How to Increase the Customer Base for Your Nail Salon
Diana Muresan
Did you know that the nail care market is on track to reach $11.6 billion by 2027? The industry is thriving, and it’s going to continue to grow thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. But unfortunately, nail salon customers won’t just show up on their own.
Read on to find out ways to increase your customer base and your bottom line.
How To Increase The Customer Base At Your Nail Salon
You provide a service that makes people look and feel better about themselves. Because of this, people tend to appreciate their nail technicians. But, in order to make people feel good about themselves, you need to get them through the door.
You may already have a steady customer base. If so, that’s great! However, there’s always room for a business to grow. Follow these tips to turn your good business into a great one.
1. Encourage Loyalty Through Incentives
Loyalty programs can be particularly effective for businesses that provide a service. One way to encourage loyalty is to give customers a discount on their next appointment. It doesn’t have to be huge; 15 to 20% can suffice.
You can also use these free punch cards for nail artists that we have created especially for you. Punch cards usually include a big payout at the end. Perhaps a 50% off reward after five visits. Or maybe a free manicure after ten appointments.
Don’t let the big discount frighten you. If it encourages a customer to stick with you, you’ll make much more than you’ll lose.
2. Enhance Your Online Presence
When it comes to their appearance, people want quality work. That being the case, they usually look online for businesses with good reviews. So encourage your existing repeat customers to post positive Google reviews. You can further incentivize this by offering a 10% discount or free service for doing so.
The most important thing to do to get people to post positive reviews is to give them a memorable experience.
3. Focus On Effective Digital Marketing
Part of your online presence should include effective digital marketing. If you have a website, it needs to be responsive and engaging. Go for something simple and easy to navigate. You can create your own nail artist website on platforms like Wix.
Blogs are another effective digital marketing tool. They help your website maintain solid rankings on search engines. Using proper SEO strategies, you might rank #1 in your area!
Last but not least, social media marketing is critical to your nail salon’s success. You need to regularly post on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Not only will it help you engage with your existing customers, but it attracts new ones.
4. Focus On Improving Your Customers’ Experience
Offering things your competitors don’t is a great way to attract new clients. Giving your clients a positive experience can be simple.
- Include Complimentary Add-Ons
People love a discount, and free is even better. A person interested in a full set of false nails has a lot of options when it comes to nail salons. However, by offering them something else complimentary, such as a pedicure, tips, or acrylic overlays.
Of course, what you decide to offer as a free add-on needs to make sense to you. Decide which service is worthwhile, and don’t look back!
- Provide Limited-Time Offers
Limited-time offers are used effectively in a lot of industries because they work. When a deal is offered for a limited amount of time, it can engender a sense of urgency in a prospective customer. Not wanting to miss out, they’re more likely to come in.
Sometimes a limited-time offer is particularly effective. This can make ending it seems counter-intuitive. If that happens, don’t worry! Just end the offer and bring it back later.
- Offer Holiday Specials
There are a lot of parties and get-togethers around the holidays, and people want to look their best. Offering a deal around the holidays can not only bring in new customers but keep them coming back.
Christmas, New Year, and Valentine’s Day are excellent options. But, to really take advantage of special occasions, try thinking outside the box. For example, find out when the local high schools hold proms and graduations. Offer deals for these occasions, too.
5. Be Sure To Send Appointment Reminders
No-shows are a frustrating part of any service-oriented business. In some cases, the available time slot can be filled by a walk-in. In others, you’re out of luck.
A lot of no-shows stem from customers simply forgetting about their appointments. Make sure to send an appointment reminder message the day before and to take deposits or full payments online with Goldie to minimize no-shows.
6. Streamline Appointment Setting
Believe it or not, people value not having to call for an appointment. You can streamline your appointment setting process by using a free appointment scheduling app like Goldie.
You can schedule appointments, send confirmation and reminder texts, and more with the app. Not only does it make appointment setting easy for your clients, but it also makes keeping them organized easy for you. Online booking is the future. Get started today by installing the app for free in the App Store or Google Play.
7. Get Involved In The Community
Wherever you open up shop, you’re part of a community. When you take part in community events, you’ll stand out. Aside from simply getting your name out there, other community members will appreciate your contributions.
People are much more likely to patronize a business that they like. And, if they like you, they’ll keep coming back. Making a donation to a local charity or sponsoring children’s sports leagues are great options. If there are any community events that allow for booths or tents, sign up and show them what you’ve got!
8. Attend Local Networking Events
Networking events are great for new and existing businesses. They put you face-to-face with other business people in your area and help you network. In addition, these groups often provide service-based businesses like yours with many referrals. Plus, if anyone in your group needs their nails done, they’ll come to you.
Find What Works And Stick With It
As you can see, numerous options exist to help you bring business to your nail salon. Pick and choose from the options and see what works best for you. Then, stick with what works and remove what doesn’t.
Our free booking platform takes the frustration out of scheduling. Try it out for your nail salon and see for yourself.