Boosting your business during Homecoming & Back to School
Boosting Your Business During Homecoming & Back to School
Why Homecoming & Back to School Matter
Homecoming and back-to-school season represents one of the most lucrative times of year for spray tan professionals. This is when high school and college students are preparing for dances, events, and making a fresh impression as they return to school. By positioning your spray tan services strategically, you can capture a significant portion of this seasonal demand and significantly boost your revenue.
The key to success during this period is planning ahead, creating attractive packages, and reaching your target audience through the right channels before the rush begins.
Your Primary Target Audience
During homecoming and back-to-school season, your ideal clients are:
- High school students – Attending homecoming dances, football games, and pre-game events
- College students – Preparing for homecoming events and social functions
- Dance teams and performers – Needing coordinated glow for performances and competitions
- Cheerleaders – Looking to enhance their appearance for games and events
- Friend groups – Planning to get spray tans together before events
- Parents – Wanting to provide special experiences for their children
These audiences are actively seeking spray tan services during peak periods and are often willing to book group packages or prepay for convenience.
Effective Marketing Strategies
| Marketing Channel | Strategy | Best Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Campaigns | Create homecoming-themed content featuring before/after transformations, behind-the-scenes videos, and testimonials from student clients | 4-6 weeks before homecoming |
| Instagram Stories & Reels | Use trending music, hashtags, and challenges to show quick spray tan transformations appealing to younger audiences | Ongoing, 2-4 weeks intensive |
| Student Discounts | Offer 15-20% discounts for students with valid ID to drive traffic and word-of-mouth referrals | 2-4 weeks before events |
| Group Booking Deals | Create special pricing for groups of 4+ friends booking together, encouraging team bookings | 2-4 weeks before homecoming |
| Email Marketing | Send targeted emails to existing student clients with special offers and reminder about peak homecoming dates | 3-4 weeks before events |
| Local School Partnerships | Connect with school event coordinators, PTA organizations, and dance team sponsors | Early summer planning |
Homecoming Glow Packages
Create specialized packages that appeal to students preparing for homecoming events:
The Homecoming Classic Package
Single spray tan + complimentary touch-up spray for day-of events. Perfect for first-timers and those wanting a subtle glow for their first homecoming experience.
The Squad Glow Package
3-4 spray tans at a discounted group rate, ideal for friend groups coordinating their look for the dance. Include a small gift like tan wipes or lotion sample for each participant.
The Dance Team Package
Bulk pricing for organized groups (5+). Coordinate timing to ensure all team members glow together for performances. Offer to come on-site for mobile spray tan service if feasible.
The Premium Glow Package
Spray tan + tan extender product + application guide + follow-up consultation. Premium option for clients wanting long-lasting, flawless results throughout the entire homecoming weekend.
Maximize Revenue Through Retail & Upselling
Increase your average transaction value by offering complementary products alongside spray tan services:
Essential Retail Products
- Tan Extender Lotions – Help clients maintain their glow longer, essential selling point for homecoming events
- Hydrating Body Wash – Gentle cleansers that won’t strip tan color
- Sunscreen – Position as “glow protector” for outdoor homecoming events
- Tan Removal Products – For clients who want to change their look quickly
- Exfoliation Tools – To prepare skin before spray tanning
Upselling Strategy
When booking appointments, recommend the tan extender to extend results through the entire homecoming weekend. During the service, mention hydrating body wash to maintain glow quality. Create a retail display of products in your waiting area and train staff to make product recommendations based on client needs.
Pre-Booking & Scheduling Strategy
Timing is critical for homecoming success. Most students book appointments 1-3 weeks before events, but you should start promoting and encouraging early bookings 4-6 weeks out.
Pre-Booking Incentives
- Offer 10% discount for bookings made 3+ weeks in advance
- Create “early bird specials” with limited availability to encourage quick decisions
- Provide appointment reminders via text or email 48 hours before scheduled time
- Implement a prepayment option with small discount (2-5%) to secure bookings
Extended Hours
Extend your hours during peak homecoming weeks to accommodate student schedules. Offer early morning (before school), lunch-time, and evening appointments. Weekend availability is especially important during homecoming weekend itself.
