clients for another salon or spa, you can attract clients for yourself. You just weren't given the confidence and resources/tools to do so.
With ownership comes responsibility of building the client list. Passing out fliers isn't going to be enough to sustain your business. If you understand the type of client that is willing to come to a salon suite just to see you, you will understanding how important it is to be a part of their world. You have to go to their events and introduce yourself. Throwing business cards into everyone's face isn't always ideal, and if you do, they need to be unique. So, you have to get creative. Make sure your card represents the experience you will give your clients. Do you have a value statement. " Hi! My name is... I'm a Salon Owner and I help my clients transition their damaged hair to healthy hair (or offer unique color treatments) to enhance their overall style and confidence" is an example. Another idea is to have a postcard with your services and you can invite them to your salon suite for a free consultation.
The point is, you have to meet people and implant the service you provide and your face in their mind.
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