Thursday, November 5, 2009
Do you reward your clients?
I'm certain you have clients who frequent your spa or salon on a regular basis? You can tick them off on your fingers naming each one. They are regularly booked.
You know who they are when their day goes by and they don't show or they call in to cancel, you miss them because in a big way they have become part of your family.
It's those clients who are your fans. The people who come not just because of the quality massage or facial or hair treatment, but because your business offers them something more, sometimes something as intangible as friendship or a place to rejuvenate.
How do you reward those guests for their loyalty?
Is the reward equal to their value as a customer to your spa/salon?
If it's not equal to the value of that client to your business than you may want to study upon that for a little while.
Unless you're one of the big chains with large marketing budgets as large as their square footage, you are going to find it difficult to let the people within driving distance know you exist. Harder still is finding a way to keep your name before those people on a regular basis.
Those loyal clients know people and they will willing spread your brand because they have found value in you. They are the people who will bring others via that old fashion marketing mechanism of "word of mouth".
In essence those clients are the coals to your fire that you need to nourish and keep burning. If you let them cool then getting that fire going will be more difficult, or worse, you might find that all your coals have become wet!
So as you consider ways to reward your best clients, consider that reward in relation to their value.
Remember, we're here to help connect with those customers:
www.MoreSpaTraffic.com.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What did your clients take with them when they left your spa?
Then what? What's the check in like? The waiting room?
Mentally walk through the spa to where you as a client need to go for your appointment for your facial or massage, etc. What do you as a client observe, what do you hear? Music, voices, noises, smells?
Now, the appointment is over and you leave, what's that process like? You exit the doors of the spa, hopefully refreshed and cleansed, you pull out of the parking lot onto the busy road and head to your next destination.
Ask yourself, "What did you take with you from the spa?"
Did the client JUST receive a massage or an aromatherapy treatment? That memory and sensation won't last without some key ingredient attached to it.
Your client needs an experience. Is that experience one of thorough and enjoyable service?
Is there an element of your spa that rockets it above your competition? What is it that your clients journey out into the world with that makes them say, "You've got to go to my spa. You will be transported and the dust of the day will wash off your soul"?
Only you can figure out what that element is, but when you do you can strengthen that element thereby giving your clients the ability to become your cheerleaders, your cubicle/water-cooler preachers. We at MoreSpaTraffic.com can help you with that process with our proven technology that will increase your referrals and connect you with your clients beyond the life escaping walls of your spa which you love and into which you pour your passion.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
What is the thing you do well?
Why? Because it is not just your strength but your innate talent coming to the forefront of your business. The trick is to recognize that talent and push it completely to the front.
No, this doesn't mean to forget or even neglect all the other things that you do. Those things still need to be accomplished in a professional way. But that thing that you do well needs... no, wants... that thing you do well wants to become the thing that you exceed at.
Perhaps the thing you do well is encourage your clients when they visit your business. If that's the case focus on that and find ways to take that encouragement to the next level. You've got their addresses. Follow up with those clients some days after their visit with a special hand written note thanking them and encouraging them.
Perhaps that thing you do well, is a particular treatment. Consider taking that treatment to a special community event or fund raiser and volunteering your time during that event. Take the opportunity to gather some client testimonials and pen a press release announcing that special day and treatment to the press.
Make that talent part of your brand and clients will remember.
Or as Walt Disney once said:
"Do what you do so well that they will want
to see it again and bring their friends."
Oh, and don't worry, identifying that strength, working it and making it more strong, will then overflow into the rest of your business in a natural way. Impress upon your staff, this is what we do well as a team. Search them out for ways to improve upon it and listen. Help them to catch the vision of expanding upon that talent and help them to see their clients coming back with friends.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Pumkin Seeds and Growing and Harvesting Foods for Spas.
I just came across a couple of interesting items today on the Internet and I thought I'd share them with you.
