When I say Big Business I mean your large retailers.
Well what does that have to do with a beauty salon? Well you could learn a lot from their marketing and advertising campaigns.
Just cause you maybe a smaller service business, put on you 'Big Business" hat and copy what they do. Yes I said copy. If you are going to copy anyone copy a successful large corporation. Trust they won't mind. Their rich.
Just today I received Target's Wish List Magazine. I got excited, not to shop but to see how many marketing strategies I could find. Silly huh, well as a salon owner since 2001, I have fell in love with the business of beauty more than the love of doing hair. As a first generation business owner I had no guidelines to market my business but I combed the internet and trained myself.
So what did I learn from browsing this ad:
1. This book arrived before Halloween, Christmas is less than 60 days away so they are getting kids excited and parents that aim to please building their list.
2. On the cover they are offering a special promo everyday that the sale is valid via a mobile coupon app you must download. (mobile marketing)
3. All of the coupons end either 11/25 or 11/26/14.... That's right before Thanksgiving. Their Black Friday deals begin on Thanksgiving night. (smart)
4. It's my guess the best deals are in this app and this sales paper being that many think their getting the better deal for "Black Friday". Nope they are just getting in the spirit of spending money in which on average people an extra $600 during the holiday season. Target's goal is to get some of that money early.
5.They are offering FREE gift wrapping during a specific period 11/9-11/15. That's a slower period.
6. They are advertising toys, but are also offering coupons to use in other departments and store wide when you spend $100 in the toy department.
So as a salon:
1. You need to know what the game plan is to end the year with a bang. If not that's you home work this weekend. (Turn down for business)
2. What marketing tools are you using to make it easier to help your clients spend their money. Email marketing with purchase buttons, Mobile marketing tools with mobile coupons, (I can help with both.) www.tgmobileme.com
3. Offer pre-holiday shopping events, from gift cards, gift baskets, and retail products. Think BIG!
4. What are you Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday deals. What are your holiday hours. Do you clients know?
5. Offer holiday themed gift bags to encourage gift giving, now they have a free bag. Saves them time and money. Cellophane wrap any bundled products in a basket or bag you plan to sale.
6. Purchase gift certificates or gift cards to promote sales as gifts your clients buy for friends and family. You may offer a matching amount so their gift seems bigger. (example... match a $25 gift card with $25 as a gift only for a new customer. You have now helped your clients give a gift.)
7. Have a holiday styling event. Host an event in which you show your clients how to perform quick and easy up-do's for their holiday parties, be sure to retail the products you teach them with. This will create client loyalty and great socializing during the season, Serve light appetizers and holiday drinks and have fun.
8. Retail, RETAIL, Retail. As a service provider you can only earn as much as the time in the day will allow. So to increase profits easily, retail. Products, finishing, styling tools, hair accessories, extensions, rollers, clips, pony tail holders, bobby pins. Yeah kinda like a beauty supply in a beauty salon. They do go together you know.
9. Give back. Get a box of simple holiday cards, 25 in a pack add you business card and a free service. Yes a free service, a cut, conditioner, 25% off, or half off a style with the purchase of a color. These are examples, but put them in the card or hand write them out. When you are out shopping looking like a beauty expert, simply pass a few cards out. Sounds crazy. You never know who's day you might make. Now be a little selective where you want to distribute at, make sure it's where your target market hangs out at but someone maybe looking for a new stylist, or really need a makeover. Become a day maker and watch your business grow,
10. Set your schedule and let your clients know you holiday schedule all the way to the New Year. It will help them plan and get your pre-booked with those serious about reserving their appointment. Also reiterate you booking and no-show policy, this is not the time to allow people to abuse your time.
Well that's enough work to keep you busy this weekend, if you plan to win. If people are spending money make sure your business gets it's fair share. And don't let the street vendors come in your business and take money out of your store. That's your rent, your tax license, insurance, lights, ect you pay. Keep the money in the salon.
Most of all be safe, be smart, be a blessing, and be prosperous and enjoy sometime with your family for the holidays!
Need help with marketing for your salon feel free to contact me:
Tammy Golden
424-240-8263
www.tammygolden.com
