BUSINESS GROWTH Archives - SalonCentric Canada https://www.saloncentric.ca/category/business-growth/ Premier Wholesale Beauty Supply Distributor in Canada. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 06:26:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.saloncentric.ca/wp-content/uploads/cropped-scc-favicon-512x512-1-32x32.png BUSINESS GROWTH Archives - SalonCentric Canada https://www.saloncentric.ca/category/business-growth/ 32 32 Unlock the Power of Retail: A Salon Owner’s Guide https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/unlock-the-power-of-retail-a-salon-owners-guide/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:18:45 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=10684 Although the pandemic hit salon professionals hard, being classified as “unessential,” it also offered a unique learning curve. As salon owners, you had to think creatively to generate revenue when in-salon services weren’t available, and much of this innovation focused on retail sales. Retail is a huge income stream in our industry, yet many salons and stylists still miss out on its full potential. In this blog, our partner at Salon S.O.S. explores why retail isn’t just important but crucial to your salon’s success. They show you how to sell without feeling pushy, how to harness social media to boost retail sales, and how to motivate your team to make retailing exciting. Why Retail is Crucial for a Salon It may seem obvious, but the primary reason retail is so important in a salon is that it provides a new source of revenue. In an industry where income is often tied to time, retail allows stylists and salon owners to level up without additional time commitments. The reality is, there are only so many hours in a day, and without retail, a salon professional’s earning potential is capped. Offering products such as haircare, skincare, styling tools, and boutique items not only adds value to your services but also helps clients maintain their beauty routine at home. By selling high-quality products that meet your clients’ needs, you build trust and loyalty while boosting sales. Retailing also keeps salons competitive and helps them stand out from others. Focusing on retail is key for salons looking to grow and deliver top-tier customer experiences. Beauty Consultant vs. Service Provider What does a full salon service look like to you? Does it start when the client walks in and end when they leave? What’s the point of providing a gorgeous service if clients don’t know how to maintain it between visits? Your clients are walking billboards – your work is on display. How their hair, nails, or lashes look between appointments reflects your work. Elevate your business by including at-home care as part of your service. Educating clients about the right products to maintain their look at home isn’t salesy—it’s delivering a complete service. Shifting your view on retail can make it feel more natural and less forced. Before any product is sold, the key to successful retailing is education. Stylists must understand why a product is worth it and be able to explain that to clients. Your clients are going to buy haircare anyway—why wouldn’t they get it from you, the expert who knows their needs? People come to us for our knowledge and trust our recommendations. It’s a disservice to them if we don’t educate them about the products they need. It’s not your business to decide how much a client wants to spend, but it is your business to recommend products that protect their investment. Consider offering a loyalty rewards program to incentivize retail sales! Take a look at this article on why you should launch a salon loyalty program. NO Doesn’t Mean NEVER, Just NOT RIGHT NOW Hearing “no” when suggesting retail can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to! Remember what Babe Ruth (and A Cinderella Story) said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” If a client says no, don’t be discouraged. They may need time to consider it, or they might plan to buy it at their next visit. It’s not your job to figure out why—it’s your job to provide a complete service, including retail suggestions. Using Social Media to Boost Retail Sales Having a beautifully stocked retail area in the salon is great, but the online space is equally important! Whether or not you’ve started exploring e-commerce, social media offers plenty of retailing opportunities. Here are some ideas to promote products on social media and translate that into sales: Tutorials – Make video tutorials using your retail products. Whether you’re styling yourself or a client, show step-by-step how to use the items. Seeing the product in action is more powerful than we often realize. Breaking things down to the basics helps make trying new products less intimidating for clients. Product Features – While sharing professional product photos from Instagram or Pinterest is useful, try adding your own personal touch. Find a fun background in your salon and snap a photo of a product next to a finished look. It adds a sense of authenticity to your posts. Ask Questions – Instead of waiting for followers to ask you about products, ask them questions and recommend accordingly. Social media is all about convenience, and your followers will appreciate you simplifying their shopping experience. Consistency – Keep posting about retail products, even if it feels like extra work. Focus on the awareness you’re creating and remember: each post helps you learn what works and what doesn’t. Make It Fun – Retail Gamification Incentives drive us all. Rewards don’t always need to be monetary—they can be as simple as recognition or bragging rights. Retail gamification can push your team (and you!) to achieve higher retail sales. Here are some fun ideas: BINGO – Create a BINGO card with retail product challenges. This encourages stylists to step outside their comfort zones and focus on selling less-promoted products. Board Game Challenge – Turn retail goals into a board game! Let team members move their pieces as they hit sales milestones, sparking healthy competition and motivating your team. Team Mystery Box – Divide your team into small groups and give each one a mystery box of retail items. Challenge them to focus on selling those products, and the group with the highest sales wins! If promo planning isn’t for you, Salon S.O.S. has an AMAZING support opportunity for you, salon pros! Click HERE to check out their library of proven promotional ideas PLUS the ready-made marketing materials to support each promo! (IG posts, reels, stories, in-salon posters, etc…) You can purchase these turn-key promotions and materials at incredibly affordable prices to take the planning pressure

The post Unlock the Power of Retail: A Salon Owner’s Guide appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Unlock the power of retail

Although the pandemic hit salon professionals hard, being classified as “unessential,” it also offered a unique learning curve. As salon owners, you had to think creatively to generate revenue when in-salon services weren’t available, and much of this innovation focused on retail sales. Retail is a huge income stream in our industry, yet many salons and stylists still miss out on its full potential.

In this blog, our partner at Salon S.O.S. explores why retail isn’t just important but crucial to your salon’s success. They show you how to sell without feeling pushy, how to harness social media to boost retail sales, and how to motivate your team to make retailing exciting.

Why Retail is Crucial for a Salon

retail increase in profitsIt may seem obvious, but the primary reason retail is so important in a salon is that it provides a new source of revenue. In an industry where income is often tied to time, retail allows stylists and salon owners to level up without additional time commitments. The reality is, there are only so many hours in a day, and without retail, a salon professional’s earning potential is capped.

Offering products such as haircare, skincare, styling tools, and boutique items not only adds value to your services but also helps clients maintain their beauty routine at home. By selling high-quality products that meet your clients’ needs, you build trust and loyalty while boosting sales. Retailing also keeps salons competitive and helps them stand out from others. Focusing on retail is key for salons looking to grow and deliver top-tier customer experiences.

Beauty Consultant vs. Service Provider

beauty services and retail serviceWhat does a full salon service look like to you? Does it start when the client walks in and end when they leave? What’s the point of providing a gorgeous service if clients don’t know how to maintain it between visits?

Your clients are walking billboards – your work is on display. How their hair, nails, or lashes look between appointments reflects your work. Elevate your business by including at-home care as part of your service. Educating clients about the right products to maintain their look at home isn’t salesy—it’s delivering a complete service. Shifting your view on retail can make it feel more natural and less forced.

Before any product is sold, the key to successful retailing is education. Stylists must understand why a product is worth it and be able to explain that to clients. Your clients are going to buy haircare anyway—why wouldn’t they get it from you, the expert who knows their needs?

