It’s no secret that acquiring new clients costs far more than retaining existing ones…and with that, it’s time to share some important insight on the social platform that’s redefining traditional loyalty programs within salons.  Meet foursquare, the location-based application that’s taking the mobile world by storm.

As long as salons have been around, loyalty has been the key to keeping customers and this social platform helps you do just that. In the social space, many of your clients view your salon in this regard: if you’re not on social networks like I am, perhaps I’m not your target consumer. As a business, this is an old adage: be everywhere your consumers are.

With over 15 million users and over 10,000 percent growth in the last two years, it’s safe to say this location-based application is one that’s here to stay. In fact, it’s one of my favorite platforms for salons to utilize as an inexpensive way to reward loyal clients, incentives new ones and gain viral reach!

Everyday people use Foursquare to ‘check in’, receive incentives and share where they are with their social media followers. Whether dining at a new restaurant, meeting up with friends or getting a new cut and color at a local salon, they are chronicling and sharing their daily adventures. Perhaps you’ve noticed these ‘check ins’ appear within your Facebook feed and wondered what it was all about? Well now, as a salon you can be part of that experience.

And perhaps, one of the best things about Foursquare is it’s a completely free service! In the past, loyalty programs may have been more of a time or dollar investment, but not with this platform.

So, how does it work?

From a consumer’s perspective, you simply download the foursquare application on your mobile device and you’re ready to start discovering deals and promotions nearby. The app is based on GPS within your device and allows you to see businesses around you that are offering incentives for doing business with them. Consumers can also post tips and/or photos at the location for other foursquare users to view. Think of it as real-time, mobile couponing and reviews for your salon!

From a salon perspective, owners can go to www.foursquare.com and search for their salon name to begin the process of ‘claiming’ their location. Claiming your location allows you to set up deals and promotions as well as monitor check-ins and gain detailed analytics from the application. Once you have claimed your location, it’s time to begin thinking about the check in offers you’d like to present to new and existing clients. Perhaps it’s a free conditioning treatment with your service…a percentage off retail products…or an offer for booking your next appointment on the spot! There are so many opportunities to test offers and see what your audience responds to! For more on foursquare and how your salon can maximize this free social platform, be sure to check out next week’s blog. I’ll be offering specific ideas and examples from salons that are successfully utilizing foursquare to drive their business.

 As always, feel free to contact me with any questions at: kehlers@evokebrands.com and, be sure to check out our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/EvokeBrandStrategies.com.

As always, feel free to contact me at: kehlers@evokebrands.com with any questions or comments.

About www.StyleSync.me:

Style Sync is an on-line social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed specifically for salon owners and stylists to help them magnify their image and multiply their results.

Style Sync, a division of Evoke Brand Strategies, is an on-line, subscription based social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed to help individual stylists and salon owners turn social media prowess into more clients and more money for your salon.

About www.EvokeBrands.com:

At Evoke Brand Strategies we develop digital, social and mobile strategies for salon professional, beauty, hospitality and entertainment brands. As branding and public relations veterans, yet early adopters of all things digital, we understand the importance of creating measurable, buzz-worthy campaigns that generate bottom-line results.