One of the more prudent business decisions while running a salon, is to have some sort of a customer retention plan offering special beauty tutorials or simply bettering your customer service.

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You are probably aware of the riveting effects a pandemic can have on "hands-on" service industries such as salons, cafes, restaurants, and beauty parlors. Ever since, customer retention has received a lot of weight.

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As the lockdown eased, a new trend of contactless loyalty programs emerged. In short, the digitalization rocket launched. So, the question is, what does your salon's loyalty program look like, and does it entail digitized elements?

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In this article, you will learn how to create a loyalty program that actually works for your salon or spa.

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Salon Loyalty Program Ideas Worth Considering 

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1. Punch cards

Well, punch cards, like ATMS and wallets are slowly losing their essence in a world where brands are expected to embrace corporate social responsibility. So, this is not a route we can advise. However, complete beginners can try it out as they lay grounds for far more effective customer retention programs.

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2. Referral bonuses 

Not typically seen as a customer loyalty strategy, but it sure works as well. Basically, whenever a client brings a new customer, treat them to a freebie or a discount so they feel appreciated and incentivized to keep at it.

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3. Points-based rewards

You can introduce a points system that increases rewards as a client spends more. It's more effective than punch cards that frequently get left at home or in car compartments.

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Be creative with this method by introducing levels in your system like "Kings Layer", BFF, Queendom, etc. Such nice names make your customers feel special.

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4. VIP-Based Memberships 

Membership-based loyalty lets customers pay a special fee to earn a special place in your salon. Over time, this arrangement earns them a locked-in massive profit with time. A good example of such a system is Amazon's Prime Shipping.

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The beauty of VIP memberships is not just in hefty discounts. You can grant VIP members a top spot in your beauty parlor even during the busiest holiday seasons.

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5. A purchase that lets them donate to a course, program, scholarship, charity

Frequently called a do-good loyalty program, this approach guarantees clients that for every money spent at your salon, a percentage will be donated to one of these sources. 

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Recommended Read: Streamline your salon operations with online scheduling

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What exactly does a good salon loyalty program look like?

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1. Should have or offer outstanding rewards

With customers, it's simple; if they don't like your offer, they'll walk away. So as you create your loyalty program, understand that clients' biggest motive is usually to save money.

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2. Establishes emotional connection 

Effectiveness of a brand aside, a deeper emotional connection to companies is one of the biggest drivers of sales. Customers want to belong somewhere, they want to see that you care not about them, but the world around them as well.

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Studies reveal 89% of Americans would switch brands in an attempt to support causes they care about. A good example of a company with great community development programs is TOMS.

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3. Digitally optimized

No matter how great your program is, it will only be useful if it is omnichannel, responsive, fast, and bearing features that make it awesome to use.

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In other words, if your loyalty program is within a salon marketing software, it needs to be mobile-friendly and possibly integrate with social platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger to allow easy sharing amongst friends.

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4. Goes beyond mere transactions 

Your customers should never feel like all you care about are sales. They want to belong and each of the efforts they make toward your salon should be appreciated. 

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Did they download/watch your tutorial? Reward them. 

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Did someone positively review your business, followed your business page, etc? Reward them.

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Related Read: Discover proven methods to grow your salon business

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A final verdict on salon loyalty programs

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There are multiple effective ways to go around creating a working customer loyalty program. If you don't know where to start, simply ask your customer what they like and implement it.

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Leverage salon scheduling software to create responsive, omnichannel programs that easily let clients share your salon's greatest offers with their social circles. Also, check out customer loyalty programs mistakes others have committed to be able to move in the opposite direction.

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