People come to us for our knowledge and trust our recommendations. It’s a disservice to them if we don’t educate them about the products they need. It’s not your business to decide how much a client wants to spend, but it is your business to recommend products that protect their investment.

Consider offering a loyalty rewards program to incentivize retail sales! Take a look at this article on why you should launch a salon loyalty program.

NO Doesn’t Mean NEVER, Just NOT RIGHT NOW

Hearing “no” when suggesting retail can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to! Remember what Babe Ruth (and A Cinderella Story) said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

If a client says no, don’t be discouraged. They may need time to consider it, or they might plan to buy it at their next visit. It’s not your job to figure out why—it’s your job to provide a complete service, including retail suggestions.

Using Social Media to Boost Retail Sales

social media announcementsHaving a beautifully stocked retail area in the salon is great, but the online space is equally important! Whether or not you’ve started exploring e-commerce, social media offers plenty of retailing opportunities. Here are some ideas to promote products on social media and translate that into sales:

  1. Tutorials – Make video tutorials using your retail products. Whether you’re styling yourself or a client, show step-by-step how to use the items. Seeing the product in action is more powerful than we often realize. Breaking things down to the basics helps make trying new products less intimidating for clients.
  2. Product Features – While sharing professional product photos from Instagram or Pinterest is useful, try adding your own personal touch. Find a fun background in your salon and snap a photo of a product next to a finished look. It adds a sense of authenticity to your posts.
  3. Ask Questions – Instead of waiting for followers to ask you about products, ask them questions and recommend accordingly. Social media is all about convenience, and your followers will appreciate you simplifying their shopping experience.
  4. Consistency – Keep posting about retail products, even if it feels like extra work. Focus on the awareness you’re creating and remember: each post helps you learn what works and what doesn’t.

Make It Fun – Retail Gamification

fun gifts and gamesIncentives drive us all. Rewards don’t always need to be monetary—they can be as simple as recognition or bragging rights. Retail gamification can push your team (and you!) to achieve higher retail sales. Here are some fun ideas:

  1. BINGO – Create a BINGO card with retail product challenges. This encourages stylists to step outside their comfort zones and focus on selling less-promoted products.
  2. Board Game Challenge – Turn retail goals into a board game! Let team members move their pieces as they hit sales milestones, sparking healthy competition and motivating your team.
  3. Team Mystery Box – Divide your team into small groups and give each one a mystery box of retail items. Challenge them to focus on selling those products, and the group with the highest sales wins!

If promo planning isn’t for you, Salon S.O.S. has an AMAZING support opportunity for you, salon pros! Click HERE to check out their library of proven promotional ideas PLUS the ready-made marketing materials to support each promo! (IG posts, reels, stories, in-salon posters, etc…) You can purchase these turn-key promotions and materials at incredibly affordable prices to take the planning pressure and design work off your shoulders!

Conclusion

Changing your perspective on retail is the first step to growing that side of your salon business. You are much more than just a service provider, and once you recognize this, everything else will fall into place.

We challenge you—service providers and salon owners alike—to reevaluate how you approach retail. Confront any discomfort around selling and create an action plan. Use one of our retail games or challenges to inspire yourself and your team, or come up with your own! We’d love to see what you come up with and hear how it helped you level up your retail game. Tag us in your posts with your retail promotions and challenge ideas!

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Unlock the Power of Retail: A Salon Owner’s Guide appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> 40 Salon Promotion Ideas to Inspire You https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/40-salon-promotion-ideas-to-inspire-you/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:29:59 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=10622 One thing in our industry never changes; the need to continually find fresh and innovative ideas to captivate customers. It is time to break away from the conventional BOGO (buy one, get one) sales and start thinking outside of the box. To make a lasting impression and stand out from competitors, it is crucial for salon professionals to get creative with both retail and service promotions. Luckily, our partners at Salon S.O.S. have shared 40 exciting ideas that can inject new life into your marketing strategies and we’re sharing them with you here! If promo planning isn’t for you, Salon S.O.S. has a BRAND new support opportunity for you, salon pros! Click HERE to check out their library of promotion content that you can purchase to take the pressure of all of the guess work (and design work!) off of your shoulders.  You get proven promotion ideas AND all the pre-designed marketing materials to promote them in your salon and online.  Talk about turn-key!  WHY TO PLAN SALON PROMOTIONS IN ADVANCE  Planning salon promos in advance, both for retail and services, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, having a basic yearly plan provides a roadmap for the salon’s marketing efforts. It allows the team to align their strategies and ensure consistent messaging throughout the year. By knowing what promotions are coming up, they can create a cohesive campaign that builds excitement among clients. Additionally, planning ahead enables salons to take advantage of distributor deals and promotions, maximizing their purchasing power and profitability. Quarterly adjustments based on these opportunities ensure that the salon stays competitive in the market while offering attractive discounts or incentives to customers. Ultimately, having a well-thought-out promo plan ensures efficiency, consistency, and financial success for the salon throughout the year.  Now let’s get to the fun stuff; Here are 40 different ideas to spark promotion inspiration in your salon!  RETAIL PROMO IDEAS  1. Offer exclusive discounts or promotions to loyal customers who make a retail purchase. 2. Create bundles of products at discounted prices, such as “buy one get one free” or “buy two products and get the third at 50% off.” 3. Host a monthly “product of the month” promotion with special pricing on a specific product. 4. Hold a social media contest where participants can win a gift card for retail purchases by sharing their favourite salon/spa experience. 5. Collaborate with local businesses to create joint promotions, such as offering discounts on spa services when customers spend a certain amount at a partnering boutique. 6. Offer complimentary samples of new products with every retail purchase made during a promotional period. 7. Provide personalized consultations and recommendations for customers based on their beauty needs and offer them exclusive discounts on recommended products. 8. Run limited-time flash sales with significant discounts on select retail items. 9. Implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for each retail purchase that can be redeemed for future discounts or freebies. 10. Partner with popular influencers or bloggers in the beauty industry to promote your salon/spa’s retail products through sponsored content or giveaways. 11. Organize educational workshops or events centred around skincare, haircare, or makeup, where attendees receive special offers on related retail items. 12. Send out targeted email campaigns featuring exclusive deals and offers on salon/spa retail products. 13. Create gift sets or packages tailored for specific occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, offering savings compared to purchasing individual items separately. 14. Offer free shipping or delivery services for online orders of salon/spa retail products during specific time frames. 15. Implement referral programs where existing clients receive discounts on their next service if they refer new clients who make a retail purchase. 16. Team up with local charities and donate a percentage of proceeds from all retail sales during certain periods to support a cause, promoting your partnership through social media and in-store signage. 17. Run a “try before you buy” campaign, allowing customers to test out select products during their salon/spa visit and offering discounts on those products if purchased within a specific timeframe. 18. Create a VIP retail membership program that provides exclusive benefits such as early access to new product launches, additional discounts, or personalized beauty consultations. 19. Host trunk shows or pop-up shops featuring local boutique brands alongside your salon/spa’s retail products, attracting a wider customer base. 20. Offer complementary add-on services when customers purchase specific retail items, such as a free mini facial with the purchase of a high-end skincare product. SERVICE PROMO IDEAS  1. Offer discounted packages for multiple services, such as a spa day package or a hair cut and color package. 2. Introduce a loyalty program where clients earn points for every service they receive, with the opportunity to redeem those points for free or discounted services. If you haven’t see the Salon S.O.S. loyalty program yet, we encourage you to check it out. Salons have seen retail sales increases of 15% to 20% and the program also has features like automated messaging and promotions. Click here to learn more! 3. Collaborate with local businesses to offer joint promotions, such as partnering with a gym to provide discounts on fitness classes to salon/spa clients, or offering discounts at nearby restaurants after certain services are performed. 4. Create exclusive offers for first-time customers, such as a discount on their first visit or a complimentary add-on service. 5. Organize themed events or workshops related to beauty and wellness topics, inviting industry experts to share tips and tricks while showcasing your salon/spa’s services. Salon S.O.S. has a great article to help you out with this; click HERE to learn how to plan for an epic in-salon event! 6. Launch seasonal promotions tied to specific holidays or events, such as Valentine’s Day couples’ specials or Mother’s Day pampering packages. 7. Provide referral incentives by offering clients a discount or reward when they refer new customers to your salon/spa. 8. Extend business hours on select days and promote special evening appointments for busy professionals who struggle

