ok, so im renting a room in a local hair salon and my salon opens next thursday! went in yesterday to take everything and im going in again today to sort the whole room out properly. very excited about it all but very nervous at the same time...!! ive only got a few bookings so far but ive got a feeling it'll pick up more when i actually start and people can meet me. im just scared im not going to have enough treatments at first to cover rent! has anyone else been in the same boat recently? what do people find are the best ways of advertising?

thanks in advance

The best thing i ever did was go out on Sundays doing leaflet drops. I got Lyndsey from bimbo design to do some flyers for me which made a huge difference and i had a good response from it

The first few months will be slow but keep positive, keep smiling and give any clients your very best!!!
Word will start to get around - maybe start an 'introduce a friend' or 'loyalty' scheme. Advertise, leaflet drop, tell everyone you meet (carry your business cards with you) - take leaflets to local offices, supermarkets etc for their staff rooms.
When I first started I normally didn't even manage to cover my rent each week but eventually you get there!! And the busier you get, the busier you get - as there are more clients spreading the word!!!
Good luck - stay positive!!!

Claire
Bare Necessities

A few bookings is a good start. Contact all your clients and tell them where you are. Introduce yourself to all the hair salon clients. It takes a while to get going so don't lose heart.
Best of luck x

Why not spend as much time as you can at the hair salon before you open. Offer free hand massage to clients while their colour is developing and tell them about your treatments, the current hair clients are already through the door and that is half the battle imo
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thanks everyone for all the great ideas

Best of luck x

Have you done any advertising yet ?

If not then you need to do as much as possible, local paper, posters, leaflets etc. If people don't know your there then you won't get many bookings.

Have you got any opening offers ?

when i first went self employed in my new salon, i advertised on Facebook, you could also out an add in your local paper, or offer a percentage off for clients who reccomend their friends x

yes, i have done advertising. taken leaflets/price lists to local shops and cafe's etc. got price lists and poster up at the hair salon im renting the room in. im doing a loyalty card where clients will get stamps for treatments and will get the 3rd one half price. im also going to offer hand and arm massages for free whilst clients have there hair done, like someone previously mentioned will do other offers coming up to xmas

thanks again everyone

first day today....eek...start at 3!!
excited, cant wait to get in my salon and start doing treatments!! but i am a bit nervous as i dont have any bookings today yet. hopefully i'll get some while im there and advertising to clients having there hair done