Image source: http://www.deal2meals.com/uploads/coupons/GUN3UCVL.jpg
Fabulous Stylists - Talented beauticians are one of the first things that keep clients returning. Not only should they be able to manage the technical aspects of styling, but they should have good people skills as well. They must be able to listen to the client while still using their professional judgment to keep clients from making a decision that will ultimately cause them to be unhappy or damage their hair.
Polished Interior - An attractive shop makes a great first impression and is often what brings clients through the door the very first time. Keep your shop clean, painted, well lit, and the furniture in good repair. Make sure styling chairs are comfortable for people of all shapes, and select a color that really adds to your dcor. Clean up after each client to avoid having new clients walk through hair and other debris on the floor. Really pay attention to color as it will have a big impact on the mood your shop sets.
Be Punctual - Everyone is busy these days, so managing time well is a must. Being able to take clients when they are scheduled is a big plus for the stay at home mom who has to meet the bus or pick up a child from soccer practice. And being able to master the clock may mean being able to add to your bottom line by taking clients during lunch hour, getting them in and out and back to work on time. The word will spread that you can do this reliably, and your shop will prosper.
Get Wired for Wi-Fi - Many newer spaces are already wired with this technology. And if they are not, adding this feature can usually be made pretty easily. For clients who rely on their hand held computers, laptops and mobile devices to keep them connected, this is a huge convenience. Even though your shop should invite relaxation, it relieves anxiety for clients to know that they can still receive an urgent email or process an order if the need arises.
Offer a Variety of Services - Offering manicures, pedicures, and massages can be a huge draw to your shop. Once you have clients who have enjoyed getting their hair done, it's a very natural progression to take advantage of the offerings your shop has. Start slowly by offering these additional services by appointment or on certain days. Offer specials that allow customers to pay for one service and get another free. Try different combinations to see which one works best-hair and nails, or nail and pedicure, or massage and nails. Have fun with it.
Keep the Air Clean - Many of the products used in beauty salons and for manicures and pedicures emit airborne chemicals that can make your shop smell really bad. A salon that smells bad makes it hard to attract good people to work there and hard to attract and keep clients as well. One of the best things you can do for your business is to invest in an air purifier that can run 24 hours a day to keep the airborne chemicals out of your shop and your lungs.
