Seasonal promotions are a game-changer when it comes to growing your makeup business. Whether you’re a freelance makeup artist or running a full-service beauty business, using the calendar to your advantage can help you attract more clients and boost your income. Here’s how to make the most of those special times of the year to stand out and get noticed.
- Know the Key Seasonal Opportunities
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of promotion details, it’s important to identify the best times of year to run your seasonal specials. Here are some key opportunities to focus on:
Holidays: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s are perfect for offering festive makeup packages. You can also jump on the bandwagon for “Galentine’s Day” and “Mothers Day” for special deals.
Summer and Spring: Think about light, natural looks or glowing skin packages that fit perfectly for weddings, outdoor events, and vacation-ready glam.
Bridal and Wedding Seasons: These are obvious, but don’t just limit yourself to the high-demand wedding months. Offer early-bird bridal discounts or special “bride squad” packages to attract wedding parties all year round.
Back-to-School/Work: Back-to-school season doesn’t just apply to students. Offer back-to-work refreshers or special rates for anyone in need of a “new year, new look.”
- Create Irresistible Seasonal Packages
It’s not enough to throw out a random discount and hope for the best. When crafting seasonal promotions, make them as irresistible as possible by offering packages that speak to the needs of your clients.
Bundle Your Services
A great way to attract clients and maximize earnings is by bundling services. This encourages clients to book more than one service at a discounted rate.
For example:
“Holiday Glam Package”: Includes a full glam makeup session with a mini facial or brow shaping to make sure your clients look and feel their best for those holiday parties.
“Summer Glow”: Package a glowing makeup look with a quick spray tan for a complete, sun-kissed finish.
“Bridal Beauty Bundle”: Offer brides-to-be a discount when they book makeup for the big day, plus a trial run.
Special Seasonal Products
Don’t forget the power of products! You can create promotional deals that include makeup products for the season, such as limited-edition lip glosses, setting sprays, or even skincare products that tie into your service offerings.
For example, Valentine’s Day could feature heart-shaped eyeshadow palettes, while Christmas might showcase sparkly highlighters.
- Use Social Media to Spread the Word
We all know that social media is a must in the beauty business. But during seasonal promotions, it’s crucial to ramp up your efforts to get your deals noticed.
Post Before-and-After Photos: Share your stunning work, especially when you’ve created a seasonal look. A “before and after” will get people’s attention—especially if you’re showing off festive makeup transformations.
Use Seasonal Hashtags: Hashtags like #HolidayGlow or #ValentinesBeauty are great ways to reach clients searching for seasonal beauty inspo. Don’t forget to create your own branded hashtag and encourage your clients to use it when they post about their experiences.
Run Countdown Posts: Build anticipation with countdowns for your promotions. Let followers know how long they have to grab your discounted seasonal packages. A little FOMO never hurt anyone!
- Email Campaigns and Promotions
Email campaigns are a fantastic way to target your existing clients. Send out emails with exclusive seasonal offers, and make your loyal customers feel special by providing early access to promotions.
Use eye-catching subject lines like “Glam Up for the Holidays with Our Festive Special!” or “Bring in the New Year with a Fresh Look!”
Personalize your emails by mentioning any previous services they’ve booked. For example, “We’d love to do a wedding trial run with you for your upcoming special day!”
Offer VIP discounts or bonuses for clients who book through the email campaign.
- Offer Limited-Time Deals to Create Urgency
Let’s be honest: people love a good deal, but they also love the thrill of a limited-time offer! Creating urgency with your seasonal promotions will drive more bookings and higher client engagement.
Set specific start and end dates for your packages, such as “Book by [Date] to lock in 10% off your Valentine’s Day makeup.”
Use countdown timers on your social media or website to visually remind potential clients that the clock is ticking.
Highlight deals that are available only during a specific window, such as “Book your winter skincare makeup session by the end of December for a special holiday glow gift.”
- Collaborate with Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses is a great way to cross-promote seasonal offerings and expand your reach.
Holiday collaborations: Team up with a local salon to offer discounted makeup with a manicure or a spa day package.
Wedding season collaborations: Partner with photographers, hair stylists, or even florists to offer bundled packages for brides.
Influencer partnerships: Work with local influencers to showcase your seasonal makeup services in exchange for shout-outs or reviews.
- Incorporate Client Referrals
Referral programs are a simple and effective way to leverage your loyal client base. Offer them a discount or free service for every new client they refer during your seasonal promotions.
For example:
“Refer a friend this Valentine’s Day and get 10% off your next session.”
Create a “bring-a-friend” event where existing clients get a discount if they bring someone new to try out your seasonal services.
- Track Performance and Improve
The beauty of seasonal promotions is that they can be repeated year after year. After each campaign, make sure you track your results—how many bookings you received, the revenue generated, and any client feedback you might have received. This will help you refine your promotions in the future and make adjustments for next season.
Seasonal promotions are not just about offering discounts—they’re about creating meaningful, fun, and attractive packages that your clients will love. By targeting the right times of year, crafting irresistible deals, and marketing them effectively, you can turn seasonal promotions into a powerful business-boosting tool. With a little creativity and planning, you’ll keep your makeup business thriving all year round!
