Profit Pictures

" Your cyber-imaging technology is not there to be overhead," says Lisa Wilson who does sales and marketing for Cyber Imaging Systems in Raleigh, North Carolina. "It's there to be a marketing tool, to get people in the door."

If women enjoy trying on clothes, it stands to reason they'd enjoy trying on new hair styles. Cyber Imaging Systems releases new styles four times a year.

The latest technology makes it easy for stylists to use with little training. "Schools are starting to invest in this, so there's a group of cosmetologists coming out of school who know how to use this technology." Wilson adds that results are better than ever with today's digital photography, high-resolution cameras and monitors and low-priced digital printers. "The cost of a high-quality client print is just 50 cents," she notes.

Here are five ways to use imaging to recruit clients, retain clients and build tickets:

1. Mention cyber-imaging in all promotions and advertising. "It's still a pretty unique service and will differentiate you from the competition," says Wilson.

2. Talk about it in your client consultations. As you discuss the best style for the client's face shape and hair texture, a picture truly can be worth 1,000 words.

3. Encourage style change by using imaging to alleviate fear. Style changes tend to build retail sales as well as increase the frequency of visits.

4. For a new client, charge for the cyber-imaging consultation or bundle it in with the first service.

5. For an existing client, offer a discount on the regular cyber-imaging price or include it into the client experience to help retain that client.

Referrals come with the territory, says Wilson. "Clients show the print to all their friends, and they want one."