The Power of a Great Offer - How To Attract New Clients & Retaining Existing Clients

Recommend A Friend Offers

A Recommend a Friend scheme is a powerful way to grow your client base through trusted recommendations. In this type of promotion, an existing client refers a friend or family member, and once that person books and attends an appointment, both individuals receive a reward.

The new client can usually take advantage of your New Client Offer, while the existing client might receive a discount of around 20% off their next visit or a monetary voucher to spend in the salon or clinic.

It is important to include Terms & Conditions stating that the friend must be a new client and that the reward is only issued once the appointment has been completed.

Hair Colour Days

Hair Colour Days are an excellent way to increase bookings during slower periods. This type of offer typically involves providing a significant discount, sometimes up to 50%, on colour services on specific days of the week.

You can retain control by excluding specialist services such as colour corrections, balayage, or bespoke colour work. Some salons also choose to limit availability to selected stylists.

Unlike New Client Offers, this promotion can be opened up to all clients, making it a flexible way to boost occupancy.

Beauty Offers: Add Value Instead of Discounting

In beauty salons, discounting is often less effective than adding value.

Clients are more attracted to offers where they feel they are receiving something extra rather than paying less.

For example, you might offer a complimentary facial when a client books a full body massage, or provide a free laser hair removal session when they purchase a course of treatments.

This approach helps maintain your pricing while enhancing the overall experience.  It can also introduce clients to services that they might not have tried previously.

Packages (Perfect for Beauty & Aesthetics Clinics)

Packages are particularly effective for beauty salons and aesthetics clinics because they encourage commitment and increase overall spend.

A common approach is to offer a “buy six, get one free” or “pay for five, receive six” structure.

These packages work especially well for treatments such as facials, massage, microneedling, and laser hair removal, where a course of sessions is already recommended for the best results. 

You decide which services to include in your packages - perhaps it is a service that needs 'boosting' to get more clients or maybe it is a service that has a higher price point.

Student, NHS & Senior Discounts

If your salon or clinic is located in an area with a university or college, a student discount can work extremely well. Typically, this might be around 20% to 25% off services, available on selected days. Clients should be asked to mention the offer when booking and show a valid student ID at their appointment.

Similarly, if you are based near hospitals or public services, offering an NHS or key worker discount can attract a loyal and appreciative client base. This can follow a similar structure to student discounts, with a requirement to show valid identification.

In areas with a higher population of older clients, consider introducing a senior discount. This does not need to be a large reduction; even 10% off can be effective. Renaming it to something more appealing, such as “Senior Savings” or a midweek treat, can make it feel more like a benefit than a concession.

Other Offers That Work Well

Seasonal promotions are a great way to keep your marketing fresh and relevant throughout the year. You might create offers around summer holidays, Christmas parties, or wedding season, tailoring packages to suit client needs at those times.

Birthday rewards are another simple but effective idea. Sending clients a personalised offer during their birthday month, such as a discount or complimentary add-on, helps build loyalty and encourages repeat visits.

Last-minute deals can also help fill gaps in your diary. These can be promoted via email or SMS to your client database, targeting those who are able to book at short notice.  Check out Salon Guru's unique Late Deals offering where YOU remain in control of the offers available.  

For longer-term loyalty, consider introducing a membership or VIP programme. This could include benefits such as regular blow dries, discounted treatments, or exclusive perks for a monthly fee.

Finally, retail bundles can help increase product sales by combining items such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling products at a slightly reduced price, or even Blow Dry Bundles where clients can buy 12 or more blow dries at a discount to be enjoyed throughout the year.