Studies show that it costs up to seven times more to attract a new client than to keep an existing one, and in the current climate, every penny (and hour) counts.
With rising overheads, limited time, and ever-higher client expectations, it’s no wonder that salons, spas, and clinics across the UK are flipping the script on growth. Their new strategy – smarter loyalty… and not just more bookings.
Here, we’ll explore how the most forward-thinking businesses are building effortless loyalty loops that increase client spend, boost rebookings, and bring in steady revenue, without adding more admin to already-full days.
We’ll also point you towards Phorest’s latest Consumer Insights Report, built with data from over 2,300 hair clients. From appointment habits to communication preferences, it’s packed with data to help you refine your client journey and elevate the experience.
Ready to grow, while keeping your sanity intact?
More Loyalty and Less Hustle with Memberships
What if your business had a built-in reason for clients to come back regularly… so you don’t have to chase them down with follow-up texts or last-minute promotions? That’s the power of Memberships.
By bunding services into monthly, quarterly, or annual packages, you’re not just making it easier for clients to commit. You’re creating a whole new revenue stream that runs in the background. In fact, salons, spas, and clinics using Memberships often report higher average spend per client, better rebooking rates, and a more predictable cash flow. In today’s economy, that’s the holy trinity of salon, clinic, and spa success.
Still, it’s not just about the money (although that’s a very nice bonus). Clients love the VIP feel that comes with a membership. They’re not just booking a treatment; they’re investing in a routine, a relationship, and a little extra luxury. It’s one part convenience, one part pampering, and all parts retention.
Coming soon: Phorest’s brand-new Memberships feature is designed to help you roll this out with zero stress. You’ll be able to set it up, customise your offerings, and manage everything in Phorest. Register your interest here.
Whether you’re running a premium clinic or a boutique salon, Memberships are fast becoming a must-have strategy for retention with minimal effort.
What UK Clients Really Think About Loyalty (and What That Means for You)
What do clients actually want from their clinic, salon, or spa experience in 2025? We’ve asked them.
As part of Phorest’s latest Consumer Insights Report, we surveyed over 416 UK salon clients to dig into the truth about booking behaviours, loyalty expectations, and what makes a premium experience worth paying extra for. The results were insightful, occasionally surprising, and full of opportunity for salons that want to stay ahead of the curve.
Here’s a sneak peek:
- Many clients still crave convenience, even when booking online.
- Loyalty isn’t just about points; it’s also about ease, consistency, and feeling seen.
- Yes, clients are willing to spend more – if the experience is worth it.
This much is clear – clients expect more than just a good cut or facial. They want a seamless, personalised experience that feels thoughtful at every touchpoint, from booking to follow-up.
Sound familiar? That’s exactly where tools like Digital Loyalty, 2-Way Chat, and Automated Marketing step in. While we won’t give away all the insights here (we’d rather you see the full picture), the full report is packed with data to help you shape smarter strategies, right now.
Download your copy of the UK and Irish Consumer Insights Report here for the full lowdown on what’s driving client loyalty – and how your salon, spa, and clinic can meet and exceed expectations.
Easy Wins That Deepen Client Loyalty
If Memberships are your salon, spa, or clinic’s loyalty engine, think of these as the turbo boosts. They’re small, smart add-ons that help you stay connected, look premium, and keep clients coming back… all while keeping admin to a minimum.
Real Conversations, Zero Inbox Chaos
Clients don’t want to call, and let’s be honest – you don’t want them to, either. With 2-Way Chat, you can confirm colour changes, answer “Do you have parking?” questions, or rescue a client who’s running late, all in real time, from one place. There’s no digging through emails or missed DMs.
Why it matters: In our Consumer Insights Report, Liam Kennedy, owner of Black Amber in Dublin, says that he follows up with all new guests 72 hours after their appointment – and he says that the returns are worth it.
Marketing That Runs Itself
Birthday treats, “time for a refresh?” nudges, new-client welcome flows – schedule them all once, and let them run. Automated messaging keeps your brand present between visits and gives clients the gentle prompts they actually appreciate.
Light Touches, Big Returns
Physical cards go missing. Points in-app don’t. A digital loyalty programme lets clients see progress, earn rewards, and feel recognised – without your staff counting stamps at checkout.
Commitment and Loyalty Built In
Many premium hair and beauty clients plan their treatments months in advance, from colour refreshes to anti-wrinkle top-ups and regular maintenance. With Phorest’s Sell Courses Online feature, you can package these services into a pre-paid bundle, giving clients a reason to commit now, while securing future visits (and protecting your cash flow).
Pro tip: Use the course description space to highlight extra value. For example, include suggestions on the ideal treatment schedule, recommend complementary services, or add a personal note about the benefits of committing in advance. This helps clients see the long-term value, and builds excitement before they even step through your door.
The Key to Sustainable Profit? Smarter Loyalty
The constant hustle for new bookings can be exhausting. Smart salons, spas, and clinics know that the real gold lies in the clients they already have– keeping them coming back, spending more, and raving about their experience.
- Retention = Reliability: When you build loyalty through Memberships, exclusive perks, Courses, and smooth communication, you’re doing more than just filling the calendar; you’re building predictable revenue. That means fewer panicked gaps in the schedule and more stability for your team.
- Happier Teams = Better Service: When your staff isn’t constantly worried about cancellations or rebookings, they deliver a better, more relaxed experience. Plus, when loyalty is embedded in your systems – from digital rewards to pre-paid courses – it removes the pressure of awkward sales conversations, and gives them a natural way to build trust.
- Premium Experience = Profit Without Burnout: Ultimately, loyalty isn’t just about points or perks. It’s about creating a client experience that feels thoughtful, premium, and personal, every single time. When that experience runs smoothly (because the tech does the heavy lifting behind the scenes), you get the holy grail: profitability without burnout.
So, if you’re thinking about growth in 2025, don’t just look outward. Look inward – at the clients who already love you, and the smart systems that keep them coming back.
Curious what UK hair clients say actually defines a premium experience? You’ll find it all in the Consumer Insights Report!
Smarter Systems, Sustainable Growth
You don’t need to hustle harder; you just need smarter, background-running systems that help your salon, spa, or clinic grow without burning you or your team out.
This blog is just one part of our 2025 August Collection – a campaign packed with smart strategies, powerful insights, and easy-to-action tools tailored to modern salons, spas, and clinics across the UK.
Want to dive deeper into client behaviour? Download the free Consumer Insights Report to uncover what clients expect from premium experiences in 2025. Or, if you’re ready to build the kind of loyalty that practically runs itself, register your interest in Memberships today.
Ready to make this your smoothest, most profitable time yet?
