5 Great Tips on How to Build Clientele as a Hair Stylist
One of the biggest challenges you may face after your graduation is how to build clientele as a hair stylist. Your clientele is not just your target market, it is also the people who will be giving you regular business over the years. Building a good clientele list will help you build your reputation in the industry, enjoy regular income and take advantage of a great networking opportunity. Learn how to find your clientele, create your brand and boost your business.
Start a Referral Reward System
Tell your clients that you will give them a reward for referring new clients to you. The type of reward and how it will be given will be your call entirely. You could, for example, slash a few dollars off the price of a haircut for a client for every referral he or she gives, or you could give them a free service for a specific number of new referrals they bring in. One hairstylist offers a free haircut for each client who brings in three referrals who come in for a service. He keeps a record of the clients and lists down their referrals so he can view their progress. Try an approach that is tailored to your expertise, the type of business you run and your skills.
Accept Walk-Ins
If the salon you work in only accepts clients by appointment, you may be limiting the number of your clientele. To increase your client base, set aside one day of each week to accept walk-ins.
Chances are, there is one day of each week when you typically do not have appointments. Instead of just waiting for a client to call, let them come to you. Many potential clients who need a new haircut, shampoo, styling or coloring are busy people who may not have the luxury of calling for a hair appointment.
On the day they need your services they may be out shopping, running errands or about to go home after a meeting or lunch. If you offer this special service, you will be able to capture the market that is often turned down by other salons that require appointments.
Build Your Portfolio
Take photos of your work and keep them in a clear book that you can display at your salon. That way, clients and their companions can browse through your past and current work and see how well you style hair. Offer your portfolio instead of a magazine, for example. Of course, if you are taking before and after photos of actual clients, make sure to ask their permission to have their photos displayed.
Advertise
Have your business card ready so each time you meet a potential client, you can give it to them. Hand out your business cards each time a networking opportunity comes up, such as a party, a get-together, a picnic, and the like.
You may also consider promoting your skills through social networking sites, local business sites and other websites. You may have to pay for advert space, so choose the sites you put up your ads in to maximize your efforts. If you know someone who works for the local paper, ask if you could have your flyers included in the delivery. Start a blog or your own website. From there you can discuss new hair cutting techniques, the latest styles, and promote the newest products on the market. You can also dish advice and promote your business at the same time.
Do the Best Service You Can
You can only maintain a good momentum if you can deliver the goods. Give your clients the best service you can to show them you are worth the buzz. Being able to harness your skills and show it off on your clients should be part of your marketing efforts. Keep in mind that your clients are your walking advertisements. The better they look, the more people they will bring in to be your new clients.
Continuing Education
Sign up for continuing education classes. The hairdressing industry is fickle, relying mostly on trends, new techniques and technologies. Keep your knowledge and skills updated with regular training and research. If you want to be one of the best and learn the best ways on how to build clientele as a hair stylist, be prepared to work harder than most and to walk the extra mile because it will all pay off in the end.
