It’s a sad but realistic fact that on a day-to-day basis, most of us are being continuously judged, researched and observed by potential customers and contacts that we’ve never met before. This is exactly why first impressions are just so pivotal, especially in the beauty industry. Read on to find out more about how to make the BEST first impression that you can.
The WOW Factor
As a beauty business, there are many ways that you can go that extra mile to grab the attention of potential clients. The first thing that someone will see when they visit your business is the external appearance. With this in mind, not only should the building be well-maintained, you also want something that stands out from the crowd and has a draw that will make those walking past choose to walk through your door.
Keep on top of chipped paint, dirty windows, and litter outside the front door as this can be an instant turn off for potential clients.
Meeting Clients for the First Time
Of course, when you meet a new or potential client for the first time, it’s so important to be professional. But you should always try to come across as kind and happy, too. This leads us to the way in which you greet your clients and potential clients as they come through your front door. Someone who is approachable and welcoming is ten times more likely to retain the custom over someone who comes across unhappy and unprofessional.
If an existing customer or potential client calls you to find out more about a product or even better, to book an appointment, your ‘on the phone voice’ must be clear, friendly, and encouraging. After all, when you pick up that phone, you’re their first point of contact, so it’s important to make it a positive experience that will influence them in becoming a long-term client.
Run a Tight (And Clean) Ship
As soon as someone enters your beauty salon or shop, they will pick up on all of the small things. If a bin hasn’t been emptied, there’s hair on the ground that hasn’t been swept up or if there are some obvious chips in the paintwork, people WILL notice these. Little snags in cleanliness and tidiness can really make or break a potential sale as clients could be really put off.
What Does Your Online Presence Show?
First and foremost, let’s make it clear that social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are powerful tools in their own right, but they are not a substitute for meaningful face-to-face interactions and professional relationships. Therefore, it’s important to view social media as a way to amplify your voice as opposed to using it as a clear form of communicating with your clients and potential clients.
Engage Your Customers
With this being said, it is also so important that your online persona is interesting, engaging, and relevant to your business. To reach out to the right demographic, you will need to put in the ground-work in terms of research. The online world can be effectively used as an excellent opportunity to share a more interesting side of you or your business as long as you use it right.
Follow-up Treatment for New Clients
Offering a follow-up treatment to a new client is a great way to get them back in the door and encourage them to become a regular! This can be achieved via various methods such as inviting them back in a couple of weeks time through a phone call or text or by simply advising them when they’re at their initial appointment they should come back at a set date and time for a follow-up.
Your first impression can always be a good one, simply keep on top of the little things and the clients will continue to come!
