KEY TAKEAWAYS: In this article, we’ll share how you can leverage your client referrals (and get new ones) to help boost your beauty business growth, build trust, and connect better with your future clients.
How to Leverage Referrals for Beauty Business Growth
Set up a referral system that rewards clients for bringing in new customers. Ask happy clients to share their experiences on social media and offer incentives for referrals. Partner with other local salons for cross-promotion and refer clients to services you don’t offer, expecting reciprocal referrals. These simple steps build trust, attract new clients, and enhance your salon’s reputation. By creating a network of satisfied clients and business partners, you can grow your clientele and ensure long-term success for your salon.
Here are a few ways you can begin to cultivate your clientele through referrals:
[rank_math_toc]Create A Solid Client Referral System
Don’t just depend on clients to refer people to you, set up a system they can follow and know what to expect when they send you a new client.
Salon referral systems can be as simple, or as elaborate as you’d like, just make sure your clients understand how your referral system works and implement a way to track who’s referring who so you will know which clients to reward.
Bonus points if you put this together with a killer loyalty program, too!
Lean on Social Media
Ask your clients to refer online.
Social media is one of the best ways for your clients to sing your praises. Ask them to post pictures of their nails, hair, or makeup and refer you to their friends on social sites in exchange for a reward.
If a current client writes you a testimonial with a photo of their makeover, then direct that potential referral to your Facebook page, showcasing all your beautiful work– that’s money!
Ask Clients Directly for Salon Referrals (Exchange For Exclusive Rewards)
Every cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician has some MVC’s – Most Valuable Customers. These are the socialites, the executives and the ladies who are well connected.
They likely share similar characteristics with their friends, and you want more of them as part of your clientele. Invite a select few to your VIP salon referral program where you offer them exclusive rewards for referring their circle of friends. See our blog on salon referrals for more information.
Additionally, offer them perks like hosting a private spa party at your salon for their friends. This will give you access and the ability to showcase your skills to that group.
Work with Other Salons for Cross-Referrals
There is no reason why a nail tech and a stylist, massage therapist or esthetician shouldn’t be referring one another.
In fact, many salons and spas encourage it.
Form a networking group of other professionals, and refer each other. Don’t forget to thank them too, by offering them free services or a little thank you gift.
Get Cozy with the Law Of Reciprocity
This is where you’ll just have to trust that others will do the right thing by sending salon referrals back to you. Refer your clients to salons and spas in your area that offer something you do not or cater to a different type of clientele (i.e. blonde specialists etc.)
“Sending referrals with no strings attached to other salons and spas is an act of good faith, but make sure you tell your clients to alert them so you can reciprocate.”
During slow times this could work in your favor, if you pay it forward. Sending referrals with no strings attached to other salons and spas is an act of good faith, but make sure you tell your clients to alert them that you referred so they can reciprocate if they choose. You can also call and let them know you are sending a client to their salon.
It feels good to do good!
Team Up with Other Salons & Spas
This is slightly different from simply sending referrals to other salons. Here, you actually have an agreement to refer and cross-promote one another. That could include you passing along business cards or flyers for the other salon or actually setting up appointments for them with your clients.
It’s always a good idea to partner with like businesses, not only to generate salon referrals but also to build relationships. You never know what life may bring, it’s always good to network and stay connected within a larger pool of beauty professionals.
No matter how you see it, people like free stuff and discounts and as long as you do great work and have good customer service, people will refer you. It’s nothing to give away gifts, dollars off or services if your referral rate doubles or triples.
The ends truly do justify the means, so ask your clients to refer you and give them a little something in exchange.
Want to stay updated on new and fresh ways to gain referrals? Looking for other ways to boost your beauty business growth? Good news–Elite Beauty Society is always droppin’ the hottest tips for elevating your beauty biz. Subscribe to our site ASAP for immediate notice when we share killer business advice, must-know industry gossip, and even cosmetology liability insurance discounts!
