It’s that time of year again – and yes, it is time to start your festive planning!

This is prime time for your salon, and we have 5 important yet simple tips to set yourself up for a very successful and very merry Christmas!

1. Retail & Treatment Sales

Your salon will be packed during November/December with customers readying themselves for Christmas.  It’s time to focus on boosting retail sales and this is how you’ll do it?  

• Create striking displays of beautifully packaged products
• Your clients must see them and make a comment like: “Wow!” or “Hmmm”
• Promote luxurious treatment packages that will make the perfect gifts
• After every treatment you must tell your client that treatments can be purchased as a gift voucher with an offer (could be a discount, a redeemable amount, something added to the treatment for free or anything but something…).
• These gift vouchers will potentially bring in new clients.  This is extremely important to keep your business growing.
• Display different baskets of products near the front desk with an eye-catching sign, such as: ‘Perfect Stocking Fillers’ or ‘Christmas Rejuvenation’. Anything from $30 to $250 (have at least 3 baskets – $30 – $100 – $250 something for all budgets).
• Make sure your staff are well trained. This is important. If the staff has used any of the products on themselves, it has an immediate positive result on sales.
• Plus, the staff need to know the products well. Get your suppliers to come in and help out with training, specifically geared towards the product and treatment packages you have on offer. And if you give your team a goal to reach, they will have a target and be ready to sell for you.
• You must increase the average spend per visit through the November and December months.

2. Shine on Social Media

• Take photos of your glitzy promotional displays and post them on your social media. 
• Encourage your customers to write online reviews – word of mouth is the best way to draw in new clients.
• Share your Christmas trading hours and give customers every possible option to make a booking.
• Go creative and set up a selfie’s booth in your salon, so clients can take a selfie after their treatment to post on their FB/Instagram page – Ask them to tag your salon.
• Clients of Vital Plus can even have any photos of their salon displays and promotions shared through our social media channels! So, get in touch!

3. Your Salon is your Biggest Advertisement

• Use your shop front, if you have one, to let customers know what you have to offer. 
• It needs to be enticing with some fabulous promotions.
• Personalised graphics, posters and display stands, window lighting, outdoor decorations – glitz things up to draw in the passers-by.
• They need to know that this is the place to come for last minute beauty gifts and stocking fillers! 

4. Reward and Retain

• Do something special for your loyal customers – gift cards are a great idea as you can encourage your client to re-book immediately or purchase a retail product.  Did you know that most people will spend more than the value of a gift card?
• Encourage clients to book in for January – this is the quiet month after the bustle of Christmas and you want to fill those spots, so take the time to discuss their next treatment.
• Also remember that because the month of January (and some of February) is a bit slower than usual, you could have a day in the week where you offer your services with a twist. It could be something is redeemable, or a discount, or points accrued, or a free lash tint or manicure. Use these during the slower months and then make sure that you have an expiry date to these exclusive offers.  

5. Easy Salon Marketing Solutions

• Include your festive promotions and opening hours on your answering machine message.
• Print your promotions on your till receipts in the lead up to Christmas.
• If you can, ensure clients can book online easily using your website and of course, make sure your website is up to date with all your Christmas offers.
• Schedule SMS and Email campaigns to send out to your clients to push your amazing promotions. You can easily bulk SMS messages to your clients. SMS is the very best way to communicate with your client base. Every time you meet with a new client, you should get their mobile phone number. With it you can remind and confirm of a future appointment, you can make some announcements, like closing dates, offers and follow-up messages.

If you want more information on how you go about bulk SMS messages, contact Frank from Vital Plus. 1300 437 638

So, take the stress out of Christmas this year – be prepared and get ready to reap the rewards.

FAQs: Salon Marketing Solutions for Professionals

Q: What are some effective strategies to market my salon during the Christmas season?