The first was news to me. I had no idea that pumkin seeds were such a great source of nutrition and health. I found it via a twitter follower @SerendipityJane
My twitter account of course is @MoreSpaTraffic.
Any way, here's the link to the interesting low down on Pumpkin seeds:
The Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds.
The next item of interest is this item from Vision Spa Retreat:
Growing for spas: a local enterprise
This ought to encourage spas and other related venues to examine their choices and offerings more closely. The best and most creative solution, I believe, is to source local and to involve the community - from suppliers, to staff, to customers - in the creation of a unique and varied spa menu. For a spa venue, making food-based spa treatments, including sourcing local materials for these, will require either:
- establishing their own on-site organic garden, perhaps with bee hives for honey and wax, or
- researching and networking to find good and reliable local suppliers
Don't forget that if you are a spa owner or manager of a spa, be sure to check out our website at MoreSpaTraffic.com and see the video on how we can help you connect outside your walls over the Internet with your clients. See our video which shows how we can help you with our program.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It's about Customer Service in the Spa Industry.
The Spa Industry has long struggled with finding good customer service for the front desk. If you ask any salon or spa owner what position is the most important in their business, most will say it’s the front desk. Why then is finding qualified individuals to work the front desk in a salon or spa such a struggle?
Valentina Chistova, owner of Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch, NJ shares her thoughts on the day spa industry’s struggle to hire professional help for the front desk.
You're in the business of pampering your customer. There's no such thing as being too attentive in this highly competitive industry.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
10 Great Reasons to Make a Spa Visit.
Top Ten Reasons To Go To A Spa
Get Healthy, Lose Weight...Or Indulge!
- Get Healthy
- Relax
- Lose Weight
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are you reaching your clients on a personal level?
The question though is, are you connecting with them on a personal level? Are you giving that extra little bit of effort that shows your client that, "Hey, I am so glad I know you"?
It's that extra little bits, whether it's asking about their family or giving them a foot massage before the pedicure, that connect them with you. And should in your conversations with your clients, you note something that you really want to remember so that you can ask them about it the next time you see them, make a note of it to reminder yourself, unless your blessed with an ironclad memory. It's definitely something you have to work and something that won't necessarily show immediate returns. Such things help to make your spa or salon more friendly and that is a step that opens up the doors to great client interaction and return business. You want and even need, after all things are said and done, clients who will tell their friends and family about you.
Which reminds me of something I came across a while ago. Though it doesn't deal with spas I think it is pertinent:
How Every Touch Counts
It gives a real world example of how, in this web enabled world, making a bad impression on a client can go a long way towards making business especially hard for a business owner.
Sure that might cause a bit of fear at first when you think about the negative possibilities of such connectedness. But, as the cliché goes, there is a flip side to that coin and the good thing is you have the power to flip the coin. Take advantage of the interconnectedness of the Internet. Set up a website and a blog for your Spa. Get a Twitter account running if you haven't gotten one yet. You don't have to update these things on a daily basis, though you may find yourself on Twitter quite a bit. Get your clients' email addresses.
You may even want to find out if they would like to hear from you occasionally via a Text on their cell phone. An easy way to find this out would be to give them your cell phone number so that they can text you if they want to check on an appointment or had any questions.
Make yourself available that way and I think it will lead to a growing business for you.
Remember desire to help you tap into and reward those loyal customers at MoreSpaTraffic.com.
Our progran will help you show them you appreciate them and will help you to discover new customers for your spa/salon.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Finding encouragement.
We are in some difficult time in our economy. Everyone knows someone who is struggling or has lost a job. Perhaps you are that person.
The good news is that there is a tomorrow. There are ways out it's just a matter of finding them and there are people that will help you along the way. Perhaps even people you don't even know.
And you are not alone. I was reminded of this today when reading this article from the Milford Daily News:
Dayle's Day Spa: just what the doctor ordered
I encourage you to read the whole article and gain some encouragement from Dayle Ciampa's life and growth of her spa business. It's a great testament to sticking to one's passions and not giving up.
