Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am a licensed cosmetologist and natural hair stylist. I have advertised on every free advertising list on the internet that I could find. I am trying to expand my clientell. I have my own website---remilakunatural.zoomshare.com But I am still having a hard time trying to get more clients into my chair. I have made coupons, and I have made flyers. I also advertise on my car. I try to look like a profesional when in the salon. I do services that other salons don`t do. I have been doing hair for a few years now and people that live in the same state as I come up to me and say, " I did not know that you did hair." How did they not know, when I try to advertise eveywhere? How can I get more clients, without spending alot of money, or possible none at all. I know you have to spend money to make money, but I would like to keep the spending down, If at all possible.

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www.remilakunatural.zoomshare.com
"Learn To Love Natural Hair"

I think when people are looking for a new place to get their hair done, they focus on two characteristics.  They will first ask friends and family where they go.  Hence, they are looking for references from people they know.  The second thing they do is focus on price.  As you probably know, there is a very big range in pricing.  I am a guy who just gets a haircut every three weeks, so the business I bring to my stylist is minimal compared to someone who gets a cut and color.  I will spend $20 every 3 weeks and my fiance spends $140 every 6 to 8 weeks.  Given these two factors, I would recommend offering discounts for current clients who refer friends or family.  Have business cards available for current clients to take with them after you have provided a service to them.  This way they can easily pass your name and number along to someone else looking for a good stylist.  Another thing you might do is if you live in a suburban area, you could work with companies or commercial landlords to be mobile and visit areas where a lot of people work.  Essentially, you could potentially set-up shop outside your salon as a convenience for those who work in this area.  One of the biggest problems I have with getting my haircut is no one is open past 7 pm.  I typically work from 8 am to 7 pm, so I am limited to getting my hair cut on weekends or I leave work early, which is an inconvenience.  The key is to differentiate yourself from others.  Once you have happy clients, they will keep coming back and you will begin marketing less and cutting hair more.  Finding a good hair stylist is not an easy thing to do.  Once people find someone they can trust, they will usually stick with them as long as they live or work in the area where you do hair.    

hair dressing is like a dj business 99% of it is word of mouth. Yep, you gotta go out to bars, shops whatever and talk to people. It`s not easy, but that`s how you build a business. The other thing you might want to look at is setting up a refferal system. Like if they send 3 people to you they get a free haircut. It works at our salon quite well.

Thank you for your replies. They do help. If you have any more suggestions then tell me them also.

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www.remilakunatural.zoomshare.com
"Learn To Love Natural Hair"