It’s no surprise that spas and salons depend on repeat clients. But, retaining clients goes beyond providing top-notch customer service. It requires strategic marketing and more engagement before and after each visit. The best marketing tool for spas and salons to increase engagement is text messaging.
Salon SMS Marketing
SMS/text messaging communicates directly with clients through a familiar platform that’s easy to access and with them all the time. 90% of text messages are read within 2 minutes, resulting in an incredible 98% open rate with a response rate of over 200% higher than by phone, email, or Facebook. Almost half of the recipients will respond or make a purchase.
It’s clear that consumers prefer texts over other forms of communication. For spas and salons, texts deliver more potential for engagement with clients before and after each visit. The following campaign ideas can help spas and salons launch a successful SMS marketing strategy that takes advantage of the best things texting clients has to offer.
1. Appointments, Reminders, and Special Announcements
Setting up appointments via text is more convenient for clients and gives them a point of reference if they forget to put it in their calendar. They can also get appointment reminders that allow them to reschedule or cancel, which prevents “no-shows.” Texts also let them know of availability and fill gaps in the calendar during slower days.
2. Coupons and Discounts
Want to promote something new? People love a deal. Tempting special offers that are exclusive to text subscribers can be time-sensitive or used during their next visit. Coupons are also a great way to gain new customers by encouraging current clients to share special discounts with friends and family. Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most successful ways to grow business.
3. Beauty Tips
Engagement is a broad term that goes beyond products and services that generate revenue. When a spa or salon gives beauty tips, they are creating brand affinity—strengthening their relationship through mutual beliefs, shared values, and unshakable trust.
4. Contests
The costs often reduce the allure of going to the spa or salon. Pampering is not cheap, nor should it be. But, winning a complimentary service or prize can be irresistible. Remember to make sure that even if they don’t win the big prize, they get something for taking part in the contest. This will keep them engaged and more likely to enter the next one.
5. Feedback and Surveys
Getting client feedback through texts and surveys is invaluable. Their input points out areas in need of improvement while giving helpful tips on products and services that they would like to see added. Texts can also direct clients to provide online reviews at Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp. These improve visibility and strengthen brand awareness.
6. Rewards and Loyalty Programs
For spas and salons, finding new clients is an expensive proposition, costing five times more than retaining one. Building loyalty means treating current clients like VIPs, offering them exclusivity that no one else can get. These programs are also a great way to track and segment them into categories, so all of the messages they receive are targeted and relevant to their needs.
The Future of Spas and Salons
People crave convenience. They also want more value from the businesses they visit. Text messaging allows spas and salons to step into the future of client services through frequent, targeted communications that are relevant and timely. It builds stronger relationships that overcome pressure from the competition because loyal clients are the best clients to have.