Opening a small business is a fun and exciting time. You may feel overwhelmed as a new business owner, but you are finally taking control of your career and following your passions. Once your salon opens, you need to build up your client base. It doesn’t matter if you offer the best gel manicure in the area if no one knows who you are. The best way to get your name out there is with a diverse marketing package. Follow these steps to bring in new customers.
Develop a loyalty program.
When you open your business, all of your customers will be new. However, your quality products and customer service can win people over and bring them back. You can develop a following of repeat customers who stop by monthly for a fresh manicure.
If you want to encourage repeat business, consider setting up a loyalty program. You can work with a print shop to create physical punch cards or you can set up an online rewards program for customers. By visiting your salon multiple times, your loyal customers can receive discounts on treatments and other perks. This could include a free manicure or an extra service (like a foot scrub) on their next visit.
Setting up a loyalty program can also help you understand your ratio of new to repeat customers and the frequency with which people visit your business.
Create an online presence.
The internet is one of the top places to find recommended businesses. Your customers want to read reviews, learn about your services, and get an idea of your pricing. Even if a potential customer has never heard of your name before, they can visit your business by finding it on Google.
Set up a Google My Business account so people can read reviews of your services. This way, when a potential customer searches “press on nails near me” or a similar phrase your name is the top choice to work with. You can also invest your time in social media (like Facebook and Instagram) to show off your impressive work.
Invest in print marketing.
Along with a digital presence, make sure you aren’t neglecting your print materials and in-person networking opportunities. You can hand out business cards to customers who advertise your work on their fingers. You can create brochures to hand out to local businesses. You can even invest in large format printing to stand out when your poster is hung on a wall.
Find a printer who you can trust to create quality work. If you live in the area, look for a Dallas print shop that comes highly recommended. Once you have your print materials, you can hand them out to modeling schools, wedding venues, and other businesses that can recommend your services to customers.
Look for unique ways to market your brand.
Break out of the mold and find unique ways to get your name out there. You can sponsor a local surf competition or support a charity with your services. You don’t have to do what everyone else does to get noticed.
By showcasing your specialty services and work quality, you can attract people who are looking for specific nail styles and designs. Check out some unique card designs to get an idea of what is out there. For example, you can create cards that are shaped like nails instead of standard rectangles.
Getting started is the hardest part of opening a business. However, with a strong online presence and professional business cards, you can keep bringing in new customers and building long-term loyalty – one set of nails at a time.