So too, is this blog post from Peggy Huff who voices her frustrations but also her plan to not give up and to fight for what she is passionate about in the face of trial:
Key to Survival: Become a Pioneer Again.
While more and more people loose their jobs and small business across the country are being forced to close (bless all the Chrysler and GM dealers, their families and employees) who are being handed that card today), their ability to begin new careers are also being cut off by banks who used to provide student loans, like SLM Corporation, also known as Sallie Mae. They have stopped lending for smaller schools like mine all across the country which in turn is forcing even more small businesses (schools) to also shut down due to lack of students.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my missive this late evening. I pray you continue to strive in what you are passionate for and about because I know that's when you will find contentment in your work.
-Madison
MoreSpaTraffic.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mother's Day at the Spas.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Finding great deals in Washington D.C. Spas and Spa=Life.
You can go ahead an insert the obligatory comments about the horrible economy plus how stressful everyone’s jobs are at the moment, and therefore make the obvious case for the increased need for stress-reducing treatments. Duh. You know my intro already. But let’s be realistic in our cost benefit analysis - is $120 for a massage going to make you feel better or worse about your financial situation? Right, you’re rolling your eyes, that’s what I thought.
But just because you can’t afford it doesn’t mean you don’t still need it. So I’m here to help you, friend, find a cheaper ticket to stress-less-ville. I’ve got a few cost-saving tips if you want to go to a professional spa, and then a few quick ideas and links if you’re up for a do it yourself spa session.
Dealing with your stress today can help prevent stress-related illnesses (heart disease, stroke, depression) tomorrow. "There's quite a bit you can learn at a spa to help reduce stress," said Dr.Brent Bauer , director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic. "Things like meditation, acupuncture, massage and guided imagery - the right answer is to find what fits for you and incorporate it on a regular basis."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Large Spas Failing, Smaller Spas Capitalizing
The hospitality industry as a whole is reeling from the recession. PKF Consulting, a Georgia-based firm of industry specialists focusing on hospitality and tourism, titles its March report on the industry "How Much Do You Stand To Lose in 2009?" The firm reported a 5.3 percent decline in occupancy, coupled with a 2.7 percent fall in room rates, leading to a 14 percent decline in net operating income for the average U.S. hotel from 2008-09. But the luxury-destination end of the business—where nightly accommodation charges can start at $700, as at Pelican Hill, and guests might spend equivalent sums on pampering, sports activities, and haute cuisine—seems to be taking a much harder hit.
After hearing from Korchek, Serenity Day Spa and Wellness Center on Swamp Road stepped up Wednesday afternoon and offered the girls a Saturday afternoon session free of charge, so long as they leave a tip. The girls will learn about facial and nail care from two manicurists and four estheticians, then head home with some goodie bags, said Serenity co-owner Jennifer Wiegand.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Two great articles to read for your Spa Business.
Terry's Spa Blog | REVVING UP AT-HOME SPA MOMENTS.....
INTRODUCTION: The retail component in any business requires an acute awareness of not only the competition, but also what the demographic thinks it wants. Imagery, that first impression, is the “gotcha factor” that has always worked. The psychology of retail includes not only experiential marketing of goods and services, it also includes trying to convince the consumer buying what it thinks it really needs without the customer really knowing that they needed the product in the first place.
The head is the head of the body, and keeps track of all that goes inside. It is notable that all sense organs, that give our life the instinctive flushes, are present in the head.
And thus, it is essential that it is kept in the pink of health.
The pain in the head, or headaches are common happenings and in fact the world’s most common disease along with common cold.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Considering a Career in the Spa Industry? Read this.
