Feeling the lull in your lash business? No worries! Every lash artist encounters slow periods now and then, but I’ve got a surefire tactic to boost your appointments and get your lash bed buzzing again. Let’s dive into my top strategies to ensure a thriving lash biz even during slow times.

The Power Move: Personalized Reconnect

When the appointments start dwindling, it’s time to reconnect with your fabulous clients. It’s so much easier to get previous clients (who know and love you) back in the door, than it is to find brand new clients. So dust off that client list and give it some love. Identify those who have been MIA, and send them a personalized text message. This message must acknowledge them by name, and have a very personal touch to it to really make your client feel special and missed. Here’s my favorite text to send:

“Hi [Client’s Name], it’s been a while since I last saw you at my studio, it’s been such a busy summer! I would love to have you in again to get your lashes looking gorgeous! I’m offering a returning client special of [Insert discount] and I have a few openings in the next couple of weeks if you would like to get in and get your lashes full and fluffy again. I hope you are doing well, and let me know if you’d like to get in so I can get your lashes back on track and looking great! Take Care, [Your Name]”

The key is to create a sense of urgency by letting them know you have a “few openings in the next couple weeks”, giving them that extra nudge to return and indulge in some lash luxury. You can even sweeten the deal with a tempting returning client special discount. You have to have pricing high enough to justify a discount, which you can read about how to raise your prices here.

You may feel nervous about this, but in my experience there are a lot of clients who actually have been thinking to get lashes again, but get busy and keep forgetting to make that appointment. So this can be a great way to help get them back in and loving their lashes again.

Also don’t forget, you may even find a client who was in 2-3 weeks ago and hasn’t scheduled her touch up, so dig deep into that list and connect with everyone who isn’t on your books.

Next Moves to Elevate Your Lash Business

Now that your client reconnection plan is in full swing, let’s keep the momentum going! Here’s a quick list of other fantastic activities to propel your lash business to new heights:

• Picture-Perfect Practice: Invite a model for a special lash set to capture stunning photos and videos. Visual content is a powerful marketing tool that will wow potential clients and showcase your expertise. And it’s nice to have a service you are doing solely for the enjoyment, and capturing content, without the pressure of the time constraints and expectations of your regular clients. Have a planned shot list of photos/videos you want to capture to maximize your time.

• Connect with content: Showcase your stunning lash work through eye-catching social media posts. Share before-and-after shots, client testimonials, and exciting behind-the-scenes peeks. Engage with your followers to build a loyal community and attract new clients. Batch create content during slow times to have posts at the ready and help you stay consistent each month.

• Nurture with Informative Emails: Craft 3-6 engaging emails that offer valuable education and tips to your clients about lash care, maintenance, and lash-related fun facts. Share “did you know?” information about lash health, styling trends, or interesting lash facts that will pique their curiosity. Keep things simple and informative without worrying about sounding like it’s basic information. Remember, generally client’s don’t speak and understand lashes the way we do, even long term clients. Spacing these emails out at 1 per month is a great start.

Remember, educating your clients not only showcases your expertise but also builds trust and loyalty, making them more likely to return to your lash haven when they’re ready to flutter those lashes again.

• Deep Clean for Sparkling Vibes: Give your lash space a thorough deep clean to impress your clients with a fresh and inviting space. A tidy and stylish studio sets the stage for a relaxing lash experience. Take a critical look at your space and see what you can do to make it more professional and a reflection of the amazing service you provide.

• Create Systems for Seamless Service: Elevate your efficiency and provide a consistent experience for every client by implementing smart systems. Establish smooth processes for booking appointments, handling cancelations, and streamlining follow-ups. Create templates of texts you can send to your clients as needed, such as last minute cancelation replies, and other queries you encounter.  These systems not only improve client satisfaction but also free up valuable time, allowing you to focus on giving your clients amazing service.

• Knowledge is Power: Read a book on business development to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills. Gaining new insights can provide fresh ideas to elevate your brand and services.

• Master Your Schedule: Plan your schedule and promotions for the next 3 months. Map out seasonal offers, festive deals, and exciting events to keep clients excited and coming back for more. Maybe even block out a mini vacation that is likely well deserved.

• Hone Those Skills: Never stop learning! Attend workshops, online courses, or lash conferences to refine your craft and stay on top of industry trends. Even better, take a course in a new service you can offer as an add on for your existing clients, like our Elleebana Brow Lamination Course. If you don’t offer brows, it’s something many of your clients would love to get with you as their trusted artist.

The Takeaway

When the slow times hit, don’t fret! Embrace the opportunity to reconnect with clients, execute our personalized text tactic, and set your lash business on an upward trajectory. Combine this strategy with our list of action items, and your lash business can thrive throughout 2023 and beyond. Let’s make the rest of this year your most fabulous one yet! Remember, the beauty of a lash business lies not only in the lashes themselves but in the relationships you build and the passion you bring to every appointment. Happy lashing!