Client Retention: Stop the Leaks

February is when you notice the gaps in your diary. Those clients who couldn't get enough of you in December aren't rebooking. You don't have one big retention problem—you have three specific leaks in three specific places. Let's plug them before March.

In this episode, Phil Jackson identifies the three critical points in your client journey where you're losing people and gives you one practical fix for each that you can implement this week.

What You'll Learn:

• The three specific points in the client journey where you're losing customers
• Why "better customer service" is too vague to fix retention problems
• How pre-booking appointments can jump retention rates dramatically
• The power of one personal touch per visit (and how to systematize it)
• Why 48-hour follow-up messages work (and how to template them)

The Three Retention Leaks:

Leak #1: Before They Book

• Problem: Great experience, intended to rebook, just... didn't
• Fix: Book next appointment before they leave (every single client)
• Script: "I need to see you in four weeks time. Let's get that booked now for you."
• Follow-up: Get permission to text if they don't book online
• Impact: Creates consistency, removes friction, positions regular visits as normal

Leak #2: During Their Visit

• Problem: Service was "fine" but nothing memorable
• Fix: One personal touch per visit that shows you remember them
• Examples: "How did that job interview go?" / "I thought of you when I saw this product"
• Implementation: Note one personal detail per visit, reference it next time
• Impact: Personal connection beats perfect technical delivery

Leak #3: After They Leave

• Problem: Happy client leaves, you never contact them again
• Fix: 48-hour follow-up message (every client, every time)
• Templates: "Just checking in after yesterday—how's your hair/skin settling in?"
• Advanced: Product tips, midpoint check, booking prompt
• Impact: Shows you care beyond transaction, keeps you front of mind

This Week's Action:Pick ONE leak to fix (Phil recommends pre-booking—easiest, biggest impact). Team meeting today. Track for one week.

Reality Check:If your service is good and you're still losing clients, these are your three leaks. Plug them before March.

About Phil Jackson:Phil Jackson is a salon business coach with 27 years of industry experience and a Creative Head Most Wanted Award. He helps salon owners in hair, beauty, and aesthetics build profitable businesses without the hustle BS.

Work with Phil:If retention is a symptom of bigger structural issues (pricing, service design, business model), that's what Ultimate Clarity addresses:

• 1:1 Ultimate Clarity Coaching: 90-day intensive delivering your 5-year lifestyle-first business plan, 12-month profit strategy, and 12-month marketing plan
• Book a free consultation: https://tidycal.com/philjackson/1to1-enquiry
• Email: [e-mail]