COMMERCIAL FEATURE
5 WAYS THRIVE IN 2021
The government has pledged to continue its financial support of barbershops as lockdown gradually eases and businesses work to get back on their feet. But what else can barbershops be doing to ensure they not only survive, but thrive following the pandemic?
FIND OUT ABOUT FINANCIAL HELP ACROSS THE FOUR NATIONS: NHBF.CO.UK/FINANCIAL-SUPPORT
1 FREE AND PAID-FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
“Make the most of social media to promote your business and keep in contact with clients and potential new clients,” says National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) marketing director Lucy Watson-Smith. “Keep accounts updated and include this as part of your regular marketing activities.”
“Decide which social media accounts will work for your business and don’t spread yourself too thin. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are good starting points and don’t forget that YouTube is also great for showcasing and boosting your business.”
Paid-for advertising on social media is worth considering, so if you haven’t tried this before, give it a go. “It can be a cheap and effective way to attract new clients. For example, you can advertise on Facebook for as little as £1 a day,” says Lucy.
Find out how to make social media work for your business: nhbf.co.uk/ social-media and discover more about paid-for ads: nhbf.co.uk/paid-for-ads
2
MAKE THE MOST OF SALON SOFTWARE
From enhancing staff performance to boosting bottom lines, salon software can help your business grow and take control of everyday tasks. Which means you have more time to run your barbershop, says NHBF director Tina Beaumont-Goddard.
She adds: “Salon software can boost your business via e-marketing. For example, automated messaging can include new client welcomes, thank yous for recommending a friend, birthday messages and offers, ‘missing you’ messages and appointment reminders.”
NHBF Members can download an in-depth guide to choosing and using salon software: nhbf.co.uk/salon-software-guide
3 GET RETAIL SAVVY
Many barbershops are missing a trick when it comes to retail sales.
“When you reopen, make retail sales a key part of your business growth,” says Tina. “And you could also consider selling retail products online to create another income stream.”
Find out more: nhbf.co.uk/retail-savvy
4
PROVIDE A GREAT CLIENT EXPERIENCE
It’s likely that health & safety restrictions will remain in place for some time after reopening, says Tina. “But it’s still possible to provide a great client experience despite this. For example, when you reopen, let your clients know what measures you have taken to protect them while they are in your barbershop. And always make first impressions count with a warm welcome, using the client’s name and maintaining good eye contact. Even when wearing a face covering, smiles can be seen in the eyes!”
Find out more about providing a great client experience: nhbf.co.uk/back-tobusiness-client-experience
5 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CASH FLOW
It’s more important than ever to take control of your cash flow to ensure you have more money coming in than going out, says NHBF finance director Kishon Mather. “This may sound obvious, but running out of cash is a major cause of business failure.”
Find out more: nhbf.co.uk/cash-flow
The NHBF offers a range of business support services for barbershops, from legal, employment and financial guidance to expert advice for managing people and boosting your business. Find out more: www.nhbf.co.uk/join