Salons and Spas can make sales soar this Valentine's Day just with some simple planning. The moment a customer enters your Salon/Spa or Web site you should smother them with love. Immediately reinforce that they've come to the right place to find the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Here are some affordable marketing strategies Salons and Spas can use on and offline to hook Valentine's Day shoppers.

Use The Language of Love
There are a variety of audiences shopping during Valentine's Day. Talk how your customers talk. For example, if your products and services appeal to teens, then you may want to consider using the word "like" instead of "love."

Under $20
It's imperative you offer mini services or products for less than $20. This is the cut-off for impulse shoppers. Anything more than this and your customer may have to think about it. February 14 will be here before you know and there's not enough time for customers to ponder, make your customer's decision easy and price it right the first time. What's more, most shoppers are not afraid to spend $20, especially online.

Customized Note Cards
Offer all customers the ability to include a personal note with their gift. Whether you're doing business online or in-person, always make available attractive note cards customers can personalize. Take it a step further and stock at least 10 prewritten love [and like] messages for customers who lack the ability to express themselves. They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Gift Wrapping
Receiving a wrapped gift makes the recipient feel more cherished. She'll think warm thoughts such as, "Oh – he took the extra time to wrap it. That's why I love him." Ultimately, she'll love the gift and this will increase your chances of your customer returning to your store or Web site to purchase her birthday, anniversary, "I'm Sorry" and holiday presents!

Create a Mood
It's Valentine's Day. Remember to build-in a mood of romance throughout your customers' shopping experience. Try hanging red streamers over your product case, displaying complimentary chocolates at the counter alongside your Valentine's Day special offer POP, or a simple Web site page boarder with connected hearts. For lucky business owners with roadside signs, try using red light bulbs and wrapping the sign with an enormous heart or cupid. Passersby will get the hint that you have some great Valentine's Day gifts inside.

Provide Variety
It's important to position at least one of your existing products and services as a great Valentine's Day present. For example, rather than just advertise your salon/spa as a place to take your lover for Valentine's Day, instead, sell a premium-priced packaged.

There are very few businesses that could not capitalize on Valentine's Day to jazz up their marketing. It's fun and profitable! Give it a try.

With almost 10 years experience in new business start-ups and transformations, Ana Loiselle-Donahue is a specialist in finding new sources of revenue and growth for companies of all sizes. She founded theSECRET in 2004 to help businesses flourish through creative —and powerful —new solutions; including brand development, strategic financial planning and employee training. Mrs. Loiselle-Donahue can be reached at 866/288-7353 or at www.thesecretconsultant.com. Check out herblog!

1 Response...

1. Janet Sanders says:

   January 14, 2008 at 8:13 am

   I think the sign idea is right on track! I see many spas ignore their outside sign and front window and that is the first "pull" you have to get your customers to walk in the door.

   I made some new signs last year that say "Couples Massage Valentine's Special" with a hot pint background and black writing. It really stands out from the road and many people call (because my phone is on the sign too) and say "what's the special?" — now it's our job to reel them in with our friendly happy phone ways and excitement and letting them know we have availability because we have set up two spa rooms to handle the Valentines rush of couples massages!

   I am also planning to cover my sign in pink light this year. Easy to get floods from Home Depot.

   Totally transform your outside sign! It's fun and people notice you again!

   Janet @ Cleopatra's Day Spa Colorado