How to win back clients who have not been in for a while
Every business has clients who used to come regularly and then stopped. They are warmer than a brand-new prospect, because they already know and (usually) like you. A good message is often all it takes.
Decide what counts as lapsed
Use the rhythm of your own services. If most clients come every six to eight weeks, someone who has been gone for four months is lapsed. Pick a threshold that fits your business, and check the list on a regular schedule.
Start with your best clients
Sort the lapsed list so that your most valuable and most regular clients come first. Those are the people you most want back, and a personal note to them is worth the effort.
Write like a person
- Use their name and mention what they usually came in for.
- Say you noticed it has been a while, and that you would love to see them.
- Do not guilt them or make it about the business. A friendly check-in works better than a pitch.
- Make it easy to book with a direct link or a simple reply.
Offer a reason only if it fits
A discount is not always necessary and can teach clients to wait for deals. Sometimes a reason is enough on its own, such as an open slot with their usual stylist or a new service they might like. If you do offer something, keep it small and specific.
Know when to stop
Send one message, perhaps one follow-up, and then leave it. Clients who do not respond are not worth chasing repeatedly, and they may come back on their own later.
Where automation fits
Finding lapsed clients and drafting a personal message is the kind of recurring job that gets skipped on a busy week. Ascension builds this from your booking data and, by default, shows you each message for approval first.
Want to see where this fits in your business? The audit is free and takes one conversation.