My new hair & Nail salon has been open since Nov 2006 and given that we are not yet in the Yellow Pages, I need effective, creative ways ( that don't cost the earth) to get clients thru' the door post-Christmas.

One local retailer has offered to put my salon flyers in its customer bags. Would I need to offer anything in return for this and has anyone had first-hand experience of the effectiveness of this kind of promotion?

Thanks in advance.

Sue.

It can be a very effective promotion known as networking. I'm assuming they would want a quid pro quo of you having their flyers or a poster in your shop.

When you say doesn't cost the earth... we'll need to get a picture of your budget to lay-out a plan for you!
Anyway, poster distribution is a good idea. Most small companies, shops, restaurants will be willing to keep your posters/flyers for free. IF the person you are referring to has approached you, he might be expecting something.
Try special promotions, kiosks, discounts for refferal policies... there are a lost of cost effective ways that work well & turn fast & have the potentinal of doubling profits!

You are new to this business, as a result it is imperative to let the public know that you exist. It will be helpful to have someone distribute discount fliers with coupons attached. Develop working relationship with companies offering services to women, such as boutiques, wedding planners (tailor your marketing materials accordingly) and other such providers. It is also imperative that you designate certain days just for marketing.