The post 40 Salon Promotion Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> 40 Salon Promotion Ideas to Inspire You

One thing in our industry never changes; the need to continually find fresh and innovative ideas to captivate customers. It is time to break away from the conventional BOGO (buy one, get one) sales and start thinking outside of the box. To make a lasting impression and stand out from competitors, it is crucial for salon professionals to get creative with both retail and service promotions. Luckily, our partners at Salon S.O.S. have shared 40 exciting ideas that can inject new life into your marketing strategies and we’re sharing them with you here!

If promo planning isn’t for you, Salon S.O.S. has a BRAND new support opportunity for you, salon pros! Click HERE to check out their library of promotion content that you can purchase to take the pressure of all of the guess work (and design work!) off of your shoulders.  You get proven promotion ideas AND all the pre-designed marketing materials to promote them in your salon and online.  Talk about turn-key! 

WHY TO PLAN SALON PROMOTIONS IN ADVANCE 

Planning salon promos in advance, both for retail and services, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, having a basic yearly plan provides a roadmap for the salon’s marketing efforts. It allows the team to align their strategies and ensure consistent messaging throughout the year. By knowing what promotions are coming up, they can create a cohesive campaign that builds excitement among clients. Additionally, planning ahead enables salons to take advantage of distributor deals and promotions, maximizing their purchasing power and profitability. Quarterly adjustments based on these opportunities ensure that the salon stays competitive in the market while offering attractive discounts or incentives to customers. Ultimately, having a well-thought-out promo plan ensures efficiency, consistency, and financial success for the salon throughout the year. 

Now let’s get to the fun stuff; Here are 40 different ideas to spark promotion inspiration in your salon! 

RETAIL PROMO IDEAS 

salon promotion idea percentage off1. Offer exclusive discounts or promotions to loyal customers who make a retail purchase.

2. Create bundles of products at discounted prices, such as “buy one get one free” or “buy two products and get the third at 50% off.”

3. Host a monthly “product of the month” promotion with special pricing on a specific product.

4. Hold a social media contest where participants can win a gift card for retail purchases by sharing their favourite salon/spa experience.

5. Collaborate with local businesses to create joint promotions, such as offering discounts on spa services when customers spend a certain amount at a partnering boutique.

6. Offer complimentary samples of new products with every retail purchase made during a promotional period.

7. Provide personalized consultations and recommendations for customers based on their beauty needs and offer them exclusive discounts on recommended products.

salon promotion idea announcement

8. Run limited-time flash sales with significant discounts on select retail items.

9. Implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for each retail purchase that can be redeemed for future discounts or freebies.

10. Partner with popular influencers or bloggers in the beauty industry to promote your salon/spa’s retail products through sponsored content or giveaways.

salon promotion idea new product

11. Organize educational workshops or events centred around skincare, haircare, or makeup, where attendees receive special offers on related retail items.

12. Send out targeted email campaigns featuring exclusive deals and offers on salon/spa retail products.

13. Create gift sets or packages tailored for specific occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, offering savings compared to purchasing individual items separately.

14. Offer free shipping or delivery services for online orders of salon/spa retail products during specific time frames.

15. Implement referral programs where existing clients receive discounts on their next service if they refer new clients who make a retail purchase.

16. Team up with local charities and donate a percentage of proceeds from all retail sales during certain periods to support a cause, promoting your partnership through social media and in-store signage.

17. Run a “try before you buy” campaign, allowing customers to test out select products during their salon/spa visit and offering discounts on those products if purchased within a specific timeframe.

salon promotion idea online shopping

18. Create a VIP retail membership program that provides exclusive benefits such as early access to new product launches, additional discounts, or personalized beauty consultations.

19. Host trunk shows or pop-up shops featuring local boutique brands alongside your salon/spa’s retail products, attracting a wider customer base.

20. Offer complementary add-on services when customers purchase specific retail items, such as a free mini facial with the purchase of a high-end skincare product.

SERVICE PROMO IDEAS 

salon promotion idea shampoo product1. Offer discounted packages for multiple services, such as a spa day package or a hair cut and color package.

2. Introduce a loyalty program where clients earn points for every service they receive, with the opportunity to redeem those points for free or discounted services.
If you haven’t see the Salon S.O.S. loyalty program yet, we encourage you to check it out. Salons have seen retail sales increases of 15% to 20% and the program also has features like automated messaging and promotions. Click here to learn more!

3. Collaborate with local businesses to offer joint promotions, such as partnering with a gym to provide discounts on fitness classes to salon/spa clients, or offering discounts at nearby restaurants after certain services are performed.

4. Create exclusive offers for first-time customers, such as a discount on their first visit or a complimentary add-on service.

5. Organize themed events or workshops related to beauty and wellness topics, inviting industry experts to share tips and tricks while showcasing your salon/spa’s services.
Salon S.O.S. has a great article to help you out with this; click HERE to learn how to plan for an epic in-salon event!

salon promotion idea icon buy button6. Launch seasonal promotions tied to specific holidays or events, such as Valentine’s Day couples’ specials or Mother’s Day pampering packages.

7. Provide referral incentives by offering clients a discount or reward when they refer new customers to your salon/spa.

8. Extend business hours on select days and promote special evening appointments for busy professionals who struggle to find time during regular working hours.

9. Implement monthly membership programs that offer unlimited access to certain services at a fixed price per month, encouraging frequent visits from members.

10. Offer group discounts for bridal parties, birthday celebrations, or other special occasions held at the salon/spa.

salon promotion idea demo 11. Host pop-up shops featuring local beauty and wellness brands within your salon/spa space, providing exposure for both your business and these independent vendors.

12. Create limited-time collaborations with influencers in the beauty industry who can help promote your salon/spa through social media platforms.

13. Use email marketing campaigns to send personalized offers and reminders about upcoming promotions directly to your client database.

14. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase before-and-after transformations of clients along with promotional offers tied specifically to those services.

15. Partner with local hotels to offer exclusive discounts on services for hotel guests, providing an additional incentive for visitors to try your salon/spa.

16. Create a “treat yourself” day by offering complimentary snacks or beverages during certain hours or days of the week to enhance the overall client experience.

17. Collaborate with nearby businesses, such as clothing boutiques or jewelry stores, to provide joint promotions and cross-promote each other’s products/services.

18. salon promotion idea brushOffer mini-makeovers or touch-up services at community events, creating brand awareness while showcasing your expertise to potential clients.

19. Run online contests or giveaways where participants can win free services or gift certificates, encouraging engagement and attracting new followers on social media.
Deep dive into a Salon S.O.S. blog about hosting a killer salon giveaway HERE!

20. Provide unique add-on services like scalp massages, hand treatments, or aromatherapy upgrades that clients can choose “a la carte” to enhance their overall salon/spa experience.

CONCLUSION 

It is imperative for salon owners and managers to recognize the significance of keeping their promotions new and interesting in order to maintain a steady clientele. Instead of relying solely on constant discounting, shifting the mindset towards adding value can be more effective in attracting clients to return for more services.  

Salon S.O.S. also has an awesome blog post about Discounting VS Adding Value, click here to check it out!  

By offering unique and innovative promotions that go beyond mere discounts, salons can create an experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. This approach not only keeps clients engaged and excited about future visits but also helps to build long-term loyalty and trust within the salon industry.

Don’t forget that we’ve got a great option for all of you that can’t be bothered with promo planning and want an all-in-one solution. Salon S.O.S. created Salon Promo Box just for you: a library of proven promotional ideas PLUS the ready-made marketing materials to support each promo! (IG posts, reels, stories, in-salon posters, etc…) You can purchase these turn-key promotions and materials at incredibly affordable prices to take the planning pressure and design work off your shoulders! 

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. 

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy 

The post 40 Salon Promotion Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Salon Online Reviews Grow Your Business https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/salon-online-reviews-grow-your-business/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 16:30:22 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=10573 Most salon professionals understand that online reviews are good for business. However far too many salon professionals are putting very little energy towards this part of their business. Your online reputation is crucial to the success of your business. A positive online presence can help increase visibility and searchability, which ultimately leads to more clients and revenue. One of the best ways to build a positive online reputation is to get regular positive reviews from your clients. This is essential for both stylists and salons alike. When a new potential client is searching for hair or esthetic services in their area, they usually go to review sites like Google or Yelp to check out other people’s experiences. Having positive reviews on these platforms can make all the difference when it comes to attracting new clients. In this article, our digital marketing partner from Salon S.O.S. will break down how to ask your guests for reviews, salon incentives for leaving reviews, as well as best practices to make the most of each client testimonial.  ONLINE REVIEWS HELP YOUR SALON’S GOOGLE RANKINGS If you’re not sure, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It boils down to using specific keywords to increase the likelihood of your business appearing near the top of Google when a consumer types in a search.  Online client reviews can be a great way to feature these keywords without even lifting a finger, especially when clients include specifics of their service when they write their review. Positive reviews from satisfied clients provides social proof that your business is reputable and trustworthy. This is a great signal to Google to be recommending your business near the top of results.  This can lead to more clicks and more traffic to your website. As a bonus, if a client review contains keywords related to the services you offer and the name of your city, town or neighbourhood, that review can help boost your Google ranking even more (because it contains specific words that match what a consumer is searching for in Google). By encouraging happy clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook and Yelp, you can boost your online presence and attract new customers who are searching for the services you provide. If SEO confuses you but you want to learn more, click HERE to read another S.O.S. blog! Or, if you prefer to leave it to the experts, click HERE to check out SEO Solutions! ASKING YOUR CLIENTS FOR ONLINE REVIEWS Should you be asking salon guests for reviews? ABSOLUTELY!! We understand that nobody wants to do it in an aggressive or salesy way, so here are several recommendations that don’t feel awkward or pushy. Consider using social media marketing to encourage clients to leave a review after their appointment. You can do this by reposting other client testimonials and asking new guests to do the same. You may also consider displaying posters or mirror clings in your salon with instructions on how to leave a review. Make it as easy as possible for them to leave the review by including QR codes or direct links to Facebook, Yelp or Google Reviews. To learn more about how to utilize QR codes in your salon/spa, click HERE to catch this S.O.S. blog post! Another option is simply asking during the checkout process; after a client has paid for their service and is expressing how great they feel, a simple “Would you be willing to write us a quick review of your experience on Google (or platform of your choice)?”  You might even consider offering incentives for leaving a review such as bonus points in your loyalty program or a complimentary service upgrade. To learn more about our loyalty programs for salons, click HERE. When asking for reviews, it’s important to have best practices in place. Responding to each review (both positive and negative) shows that you value feedback from your clients. Additionally, having a script prepared for asking in person or on social media can help ensure consistency and professionalism. Most importantly, make sure to UTILIZE these reviews by reposting them on your social media platforms and websites! So many consumers rely heavily on the recommendation and feedback of other customers before making a purchase or booking an appointment, so it’s so important to have these testimonials easily accessible and visible online.  And when people see a review being written, it also can motivate/inspire them to write a review of their own! HOW TO RESPOND TO REVIEWS (POSTIVE AND NEGATIVE) POSITIVE Show your sincere gratitude for the kind words your guest took the time to leave! A personalized response expressing thanks can go a long way in building customer loyalty and attracting potential clients. We also recommend mentioning specific aspects of their experience that stood out, such as exceptional service or skilled stylists. And finally, inviting them to return for future services or recommending additional treatments can continue to strengthen the already strong relationship with this client! NEGATIVE When it comes to negative online reviews as a salon business, it is crucial to remain cool, calm, collected and most importantly, professional while addressing the concerns raised by the guest. Start by acknowledging their feedback and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Offering a solution or asking for more information demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue promptly. Encouraging further communication offline (if necessary), such as through email or phone, allows you to address their concerns privately and find a suitable resolution. You don’t want to engage in a back and forth exchange because this is public viewing! Here is an example of how you can respond to an upset client: “We are sorry to hear about your experience. Thank you for informing us. It is always part of our service to give thorough consultation and confirm satisfaction with every guest that leaves our salon. If you could provide us with your email or phone number so that we can contact you directly, we would like to speak with you about your experience so

The post Salon Online Reviews Grow Your Business appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Salon Online Reviews Grow Your Business

Most salon professionals understand that online reviews are good for business. However far too many salon professionals are putting very little energy towards this part of their business. Your online reputation is crucial to the success of your business. A positive online presence can help increase visibility and searchability, which ultimately leads to more clients and revenue. One of the best ways to build a positive online reputation is to get regular positive reviews from your clients. This is essential for both stylists and salons alike. When a new potential client is searching for hair or esthetic services in their area, they usually go to review sites like Google or Yelp to check out other people’s experiences. Having positive reviews on these platforms can make all the difference when it comes to attracting new clients. In this article, our digital marketing partner from Salon S.O.S. will break down how to ask your guests for reviews, salon incentives for leaving reviews, as well as best practices to make the most of each client testimonial. 

