If you noticed a drop in customers or an increase in appointment cancellations during the coronavirus outbreak, you are not alone. Salons, spas, and medspas depend on customers frequenting their brick-and-mortar businesses. Avoidance of public places and quarantine measures may continue impacting your business for weeks to come.

If we work together as a community, this hardship will pass. In this spirit, here are smart strategies the salon, spa, and medspa community may employ to navigate through the coronavirus outbreak.

Communicate with your customers about the coronavirus outbreak.

Let your customers know how your salon, spa, or medspa is working to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Whether it’s disinfecting protocols or sick employee policies, share how your business works to keep customers safe. Consider addressing this issue in terms of your longstanding daily protocols – demonstrating your past and present commitment to high hygiene standards – and the increased measures your business is taking as a result of the coronavirus.

Sharing information on your high hygiene standards may help reassure customers even after the outbreak declines as the coronavirus – and cleanliness standards – stays top-of-mind among consumers.

Offer creative online package deals or discounted gift certificates.

As a salon, spa, or medspa business, you are in a unique position of offering customers something relaxing to look forward to amid a stressful time. Use your social media presence, email, or website to let your customers know that your business would like to offer de-stress opportunities following the end of government quarantine and social distancing measures.

Sensitive – but smart – strategies may encourage customers to buy future services and help you maintain sales despite potential declines.

Maintain an active social media presence.

As federal and state authorities implement more quarantine measures and meeting-size restrictions, people will likely increase their social media presence. Spa and medspa practitioners have a lot to offer the public on methods to cope with stress.

Consider offering tips on relaxation techniques, noting that decreasing anxiety is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing. Help spread positivity to your community with inspiring messages. Frequent and positive social media posting encourages others and helps establish your business as a thought leader in your community, nurturing trust for existing and potential customers.

Read more about Tips to Boost Your Salon or Spas Social Media Presence

Prepare for the future.

Your salon, spa, or medspa depends on suppliers and third-party partners. Your suppliers and partners rely on you. Make sure you have regular, open conversations with all your business’ interested parties. Discuss strategies for implementing safeguards and a plan for getting your business up and running as usual in the future.

To learn more, read our blog on 8 Ways to Support Your Service Providers to Maximize Their Success.

Take advantage of federal and state relief programs.

Small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to coronavirus disruptions may be eligible for assistance from the Small Business Association (SBA). You can find more information concerning disaster assistance loans here. Businesses located in Washington State may seek assistance in the form of no-interest loans. Learn more here. The New York City Department of Small Business Services also developed a coronavirus assistance program, more information here.

State and local government assistance plans vary. Your governor’s office website and state Chamber of Commerce website should provide updates on new programs and assistance measures.

As you weather the storm of COVID-19, we hope these strategies encouraged you to stay flexible and prepared. We here at Zenoti wish you well, stay healthy and safe!

Looking for more salon, spa, and medspa tips and strategies for COVID-19? Follow Zenoti on Instagram!