Promotional Strategies to Make 2016 a Success!

How does dictionary.com define “entrepreneur?”

A person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.

Entrepreneurs take on a certain amount of risk every day, with every business decision they make. What are some ways to reduce that risk? Smart, cost-effective marketing and promotional strategies to grow the business! Below are some easy, cost-effective promotional and marketing ideas to help you grow your business in 2016, whether you’ve been an entrepreneur for one day or one decade.


1.) Begin a Podcast. Welcome to the era of digital marketing! A podcast is an audio file, usually done in a series, that anyone can download. It could consist of interviews, insight on products, or any idea to help people better understand your company and how it benefits them. Be sure to make it content-driven, not product-driven.

2.) Support a Cause. The old saying, you catch more flies with honey, holds true here. People are easily drawn to kindness. By supporting a cause, you'll spark attention from people with similar beliefs. Include a link to donate in your email marketing campaigns, and include information on how you support the cause on your website, in your emails, or on social media.

3.) Send Targeted Email Campaigns. Similar to the podcast, use your email marketing to get important messages out to your target audience – including deals, giveaways, upcoming events, or important industry topics/news. Again, make sure to mix it up between product/service promotions and interesting content. 

4.) Create giveaways. Who doesn't love free stuff? A friendly competition between customers is a fun way to encourage sales, as such contests spread quickly via word of mouth. Also, people get to try your services risk-free!

5.) Customize Your Packaging. Last but not least, something near and dear to our hearts - a customized packaging program, so people will carry your brand with them wherever they go. Contact us to learn more about how to increase your brand awareness with customized packaging.

How to Turn Your Salon into a Spa!

A successful salon is one that is constantly seeking new ways to improve their services, decor, and profits. Turning your salon into a spa can produce a significant return on your investment if executed correctly. If you are willing to invest the time and money to expand your business, consider the following suggestions to make a smooth, rewarding transition.

• BUDGET: Take a careful look at your finances to decide if you have the money to expand your services, and if so, how much can you afford to invest in your renovation and the salaries for additional employees? If you have an accountant, ask him or her to help you decide on a budget that will not endanger your company's current well-being, and if needed, plan the transition in phases!
• PLANNING: The first step is deciding what spa-like services you would like to offer in the future. Would you like a massage room for customers? How about a nail salon? Another option is offering facials and make-up services for customers. What feedback have you received you’re your customers? You should also take in to account whether your current facilities have the available room to house the spa or whether an addition will have to be made to the building, or new space found. The funding budgeted for this expansion can help you decide whether to go with one of these alternatives or all of them.
  
• DESIGN: If you are creative and can envision how to redesign your salon to incorporate the new services being offered, you can save money by planning the redesign yourself. Otherwise, you will need to engage the services of an interior designer or construction company. The next step is to contact 2-3 reputable contractors to obtain bids or estimates on the remodel and decide how much of an overhaul you can afford to make.
• STAFFING: Once the work is being done to convert your salon into a salon and spa combination, you can then focus on staffing. Just having a license for aesthetics, nails, or massage does not necessarily mean that the applicant is a good fit for your new addition. Since the main purpose of a spa is to offer relaxing, luxurious amenities, you will be requiring employees whose qualifications and personalities harmonize with your business goal.
• ADVERTISING: As the date comes close for the grand opening of your new establishment, the big question is how to make the public aware of the beautiful new spa and its services. Begin by planning a festive grand re-opening to give people in the community the opportunity to tour the new salon/spa combination. Have postcards printed with details of the changes you've made that will serve as invitations. Advertise in the local newspaper. Use social media to your advantage by sharing the event with customers, family, and friends. Finally, consider creating a new logo for your salon/spa to use for advertising purposes.
• THE EXTRAS: With the addition of a spa, you will probably be selling new merchandise such as nail polish, makeup, and skin products. Nothing says "luxury" like beautiful packaging to send the spa goods home in. Personalizing it with your new logo will add a special touch. Stock matching tissue paper, ribbon, and wrapping paper to gift wrap for customers buying for a special occasion.

Adding spa services to your hair salon can be a big jump. Doing your homework by planning carefully and adding those extra little touches of glamour can take your business to a new level. Contact us for help with your packaging needs to ensure that your patrons leave the spa feeling pampered and content.

Secret Retail Weapon? Set the Mood!

Your brand is your baby and the tone you set in your store – from the layout to the lighting to the color scheme – embodies what means the most to you. But do you have this same control over how your store feels to customers? What are the subtle nuances—the ambience—that can make customers want to linger—or lunge for the door?

A lot of it has to do with music! You probably already know that music has a marked effect on a customer’s shopping and purchasing decisions. If you’ve ever noticed how the ambiance can suddenly shift in your store when that perfect, magical song comes to an end, then you’ve already seen how music has tremendous control over the human mood. But you might not be aware of studies that have been conducted in this area, which can help you pinpoint exactly which elements of music have the best retail-friendly effects on your customers.

The European Journal of Scientific Research found the following in their study titled “Effect of Background Music on Consumer’s Behavior:”

1.      Mood. Through tempo and volume, music can affect a customer’s mood – which can be positive or negative – leading customers to stay in the store longer and potentially buy more, or leave sooner.  

2.      Perception of Time. Music can also affect a customer’s perception of time, causing them to stay in the store longer – although this may not necessarily increase the probability of a sale.

3.      Perception of Merchandise Worth. Certain types of music can, through an association with an elite segment of society, create a perception of enhanced product worth, which could result in a sale.