ONLINE REVIEWS HELP YOUR SALON’S GOOGLE RANKINGS

google review keywordsIf you’re not sure, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It boils down to using specific keywords to increase the likelihood of your business appearing near the top of Google when a consumer types in a search.  Online client reviews can be a great way to feature these keywords without even lifting a finger, especially when clients include specifics of their service when they write their review. Positive reviews from satisfied clients provides social proof that your business is reputable and trustworthy. This is a great signal to Google to be recommending your business near the top of results.  This can lead to more clicks and more traffic to your website. As a bonus, if a client review contains keywords related to the services you offer and the name of your city, town or neighbourhood, that review can help boost your Google ranking even more (because it contains specific words that match what a consumer is searching for in Google). By encouraging happy clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook and Yelp, you can boost your online presence and attract new customers who are searching for the services you provide.

If SEO confuses you but you want to learn more, click HERE to read another S.O.S. blog! Or, if you prefer to leave it to the experts, click HERE to check out SEO Solutions!

ASKING YOUR CLIENTS FOR ONLINE REVIEWS

ask for a reviewShould you be asking salon guests for reviews? ABSOLUTELY!! We understand that nobody wants to do it in an aggressive or salesy way, so here are several recommendations that don’t feel awkward or pushy.

Consider using social media marketing to encourage clients to leave a review after their appointment. You can do this by reposting other client testimonials and asking new guests to do the same. You may also consider displaying posters or mirror clings in your salon with instructions on how to leave a review. Make it as easy as possible for them to leave the review by including QR codes or direct links to Facebook, Yelp or Google Reviews. To learn more about how to utilize QR codes in your salon/spa, click HERE to catch this S.O.S. blog post!

Another option is simply asking during the checkout process; after a client has paid for their service and is expressing how great they feel, a simple “Would you be willing to write us a quick review of your experience on Google (or platform of your choice)?”  You might even consider offering incentives for leaving a review such as bonus points in your loyalty program or a complimentary service upgrade. To learn more about our loyalty programs for salons, click HERE.

When asking for reviews, it’s important to have best practices in place. Responding to each review (both positive and negative) shows that you value feedback from your clients. Additionally, having a script prepared for asking in person or on social media can help ensure consistency and professionalism. Most importantly, make sure to UTILIZE these reviews by reposting them on your social media platforms and websites! So many consumers rely heavily on the recommendation and feedback of other customers before making a purchase or booking an appointment, so it’s so important to have these testimonials easily accessible and visible online.  And when people see a review being written, it also can motivate/inspire them to write a review of their own!

HOW TO RESPOND TO REVIEWS (POSTIVE AND NEGATIVE)

POSITIVE

5 star postive reviewShow your sincere gratitude for the kind words your guest took the time to leave! A personalized response expressing thanks can go a long way in building customer loyalty and attracting potential clients. We also recommend mentioning specific aspects of their experience that stood out, such as exceptional service or skilled stylists. And finally, inviting them to return for future services or recommending additional treatments can continue to strengthen the already strong relationship with this client!

NEGATIVE

2 star negative reviewWhen it comes to negative online reviews as a salon business, it is crucial to remain cool, calm, collected and most importantly, professional while addressing the concerns raised by the guest. Start by acknowledging their feedback and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Offering a solution or asking for more information demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue promptly. Encouraging further communication offline (if necessary), such as through email or phone, allows you to address their concerns privately and find a suitable resolution. You don’t want to engage in a back and forth exchange because this is public viewing!

Here is an example of how you can respond to an upset client:

“We are sorry to hear about your experience. Thank you for informing us. It is always part of our service to give thorough consultation and confirm satisfaction with every guest that leaves our salon. If you could provide us with your email or phone number so that we can contact you directly, we would like to speak with you about your experience so that we can better understand the situation and know where we can improve.”

By taking responsibility for any mistakes made and showing genuine concern for the customer’s satisfaction, you can potentially turn a negative review into a positive one and showcase your dedication to quality service. Don’t let a bad review get you down, things happen that are out of your control but you do have control and ability to rectify the situation the best way you see fit!

CONCLUSION

Receiving online reviews is one of the most effective ways to ensure a positive online reputation for your salon. By following these tips and implementing best practices, you can increase visibility and attract new clients with ease. Don’t be afraid to ask your salon guests for reviews – it’s simple but incredibly powerful! Ignoring or simply not encouraging online client reviews is not only a missed opportunity, it could also be hurting your salon businesses online reputation. Take the simple steps we covered in this blog post to increase awareness around client testimonials and how to encourage them and respond to them.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Salon Online Reviews Grow Your Business appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Why Your Salon Needs To Be On YouTube https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/why-your-salon-needs-to-be-on-youtube/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:30:40 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=10540 Video marketing is KING in the digital age we are living in, and YouTube is an incredible platform to house your salon’s promotional and educational video content. YouTube is an amazing digital marketing tool for salon owners to have in their online tool box as it is easy to upload and organize your video content for your audience to easily navigate and enjoy. In this blog, our digital partner at Salon S.O.S. will show you how to utilize YouTube to elevate your online presence and grow your salon business! Video is the best way to portray a genuine message to your audience. Because customer service and client relationships are so important in the salon, it is especially important to build rapport online with potential guests before they step foot in the salon. Because YouTube is the largest and most popular video streaming platform, you can be sure that your guests, potential clients, and team members alike will be able to easily find and view your content. There are countless ways that you can use video content to portray the message you are putting out. Whether that message is promotional, educational, inspirational, or entertaining, video is the best way to capture your audience’s attention. We’re going to give you some great ideas on how to best use videos on YouTube in your salon’s marketing plan! Video Ideas For You Salon’s YouTube Channel One way that you can utilize a YouTube channel for your salon is by creating “Playlists” of content for your audience to check our before or after their salon visit! Here’s just a few ideas of video content you can create that will benefit your audience and grow your salon business online! How To’s & Tutorials Hair styling tutorials, makeup look tutorials, how to recreate a look, how to use a specific hot tool, etc. Product Promotions Video of current salon retail promotions, how to use styling products at home, product benefits and key ingredients, featured products, etc. Tip & Tricks Styling tricks, healthy hair tips, tips for maintaining hair colour, at home maintenance tips, etc. Step by Step Walk your audience through every step of the hair or hair esthetic services you offer in your salon spa, cleaning procedures step by step, consultation step by step, etc. If you’re liking what you’re reading and want even more solutions to growing your salon’s online presence, check out everything that S.O.S does here! Videos are not only great to educate and attract clientele, it’s also a great way to inform, inspire, and motivate your salon team! We recommend setting up a private YouTube Channel for your team to check out so your regular audience can’t access it. Here’s a few ideas of ways you can utilize videos on YouTube for your team to have access to. Technique Tutorials Are you showing stylists on your team the same technique over and over again? Create a playlist of videos showing popular technique tutorials and how to’s! You can organize them so it is incredibly easy to navigate and acts as a great digital resource for training your team. Retail Tips Post videos with tips and tricks on how to retail without feeling “salesy”. You may also consider creating retail challenge videos that you send to your team to incentivize specific product sales! Personal Development Recommendations Create videos of motivational book, podcast or movie recommendations for your team to check out when they’re needing a pick me up or inspiration! CONCLUSION YouTube is an incredible platform that many salons have yet to utilize, so be ahead of the digital curve and create yours today! The more visibility you have online, the more likely potential clients will be able to find you. Not only that, but having an incredible resource library of videos for them to watch outside of their salon visit provides so much value and builds trust. If you want to see an example of a YouTube channel and see even more great tips, Salon S.O.S is on YouTube to provide you even more digital marketing strategies, tricks, and clips to take your salon’s online game to the next level. Check out their channel here! If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Why Your Salon Needs To Be On YouTube appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Why Your Salon Needs To Be On YouTube

