The 3-Visit Rule: How to Turn Walk-ins into 'Forever' Clients

Winning a new client is expensive. Keeping them is profitable. The "3-Visit Rule" is the golden metric of the salon industry: get them in the chair three times, and you own their loyalty. Here is how to automate that journey.

The Drop-Off Danger Zones

Visit 1 to 2: 40% retention. Clients are testing you out.
Visit 2 to 3: 60% retention. They like you, but habits aren't formed.
Visit 3+: 85% retention. You are now their "regular" salon.

Automating the Bridge

You need a specific strategy for the first two gaps. Seglo's marketing automation handles this:

• After Visit 1: "Thanks for trying us out! Here is $10 off your second visit to keep your look fresh."
• After Visit 2: "Great to see you again. Join our VIP list for priority booking on your third visit."

By incentivizing the return rather than the first visit, you build habits, not just bargain hunters.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on the second booking: The first re-book is the most critical.
• Don't discount the first visit: Discount the return to reward loyalty.
• Track the metric: Know your retention numbers and watch them climb.