You are probably asking yourself, “where did the year go.” Seems just yesterday, we were greeting a new year and now we are in countdown mode to another. Now more than ever, you want to maximize the holidays for profit, yet at the same time provide budget-conscious clients with value. Here are a few ideas to attract new clients during the holiday season and strengthen loyalty with current ones:
Say thanks: Develop and send a special email expressing thanks to customers for their business throughout the year. Be sure to include a discount on a service or retail offering for a first purchase in the New Year. As another way to say thanks, gift clients with a small gift basket complete with candy and a small retail product offering. Include a discount certificate for a future treatment.
Special new client offerings: Offer a discount on a first visit or a free enhancement with a massage, such as a foot scrub. A free take home retail gift is another way to begin building a bond with new clients.
Hold a VIP shopping day: Hold a shopping day or evening for special customers. Serve refreshments and let your customers spend time perusing your retail items, getting information on new spa and massage treatments, and booking treatments into the New Year.
Promote gift certificates: Emphasize gift certificates. Create an email marketing piece with a captivating headline promoting gift certificates with a link to a landing page on your website where buyers can purchase certificates to send to friends and family. Offer specials to promote gift certificates, such as buy 3 and get one for yourself.
Offer holiday parties: Many customers want to do something special for the holidays. Suggest they hold a holiday party at your spa or massage business. Offer certain days and times when you have the staff and availability to hold a party and work with your customers on a theme, decorations, refreshments, and gifts.
Promote couples’ massages: Clients will value a promotion for a massage with their special person. You can include refreshments and provide a take home gift.
Start a membership program: The program will include discounts on services and free quarterly retail gifts or a buy one, get one free.
Send pre book reminders: Everyone will want to look and feel their best for the holidays. Send out email reminders and leverage social media to encourage customers and prospects to book their treatments now if they have not already. Extend hours to accommodate those who cannot take time from work to get in during the day.
Help holiday shoppers relax. Offer a discounted 15-minute foot or neck massage when customers spend a minimum amount. You also might want to these massages for free just to get potential new clients in the door.
Create social media holiday posts. Use colorful photos to announce holiday promotions. Help clients book during this busy time by announcing openings on social media as they become available. Feature a holiday gift guide showcasing your services and products.
Create holiday videos: Create YouTube videos about your holiday treatments and packages. Include information about how to purchase a gift certificate. The video can be short, even 30 to 45 seconds. Post it on your social media channels and your website.
Co-market with another business: Drive new clients through the door by partnering with another business, such as a fitness center or even a restaurant. Ask the other business to hand out your flier or specially designed postcard to their customers that offers holiday packages. In turn, promote your partner by offering a discount for its services or goods.
Make the holidays a win/win for your business and your customers with promotions that boost your bottom line and customers’ buying power.