Growth Strategies Series - Referrals

Hello again!  Today we are moving on to the second instalment of the Growth Strategies series, Referrals!

Generating referrals from your existing salon clientele is the surest way to ensure you are getting the “right” clients for your salon demographic.  While blanket marketing campaigns are expensive and have at best, a return rate of 5%, referral promotions target a specific population who already have relationships with your salon clients.  

Try a referral program that rewards both the new client as well as your existing client who “promoted” your salon.  Have cards printed that offer $20 off a first visit (set a minimum spend appropriate for your salon pricing structure) or a percentage off that your service providers can hand out to their clients at the chair.  It should include a place to record the stylist or esthetician’s name as well as the client’s name that will be handing out the referral card.  Then, when the card is redeemed by their friend or family member, record it in the existing client’s file so on their next visit, they can qualify for a “reward” of $20 off their service!  It is truly a win-win-win promotion!  

If you are located in a high-traffic mall location and suffer from turning away guests at busy times, try a “Turnaway Card” offering the guest $5 off their next service because you couldn’t service them today.  

Up next in the Growth Strategies series - Prebooking, see you then!