Need More Clients or Have Spaces to Fill?
In our industry , times can be tough when the economy is unstable, our services are seen as luxury, not necessity. When we are self employed this can be really scary, as we rely on this income for everyday living.
Below are some options I have found successful to fill gaps, keep income and gain new clients.
POST ALL YOUR AVAILABLE SPACES FOR THE MONTH AHEAD.
Share your appt dates and times on your business social media pages, as they spaces fill up, cross those appts out ( don't delete them ), this will show you are filling up and create urgency. Share your post from your business page into your local community pages if you are looking for new clients. Don't forget to keep your page up to date with content, this will help new clients see what you can offer.
POST "I NEED YOUR HELP"
Create a post for your social media page that reads " I need your help ", let your clients and followers know that you are trying to grow your business and would love their help and support. A simple, "Please share this post and let your friends know where you get your nails done, it would mean the world to me.
"NO LUCK FILLING THE GAP ? SEEK A MODEL FOR A SET YOU HAVE BEEN WANTING TO TRY OUT
If you haven't managed to fill the gap , create a post in your local community " model required for "X ". Use this opportunity to create a set you have been wanting to try out for content, you may secure a new client at the same time.
OFFER YOUR AVAILABLE SPACE TO THE CLIENT IN YOUR CHAIR
If you have a space that's available after the client that is sitting in your chair, offer them the appt for 50% off, e.g. - " Hey, I've had a last minute cancellation after you , would you like your toenails done for half price? or " I have a bit of extra time with this appt would you like some extra nail art for half price"
LOYALTY CARDS
Create a loyalty system for your clients e.g.- every 5 visits they might get some free nail art / every 10 visits they may get a free cuticle oil. The choices are yours; by creating a loyalty programme you are rewarding your clients for supporting your business.
CONCESSION CARDS
Another way to create loyalty is to have concession cards e.g. Set of 10 Gel Polish for X$. You may wish to give them $5 off per service for example, this will be a saving of $50 overall for the client. They do need to purchase the concession card at its full value to receive the discount.
IMPLEMENT A CANCELLATION POLICY
Ensure you put a cancellation policy in place to protect your income. e.g. - Cancellations within 24 hrs will be subject to 50% appt fee. Cancellations within 12 hrs will be subject to 100 % appt fee. *if you can fill the space then you can waive the fee upon your discretion. Have a think about the policy you would want in place and write one up to protect your income.