Our CloseBy® Customer Spotlight this month is Joanie’s Shear Artists, a hair salon located in Des Moines, IA. Joanie White, the owner, partnered with CloseBy® in January 2016 to fill empty appointment slots and maintain a strong connection with her regular clients. She also uses the program to promote specific products or services and to send out fun, themed texts! In the past decade, she’s grown her subscriber list to an impressive 141 VIPs. Read more about her time with CloseBy® below!

Read Our Exclusive Interview with Joanie’s Shear Artists

Q: What do you think has been the best way to promote the program for your type of business?

The most effective way to promote our text program is through face-to-face conversations with clients. To avoid awkward silence, I naturally introduce the program during moments like rinsing hair, waxing brows, or applying color—it’s an easy and organic way to start the conversation. We also promote the text program across our social media channels and on our website to reach customers both in-person and online.

Q: Have you found the program easy to use?

The text program is incredibly easy to use. I love that I can pre-schedule messages a month or more in advance, which is especially helpful during vacation season and around the holidays. It truly allows me to set it and forget it when it comes to texting my customers.

I also really appreciate having a dedicated Account Manager who sends monthly emails filled with creative messaging ideas. I had no idea there was a National Iowa Day—but thanks to those suggestions, I now know it’s in January and will definitely be sending out a text to celebrate it!

Q: What has the text program done for your business?

The program has helped me stay top of mind with my customers. In today’s world, loyalty isn’t guaranteed—whether it’s a hairdresser, mechanic, or any service-based business. Consumers expect instant gratification, and if you’re out of sight, you’re often out of mind. That’s exactly why I love the text program. It allows me to send one or two messages each week to promote services, share business hours, highlight new products, or even send a simple reminder letting customers know they’re appreciated.

Q: What’s your favorite message you have sent out?

My customers don’t want messages that feel generic or salesy. They respond best to texts that sound human, fun, and relatable. A clever or sassy message immediately grabs attention, makes them smile, and feels like it’s coming from Joanie herself – not an advertisement they want to ignore. We typically get a handful of  calls or walk-ins when we send these types of messages!

 

Check Out the Messages Behind Joanie’s Shear Artists’s Success!

“Give your hair a GLOW UP! Show text to receive a FREE Deep Conditioner with ANY Color Service! Exp 1/10 call 515-265-3200 ($12 savings)” “New Eyebrows .. Who Dis! Stop in & get an Eyebrow Shaping & Lip Wax for JUST $24 Show Text to Redeem Offer! Deal ends 7/25”
“Happy Beautician’s Day! We want to hear from YOU 😉 Reply Back to this text with what you LOVE about Joanie’s! (plus get a gift from us)” “It’s National Splurge Day!! Treat yourself – YOU deserve it! Show this text to purchase a $120 Gift Card for ONLY $100!! Valid 6/18-6/21”
“Make sure to SHARE this text with friends! Have them Text: JOANIE to: 515-316-1600 – we’ll be doing a 4 Day DEAL you won’t want to miss!” “It’s our fabulous boss lady’s birthday! We’re celebrating Joanie in style & you get to join the party! Wishing her the happiest birthday ever .. and to make it even sweeter, enjoy 20% OFF all retail thru Nov 4th-8th.”