As we move into the month of November, we are presented with the perfect time for reflection – to show gratitude for all of those we are thankful for, including our salon customers!
We continue to navigate through and adjust to what seems to be new and ever-changing challenges in our personal and business lives. It is more important than ever to express appreciation to the loyal customers who continue to support us.
You and your team surely thank your customers verbally for their patronage with every visit, but do you show them just how thankful you are for their business? Perhaps you have, but are looking for new or creative ways to demonstrate your gratitude other than giving the usual swag, and don’t know where to start?
If you are currently using a salon management system, you already know just how important it is to electronically track your customers and their contact info (including preferred method of contact), as well as to maintain a history of their buying habits. Analyzing this powerful data will help you to develop a solid plan for thanking your customers throughout the month of November and beyond.
Regardless of the type of gesture, expressing gratitude for your customers goes a long way – especially during uncertain times.
It’s “Business 101” – retaining the existing customers who patronize your business on a regular basis requires less expense than obtaining new ones. When using technology such as text message or email marketing platforms that are integrated within your software program, you can efficiently connect with and maintain strong relationships with these valued customers by sending information on upcoming promotions, discounts or loyalty programs.
A great way to foster repeat business and increase referral rates is to start with implementing a loyalty program (or enhancing your existing one). A simple yet effective aspect of a loyalty program allows your customers to earn points on service and/or product purchases. And if you are looking to increase revenue in a certain area, you can configure your program so that earned points can only be redeemed for specific items such as equipment upgrades or select products.
Loyal customers tend to spend more over time. By tapping into your customer database, you can effortlessly view your top spenders for the year. To show these patrons your appreciation you can do things like offer them a free upgrade to your highest tanning level, insert a recurring customer-specific discount on their account, or randomly choose to extend a one-time discount at the point of sale, to name a few.
The most inexpensive and powerful form of advertising is word of mouth. Another way to thank your existing customers is to automatically reward them when they refer new customers to your salon. They will, without doubt, appreciate a store credit or even a discount coupon to be used toward a future purchase. As a result, they may make an even more conscious effort to spread the word about your business, allowing you the opportunity to give a warm welcome to new members.
Regardless of the type of gesture, expressing gratitude for your customers goes a long way – especially during uncertain times – and it surely will uplift and fulfill you and your team, too!