Video marketing is KING in the digital age we are living in, and YouTube is an incredible platform to house your salon’s promotional and educational video content. YouTube is an amazing digital marketing tool for salon owners to have in their online tool box as it is easy to upload and organize your video content for your audience to easily navigate and enjoy. In this blog, our digital partner at Salon S.O.S. will show you how to utilize YouTube to elevate your online presence and grow your salon business!

Video is the best way to portray a genuine message to your audience. Because customer service and client relationships are so important in the salon, it is especially important to build rapport online with potential guests before they step foot in the salon. Because YouTube is the largest and most popular video streaming platform, you can be sure that your guests, potential clients, and team members alike will be able to easily find and view your content.

There are countless ways that you can use video content to portray the message you are putting out. Whether that message is promotional, educational, inspirational, or entertaining, video is the best way to capture your audience’s attention. We’re going to give you some great ideas on how to best use videos on YouTube in your salon’s marketing plan!

Video Ideas For You Salon’s YouTube Channel

One way that you can utilize a YouTube channel for your salon is by creating “Playlists” of content for your audience to check our before or after their salon visit! Here’s just a few ideas of video content you can create that will benefit your audience and grow your salon business online!

How To’s & Tutorials

using products and tools Hair styling tutorials, makeup look tutorials, how to recreate a look, how to use a specific hot tool, etc.

Product Promotions

Video of current salon retail promotions, how to use styling products at home, product benefits and key ingredients, featured products, etc.

Tip & Tricks

Styling tricks, healthy hair tips, tips for maintaining hair colour, at home maintenance tips, etc.

Step by Step

step by step at the salonWalk your audience through every step of the hair or hair esthetic services you offer in your salon spa, cleaning procedures step by step, consultation step by step, etc.

If you’re liking what you’re reading and want even more solutions to growing your salon’s online presence, check out everything that S.O.S does here!

Videos are not only great to educate and attract clientele, it’s also a great way to inform, inspire, and motivate your salon team! We recommend setting up a private YouTube Channel for your team to check out so your regular audience can’t access it. Here’s a few ideas of ways you can utilize videos on YouTube for your team to have access to.

Technique Tutorials

Are you showing stylists on your team the same technique over and over again? Create a playlist of videos showing popular technique tutorials and how to’s! You can organize them so it is incredibly easy to navigate and acts as a great digital resource for training your team.

retail productsRetail Tips

Post videos with tips and tricks on how to retail without feeling “salesy”. You may also consider creating retail challenge videos that you send to your team to incentivize specific product sales!

Personal Development Recommendations

Create videos of motivational book, podcast or movie recommendations for your team to check out when they’re needing a pick me up or inspiration!

CONCLUSION

YouTube is an incredible platform that many salons have yet to utilize, so be ahead of the digital curve and create yours today! The more visibility you have online, the more likely potential clients will be able to find you. Not only that, but having an incredible resource library of videos for them to watch outside of their salon visit provides so much value and builds trust.

If you want to see an example of a YouTube channel and see even more great tips,

Salon S.O.S is on YouTube to provide you even more digital marketing strategies, tricks, and clips to take your salon’s online game to the next level. Check out their channel here!

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Why Your Salon Needs To Be On YouTube appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Captions and Hashtags 101 https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/captions-and-hashtags-101/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:19:25 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=10042 Ever found yourself stuck when writing captions for your salon or spa’s social media posts? Have you ever found yourself wondering how exactly hashtags work and if they add any value to your posts? Sometimes, the most seemingly simple tasks cause the most grief, and this can be the case when it comes to writing captions and hashtags. Well, worry no more! Our partner and digital experts from Salon S.O.S. are going to give you a crash course on caption writing and explain how to best use hashtags. Buckle up! CAPTION CREATIVITY UNLEASHED We’ve all been there, relying on those basic coffee-inspired hair captions (you know, the caramel macchiato bayalage and oat milk latte blondes). They may be cute, but not always effective. Instead of leaning on a simple caption that only explains the post they are seeing, make your caption INSPIRING, EDUCATIONAL, PROMOTIONAL or ENGAGING. Think beyond the obvious and write captions that would make you stop scrolling to read. We’re going to show you examples of what an explanatory, inspiring, educational, promotional and entertaining caption looks like for the photo below. Want to learn more about Salon S.O.S. and all the digital marketing solutions they have for salon professionals?! Click HERE to learn more! THE SIMPLE EXPLANATORY CAPTION Pretty in pink❣️ THE INSPIRATIONAL CAPTION This lovely lady is absolutely obsessed with pink. Every time she visits the salon, she has her hair done in a different shade of pink. Her nails, her accessories, her makeup are always beaming with bursts of soft, bright, neon, or pastel pink. The colour pink represents love, kindness, and approachability, and this is the vibe she puts out as soon as she steps in the salon. It brightens my day every time she sits in my chair and shares her sunny, vibrant, PINK energy with me. Not only is she an absolute joy to work with but I also have the opportunity to be creative and turn her pink hair dreams into reality.✨ THE EDUCATIONAL CAPTION Here’s how we created this peachy kissed pink ✨ First, we pre-lightened with Evo Pro Bottle Blonde Lightener + 20 Vol + Olaplex. Then, we pre-toned with Evo Pro Platinum Shampoo Next up- application. Crown Formula: Evo Fabuloso Pro Chocolate + Black, STAINO Ruby + Plum + Clear Mid-strands- Ends Formula: STAINO Clear + Ruby + Fab Pro Chocolate We sent her home with a custom mixed Fabuloso Pro Conditioner to maintain this gorgeous tone until next her salon visit! ❤️ THE PROMOTIONAL CAPTION Ooo, this pink would look SO good on you! ❣️ Have you ever wanted to try out a vivid or pastel color but are afraid of the maintenance?! Keep scrolling, you won’t want to miss this months offer at the salon! For the rest of the month, you will receive a FREE colour conditioner ($50 value!) with any fashion color service! ✨ So not only are you getting the fashion color of your dreams but ALSO the secret ingredient to keeping your color fresh and vibrant… FOR FREE! The time is now to book in for your own color service and take advantage of this incredible deal! THE ENGAGING CAPTION We absolutely LOVE this pinky peachy masterpiece but we can’t put our finger on what it reminds us of … Help us out by telling us what this color combo reminds you of in the comments!! On a side note… if you could do your hair in ANY pastel colour, what would you choose?! ✨ Next time you’re writing captions for your salon posts, decide if you want to be inspiring, educational, promotional or engaging. Once you’ve figured out that and the story you want to tell, the rest of the caption should fall into place. When in doubt, take a look at your favourite salon industry accounts and take inspiration from their captions! Or utilize AI like ChatGPT to help write captions. And remember, authenticity is key! For more on authenticity on social media, give this blog post a read! #HASHTAGS Hashtags are an interesting concept that have evolved greatly over the years. They are keywords about the content you are posting and allow social media users to easily follow along with the topics they are interested in. At first, the idea was to hashtag every. Single. Thing. And include as many hashtags as you could. Then we were told to not include hashtags in the caption, but in the comments. It changed constantly and it’s hard to know what’s right and wrong and how to come about utilizing them properly for business. Well folks, it’s much simpler than we all think. For now (until the usage and algorithms change again), it seems to be most efficient to niche down and choose between 3 and 5 specific hashtags. For salon/spa businesses, you can narrow down your hashtag strategy by keeping the following categories in mind: Service/Product Hashtags For hairstylists, this may look like a specific hairstyles like #bayalage or #curlyhair and for retail, you may choose to hashtag the type of product like #proteintreatment or #clarifyingshampoo . You may also choose to use the brands of products used in your salon/spa. Salon/Spa Industry Hashtags These hashtags are linked to the specific work you do and services you offer. For example: #hairstylist , #lashtechnician , #skincareexpert etc. Branded Hashtags If you haven’t already, create a branded hashtag for your salon company! This way, IG users can search your hashtag and see every post that’s used it in their caption, creating a library of content linked to your salon! Community/location hashtags. These are the most important type of hashtag in our opinion as they aim towards social media users in your area, AKA potential clients. Look up the commonly used hashtags in your community and apply it to your industry. For example, if your salon is in Langley, you may choose #langleysalon, #hairstylistlangley, #langleyhair, etc. Once you’ve nailed down the hashtags you think will perform best, the hard work is done! You simply