Specifically:

·         Studies regarding the loudness of music have shown that customers left more quickly from supermarkets where loud music was being played, but that this did not necessarily affect sales

·         Studies in tempo have indicated a relationship between slower-tempo music and a lower traffic flow—yet a paradoxical increase in sales

·         Studies also indicate that while they’re listening to music, customers have a more realistic perception of passing time—meaning they could end up lingering in your store because they don’t have that nagging feeling that they’ve been in there longer than they really have.

So the big question is, with something as subjective as music, how to best create a playlist that will keep customers shopping long enough to appreciate everything your store has to offer! The answer might be a bit more scientific than simply plugging in your sales clerk’s favorite band. Music might well be just as important an aspect of merchandising as fixtures, lighting, and attractive window displays!

Bags can Build Your Brand

What would you say to seeing your business name walking around town wherever your client goes?  I'm not talking about a super bowl marketing antic with people tattooing their foreheads.  It is much easier than that. Your retail packaging is a walking billboard as soon as a guest leaves your doors.  Many of your customers are self-described bag ladies. They hold on to bags and use them to take their lunch to work or as reusable shopping bags. Think of all that repeat exposure to your brand.

Here's how to build your brand with bag power!

Design
Packaging needs to follow function. What products are you putting in the bag - small, heavy, short, tall? Once you determine the items you are packaging, then you can zero in on the bag type you need.  Durable with strong handles for heavy items might lead you to a non woven poly bag or for a light weight cosmetic or jewelry item an appropriate option would be small gift bag.

Style
The type of bag you use reflects your brand. To illustrate this think about the thin plastic bag you get at corner store. It says - fast and cost effective. Now envision that high-end department store who wraps your purchase in printed tissue and places it in a glossy, rope handle paper shopping bag. It says - rich luxury.  Where on the spectrum does your brand fall? Paper generally is a higher quality feel verses plastic. Also consider your brand message. Is your business more eco-minded and wants to present an earth friendly appeal? Define the message you want to send and the style will flow.

Color
Color has long been attributed with meanings and emotions.  Red is energy and passion, blue is calming, green is soothing, and purple royal. You likely reviewed color meaning when determining your business logo.  Keep that consistent message going in your packaging.  We don't envision Coke as lavender, we know it is red. Reinforcing your brand colors will build stronger brand awareness.

Imprint
This critical step is often forgotten. Not only does adding your logo to your packaging look professional, but it is a walking billboard for your business once the customer leaves your store. There are a variety of imprint styles from screen printed, ink prints, hot stamp, heat transfer, and 4 color process.  Each offers different look from subtle to vibrant high detail. The right imprint type will depend on the bag you chose and the art you want to place on the bag.

Investment
Bags are far more than a supply item. Bags are a marketing investment for your image and building your brand.  Costs are a consideration. Higher-end materials and printing processes are more expensive. Remind yourself what your business brand stands for and how will that factor into your packaging.  There are many ways to be cost-effective and still reflect your brand message.  Don't forget that as a rule higher volume purchases bring the price per bag down.

Need assistance finding the right bag for you? Our friendly experts will walk you through this process and find the bag perfect for your business. Make your business look fabulous and grow your brand today!

FREE Ways to Engage your Customers

Let’s face it – we are all concerned with our pocket books. Fewer clients are coming through your doors. Customers are stretching out appointments. Marketing budgets have shrunk to keep up with cash flow. Negative economic news surrounds us almost every where to turn. What’s a business to do to keep customers engage while keeping an eye on the bottom line?

How about some FREE (or low cost) ways to build customer relationships!

Social Networking
Are you reaching your clients online? Social networking is defined as a web-based community that allows users to interact by sharing ideas, opinions or other content in an online environment. The hottest networks out there are Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or even your own Blog. These are all free to sign up and create your own profile. Any of your staff (even your receptionist) can update these sites daily. Invite your clients to join and start talking. Topics can be anything - services, styles, local events. Simply start the discussion and see where it goes.

Email is another free or low cost way to touch clients. Your messages can highlight salon specials, events, or provide an informational newsletter on your business. Did you roll out a new private label line? Update your credit card policy? Did your master stylist just have a new baby? All of these are great topics to share in an email newsletter. Email and newsletters are excellent marketing vehicles that can drive customers to participate in your social networking efforts. There are many low cost email providers. Check with your website company about email services or drop me a line. I’ll be happy to offer some recommendations.

Community Events
In the summer months many communities host picnics, walks, or fundraisers. Contact your local chamber of commerce or other city associations. Find out how you can be involved. Many events are free for businesses to participate. Host a booth and offer face painting, make up, or hair styling tips. The point is to drum up excitement about you business and get your name out there. Another idea is to partner with local cause-related walks or events. Choose a cause your business can get behind such as breast cancer awareness, locks of love, heart health etc… Start a donation drive at your salon, on your web page, and your social networks. Involvement will enhance your business image and support a worthy cause.

Host VIP Events
Every way you can add value to your clients’ lives is going to make your business shine. Instead of doing a full wine and dine event --stretch your dollars. Offer an Early Bird VIP event. How about a 7:00 am jump starter with coffee and bagels. Ask customers for email addresses or to participate in a customer survey. Provide a special gift to all attendees (those free trial samples taking over your back room). What about a Power Hour Lunch De-Stress Special. Set up a free or scalp massage between noon and one. Provide all attendees a trial sample gift for pre-booking a new appointment. Get creative with this! It doesn’t have to cost a lot to create excitement.

These free and low cost efforts engage customers in your brand. Contact your clients in meaningful ways, seek out their opinions, and creating interesting interaction with your business. Positive energy leads to positive experiences. You will ride out these economic stormy seas stronger than ever and with more loyal clients too!