Keep Up With The Spring 2016 Color Trends

Keeping up with color trends can give you a competitive advantage in business. Color trends are based on psychographics and societal changes, so knowing how the world is evolving gives you greater insight into how to attract customers to your business.

For the first time, Pantone, a world-renowned company that specializes in color communication, came out with two “colors of the year” – Rose Quartz, a light pastel pink, and Serenity, a light yet deep blue. They also recently revealed what the spring 2016 color trends will be, with these two colors at the top of the list:

1. Rose quartz
2. Serenity
3. Peach echo
4. Snorkel blue
5. Buttercup
6. Limpet shell
7. Lilac gray
8. Fiesta
9. Iced coffee
10. Green flash

The color trends for spring 2016 are perfect for a spa/salon business because they encourage relaxation, curiosity, and exploration. In Leatrice Eiseman's words, the executive director of Pantone:

Colors this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves. With our culture still surrounded by so much uncertainty, we are continuing to yearn for those softer shades that offer a sense of calm and relaxation.

Pantone also explained that the trending colors for spring 2016 are influenced by the desire to disconnect from technology and the world of art. Top designers were inspired by the differences between lush vegetation and urban design. As a result, unexpected color combinations of these trending colors will be popular during spring 2016. Designers are aiming to inspire reflection and playful escapism.

All types of businesses can benefit from using the 2016 spring color trends in their packaging or marketing materials. Think about how the meaning behind the color trends relates to your business and then apply it to marketing campaigns, store design, or your retail packaging.

Contact us for creative packaging and branding ideas that use the top 10 color trends of spring 2016. How you package goods influences a person's opinion of your brand. Let us help you make that a positive perception.

5 Tips for Successful Promotions

Promotions are a tool to grow your business. Many of us want to do promotions, but we can get stuck in the creative stage and bogged down in the details. Here are some quick hitting tips to help your business offer successful promotions.

1. Anything can be a Promotion
2. Have a Plan
3. Provide a Reason for Customers to be Interested
4. Promote your Promotion
5. Track Results

Its true - anything can be a promotion from a buy one get one free special or event celebrating national ice cream month. Work with your team to have a plan to set details. Determine your promotion or offer, set the dates of the offer, assign team members to work on the various to-dos, and talk it up in your salon or spa with signage, postcards, and email blasts. You need to give your clients a reason to be interested. Ask yourself what is the call to action - why would you response to this. Then roll out the plan.

One often forgotten detail is tracking results. How many people participated in your free ice cream cone day or how many more bottles of shampoo did you sell? You need to know what works and what didn't for future promotion planning. Hold a team meeting after each promo and gather the feedback. Anyone can have a brainstorm that will drive more sales next time.

What is your more successful promotion? Share your comments below and happy promoting!

Be a Marketing Maven!

Marketing is a way to increase awareness about your brand and grow your business. Professional beauty business owners know the services and products inside and out but often could use a little help increasing their business savvy skills. Here are some easy ways to super charge your marketing efforts!

The Pitch
Defining what your business is all about is crucial for customers and your community to understand your brand. Your pitch can be a media kit, business fact sheet, or portfolio. These included info such as the business history, staff bios, company mission, and product/service menus. Think of this as your business's resume. The goal is to pitch what makes your business unique and sells the reader on why you.

Public Relations Contacts
This is an ongoing database of public relation contacts in your industry and area. Examples include local newspaper editors, reporters, TV and radio producers, or industry publication editors. You can meet and greet local PR reps at chamber of commerce or other events. Also look at the sources websites for emails and mailing address. You want these people to love you and your services to help promote your business.

Press Releases
Now that you have your PR list you need to send them newsworthy information. Press releases are generally a one-page document that highlights special events, new employees, or cutting edge services. Need help on writing the perfect press release - click here for my previous blog on "Press Release - How To Guide". The key here is to send meaningful press releases that are worthy of publishing. Avoid PR overkill that can land you on the black list. Be sure to find the happy medium between sending frequently but timely, relevant messages.

Your Guest List
Sometimes we forget to tell our current customers all the great happenings your business is involved in. Keep in mind your clients when creating your press releases. Maintain and continually update email, mailing addresses, and phone numbers of all clients. Tie in some of your press release efforts into your monthly newsletters. Sharing good news drives further customer loyalty and may entice them to take advantage of your new offering or join you at your next charity event.

Marketing is an ongoing quest. Marketing isn't something you set and forget. You want your business to create buzz and be out in your community. With a bit of effort and some tenacity you can be your own Marketing Maven!

Have some marketing tips to share with our readers? Post them below!

Grow your Business with Referrals…without even asking!

One of the best ways you can grow your business is with a recommendation from a client you have already served. Many of us shy away from obtaining referrals. We believe it will be an uncomfortable interaction and could lead to rejection. Here are a couple of easy – and fun – ways to create a referral program without having to truly ask for a referral!

Transaction Based
Completion of a service is the perfect time to reach out for a referral. One option is to educate your guest that you have a new referral savings program. Staff member says, “If you loved the service you received today, we would love to share the news with your friends and family! As a thank you for your referral you will save 20% of your next visit and so will your friend”. Hand them a referral postcard card. They can simply fill it out and drop off in your salon or mail it back. There is no pressure on your staff or your client. You collect the referrals and contact them with their special offer. Another option is send postcard mailing directly to your client list with this same offer. Basing your referral request on a transaction by providing a percentage off or a free product with service will drive new customers and gives your loyal clients a bonus for helping you grow.

Sweepstakes
Host a Referral Sweepstakes contest in your business. You can tie it into your holiday promotions. From Oct 1st to Dec 20th hold a referral sweepstake giving away a free vacation to a sunny locale or a weekend at the spa. Have signage through out your business showcasing the contest. Each referral a client passes your way allows them another entry in the contest. Follow up with the referral name right away. They should receive a gift or discount for trying your services. Then draw the winner at the end of Dec. Feature the winner in your salon newsletter and promote it in the salon.

These are just two ideas to get you started. Although there are marketing and margin costs involved, not only will it drive new clients to your chairs, but it can also spur buzz about your business if you promote it correctly. Modify these ideas and make them your own. Please share your referral program idea or comments below. Create excitement and make referrals fun for all parties and watch your business grow!