Social media has made it easier to spread the word about your brand, but cutting through the noise can be tough. Focus your attention on the platforms that most of your clientele will be using, such as Facebook and Instagram.
As photography-focused networks, they're an excellent way to share customers' styles, offer discount codes and interact with potential clients.
Try to be as active as possible. That way, if someone posts a question, you're there to respond quickly. You can also repost shots from loyal customers when they share their new style online. By offering that personal experience, you're building your brand and bringing more people into your salon. You can read our Instagram marketing tips for your beauty business here.
86% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses before they use them. Reviews can make or break your business, that's why services like trustpilot-widget, Facebook and Google Reviews are the perfect way to improve your reputation locally.
Encourage your customers to review you online as they leave the store - or while they're there - and you've got a better chance of capturing new clients that are browsing for the perfect trim. Even negative feedback can be useful to let you know what customers think, and how you can improve the way you're working.
When you only accept walk-ins, timings can be difficult. You might be waiting for hours in your salon or barbers without any customers, then a big rush arrives all at once. So why not upgrade to a smarter system?
With salon scheduling software, your customers can choose a time slot online that works for them, and you can confidently tell walk-ins how long they'll be waiting or book them a later slot.
Which is the best salon appointment software? There are plenty of options, so here are a few to explore:
Adding some smart tech to your salon or barber shop can save you money. Consider a smart thermostat and LED bulbs to cut your energy bills. Plus, with a smart doorbell at your deliveries entrance, you can get a phone notification when a driver arrives with new products. That way, you won't miss them when you're chatting to a customer.
It might seem like a small thing, but by offering guest Wi-Fi to your customers you can make a big impact. Most business internet providers have the option to add this to your package, so you can get your clients connected the moment they walk in, allowing them to browse while they wait.
If you want to be even smarter, you can encourage customers to sign up to your newsletter, or use anonymous browsing data to get a better idea of their interests.
Don't settle for six-month-old magazines in your waiting area. Why not add some smarter tech, such as interactive screens or even a game console or a VR headset? This will appeal to kids, and is sure to keep them busy while mum or dad is having a trim.
If this is a little over your budget, a few phone charging cables will be a pleasant surprise, and keep customers powered up while they wait.
Changing styles is a big decision for any customer, but you can make it easier. With a styling app such as Hairstyle Magic Mirror or Men's Hairstyles, you can take a photo of your client, then add different hairstyles to their photo so they can check the look suits them before you get your scissors out.
Bluetooth beacons know when smartphones and tablets are nearby and can deliver specific messages relevant to that part of your salon. They're perfect for when you want to upsell a specific product, offer people information like product reviews, or suggest similar items they might want.
Alternatively, you could place one near the front of your store and offer promotions and discounts to customers as they leave, to encourage them to come back next time they need a treatment or haircut.
Make sure you get consent from customers before sending any marketing messages to their devices.
In June 2018, UK debit card payments overtook cash payments for the first time and two thirds of people now use contactless. It's more important than ever to offer new ways to pay.
Contactless isn't the only solution, and you don't have to use traditional card machines if you don't want to. With the payment processing service Square you can take payments on smart point of sale devices, over the phone or on your website. It's just another way to make life easier for your customers.
When it comes to bookkeeping, you don't necessarily have to hire an accountant to keep track of your earnings. Good accounting software can help you manage payments, and could even integrate with your payment and booking systems to work everything out more quickly. Here are a few options you might want to look into:
Once you've powered up your salon or barbers with new tech, why not check out how we can keep you covered with our specialist hair and beauty insurance.