We just opened a Nail Spa.  My question is
What are the effective ways to advertise to get new customers ?
Beside advertise on Yelp, should we try local newspapers ? coupons ? flyers ? letter ? free services ?

wave magazine
metro newspaper

For example, for customers who are regular customers at other nail spa places, what are ways to attract them to come in our new place ?

Give  a stamp  card. For every service they order they get one stamp.  For every 10 they get, $10 off or something like that.

Thanks for the stamp card idea.  I'd try that to retain our customers.
Ways to attract new customers ?

I'd be a bit hesitant of the Wave or Metro unless you're ready for a long-term ad run (for print, that's the most effective). I'm talking as a "insider" of sorts, and familiar with what is successful at one of these papers. Print is costly, and you must run for at least 13 weeks to see some results. Also, keep in mind that most of your business will come from within 3-4 mile radius, MAX...spending a ton of money to reach folks outside of their might make you feel like a big shot, but it won't help your bottom line. If you're married to the print idea, you may do better with a more local paper, like the Communities or the Palo Alto Daily, for example.

I like any idea that relates to building good word of mouth and good existing customer relationships. My guess is that your best advertising will be done for you, free, by happy customers.

Oh, to add, "Guerilla Marketing" is a great book for small-biz owners who are looking for effective, creative and budget-concious ways to promote their business.

Get a website and list your services, with photos, etc.

Also, make online appointment bookings possible. There's a hair salon that offers this feature for their business in North Beach... just the convenience alone has gotten them more customers.

And offer a special here for Yelpers. You'll get that word of mouth advertising going like wildfire.

Thank you very much, Mark.  I'll check out "Guerilla Marketing."

We've been doing that and getting happy customers, who bring their family and friends, back.
Still, on weekdays, it's quite slow in the morning and afternoon.
We just started to have early bird special promotion, for customers who come in the morning.

I guess, like most of the businesses, we have to withstand the initial cost.

You might want to try blitzing your neighborhood; print up a service menu w/ a coupon and leave it on the gates of residents nearby.

And this might sound silly...but try to make your shop look attractive from the outside. Often I go to nail places because they look good when I walk or drive by and I think "hey...that's someplace I want to check out"

Thanks Leslie.  We did send out thousands of coupons.

I'm a little (not little, very) bias.  My shop is super attractive.  Everything is brand new, new shopping center, new message chairs.  Everything is brand new.  The space is bigger than other Nail Spa.  The location is great,
near Starbuck, Bed Bath & Beyond, REI, Best Buy.  Our services are great.  We're new so we really want to make sure the customers happy with our services so that they come back, with family members and friends.
I could see the people peek thru the windows to check out our place when they drive by.

Sounds like you got a good lease location, and with some time, you'll build steady traffic if your present customers are so happy. Stick with your guns and think micro-local when it comes to advertising---otherwise, that's an area where a lot of money can be wasted. Let me know where you're at as my wife would be interested in trying it out.

We're currently has a 15% off, Be our Valentine, discount.

Here is the review link for the nearby Bed Bath & Beyond in Charleston Plaza, Mountain View
yelp.com/biz/MmQuh5j3jiU…

I checked the "Guerrilla Marketing" book on amazon.

From reading description and reviews, this book might really help
amazon.com/exec/obidos/t…

Thanks again, Mark.

free (or discounted) mani/pedi for the owners/managers of other local businesses. Positive word of mouth is the best advertising that there is. These might include:

Spa/salon
Health/fitness club
Restaurant
Hotel

BAsically any business that has high volume, extended face to face contact.

if you have $$$$$$$ you can use radio station and billboards!...=)))

flyers to post at bus stations, colleges, laundromats

bringing in an original receipt from another nail "spa" salon....for 50% off final bill for first time customers.....gives people an incentive to give you a chance....and you get inside look at pricing around the area.....and stamp cards...9 and get 10th service free........

anything that is skill/service related...local word of mouth will go further than any advertisement.....but you can advertise any coupons and special promotions as needed.....

oh..it was original dated receipt less than a month old...

Great idea hen