How events can help you build your salon brand…

Events have always been a popular way to market a business, product or service and there is no better way to encourage a build-up than with the affordable channels of social media and text/ email marketing. In fact, many businesses now base their entire functionality and presence on social media and an online nature.  We do get it! Why spend money on hiring out a venue when you could send out an SMS marketing campaign for 10% of the cost?

As a salon software company we push the use of social media and SMS marketing because it really is a great way to engage with current and prospective clients and grow your business.  However, nothing quite beats a firm handshake and chit chat with someone who you may or currently do business with.  Salon Tracker are making their debut at Professional Beauty North in September 2015, here’s why we’re taking part in the event and why you should attend too, or even look at holding your own mini event to boost your brand awareness!

A successful event has the ability to create a great reputation for your business, if it is done right!  It’s a great way to give your customers a good personable experience and set a foundation of trust for any future business opportunities, but unfortunately it doesn’t happen overnight- even if you do fancy yourself as a bit of a socialite.  If you’re attending Professional Beauty with us or holding your own event, a strategic marketing plan is absolutely essential.

You will literally need to plan everything from the theme, invites, venue and guest list to delegation tasks and idealistic outcomes from the event.  After the initial planning you need to look at the promotion of the event.  What exactly sets it apart from your competitors?  Is it expert advice, retail opportunities, demonstrations or amazing little-big touches, like goodie bags, or try it now treatments or products?  This is where the fun part comes in- marketing and promotions!  There are loads of ways to promote an event in a cost effective manner.  Some popular methods you can choose from range from SMS marketing, Facebook Ads and social media to invitations, emails, letters, raffles and reception desk print.  All of the above should not only be heavily implemented but also enthusiastically engaged upon.  Generosity holds huge importance at launch or exhibition events because nothing quite beats making a decision with your senses.  It’s fine to explain the benefits of treatments, products or services but if you can SHOW the outcome, you will create a more transparent view of your business, so let potential clients look, taste, touch, feel and smell your product to make a consecutive decision. Add value to your products too by throwing in a little freebie, which is better than discounting your product, since you still maintain a highly qualified customer.

Make sure you measure if you get out what you put in.  In other words, your return on investment.  When it comes to the event, if your business plan and team is well prepared then you should have success.  Targeted professional advice is much more appreciated than being in sales mode.  That’s why events have a huge connotation with the word “networking” because they are all about getting to know each other’s products!

If you’re thinking of visiting Professional Beauty on Sunday and Monday 20th and 21st of September, we would love to meet you so come visit us on Stand B35! 

Salon Tracker x