The post Captions and Hashtags 101 appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Captions and Hashtags header

Ever found yourself stuck when writing captions for your salon or spa’s social media posts? Have you ever found yourself wondering how exactly hashtags work and if they add any value to your posts? Sometimes, the most seemingly simple tasks cause the most grief, and this can be the case when it comes to writing captions and hashtags. Well, worry no more! Our partner and digital experts from Salon S.O.S. are going to give you a crash course on caption writing and explain how to best use hashtags. Buckle up!

CAPTION CREATIVITY UNLEASHED

We’ve all been there, relying on those basic coffee-inspired hair captions (you know, the caramel macchiato bayalage and oat milk latte blondes). They may be cute, but not always effective. Instead of leaning on a simple caption that only explains the post they are seeing, make your caption INSPIRING, EDUCATIONAL, PROMOTIONAL or ENGAGING. Think beyond the obvious and write captions that would make you stop scrolling to read. We’re going to show you examples of what an explanatory, inspiring, educational, promotional and entertaining caption looks like for the photo below.client with pink hair

Want to learn more about Salon S.O.S. and all the digital marketing solutions they have for salon professionals?! Click HERE to learn more!

THE SIMPLE EXPLANATORY CAPTION

Pretty in pink❣

THE INSPIRATIONAL CAPTION

This lovely lady is absolutely obsessed with pink. Every time she visits the salon, she has her hair done in a different shade of pink. Her nails, her accessories, her makeup are always beaming with bursts of soft, bright, neon, or pastel pink. The colour pink represents love, kindness, and approachability, and this is the vibe she puts out as soon as she steps in the salon.

It brightens my day every time she sits in my chair and shares her sunny, vibrant, PINK energy with me. Not only is she an absolute joy to work with but I also have the opportunity to be creative and turn her pink hair dreams into reality.✨

THE EDUCATIONAL CAPTION

Here’s how we created this peachy kissed pink ✨

First, we pre-lightened with Evo Pro Bottle Blonde Lightener + 20 Vol + Olaplex. Then, we pre-toned with Evo Pro Platinum Shampoo

Next up- application.

Crown Formula: Evo Fabuloso Pro Chocolate + Black, STAINO Ruby + Plum + Clear

Mid-strands- Ends Formula: STAINO Clear + Ruby + Fab Pro Chocolate

We sent her home with a custom mixed Fabuloso Pro Conditioner to maintain this gorgeous tone until next her salon visit! ❤

client with pink hairTHE PROMOTIONAL CAPTION

Ooo, this pink would look SO good on you! ❣

Have you ever wanted to try out a vivid or pastel color but are afraid of the maintenance?! Keep scrolling, you won’t want to miss this months offer at the salon!

For the rest of the month, you will receive a FREE colour conditioner ($50 value!) with any fashion color service! ✨

So not only are you getting the fashion color of your dreams but ALSO the secret ingredient to keeping your color fresh and vibrant… FOR FREE! The time is now to book in for your own color service and take advantage of this incredible deal!

THE ENGAGING CAPTION

We absolutely LOVE this pinky peachy masterpiece but we can’t put our finger on what it reminds us of …

Help us out by telling us what this color combo reminds you of in the comments!!

On a side note… if you could do your hair in ANY pastel colour, what would you choose?! ✨

Next time you’re writing captions for your salon posts, decide if you want to be inspiring, educational, promotional or engaging. Once you’ve figured out that and the story you want to tell, the rest of the caption should fall into place. When in doubt, take a look at your favourite salon industry accounts and take inspiration from their captions! Or utilize AI like ChatGPT to help write captions. And remember, authenticity is key!

For more on authenticity on social media, give this blog post a read!

#HASHTAGS

automating messages

Hashtags are an interesting concept that have evolved greatly over the years. They are keywords about the content you are posting and allow social media users to easily follow along with the topics they are interested in. At first, the idea was to hashtag every. Single. Thing. And include as many hashtags as you could. Then we were told to not include hashtags in the caption, but in the comments. It changed constantly and it’s hard to know what’s right and wrong and how to come about utilizing them properly for business. Well folks, it’s much simpler than we all think. For now (until the usage and algorithms change again), it seems to be most efficient to niche down and choose between 3 and 5 specific hashtags. For salon/spa businesses, you can narrow down your hashtag strategy by keeping the following categories in mind:

Service/Product Hashtags

For hairstylists, this may look like a specific hairstyles like #bayalage or #curlyhair and for retail, you may choose to hashtag the type of product like #proteintreatment or #clarifyingshampoo . You may also choose to use the brands of products used in your salon/spa.

Salon/Spa Industry Hashtags

These hashtags are linked to the specific work you do and services you offer. For example: #hairstylist , #lashtechnician , #skincareexpert etc.

Branded Hashtags

If you haven’t already, create a branded hashtag for your salon company! This way, IG users can search your hashtag and see every post that’s used it in their caption, creating a library of content linked to your salon!

Community/location hashtags.