Strategic Local Business Partnerships
Cross-promote with complementary businesses to reach more customers during the homecoming season:
Partner With Hair Salons
Create referral relationships where hair stylists recommend your spray tan services to clients. Offer mutual discounts or commission-based referrals. Homecoming week, clients often get hair services—a perfect moment to mention spray tanning.
Nail Salons & Spas
Partner with nail salons to cross-promote services. Create combo packages: manicure + spray tan + nails. Staff can recommend your services to clients preparing for events.
Dress Shops & Boutiques
Connect with formal wear retailers who sell homecoming dresses. Offer their customers exclusive spray tan discounts. They can recommend your services as customers complete their homecoming looks.
Gyms & Fitness Studios
Team up with local fitness centers whose clients may want to show off their figures at homecoming events. Offer member discounts and place promotional materials in their facilities.
Dance Studios & Cheer Gyms
These are goldmines during homecoming season. Offer group rates to entire teams and sponsor or donate services for team fundraising events. Build relationships with coaches and directors.
Mobile Spray Tan Services for Convenience
Maximize bookings by offering mobile spray tan services that come to your clients:
Mobile Service Benefits
- Higher Perceived Value – Clients are willing to pay premium prices for convenience
- Group Bookings – Multiple friends at one location means more appointments
- Team Services – Dance teams, cheerleaders, and sports groups can all spray tan together
- Pre-Event Convenience – Spray tan at home before getting dressed for homecoming
- Less Wait Time – Set appointments for specific times, reducing scheduling pressure
How to Offer Mobile Services
Invest in a portable spray tan tent and equipment. Charge a travel fee (typically $25-50) plus the regular spray tan price. Offer mobile services for groups of 3+ to make travel worthwhile. Promote heavily on social media and through dance studios and cheerleading programs. Mobile services are especially popular for homecoming weekend when clients want convenience and coordination.
Tips for Working with Younger Clients
Parental Consent
Lighter Shades for First-Timers
Education & Guidance
Create Inclusive Shades
Build Community
Safety & Privacy
Your Homecoming Marketing Timeline
| Timeframe | Actions |
|---|---|
| 6 Weeks Before Homecoming | Research homecoming dates in your area. Start planning partnerships with local dress shops, salons, and dance studios. Design homecoming-themed promotional materials. |
| 4-5 Weeks Before | Launch social media campaign. Contact partner businesses to confirm promotions. Update your website and booking platform with special homecoming packages. Send email to existing client list. |
| 2-3 Weeks Before | Intensify social media presence with daily posts and stories. Launch paid social ads targeting students. Reach out to dance teams and cheerleading squads with group rate offers. Extend business hours if possible. |
| 1 Week Before | Final push on promotions. Send reminder emails about upcoming appointments. Confirm all group bookings. Ensure adequate product inventory and supplies. Brief staff on busy week expectations. |
| Homecoming Weekend | Operate at full capacity with extended hours. Prioritize quick turnarounds. Ensure excellent customer service for busy appointments. Capture testimonials and before/after photos for future marketing. |
Key Takeaways for Homecoming Success
- Start marketing 4-6 weeks before homecoming to capture early bookings and build buzz
- Target high school and college students, dance teams, and friend groups with tailored messaging
- Create special homecoming packages with group discounts to increase bookings
- Upsell retail products like tan extender and body wash to increase revenue per client
- Encourage pre-booking with incentives and early bird specials to spread out appointment scheduling
- Partner with complementary local businesses for cross-promotion and mutual referrals
- Consider offering mobile spray tan services for groups and teams for premium pricing
- When working with younger clients, prioritize consent, education, safety, and inclusive shade options
- Extend business hours during peak homecoming weeks to maximize capacity
- Capture testimonials and photos for future marketing and social proof
