6 Local Partnerships That Can Instantly Grow Your Med Spa Client List
Running a med spa means juggling treatments, trends, and a never-ending list of to-dos. But if your appointment book could use a few more names, one smart move is to look outside your spa walls. Partnering with nearby businesses isn’t just smart—it can be a seriously fun (and low-cost) way to grow your client list.
Why Local Collabs Work
When you team up with other local spots, you're tapping into each other’s communities. That means you get in front of potential clients who already value self-care, spend money on their appearance, and love supporting small businesses.
Think of it like this: You’re not just borrowing foot traffic—you’re building relationships that can benefit everyone involved.
6 Creative Partnership Ideas
These ideas aren’t just great for skincare—they’re solid conversation starters for more clinical treatments, too. Think laser sessions, injectables, or even body sculpting packages. Get your foot in the door with something fun, then follow up with what really drives revenue—like consults for injectables or trial body contouring sessions.
- Sip & Skin Events with Local Coffee Shops or Juice Bars: Host mini facials or skincare demos during off-hours at a cafe. It adds a relaxing vibe and brings your services to a new crowd.
- Fitness Class Pop-Ins: Team up with yoga or barre instructors. Offer quick post-class skin refreshers in exchange for a shoutout and space.
- Brow & Brew Nights: Partner with a brewery or wine shop for brow shaping nights. Super casual. Super fun.
- VIP Nights for Local Stylists and Nail Techs: Invite fellow beauty pros for a spa night. They get pampered, you build a referral army.
- Charity Tie-Ins: Co-host a donation drive or fundraiser with a local boutique or nonprofit. You’ll do good and meet conscious consumers.
- Vitamin IV Infusion Pop-Ups at 5Ks or Marathons: If you're offering vitamin IV infusions, setting up at a local 5K or marathon can be a crazy-affordable way to meet health-focused folks and start conversations that lead to higher-ticket services down the road.
Commonly Asked Questions
Before you jump in, here are a few common questions med spa owners ask when they’re thinking about trying local partnerships.
Once you've got your game plan, here are a few more tips to keep your collab stress-free and effective:
“How do I track if it's actually working?”
Create a simple booking code or event-specific offer like “Mention RUN20 for 20% off” to connect attendees with appointments. It's an easy way to measure which ideas are actually bringing people in.
“How often should I do this kind of thing?”
Once a month is a sweet spot. It keeps momentum going without overwhelming your team or making it feel forced.
“Do I have to do the outreach myself?”
Nope! You can delegate it to a trusted team member, or even draft a quick DM or email together and have your front desk send it out. Keep it friendly, short, and local-business-love-forward.
“Do I have to be at the event in person?”
Not necessarily! This is a great chance to let your lead esthetician or nurse injector shine. They know the services, they love talking to people, and they can make your brand feel super approachable out in the wild.
- Pick partners whose vibe aligns with yours. If your brand leans more wellness and calm, a high-energy dance studio might not be the best fit.
- Make the "ask" easy. A quick, friendly DM or in-person convo works wonders. Keep it casual, not corporate.
- Give first. Offer to promote them first, or bring a sample of your service to show what you do best.
- Keep it simple. You don’t need a full-blown event. Even a "first-visit special" for their clients can work.
- Stay in touch. One event is nice. Ongoing connections bring the real magic.
Your Next Loyal Client Is Probably Down the Street
Word-of-mouth is still queen, and partnering up is one of the fastest ways to get your spa into new conversations. Try just one idea from this list this month and see what happens. Keep it fun, keep it real, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
Your community is full of potential clients—they just need a little nudge to walk through your door.
Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with multiple industry awards (thank you!) and proud to support the spa industry through mentorship and sponsorship.