By: www.chocolatecity.cc

It is a fact that the financial crisis facing the US is affecting all industries. While the health and beauty industry are fairly recession-proof, they are not completely immune to a major financial crisis. When the economy boat takes a rocky turn for the worse, all industries are impacted.

The question is despite the financial crisis, what are you doing to strategically standout from the dying breeds in the health and beauty industry? Do you have a marketing strategy? What if you could utilize your competitive edge or your ability to market effectively and creatively to bring in the clients and then back that up with the best service and products in the business?

A marketing strategy does not have to be complicated, sophisticated or one which is written by a person with a MBA – Master of Business Administration. You can do it all by yourself.

Let's take a look at some basic marketing strategy that you could implement today :

Word of mouth – is the best form of advertising for the personal care industry business. When a client leaves your business with a new look or feel, he or she is broadcasting your name and quality to the public. Most of your clients will be referrals from existing clients. Could you offer an incentive for a client that refers another?

Local Advertising & Seasonal Promotions – Advertising in a local newspaper or local fliers could cost a low as $30.00 per business card size. Grand opening party kick-off and promotion for first 30 days. Continue regular advertising and plan for seasonal events  such as Christmas, Valentine's Days, Mother's Day, Prom and New Year's.

Local Networking – Charities, your church, women's groups, country clubs, wedding planners, and membership with your local Chamber of Commerce.

Health Care Referrals – prior to opening, work current contacts and create new contacts with health care providers, especially chiropractors. Also, if you run a day Spa, become a Provider with health insurance companies that offer Alternative Care to their members. Most people don't know that massage therapy is usually paid for by your insurance company when billed correctly and when prescribed by a physician.

Hotel Referrals – Connect with hotels within 1 – 2 miles radius of your business. Hotels that do not offer their own salon or spa services will send their guests to your spa or use your out-call spa services. Make contacts with managers and concierges at local hotels to ensure they are aware of the services you provide. Offer promotions to create buzz and build relationships.

Online Presence – A website or an Internet presence is a necessity and a must have for a business. Most people are using the Internet to search for your service as oppose to using the telephone directory. Your website should be able to immediate answer most customer related questions about your services. A newly launched web site, www.HairNations.com has made it much easier for customers to find your business online. The site, www.HairNations.com has an impeccable search category. They list detail information of shops by the following: numbers of stations, BBB status, products use by the business, online appointment or walk-in, credit cards usage and type, parking, services performed by shops, and years in business to list a few. The also interface with Google map to show you actual photo of the business. One does not need a website to add their business to www.HairNations.com, they create a link and forward all inquiry and emails to your email address. www.HairNations.com is offering an introductory stimulus package for only $12.00 a year to be listed in their database. To be featured on their index or main page is only $50.00 per month.

Social Networking – Create a social networking account for your business. Social Networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook are becoming an instant and free way of promoting businesses.

Get To Know Your Customer – Do you know your customers birthdays? Are you sending them a card on their important day? With a Facebook account, you can easily contact your customers on their birthday.

Location traffic – It is imperative to be located in a high-traffic strip area that is high-end, modern, and clean. Locating near a complementary business such as a nail spa, hair salon, massage,nail,  or facial treatments that does not offer your type of service.

Form an Alliances Alliance – You could form an alliance with a complementary business like a nail, hair salon, massage or facial treatments that does not offer your type of service. Remember, make no useless acquittance.

Offer FREE WiFi connection – Most people have and will travel with their laptop these day. Getting an Internet and Cable TV combo connection could be as low as $50.00 per month or less.