The Millennial: the secret new clients to fill your business today!

Ever wondered how some service entrepreneurs seem to start their holistic, health, wellness or beauty -based businesses with a built-in clientele? Chances are, they are marketing to the Millennial—a profitable client profile and niche market for all practitioners to consider.

Outnumbering Baby Boomers, Millennials are characterized as the children of the exercise crazed 1980’s who were raised in the midst of the health and wellness revolution. These consumers are categorically enthusiastic product junkies, a large portion of who research all new lifestyle trends and consider spa visits, gym memberships, elective procedures and beauty treatments a cultural necessity.

So how do health, wellness and beauty practitioners reach Millennials and reap the benefits of their patronage? By staying technologically current, of course! Read on for valuable hints on how to attract this generation of loyal clients courtesy of current market research:

Social Media

57% of 18 to 24 year olds and 48.5% of 25 to 34 year olds say social media influences their choice of a hair salon or day spa. Check out which innovative spas are tweeting, who is facilitating easy appointment booking systems via social networks, and offering of-the-moment deals to loyal followers… and then ask yourself the question: Why aren’t you?? It’s easy and free to set up a Facebook business page or Twitter account. Offering new customers a nominal amount off a service or membership for ‘liking’ your page, ‘following’ your account, or ‘subscribing’ to your blog is a great way to build an online fan base.

Many small business owners don’t know that the greater social media presence they have, the more they will increase their business website’s Search Engine rankings on Google and with like minded companies. Think about it: on every LinkedIn or Facebook page, there is a field for you to display your personal website. This isn’t just to advertise your site to fans, it is also encoded information that is tracked by Internet analytics. The more back links you have to your website out there on the worldwide web, the greater your Search Engine score, and the higher your website ranking will be when potential customers search your field in Google! Just think how much you can increase your score and your scope by creating free profiles on the net in no time.

Cell Phone Applications

There IS an app for that! According to the International Spa Association, “the Four Seasons’ app allows you to browse spa services and check room availability for your next stay. The Hot Springs and Spa Finder – California app will guide you to roadside soaks, spiritual retreats and commercial spas. Plan a spa vacation from anywhere with Tripology’s app. The Find a Spa app detects your location and displays search results for spas in your proximity…” Take some time and download the industry apps yourself. Follow them, analyze their features, and contact the companies that provide the best services to customers. It’s an easy and free way to model business models that inspire you, and this research method can work for any industry, whether you are an energy worker, personal trainer, yoga instructor, or aesthetician.

Google smart phone and tablet apps that have key words associated with your field, and see what directories or search services pop up. Contact the manager of these apps to seek out information regarding inclusion of your business, or simply snoop the competitors in the area to up your game on offering the best service packages around. Another investment to consider is to create your own app specifically for your business. In our fast paced world, customers are looking for businesses that cater to their crazy schedules. Check our companies like appmakr.com to create your iPhone app for free. When a client can book an appointment with the push of a button, they are more likely to book with you again!

YELP!

It’s not just an expression; it’s a social revolution. Yelp.com and the Yelp app have revolutionized the concept of customer reviews. Contact Yelp and make sure that they have complete and current business info for your practice, including photos and website links. Then, offer your favorite customers an incentive (such as a percentage off their next service package) for writing a review! Yelp works similarly to Google and other search engines: the more reviews you receive (and the more glowing they are), the higher your search optimization (i.e. the closer your company ranks to the top of the page for local viewers!

It’s easy to get started catering to the Millennial client. Make sure that all newsletters (or eblasts) to your current client base include links to all of your social sites, and don’t forget to offer bonuses for checking you out. Also try sending out a “grassroots marketing letter” asking family and friends to forward your links to their own networks with a note asking them all to follow you. Social media is the new word-of-mouth marketing campaign. Just think how many customers are on the net right now looking for a service just like yours!