A client snaps a selfie under your neon sign, glow still fresh, smile doing half the work for your marketing. Nice when that happens.
The problem is, moments like these don’t scale on their own. Slow afternoons return, regulars drift, and the “We should post more” plan gets buried under appointments.
The solution is simple, not loud: build a rhythm of practical ideas, seasonal packages, referral rewards, VIP memberships, pop-ups, and small social moments that bring in new faces and keep your best clients close.
Do this consistently, and the bigger picture starts to shift. Your salon stops chasing bursts of attention and becomes part of your clients’ routine, a place they trust, return to, and talk about without being asked.
1. Seasonal glow packages
Whether it’s beds or spray tans, tanning is seasonal by nature. Your clients often look for the perfect glow before a vacation, wedding, or prom. Create limited-time packages around these occasions, such as:
- Prom glow deal: 3 sessions + shimmer lotion for one price.
- Summer vacation bundle: 5 sessions + travel-sized bronzer.
- Winter escape glow: Discounted spray tans during colder months.
The key is urgency. When customers know the deal won’t last, they are more likely to book right away.
2. Referral glow cards
Word of mouth is gold in beauty, and one of the most practical tanning salon advertising ideas. When customers get good results, they become unpaid marketers who love suggesting your tanning salon. So, make referrals easy and rewarding with Glow Cards. When an existing client brings a friend, both get a special perk, like:
- Buy 1 session, get 1 free.
- 20% off lotions on their next visit.
By making the referral reward attractive for both sides, you’ll double the chances of people sharing your salon.
3. Instagrammable walls
Clients love showing off their tan. Give them the perfect spot to do it inside your salon. The good way to do it? Create a selfie wall with neon signs like “Stay Sun-Kissed” or “Golden Glow.
Encourage clients to post and tag your salon for a chance to win freebies each month. This turns your customers into brand ambassadors and generates free advertising with every post.
4. VIP memberships with perks
Instead of selling only individual sessions, build a VIP membership program. Offer members-only monthly subscriptions with benefits such as:
- Unlimited tanning sessions.
- Free lotion samples.
- Priority line access during peak hours.
- Birthday perks.
Memberships give you steady monthly revenue and keep clients loyal to your salon.
5. Partnerships with gyms, spas, and boutiques
Think beyond your walls. Partner with local gyms, spas, yoga studios, or boutiques. Offer discounts when clients show a membership card from a partner business. Even better, create bundled experiences like:
- Tan + workout packages with gyms.
- Glow & relax with local spas.
- Pop-up spray tan stations in boutiques.
Cross-promotion brings you new customers who already spend money on self-care and style.
6. Bridal and event glow parties
Tanning is social when you package it right. Market group tanning experiences for bridal parties, bachelorette events, or birthdays. Offer champagne, music, and mini gift bags with lotions or discount coupons.
So, you are no longer just selling a tan, but giving a memorable group experience. This instantly sets your salon apart from competitors.
7. Mobile spray tan pop-ups
Take your salon outside your building. Partner with local businesses or events to host mobile spray tan pop-ups. Think college campuses, gyms, or local festivals.
This introduces your services to people who might never walk into a tanning salon otherwise. Sweeten the deal by handing out vouchers for discounted in-salon visits.
See Also:
8. Tan happy hour
Every salon has slow hours. Instead of letting beds sit empty, create a “Happy Hour” special. Offer discounted sessions during off-peak hours, like 1–4 PM.
This fits your downtime, makes your salon feel lively, and gives clients a reason to visit when they normally wouldn’t.
9. Loyalty program with status levels
Loyalty is not sold, but it is earned. Build a reward system that feels exciting. Instead of a simple punch card, gamify your loyalty program with tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each tier unlocks better rewards:
- Bronze: Basic discounts.
- Silver: Free lotion samples.
- Gold: priority booking and exclusive invites.
When customers feel like they’re leveling up, they will spend more to maintain or reach their status.
10. Weekly glow alerts via text or email
Stay top-of-mind with timely updates. But it doesn’t mean bombarding your clients with mass emails and messages. Send out “Glow Alerts” to your client list with offers, tips, and reminders. Keep messages short and relevant:
- Rainy day offer: Glow inside, 20% off today only.
- Going on vacation? Book your pre-travel tan this week.
- Flash Sale: Spray tans just $29 until 5 PM.
Consistency matters. Don’t spam, but do stay visible.
11. Upsell with product bundles
You can’t rely on memberships alone. And lotions, moisturizers, and bronzers are not extras. They are revenue builders. Bundle them with tanning sessions in creative ways:
- 3 tans + luxury bronzer.
- Spray tan + shimmer lotion.
When bundled, products feel like part of the experience rather than an add-on.
12. Educate customers with skin & tan tips
Your salon can stand out by being more than a service provider; you can be an authority on safe tanning. Use your website, social channels, or in-salon tips to share tanning myths, skin-care routine, or how to extend a tan.
This builds trust and positions your salon as a professional brand that cares about clients’ skin, not just sales.
13. Host a VIP launch event for new services
Whenever you introduce new beds, spray tan machines, or premium lotions, host a VIP event. Invite loyal customers first, let them try it at a discount, and create a buzz.
This makes clients feel valued and gives you a marketing push without relying on generic ads.
14. Local influencer partnerships
Influencer partnerships, among tanning salon advertising ideas, are the best way to reach your target audience without being pushy. Partnering with micro-influencers (1,000-10,000 followers) is more effective than big-name influencers.
You can even partner with local beauty bloggers or fitness influencers who align with your brand. Offer them free sessions in exchange for authentic posts. It is a low-cost way to reach new clients in your area.
15. Customer spotlight campaigns
Celebrate your clients. Share “Client Glow Series” on Instagram or in your salon. Post before-and-after photos (with permission), mini interviews, or shout-outs to loyal members.
It makes customers feel special and adds real testimonials to your marketing.
Final thoughts
Marketing a tanning salon is not about throwing money at ads; it is about being creative, personal, and consistent. From seasonal packages to group events, from selfie walls to VIP memberships, every idea above helps you stand out in a crowded market.
The best strategies are the ones that connect with your customers’ lifestyles and make tanning part of their routine. Implement just a few of these practical ideas, and you’ll see your salon’s traffic, loyalty, and revenue grow.
If you want a system that handles marketing along with management and sales, Wellyx tanning salon software is the answer. It helps you run loyalty programs, create and track memberships, and reach and convert new people, all while keeping every person in contact. So, you can focus on tanning, while Wellyx tanning salon software keeps the business and marketing side untarnished.