Losing clients after having a baby

[starship92]

Hi everyone. Im just looking for some advice or wondering if anyone has been in this position.

Im a self employed hairdresser and had my baby in august. I was back to work in november because i was scared of losing clients if i was off for any longer.

As the months have gone on ive realised a lot of my regular clients have not come back to me.

Most of them I've known for 7 or 8 years and saw them on a very regular basis and (thought) i had a great relationship with them.

Im devastated. I'm taking it so personally as my business means so much to me, as do my clients.

I know that they would have the right to go anywhere but i just feel so let down. These are the clients who have always told me they love my work so much and would never go anywhere else.

Not sure what I'm looking for here really, I'm just very upset about it.

Hi @starship92 unfortunately your clients may love you, but they had no choice but to go somewhere else when you were on maternity leave - not a criticism by the way just a statement- and possibly assumed you wouldn't be back for a lot longer.

Do you post on social media or have clients numbers ? You could offer a one time discount to get people back. Often it's a habit thing, and people will have got used to going elsewhere.Get them back once and they will likely come again, particularly if you get them to book in their next appointment before they leave .

Do they know you’re back?

Some may have been relieved to have had a reason to make a change.i know I have felt a bit locked in to one hairdresser in the past.

I’d be assuming you’re still off tbh

Do you post on social media or have clients numbers ? You could offer a one time discount to get people back. Often it's a habit thing, and people will have got used to going elsewhere.Get them back once and they will likely come again, particularly if you get them to book in their next appointment before they leave.

I would do this

As a valued customer I would like to offer you £% off, and £% if a friend books and has a treatment

Thank you for your replies.

I had told everyone in advance that i would be back then and also post on social media regularly. The clients not on social media were all contacted too.

I am assuming it's a combination of a habit thing or as someone suggested clients have just needed a change.

Has left me really reconsidering my career in all honesty

I am absolutely going to take this on board. I wasnt sure how to go about this without sounding desperate 😊

I think a lot of people struggle “breaking up “ with a stylist so are sticking with the person that they hired after you.

I think that a discount for old customers and social media posts while you are on maternity are really good ideas.

@starship92 you can easily offer a discount without sounding desperate.
Something like " As a special welcome back or welcome to all new or returning customers, I'm offering a 15% discount ( or whatever it is) for all appointments in June. ( small print one appointment per client only). "

What about starting tiktok and insta account? Interesting posts and videos about your job create content get your name out there

Returning to work after maternity can be tricky confidence-wise, imagine even more so if business can vary. Hope things pick up for you!

Thanks so much for all your replies. I will try all of the above!