Do I Even Need to Do Marketing? Examining Some Common Objections
We’ve talked before about how powerful SMS marketing is and shared tips on budgeting for salon marketing. Now, let’s tackle a big question many salon owners ask: Why should I bother with marketing?
Marketing might seem tricky or unnecessary, especially if your salon is doing well. But relying only on current success can halt future growth. Let’s look closely at some common beliefs to see if they are really true.
"I'm Fully Booked; I Don't Need Marketing"
Being fully booked is great! But often, a full-looking calendar doesn’t show the whole picture. If you take a closer look, you’ll likely find small gaps here and there. These might not seem like much, but when you add them up, they can turn into hours of lost revenue each month.
Next, think about your no-show rate. If you’re not using online booking with deposits, your schedule may look full, but you might have empty slots due to last-minute cancellations.
Now, if you are truly fully booked, how many days or weeks in advance? With effective marketing, you can extend that booking window even further. This could be the perfect time to hire another stylist and grow your business.
"I Don't Want to Give Discounts"
You might worry that giving discounts makes your services seem less valuable. But let’s investigate this idea. Discounts, when used wisely, can help build your business in two key ways: attracting new clients and changing customer behavior.
This has been a growth strategy since the beginning of business: offering discounts to encourage people to try your services. Remember, potential clients already have a hairdresser, so they need something enticing to make them try you out.
For instance, offering a discount only for online bookings encourages clients to use your online system. This not only saves you time but also reduces booking errors and no-shows. We’ve discussed all the benefits of online booking before. Discounts aren’t about losing money; they’re about investing in your salon’s future.
"I Know All My Clients; They Are Loyal to Me"
It’s wonderful to have loyal clients. But let’s think deeper. Why did they come to you in the first place? Maybe their old salon wasn’t meeting their needs, and you offered something better.
If you don’t keep investing in these relationships, other salons might catch their eye—especially if those salons offer more convenience or better prices. They might be using online booking while you’re sticking to old ways.
In business, if you’re not growing, you might be falling behind. This is true for both small and large companies. Just look at Blockbuster, once a giant in its industry, but they failed to adapt and paid the price.
"I Can't Afford Marketing"
Budget concerns are real. But let’s examine this belief. Effective marketing doesn’t have to break the bank.
By investing even a small amount in marketing, you’re investing in your salon’s future earnings. Tools like SMS marketing have a 98% open rate, ensuring your message reaches clients without the high costs of traditional advertising.
The reality is not that you can’t afford marketing; it’s that you can’t afford not to.
"Word-of-Mouth Is Enough for My Business"
Relying solely on word-of-mouth can limit your salon’s growth potential. Though it’s a wonderful way to grow organically, it’s slow and unpredictable. You have to hope that you’re naturally brought up in conversation.
While referrals are fantastic, combining them with proactive marketing strategies can amplify your reach. By using Simple Salon’s marketing features, you can connect with new clients you might not reach otherwise. This way, you give people something to talk about.
The hair & beauty industry is always changing. Staying ahead means embracing new ideas and tools. Marketing isn’t just about promoting your salon; it’s about building strong relationships, enhancing client experiences, and ensuring your business thrives.
At Simple Salon, we’re here to help salon owners succeed. Marketing doesn’t have to be hard. With the right support and technology, it can fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity that will transform the way you approach marketing. Trust us; you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
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