10 salon loyalty programs to boost client retention

Running a salon isn't just about having talented stylists and a cozy atmosphere; it's about building a loyal client base. In the bustling beauty industry, salon loyalty programs have become key to keeping clients coming back and boosting profits.  

Loyalty programs do more than just encourage return visits – they create a sense of community and show appreciation for customers.  

Ready to design a loyalty program that fits your salon perfectly? Let’s dive into it.

What is a salon loyalty program?

As a structured marketing strategy, salon loyalty programs encourage repeat business by rewarding customers for their continued patronage. Through incentives like discounts, free services, or special promotions, salons can cultivate a loyal client base, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.  

These programs can take various forms, with the most popular being:

• Point systems - Clients earn points with each visit or purchase.

• Tiered memberships – Benefits correspond to higher levels of spending or visits.  

Loyalty programs might include exclusive access to new products, special events, or early booking privileges, making clients feel special and valued.  

Think about it – a loyalty program is a way to thank clients for their business, improving their experience and satisfaction. This personal touch makes them feel appreciated, which in turn encourages them to choose your salon over competitors, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.

Why implement a loyalty program in your salon?

Want to strengthen your salon’s relationship with clients? One way to do it is through a loyalty program. Such programs can lead to increased client retention, as loyal patrons are more likely to return for additional services. This, in turn, often results in higher spending per visit, as clients feel incentivized to take advantage of the benefits offered by the program.  

Moreover, loyalty programs can enhance word-of-mouth marketing; satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your salon to friends and family. A well-crafted loyalty program can set your salon apart from the competition.

Which types of loyalty programs are suitable for salons?

Here are some salon loyalty program examples for you to consider:

1. Point-based system: Clients earn points for every service or product purchased, which they can redeem for discounts or free services. For instance, a beauty salon loyalty program might offer a system where customers earn a point for every dollar spent, with rewards offered for various point levels.

2. Tiered rewards: As clients progress through different spending levels, they receive escalating rewards, encouraging them to reach the next tier. For example, you might offer a salon loyalty rewards program where members can move up from basic to silver, gold, and platinum tiers, each providing enhanced benefits like priority booking or complimentary treatments.

3. Referral programs: Reward clients for bringing in new customers, which can help expand your client base. A hair salon loyalty program might offer existing clients a discount or free treatment for every new customer they refer, turning clients into brand advocates who help grow the business.

4. Membership programs: Offer clients a subscription service where they pay a monthly fee for exclusive benefits. A salon could offer clients exclusive access to styling sessions, special events, or treatments, nurturing customers to stay loyal over time.

5. Punch cards: With this system, clients receive a free service after a set number of visits. Your salon might use punch cards where a client’s 10th haircut is free, getting clients in the habit of racking up the haircuts leading to their complimentary service.

6. Service discounts: Offer discounts on specific services for loyal clients, enticing them to try new offerings. You might provide long-term customers with 20% off a service category to encourage them to explore different services, broadening their service utilization and satisfaction. If your salon does hair and nails, for example, offer hair regulars a nail discount and vice versa.

7. Product bundles: Create packages of products at a reduced price for loyalty members. A beauty brand could develop exclusive bundles that are only available to loyalty program members, offering a mix of popular and new products at a special rate, thus increasing product exposure and sales.

8. Birthday rewards: Give clients a special treat or discount during their birthday month to make them feel special. Salons might offer a complimentary hair treatment or a discount on services. Nothing like a birthday freebie to make an emotional connection.

9. Exclusive access: Provide loyal clients with early access to new products or services. You might offer your most loyal clients the chance to try new beauty treatments before they're widely available, giving them a sense of importance and privilege.

10. Feedback incentives: Encourage clients to leave reviews or feedback in exchange for rewards, helping improve your services and online reputation. A hair salon loyalty program might offer a discount to clients who provide a detailed review, using their feedback to improve service quality while enhancing their online reputation.

There you have it – a list of salon loyalty program examples you can retool to suit your business and customer base.

How to design an effective salon loyalty program

Ready to truly connect with your clients and meet your business objectives? Here are some expanded steps to help you create a beauty salon loyalty program that resonates:

• Understand your clients: Dive deep into what makes your clients tick. It’s not enough to know their purchase history and go from there. What are their values, needs, and preferences? Conduct surveys, host focus groups, or even just chat them up to learn what they value most. Then you can develop a beauty salon loyalty program that feels personalized and meaningful.

• Set clear goals: Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your loyalty program. Are you looking to boost repeat visits, encourage higher spending per visit, or attract new clients through referrals? Each objective will shape the structure and rewards of your program differently. When you define your goals, you can track the success of the program and fine-tune as you go.

• Keep it simple: A program that is easy to understand will be more manageable for everyone – both clients and staff. To encourage participation, avoid cumbersome rules and complicated reward systems. Clearly communicate the benefits and how clients can earn rewards to make the program more appealing.

• Promote the program: Use every channel you own to promote your salon loyalty program: your website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and in-salon displays. Use eye-catching content that highlights the benefits and value of the program. The more visible and appealing you make it, the more likely clients are to participate.

• Train your staff: Ensure that all team members understand the program thoroughly and can explain the benefits to clients with ease and enthusiasm. Training sessions can help, along with quick-reference materials and short scripts.

• Monitor and adjust: The launch of your program is just the beginning. Regularly track its performance through client feedback, participation rates, and financial metrics. Be open to changing up the program based on your own objectives or client expectations. This flexibility will help keep the program relevant and effective over time.

“Zenoti has been great for our hair salon for many reasons including allowing us to create a loyalty program, making inventory counting much easier, online booking more seamless, and they created an app for our consumers to use as well!”
– Megan Presswood, Owner, Free Spirit Salon

Conclusion

Salon loyalty programs can be a game-changer for your business. The idea is simple: When you reward clients – on top of providing excellent service, of course – they’re more likely to give you repeat business. Loyalty programs are also a way to build a community of happy, returning customers. Start designing your program today and watch your salon thrive.

Explore the Zenoti platform for salon loyalty programs.