Just because spas offer its customers full relaxation and respite from the daily stress and hustle and bustle of the metropolis, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the people working behind it are on Zen mode 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, managing a spa or taking on a spa career comes with as many guidelines and technicalities as the average Windows operating system. While it may seem odd that we compare something deemed stress-relieving to something a little stress-inducing, this is the reality. A spa is considered a place for rest, but this only applies to the customer. For the people behind it, a spa is busy one-way street.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Interesting article and data on Hotel-Spas
The dynamics of the spa industry enable it to persevere longer than other industries for several reasons: a large portion of its consumers are affluent, an increase in stress can further emphasize the importance of staying healthy, and in difficult times people tend to seek out experiences rather than material objects. Yet during such economic times, the spa industry inevitably suffers as consumers re-prioritize and cut back on luxuries.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spa Trend
In particular, one clear macro trend is emerging: the interweaving of medicine and spas in unprecedented ways, with spas poised to increase their roles in wellness and health care while hospitals evolve to embrace spa-like offerings and hospitality. As the expensive, sickness-oriented Western health care model comes under intense review, spa innovation and influence on both traditional and alternative/complementary medical fronts is growing. With consumers increasingly receptive to preventative wellness solutions and effective non-Western wellness modalities, spas are seizing the opportunity—and the spa-medicine relationship has never been so rich or strong.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Creating Effective Loyalty Programs
Creating Effective Loyalty Programs
I’ll never forget the first time I walked into one of my favorite restaurants. I was greeted at the door, had a good experience with my server and enjoyed my meal. At the end of the meal, our server asked if I’d like to be part of their “Special VIP” club. My first thought, of course, went to how much this “Special VIP” program was going to cost me. When the server explained that there was no cost to the program and that I would be receiving special email offers, I signed up and gave my information without giving it another thought.
It's well worth reading and it's the sort of thing we help spa owners do with our marketing program at More Spa Traffic.
Connecting with customers on a personal level is key to keeping them coming back. But not only do you keep them coming back by offering them great value and care, they will in turn bring more customers to your spa.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Example of How Every Touch Counts.
I ran across a rather intriguing blog post the other day that details the amazing power of the wonderful Internet social mediums like Facebook and Twitter.
The post is focused on an event that took place in a restaurant, but it's pertinent for spa and salon owners too. Really, it's pertinent for any business owner who works with the public.
Here's a snippet from, How Every Touch Counts:
A customer waiting for attention from the waiter instead decides to update his Facebook Status with the message that “I’m in The Mill Pub and can’t get service. Hate that”. This message then becomes visible to the customer’s network of hundreds or thousands of friends. Could this have a negative effect on perception and even on bookings? Potentially.
A similar incident became widely publicized in the US recently when the high profile wine blogger and internet celebrity Gary Vaynerchuk when he attended a recent conference in Miami. His poor experience in a high profile hotel affected him so much he video blogged about it, as did a few other high profile internet folks with the result that hundreds of thousands of people learned of their experience within 24 hours. The results were huge and the hotel went into fire-fighting mode to try and offset the negative publicity.
The bad publicity lost the hotel a lot of key business.
It's a great example of the need of business owners and managers to treat every customer like they are their only customer. Is it easy? My word, no! But it is necessary to succeed in this current economic climate where we must do everything we can within reason to keep our loyal customers and and make new ones.
It's also a great example of just how powerful this new medium is today and as business people we need to be actively involved in using the power of the Internet to connect with our customers and make new ones.
That's what we at MoreSpaTraffic.com are committed to doing with our spa marketing program for you. We can help you connect on the Internet with your loyal customers and others in your area with a cost effective program that will increase your business by 15-20% and help double your referrals.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A couple of links on management and Spa and Salon Marketing.
I just stumbled across this blog post that I thought worth reading:
Creating and Managing Effective Teams in the Workplace
It gives a number of great points on working and managing groups.
If you're looking for a great cost effective means to market your spa or salon you need to check out the service:
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hi Blogger World!
In the mean time, be sure to check out our website: