Your most loyal customers can also become your fiercest growth asset with a salon or spa referral program. This guide covers the rewards and terms to set first, then how to record each referral in Mangomint so the right client gets credit.
What is a salon referral program?
A salon referral program rewards existing clients for bringing new business to your salon or spa. Referral programs can suit salons and spas because they:
Reach people in your area through clients who already know your work.
Introduce your business through a recommendation from someone the new client knows.
Cost you a reward only when a referral brings in new business.
Follow rules you set, including who qualifies and what each referral earns.
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A step-by-step guide to creating a salon referral program
1: Choose your referral rewards
What is a referral worth to your business? Decide that first, then choose how to reward clients who bring in someone new. For example, a salon might offer a free $10 gift card or a small offer on their next service for every new referral.
You can also reward both sides. A double-sided reward thanks the referrer and gives the new client a reason to book. Here’s how to deliver rewards in Mangomint:
Referral programs require a few considerations beyond just the rewards. Some details include:
Who qualifies for the referral program? Will it be limited to clients in your membership program?
How long will it take to deliver rewards?
Will your salon or spa have a limit on how much clients can earn through the referral program?
Do referred clients need to meet a minimum to qualify for rewards?
Be as clear as possible in writing out the terms and conditions to protect your business. Try to anticipate loopholes and open questions so your program starts without trouble. Once you gather these thoughts, make them available to customers both in-store and online.
3: Add the referral field to your intake form
How will customers let you know they have a referral? If you use an integrated intake form, add a question that asks how the client heard about you and who referred them. Our salon and spa intake form examples include a referral question you can adapt.
Collect the details you need with customizable forms
Create and send custom waivers, contracts, or consent forms and autosave them to client profiles.
Clients who book online can complete forms from the booking confirmation screen, and each submitted form saves to the client’s profile. The referral answer won’t fill in the “Referred by” field on its own, so have staff add the referrer’s name there. Once it’s saved, you can confirm the referral and deliver the reward at the appointment.
4: Train your staff on referrals
Your staff will play a key role in keeping your referral program moving. You can offer staff a script for customers who book over the phone or in person. For example: “Before we finalize your appointment, can you tell me more about how you found [Your Salon Name]?”
Staff can start asking now, before your program begins. You should also make sure your staff knows how to follow up with referrals gathered in your online booking platform.
5: Set up a management plan
How frequently do you check in on referrals and distribute rewards? Some might manage this program at every appointment. Others might choose to check in weekly or monthly to ensure this program gets the dedicated attention it deserves.
Having a management plan prepared can help keep referrals from slipping through the cracks. Walk through these steps in your salon or spa software before the referrals start coming in.
6: Market your new program
Next, start spreading the word about your new referral program. Post the details on your website and in your salon, then use Mangomint Campaigns to share them with clients by email or text. However, word of mouth will still be your most important tool here.
Be sure to share the details of your program with every client who walks through your doors.
What to spend on email and text marketing
A cost breakdown, ROI benchmarks, and budget allocation guide for salon owners who want their marketing spend to work.
You can motivate your team to bring in new customers by creating a referral program that extends to staff. Even if it is just a small bonus for every new customer they bring in, this can help keep your team motivated and engaged.
8: Start growing your business with referrals
Now, you are ready to get started! Tailoring the program to your business and clients might take some trial and error. Once referrals start coming in, compare them with the rewards you’ve delivered and adjust your terms where needed.
How to track referrals in Mangomint
Mangomint tracks the text you save in each client’s “Referred by” field, which sits with the other client details on their profile. Decide on your labels before the first referral comes in, since consistent labels keep referrals easy to find.
Add referral details to a client profile
Click your new client’s name in the Clients app.
Click the edit button (shaped like a pencil) near their name and image.
Under “Additional Details,” find the “Referred by” field.
Add a referral type, such as “Client” or “Social Media.” Use the same labels every time (future you will be grateful).
Add the specific source, such as the referring client’s name or the social media channel. For example, “Client - [existing client’s name here]” or “Social media - Instagram.”
Click “Save” before exiting the client profile.
Track your referrals by type or client name
Among hair salons using Mangomint, 22% of bookings were a client’s first-ever visit to that business on average. Saving a referral source on each new client’s profile shows how many of your own first visits came from referrals.
To filter your client list:
In the Clients app, click “Options” in the upper right-hand corner.
Scroll down until you see the “Referred by” section.
Enter the referral metric you would like to track.
Click “Apply.”
Now, you can view all of the relevant referral information related to that client or type. Don’t forget to remove these filters once you are done tracking your referrals.
The “Referred by” filter also works in Campaigns. You can use it to message clients referred by a specific source, such as everyone who found you on Instagram.
Other salon referral ideas
While a direct program is the most straightforward way to earn referrals, there are additional options salons and spas can take advantage of.
Word of mouth and review referrals
Not ready to incentivize referrals yet? Ask satisfied clients to leave a review or spread the word about your business. While it might not return as many results, you will often find your most satisfied clients happy to help your business thrive.
Reviews on Yelp or your Google Business Profile give potential clients first-hand accounts of a visit, which can help them choose your salon or spa. Our guide to earning salon reviews has more on asking for them.
Gift card sales and promotions
When clients give gift cards to friends and family, it essentially gives a new customer a “free” trial to your business. That introduction costs you nothing extra in offers or rewards.
However, if you want to boost your sales, you can easily do so with gift card promotions. Mangomint lets you sell and promote salon and spa gift cards from the same place you manage bookings.
Partner with other local businesses
Take advantage of every opportunity to get your name out to potential customers in your area. Many coffee shops and community hubs will let local businesses display small signs or contact cards.
Sponsorship opportunities
Consider sponsoring a local sports team or a community fundraiser. Much like an in-house referral program, this support can encourage people in your community to book with your salon or spa.
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Introduce your salon referral program with Mangomint
Mangomint keeps referral details on each client’s profile, so you can filter clients by referral source and reward the person who sent them. Rewards can go out as account credit or gift cards.
These features work in sync with online booking and intake forms, so referral details can come in as clients book. If you haven’t explored the Mangomint salon and spa software yet, book a live demo or start a free trial today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What rewards should I offer in a salon referral program?
Start with what a referral is worth to your business. A $10 gift card or a small offer on the next service is a simple starting point. You can also reward both the referrer and the new client.
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How do I track referrals in Mangomint?
Add the referral type and source to the “Referred by” field on each new client’s profile. To find them later, filter the client list by “Referred by” from the Options menu in the Clients app.
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What’s the difference between a referral program and a loyalty program?
A referral program rewards clients for bringing in new clients. A loyalty program rewards clients for their own repeat visits or spending.
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When should I give the referral reward?
Give it once the referral meets your written terms, such as after the referred client’s first completed appointment. Stating that timing in your terms tells clients when to expect their reward.
Emily Holzer is a Content Marketing Manager at Mangomint. She has a master’s degree in English and a passion for helping salons, spas, and other local beauty businesses thrive. When she is not writing, you can find her playing chess or tending to her houseplants. Fun fact: Emily has donated 8 ponytails (so far) across 5 hair loss charities in the U.S.
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