Bouncing Back After Lockdown – Communication is key

Honestly, the only thing you can do is to reach out to your clients –  via social media, by email, by calling them, you could even send a card or a newsletter. Use whichever and all channels of communication that get your clients listening. Remember different clients will have their preferred method of communication, so what works for one won’t necessarily work for all.

Download Professional Guides

This year our world has been thrown into disarray and we have faced many challenges in our lives and businesses. Many businesses, although open again, are still not quite back on their feet as before.

We know there are new rules to abide by now;  government guidance on distancing, treatment restrictions, hygiene and the use of masks and visors. You may feel that you’re working so much harder to earn your living and feeling huge pressure to maintain the new working standards that have been set. So, what can we do to help bring clients back through our doors?

Honestly, the only thing you can do is to reach out to your clients –  via social media, by email, by calling them, you could even send a card or a newsletter. Use whichever and all channels of communication that get your clients listening. Remember different clients will have their preferred method of communication, so what works for one won’t necessarily work for all.

Remind your existing clients what it is they love about you and your salon. 

  • Is it the feeling they get from the pampering you provide?
  • Is it those little special touches that make the experience special?
  • Is it the banter, the conversation and the listening ear? 
  • Or is it simply your team’s amazing skills? 

What is it that makes you valuable to clients that they can’t recreate at home? The only way you can establish what they like is to reach out. It’s a personal touch. You can reassure them that you and your hardworking team are still offering all of those great perks and so much more!

Confirm the measures you’re taking to ensure safety

Anytime a client calls whether it’s to book or just to make an enquiry, let them know exactly what you and your team are doing to ensure their safety is at the forefront. You may be surprised at how that information can turn an enquiry into a long-term client. Make sure they know what to expect and how you are taking their safety seriously. 

Tell them about the new colours and products they NEED to try…

If you’ve recently upgraded or updated stock, let everyone and their granny know! This is huge because after lockdown, many people are wanting to try something with limited options for going out at the moment a new colour could be a great way to entice your clients in for a bit of self-indulgence and self-care at this time.

Remind them that as a small business you need their support

Your loyal clients will know that you’ve potentially been struggling and so now is the perfect time to remind them that supporting local is best. Tell them that now more than ever is the perfect time to book their appointment. 

Start to look for and market to new clientele

It’s always a good idea to promote your salon to new clients. You can reach new audiences on social media, and you can also ask existing clients to spread the word among friends and family. Or go old school and do a leaflet drop in your area, this is still a very valid method of marketing which we recommend repeating regularly to get your name in front of potential clients. 

Communicate any changes to your salon, including opening hours and any priority hours on your website and on Google My Business if you have a listing. Use all the channels of communication you have to your advantage including email, text messaging, and your social media to give your clients useful information and get them back in the door. 

image:istock.com/Rawpixel

Rebecca Willshee Nail and Beauty Specialist

Testimonial: “JC was so low, suicidal at points. Sore, red, angry, his skin was awful, we had tried everything and doctors you name it. We reached out to Becky, who was wonderful. My son was quiet and withdrawn, lacked confidence and self esteem, and locked himself away from the world. Becky booked us in for a consultation to discuss different options of treatments and we decided the new hydro treatment would be the best option. We started the course and JC was nervous but Becky was great with him talking him through everything, step by step! As we went each time JC’s skin got better and better, but also the difference in him was huge, he was gaining confidence, shoulders back, head held high. We have watched his skin change from this red, aggressive, angry skin that was sore, acne was debilitating to him but now he is confident, holds his head up high and has even got his first job! We are so proud. When we met Becky I felt confident she would help us get his skin better and back on track but what has actually happened is skin looks amazing but to see our son gain confidence has been the biggest win! Teens often get pushed aside, put on string meds and told “it’s just your age” but this isn’t what they want to hear, but The SkinBase treatments Becky has done has changed his life! We cannot thank you enough Becky! JC is continuing with the treatments as it still gets the odd breakouts but the scarring is still improving week in week out. The hydro Facial is just amazing and we cannot recommend it enough and of course Becky and her passion for skin and helping people is wonderful!”