A: To market your salon successfully during Christmas, consider the following strategies:

a. Festive Promotions: Offer special Christmas-themed promotions, such as “Holiday Glam Packages” or “Pamper Yourself this Christmas” deals, to attract customers seeking holiday makeovers and relaxation.

b. Social Media Campaigns: Leverage the power of social media platforms to showcase your salon’s Christmas offers, before-and-after transformations, and behind-the-scenes preparations. Encourage sharing and engagement to reach a wider audience.

c. Gift Card Incentives: Create attractive gift card offers with discounts or complimentary services that customers can gift to their loved ones, encouraging repeat business and introducing new clients to your salon.

d. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with nearby stores, boutiques, or cafes to cross-promote each other’s services and create a festive atmosphere in your neighborhood.

e. Holiday-Themed Content: Decorate your salon with Christmas decorations and create holiday-themed content, like tutorials for Christmas hairstyles or makeup looks, to generate excitement and interest among potential customers.

Q: How can I make my salon stand out from competitors during the Christmas rush?

A: To stand out from competitors during the Christmas rush, focus on these tactics:

a. Unique Services: Offer special services that are exclusive to your salon during the holiday season. It could be something as simple as “Christmas Nail Art” or more elaborate services incorporating festive elements.

b. Personalized Offers: Tailor promotions and discounts based on your customers’ preferences or past services they’ve availed. This personal touch can make a significant difference in attracting repeat business.

c. Exceptional Customer Service: Provide top-notch customer service by being attentive, friendly, and accommodating. A positive experience will leave a lasting impression and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

d. Early Bird Offers: Encourage early bookings by offering incentives like priority appointments, additional discounts, or complimentary services for customers who schedule their Christmas appointments in advance.

e. Charitable Initiatives: Show your salon’s involvement in the spirit of giving by organizing charity events or partnerships, donating a portion of proceeds to a cause, or supporting a local charity during the holiday season.

Q: Should I create a Christmas-themed loyalty program as part of my salon marketing solutions?

A: Yes, creating a Christmas-themed loyalty program can be highly beneficial. It incentivizes customer loyalty and can attract new clients as well. Consider these aspects while designing the program:

a. Rewards for Frequent Visits: Offer rewards or discounts to customers who visit your salon multiple times during the holiday season.

b. Referral Incentives: Encourage your loyal customers to refer their friends and family with special rewards or discounts for both the referrer and the new customer.

c. Points-Based System: Implement a points-based system where customers earn points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for free services or exclusive Christmas gifts.

d. Limited-Time Perks: Make the loyalty program exclusive to the Christmas season, offering unique benefits that are not available throughout the year.

e. VIP Access: Create a tiered loyalty program where top-tier clients receive VIP access to early bookings, private events, or customized services.

Q: How can I use email marketing effectively to promote my salon this Christmas?

A: To leverage email marketing effectively during the Christmas season, follow these best practices:

a. Segmentation: Divide your email list into relevant segments based on customer preferences, location, or past purchase history to deliver personalized and targeted content.

b. Compelling Subject Lines: Craft attention-grabbing subject lines that pique curiosity and entice recipients to open the email.

c. Holiday-Themed Content: Design visually appealing and festive email templates that align with your salon’s branding and Christmas promotions.

d. Countdown Offers: Create a sense of urgency by incorporating countdown timers for limited-time offers or deals.

e. Call-to-Action (CTA): Include clear and prominent CTAs that direct recipients to your website, booking page, or social media platforms to take immediate action.

Q: How can I maximize the impact of my salon’s online presence this Christmas?

A: To make the most of your salon’s online presence this Christmas, focus on these essential strategies:

a. Optimize Website: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and showcases your Christmas promotions prominently.

b. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content with relevant keywords to rank higher in search engine results during the holiday season.

c. Online Booking System: Implement an efficient online booking system that allows customers to schedule appointments effortlessly.

d. Google My Business: Update your Google My Business listing with accurate holiday hours, special offers, and eye-catching photos.

e. Online Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and testimonials on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media, which can boost your salon’s credibility and attract more clients.

By implementing these strategies, your salon can make a significant impact during the Christmas season, attract more customers, and create a memorable holiday experience for everyone who walks through your doors.