Tips For Building Client Loyalty and Earning Referrals
If you’re ready to become your own boss and invest in a luxury beauty studio, building lasting relationships with clients is a must. There are many perks that come with business ownership, including the opportunity to define your brand and boost your income. Clients love the exclusivity of a private studio salon, but if you want to earn referrals and retain those valuable clients, you’ll want to provide exceptional service. On the search for ways to ensure that your clients feel valued and elevate the customer experience? Here, we share our top tips to help you build beauty studio client loyalty and get those referrals rolling in:
Prioritize Punctuality
Although being your own boss provides much-needed flexibility, it’s common for beauty pros to run behind in their schedule. Life happens, and sometimes it’s impossible to avoid getting stuck in gridlock or discovering a flat tire… We’ve all been there–and nine times out of ten, clients are gracious and understanding. However, routinely running a few minutes late can have a negative impact on customer relations. Arriving on time (or preferably, a little early) to your appointment shows that you respect your clients’ time and are looking forward to seeing them.
The flip side of this is the delays caused by a client (or clients) arriving late to their appointment with you, which can create a domino effect and impact clients scheduled later in your day. We suggest you set up policies for clients arriving late and include these on your website or booking site (“For clients more than x minutes late, I may have to perform a partial versus a full service, or reschedule if you are more than y minutes late”). You can also be proactive if you know you are running behind, and text upcoming clients in advance to say, “Due to a client’s late arrival, I’m running a few minutes behind. Please feel free to arrive at 3:10 instead of 3:00 pm. I apologize for this delay.” If you consistently show clients that you courteously respect their time, this helps clients to respect your time and arrive on time.
Remember to Say Thanks
We all know that there are plenty of talented individuals within the beauty industry. Your clients likely have an abundance of choices, so it’s always appreciated to send out a quick thank you after an appointment. A personalized acknowledgment of thanks is one of the simplest ways to connect with your clientele–so whether it’s your first appointment and you want to make a great first impression or you’d like to let a longtime client know how much their continued business means to you, type up a quick email or text to let them know. For first-time clients or VIP clients, consider sending out a physical thank you note to really stand out. However you deliver it, a thank you will certainly be remembered!
You can also consider creating a thank you program for referrals from your valued clients, whether that’s a complimentary small add-on service, a product discount, or another giveaway to encourage clients to keep you top of mind.
Continue Your Education
As a beauty professional, it’s critical to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques. Exceptional results will set you apart from the competition, and the best way to master your craft is to keep honing your skills. As part of the Indie Salons family, you’ll have access to continuing education opportunities, some of which are discounted or complimentary. From niche beauty classes to learning about taxes to social media education, we offer a plethora of options to help you optimize every aspect of your business.
Ask For Feedback
In our increasingly online world, most interested parties won’t book with you until they see social proof that you’re the best in the business. To build your reputation, be sure to ask satisfied clients for a review. Whether you ask in person or send out an email or text prompt after the fact, it’s important to put yourself out there and ask for honest feedback.
If you can’t wait to move into a luxe new beauty studio in Boulder, Denver, Lone Tree, or Cherry Creek, you’re probably excited about the chance to strengthen your existing clientele and forge new connections. As your own boss, the possibilities for growth are endless. By implementing the tips mentioned here, you’ll be well on your way to establishing client loyalty and racking up valuable referrals. Ready to make 2023 your best year yet? Contact our Market Director, Kandice Meylan, about availability at Indie Salons. We’re so proud of our amazing facilities and the incredible network of beauty pros here, and we’d love to have you on board! To start the conversation, call or text Kandice at 303-792-8222 or send us an email at hello@indiesalons.com.
