The coronavirus pandemic sent a shockwave through the hair and beauty industry, with many businesses forced to shut up shop for a prolonged period.
With the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 outbreak having been lifted across England, it’s a great time to take your salon to the next level.
We’ve highlighted why it’s a good idea to enhance the services you offer and how you can go about doing it.
Why should you improve your offering?
If your business made it through the pandemic intact, you’ll likely be able to count upon a loyal customer base.
However, in a recent survey conducted by the National Hair & Beauty Federation in September 2021, 40% of respondents said they were intending to grow their business.
Ensuring you’re among that number makes it less likely you’ll lose some of your clients to a local competitor that starts offering new services.
You’ll hopefully be able to extend your client list, cater to changing needs and – most importantly – increase your revenue.
Our top tips
Fit around your clientele
By defining the demographic most of your customers belong to, you can ensure you’re able to provide your services when they are most needed.
For example, if your clients are predominantly professional women, being open from 9-5 Monday-Friday simply won’t fit with their schedules. If you adapt your working hours to include evenings and weekends, you’ll stand a better chance of maximising your revenue.
However, if you’re located in a university town and mostly deal with students, opening earlier may be more beneficial.
Offer speedy treatment
It’s obvious that being quicker enables you to see more clients, but it’s important not to sacrifice quality.
If you rush your service and it’s delivered in a sub-standard way, you’re unlikely to see that customer again. Furthermore, they may well tell their friends to steer clear of your business; after all, 74% of consumers deem word of mouth to be a key factor when making purchasing decisions.
Focus on quality
Just as important as not rushing the treatments is avoiding skimping on the products you use.
Consumers are after a luxury experience when visiting the salon and offering them the best products is essential to meet that need.
Try to upsell
If you’re using industry-leading products in the treatments you provide, you can use them to create another revenue stream.
By having a stock of these products for resale, you can help your clients get long-term results by purchasing items directly from you.
Consider the whole experience
For customers, going to the beauty salon is more than just about the treatment they receive – it is an experience.
From pedicure chairs that are stylish and comfortable to hand towels that are soft and luxurious, there are many upgrades you can make to your equipment to give your salon a more lavish feel.
But to make sure you truly level up your offering, it’s important to consider all the smaller touches. Think about the customer’s journey as soon as they walk in the door. You’ll want to make sure the lighting is appropriate and the waiting area is comfortable – you could even offer a drink while they take a seat before their appointment.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and get your beauty salon to the next level, bear our tips in mind and you’ll stand a greater chance of enjoying a successful expansion.
