Customer loyalty is arguably the most important ingredient to a long-lasting, successful business. It's been proven that loyal customers visit more often, spend more money during those visits, and provide free, word-of-mouth promotion. Yet, small business owners, including salon professionals, often focus their efforts on chasing new customers as a way to increase cash flow. New business is great, but don’t neglect those clients you’ve already snagged! Try these tips for increasing the kind of loyalty that’ll have customers coming back for years to come.Create Strong RelationshipsClient loyalty comes when you can meet the needs of your customers before they even have to ask. Sound complicated? Relax! You probably got into the beauty industry for a number of reasons, one of which is that you’re good with people. It’s time to use those people skills to your advantage by establishing honest, open communication and trusting relationships with each customer right from the start. A consultation before each appointment is the perfect time to check-in about style preferences and issues or frustrations they may be facing. Lifestyle can also make a big impact on the final product you leave them with. Do they work from home or are they constantly on the go? How much time do they want to spend recreating a look or style? (@sukihausesthetics)We also recommend asking clients ongoing about important events, milestones, goals (and #hairgoals). Consider jotting down personal post-visit notes using a client management tool, and make sure to review them before the next appointment so you can follow up on previous conversations. This is a simple way to make them feel heard and special.Say Thank YouIt might sound obvious, but in a world where premium customer service is on the decline, remembering to thank clients for their business can set you apart from the rest.A short, personalized thank you note(bonus points if it's handwritten!) or email to your most loyal customers is a great start. Or, lean into technology with a follow-up text message a few days after an appointment asking your client how they liked the results of their last service. As always, be open to feedback, and be accommodating if they aren’t happy.You might also consider sending clients home with a small gift, such as a sample product — something you know they’ll love. The truth is that customers will remember the first and last moments of their appointment far more vividly than anything that happens in the middle. A small token of your appreciation can go a long way, and who knows? You just might get them hooked on your newest product line!Be PromptSpeaking of manners... This tip may be short and sweet, but it’s critically important. Be on time for appointments, and if you’re running behind or you get held up in traffic, be courteous. Call or text your client to let them know asap. In an effort to be fair to all customers, you might even consider imposing a 15-minute grace period policy for the sake of sticking to your schedule. Just make sure you’re upfront about the rule so late clients aren’t stunned.Partner with Other ProfessionalsWhen current clients have to go to another full-service salon for a treatment you don’t offer, you risk losing that client to another beauty pro. Making sure clients stay loyal, though, doesn’t have to mean adding to your list of salon services. It’s totally possible to increase customer loyalty by partnering with other Sola professionals to offer referrals, promotions and specials.(@wearehonestskin)Partnering might not be as complicated as you’d think. When you entered the #SolaFam, you joined a thriving facility that most likely boasts a wide array of pampering services. You can increase customer loyalty by joining forces with professionals in your building, giving your clients (and theirs!) multiple reasons to visit Sola. If you do hair, try partnering up with the nail technician or cosmetologist down the hall for some killer package deals they can't