Glossary · Operations & metrics

What is Client retention rate?

Client retention rate is the percentage of clients who return within an expected window, commonly measured as cohort survival at 3, 6, and 12 months from first visit. It is the lagging measure of whether the clinic's experience, follow-up, and programs actually keep people coming back.

How it works in an aesthetic clinic

Of January's 120 new clients, 54 returned within six months: 45% six-month new-client retention for that cohort. The clinic breaks the number down by first service and acquisition source, because a discount-deal facial cohort and a membership-joining injectable cohort retain very differently, and budgets acquisition spend accordingly.

Client retention rate vs rebooking rate

Client retention rateThe lagging outcome: who actually came back over months
Rebooking rateThe leading indicator: who left today with the next visit booked

Why it matters for clinic operators

Small retention changes compound into large revenue differences because retained clients stack: each cohort's survivors add to the last's. Measure cohorts, not impressions; the averages hide exactly the segments that need work.

On the platform: Client CRM · Go deeper: Med spa client retention strategies

Related terms

Run your whole clinic in one place

See Gracero run your clinic.

A 15-minute demo: booking, payments, memberships, and the aesthetic layer, all in one platform.

Book a demo
15-minute walkthroughEasy migrationNo commitment
Book a demo