7 ways to engage your salon clients in the event of a second lockdown

Editors Note: Always follow Government Guidelines

Marketing is an essential part of owning a salon, especially given the current global health crisis. The first round of lockdowns left salon owners and employees desperate for business, and clients in dire need of service. Understanding the concept of salon marketing and how to target your current (and new) client base will keep you from sinking financially in the event of a second lockdown.

When it comes to salon marketing, we want to play on your clients' emotions while asking them to remember why they love your services so much.

It's hard to keep a connection during separation, especially when that time is mandated due to public safety issues. 

If lockdowns go into effect once again, it's essential to maintain relevance in your clients' lives, prompting them to schedule appointments or recommend you to others.

Luckily, it's likely that your clients are currently exhibiting higher internet usage than they ever have in the past, which means getting in front of them is easier than ever. 

Most salons today have an online presence, whether it be a simplistic website or multiple social media channels, salon marketing comes in many forms. Over the past six months, most people have formatted their lives to fit entirely online. 

They work and shop online, and they prefer to book their appointments online. An online presence means making yourself and the schedule of your services available right away. 

Make sure that your business is easily found on Google, and don't be afraid to dabble in utilizing local search engine optimization.

Perfecting these two aspects of your online presence will appeal to your current customers while allowing new ones to find you.

Engaging social media followers by producing quality content that encourages them to click and share will significantly boost your social media presence, making your salon a real force to be reckoned with.

Use social media outlets to let your clients know what's going on, pandemic rules, and regulations as they pertain to your salon and tidbits of your sought-after expert advice. 

Letting them know that you're thinking about them and wishing them well is a beautiful way to get them to log-on and schedule their next appointment, no matter how far out it has to be.

Share your excitement with your followers, and you'll find that it starts to spread.

Your clients likely have schedules that look very different than they previously did. Peaks hours don't exactly look like they used to, so be sure to flow and change with the times. 

Clients are likely helping their children with remote-learning, dealing with impromptu zoom meetings for work, and juggling everything else that goes with our "new normal." 

If you can, work with their schedules. You won't regret the extra time it takes to make them feel special. After all, they're what makes you successful.

There is much to be said for good, old-fashioned visual marketing.

Department stores have thrived off it for more than a hundred years, and it's still relevant today. Give your window display a pick-me-up, and let everyone know that you're still in business and ready for clients. 

Sure, if walk-ins aren't welcome due to safety issues they cause when complying with COVID-19 restrictions, but there are plenty of people out driving and walking by. It's a;so great content to share on social media like Facebook & Instagram.

List your services, business hours, and safety regulations on your window as well.

If there's one thing consumers love, it's the feeling of exclusivity.

If you're looking to grab attention from your clients, all while attracting new ones, a special offer or discount is the way to do it. 

Perhaps you can advise them to sign up for your weekly emails via your website, and offer them a discount code for £10 off their next appointment. An offer for discounted services may fill the quieter spots that you've got open on your schedule. 

You may wish to consider selling gift cards and vouchers, to maintain cashflow. If that's something you're interested in then contact us today as we have a few solutions we can recommend to you.

It's vital to have a plan in place that keeps you in contact with your clients if the world shuts down again.

Please don't risk the losses that come along with failing to stay in touch with them. 

They are the lifeline of your business, and it's easier than you think to keep them involved. Whether you share personal stories or business-related information, make some concrete plan to keep them close.

If you're considering getting an app for your business, you can click here to learn more about our Salon Apps.