We’ve been hearing it in the news and all around us: we’re in for a recession. While the beauty industry tends to be more recession proof than other industries it doesn’t mean it can’t experience a slowdown. During slow economic times, it can be challenging for stylists and barbers to maintain and grow their business. However, there are several strategies that can be implemented to help increase business even during difficult times.

Here are some tips…

Promotions and specials:

Offering promotions and discounts can help attract new clients and incentivize existing clients to return. For example, offering a discounted service, “refer a friend” promotion or offering something for free with a service can be effective. Giving more value to your existing clients and promoting them to new clients can help stir up new business.

Expand services:

Consider adding new services to your menu to attract new clients. Ask clients what new services they would like to see to give you ideas. Research and review other hair professional’s websites and see what services they offer or come up with a completely new one on your own. Pay attention to trends in haircuts, tools and techniques that could potentially create a profitable new service for you.

Offer packages or memberships:

Consider offering packages or memberships that provide clients with a discount or a set number of services for a discounted rate. This can help encourage clients to book more services and create more consistency in your business. Perhaps provide a stamp card where their 10^th haircut with you is discounted or they get a free gift. Offering incentives can be effective in client retention. Memberships can attract those who like to be a part of something exclusive. Memberships usually involve a fee of some sort with a number of benefits that non-members are not privy to. But there needs to be some decent value to the benefits to just the fee.

Use social media:

Social media is a powerful tool to attract new clients and promote your services. Utilize platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to showcase your work, share promotions and specials, and engage with potential clients. It can also attract clients who are not in your local vicinity. Some clients become so attached to their stylist or barber that they will travel far to get serviced by them. Social media can give a stylist or barber a certain status that makes them more attractive to people. It’s also a way to showcase what you can do which gives existing and potential new clients ideas of what you can do with their hair.

Partner with other businesses:

Partnering with other businesses in the beauty industry, such as nail salons or makeup artists, can help expand your reach and attract new clients. Partnerships could include a bundle package that offers services from both businesses at a discount. It could also be based on referrals. Get creative with different offerings. This could be particularly useful during special occasions such as weddings, prom, graduation, holidays, anniversaries or birthday events.

Improve customer experience:

Providing exceptional customer service can help increase client loyalty and attract new business through word-of-mouth referrals. Being available to clients by responding to messages and answering phone calls can make a difference in how clients perceive you and your business. Even having a seamless online booking experience where you never physically talk to the customer is considered a part of customer service. Make sure you go through the experience yourself to see if there are any flaws in the booking process. The same goes for cancelling an appointment. It should be easy and frustration-free.

Attend industry events:

Attend industry events, such as trade shows and conferences, to network with other professionals and learn about new trends and techniques. This not only improve your professional skills but can give ideas for new services, help streamline your business, pick up on new trends or create new partnerships. These are also great opportunities to upgrade the tools and products you use to service your clients which are usually available at a discounted price.

Consider mobile or home-based services:

If your salon or barbershop is experiencing slow business, consider offering mobile or home-based services to attract new clients who prefer to receive services in the comfort of their own homes. Some people have difficultly leaving their home or are willing to pay top dollar for an at-home service. Traveling to the client is not always feasible but it could be an option for someone with a more flexible schedule. However, when doing so, take into consideration travel time and gas costs when determining service prices.

These are just some ideas for how to stir up business during slower economic times, but there are so many more. By implementing these strategies or coming up with your own, stylists and barbers can increase business during slow economic times and build a loyal client base for long-term success.