Top 5 Ways To Deal With Client Ghosting in your Beauty Business
So you’re being ghosted? A client seemed super keen to take on your beauty services and then suddenly… *poof* they disappear!!
This is actually more common than you may think, it can be extremely frustrating and it will very likely make you wonder what you did wrong. But let's not lose hope and you may want to take comfort in the fact that it's not just you that has encountered this.
Here are some tips and insights in how to deal with these situations:
1. Don’t take it personally:
Remember your potential client has a family, a full time job. She may be a bride-to-be and is busy organising her wedding. In short, they are busy - with a major project that has become a priority. Knowing this, try to put yourself in her shoes and try to think about things from her perspective. This will help you better understand their situation and empathise with them.
2. Send a follow-up:
I feel like so many people don't do this. As I mentioned above, people have super busy lives and they may have just forgotten where they need an extra prod from you. So don't be afraid to send him a recap of any discussions that you had beforehand, you'll be surprised at the amount of people who actually really valued that you thought of them and reminded them. I will often follow up with clients by asking them how they doing and how their preparations are going for their wedding, and just simply ask them if there's anything I can help with. It pays to be kind - it is nice for your potential customers to feel as if they are supported by you, and just a simple question to ask how they're doing will make you more memorable.
3. Respond quickly in the first place:
As the saying goes, “strike while the iron is hot”. Taking too long to respond to potential customer enquiries may give them the idea that you don't care and that they are not a priority. Recently, someone booked a make up lesson with me and I asked her why she chose me despite the many makeup artists offering the same and with lower prices. She said that she liked my make up work, but also commented that I responded quickly. You want to ensure that you’re able to give them an easy and pain free booking process as well.
4. Give your prospective clients a timeline:
Deadlines create a sense of urgency. Let the client know that there is a possibility that you may fill your schedule considering the season, be careful not to come across as pushy or arrogant, you’re just gently reminding them that its better to make a decision sooner rather than later.
5. Try a different method of communication:
If your follow up didn’t work, it might be that they are not checking their emails regularly so try a different form of contact. Millennials prefer direct messages and text messages more. So, try to get in touch with them there. Tell them that you are willing to help and that you are happy to be a part of their journey.
Client ghosting is not an unusual occurrence in the beauty industry. Many are simply price shopping and sending enquiries so that they can make comparisons against other professionals, don’t get disheartened! I hope these tips will help you to have the courage and confidence to dig a little deeper with your prospective clients when this next happens!
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