As a Freelancer, you are your business. With 2025 approaching this could feel daunting but we've put together some quick tips on how you can build momentum and continue to grow after the rush of Christmas is over
New Year, New Business - Freelancers
Run a “New Year, New Hair” Campaign
- Promote services that align with fresh starts, like haircuts, colour changes, or offer new treatments for damage repair etc
- Offer special January deals to encourage clients to book early, such as a free treatment or small discount for their first appointment of the year
Set Up a Loyalty Program
- Reward repeat clients with points or discounts for referrals, pre-booking appointments, or regular visits.
- Introduce a tiered system where the more clients spend, the better their perks (e.g., free conditioning treatment after 5 visits).
Introduce New Services or Products
- Use the New Year to launch something fresh, like keratin treatments, scalp detoxes, or hair extensions. This will also help expand your skills.
- Start selling retail products, such as styling tools or haircare bundles, to boost income between appointments.
Create a Content Calendar
- Plan out engaging content for social media:
- Before-and-after transformations.
- Tutorials for everyday styles or winter haircare tips.
- Stories featuring satisfied clients or your behind-the-scenes process.
- Use reels or TikToks to show off your skills—this can attract more clients.
Focus on Goal-Setting
- Set clear, measurable business goals for the year, such as increasing monthly income, expanding your client base, or improving your skills.
- Break these into actionable steps, like attending workshops, posting consistently on social media, or reaching out to 5 new potential clients per week.
Build an Email List
- Start or grow your email list by encouraging clients to sign up for exclusive deals, hair tips, or appointment reminders.
- Send out a “New Year Newsletter” with promotions, a recap of 2024 highlights, and a sneak peek of your 2025 plans.
Upskill and Stay on Trend
- Enroll in training or masterclasses to learn trending techniques (e.g., curtain bangs, vivid colours, or the latest cutting methods).
- Attend hairdressing expos or join online forums to stay ahead of the game.
- Keep up to date on social media trends
Improve Client Experience
- Offer small perks, like complimentary drinks or scalp massages, to make every visit memorable.
- Send personalised follow-up messages to thank clients for their visit and suggest a maintenance schedule.
Tap into “New Year” Mindsets
- Highlight services that align with common resolutions, such as hair repair treatments after holiday damage or scalp health services for regrowth goals.
- Use messaging that connects to self-care themes: “Invest in yourself this year—your dream hair starts here.”
Encourage Pre-Booking
- Offer a discount or bonus service (e.g., a free deep-conditioning treatment) for clients who book multiple appointments upfront for the year.
Audit and Refresh Your Branding
- Update your website, social media, or price lists to reflect a fresh and polished look.
- Create or refresh your portfolio to showcase your best work and attract new clients.
Ask for Reviews and Referrals
- Encourage satisfied clients to leave online reviews on platforms like Google or social media.
- Offer a small incentive, like a discount on their next visit, for every referral they bring you.
Financial Planning
- Analyse the past year’s earnings and set a budget for expenses like tools, advertising, or training.
- Consider investing in software for appointment scheduling and client management to streamline operations.
Offer Seasonal Haircare Advice
- Share tips on protecting hair from winter dryness or maintaining color during the colder months. This positions you as an expert and keeps you top of mind.