These are the most important type of hashtag in our opinion as they aim towards social media users in your area, AKA potential clients. Look up the commonly used hashtags in your community and apply it to your industry. For example, if your salon is in Langley, you may choose #langleysalon, #hairstylistlangley, #langleyhair, etc.

Once you’ve nailed down the hashtags you think will perform best, the hard work is done! You simply need to copy and paste your pre-set list to your captions. We do suggest mixing them up a bit between posts to see which perform better. We also recommend scheduling your posts ahead of time to make it even easier on yourself.

CONCLUSION

These tips and tricks for captivating captions and effective hashtags should make you a pro in no time. We want to see you execute now!

We challenge you to schedule your posts/captions for the next week (minimum! Brownie points if you plan for the month!) using thoughtfully planned and written captions. Along with these beautifully curated captions, we challenge you to test out different hashtags with each post to see if it makes any difference performance wise. Over the next month, see what works and see what doesn’t, then adjust your strategy accordingly moving forward!

Or if you’re not longer interested in the headache of managing your salon’s social media marketing, Salon S.O.S. can do it for you. Hit this link to learn more! If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Captions and Hashtags 101 appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Keep Your Clients Coming Back: Connecting Between Salon Visits https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/connecting-between-salon-visits/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:40:15 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=9722 Ever wonder where your favorite clients went? It happens to all of us. You realize you haven’t seen a familiar face in the salon chair for a while. While it’s easy to worry they had a bad experience, there are many reasons clients might take a break. Our digital marketing partner, Salon S.O.S., is here to share some reasons why clients might skip a visit, and more importantly, how to gently reconnect with them (often using digital) to keep your salon top-of-mind, and continue connecting between salon visits. WHY CLIENTS MIGHT DISAPPEAR (IT’S NOT ALWAYS YOU!) Life throws curveballs, and sometimes salon visits fall by the wayside. Here are a few reasons a client might be MIA: Evolving Needs: Maybe your salon offerings haven’t kept pace with their evolving hair goals. Staying current with trends, education, and technology shows you’re invested in providing the best possible experience. Communication Breakdown: Miscommunication can lead to disappointment, impacting their overall experience. Encourage open communication throughout the appointment to ensure they’re happy with the service and cost. Life Changes: Location or budget changes can put salon visits on hold. These are factors outside your control, but staying connected can keep your salon in mind for when their circumstances change. Simply Forgot: We all get busy! Gentle reminders can jog their memory and get them back in the booking loop. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH GUESTS AFTER A SALON VISIT There are so many benefits to creating a follow up communication strategy with your salon guests, and it could be the difference between keeping or losing a client. It’s important to have communication with guests following their salon service to ensure they were happy with their experience and interested in returning for their next appointment. As mentioned above, life is busy! It can be hectic and chaotic and it’s super easy to forget about self care and maintenance. By following up with your salon clients, you are reminding them that they are due for a little self care. Or, if they have not returned for one reason or another, you are giving them the opportunity to express their feedback. It’s a mutually beneficial exchange for both you as the salon owner as well as the client. THE POWER OF THE POST-VISIT FOLLOW UP There are so many ways that you can digitally connect with your salon guests without a ton of effort. With automation, you can set up messages and prompts to be sent at the time of your choice to guests following their appointments or when they haven’t revisited in a while. Following up with clients after their visit shows you value their business and their feedback. Here’s how: Request Reviews: A simple email or text asking for a Google review with a convenient link makes it easy for them to leave a positive review. If they do have concerns, a follow-up allows you to address them and potentially salvage the relationship. Gentle Appointment Reminders: Automated texts or emails a few weeks after their visit can remind them to rebook, especially for routine services. Including a booking link streamlines the process. Reconnect with Long-Lost Clients: After a longer absence (depending on the service), a friendly message with a rebooking incentive (discount or special offer) can entice them to return. All of these automated message types can be performed with the Salon S.O.S. loyalty program. It has a built-in email and messaging systems for automated communication that lets you send branded messages, promote specials, and reconnect with clients between visits! Learn more about this affordable solution and request a free demo by clicking here! https://www.salonsos.ca/loyalty-programs-for-salons-and-spa BEYOND EMAIL: MULTI-CHANNEL COMMUNICATION You can also automate messages on social media (check out this blog to learn how) or use a third party messaging system to communicate and send automated messages. Remember, consistent, personalized communication strengthens client relationships and sets your salon apart. There are so many avenues in which to follow up with guests following their salon visit and now more than ever, it is important to enhance your salon experience and set yourself apart to retain and recruit clients. The main message is to come up with a simple, attainable strategy to effectively communicate with your salon guests and stick to it. As you’ve read above, most of these things can now be automated with technology, and fortunately our partner Salon S.O.S. is here to help you with that. If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

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]]> Connecting between appointments header

Ever wonder where your favorite clients went? It happens to all of us. You realize you haven’t seen a familiar face in the salon chair for a while. While it’s easy to worry they had a bad experience, there are many reasons clients might take a break. Our digital marketing partner, Salon S.O.S., is here to share some reasons why clients might skip a visit, and more importantly, how to gently reconnect with them (often using digital) to keep your salon top-of-mind, and continue connecting between salon visits.

WHY CLIENTS MIGHT DISAPPEAR (IT’S NOT ALWAYS YOU!)

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes salon visits fall by the wayside. Here are a few reasons a client might be MIA:

  1. why clients might disappearEvolving Needs: Maybe your salon offerings haven’t kept pace with their evolving hair goals. Staying current with trends, education, and technology shows you’re invested in providing the best possible experience.
  2. Communication Breakdown: Miscommunication can lead to disappointment, impacting their overall experience. Encourage open communication throughout the appointment to ensure they’re happy with the service and cost.
  3. Life Changes: Location or budget changes can put salon visits on hold. These are factors outside your control, but staying connected can keep your salon in mind for when their circumstances change.
  4. Simply Forgot: We all get busy! Gentle reminders can jog their memory and get them back in the booking loop.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH GUESTS AFTER A SALON VISIT

There are so many benefits to creating a follow up communication strategy with your salon guests, and it could be the difference between keeping or losing a client. It’s important to have communication with guests following their salon service to ensure they were happy with their experience and interested in returning for their next appointment. As mentioned above, life is busy! It can be hectic and chaotic and it’s super easy to forget about self care and maintenance. By following up with your salon clients, you are reminding them that they are due for a little self care. Or, if they have not returned for one reason or another, you are giving them the opportunity to express their feedback. It’s a mutually beneficial exchange for both you as the salon owner as well as the client.

THE POWER OF THE POST-VISIT FOLLOW UP

There are so many ways that you can digitally connect with your salon guests without a ton of effort. With automation, you can set up messages and prompts to be sent at the time of your choice to guests following their appointments or when they haven’t revisited in a while. Following up with clients after their visit shows you value their business and their feedback. Here’s how:

  • automated follow upRequest Reviews: A simple email or text asking for a Google review with a convenient link makes it easy for them to leave a positive review. If they do have concerns, a follow-up allows you to address them and potentially salvage the relationship.
  • Gentle Appointment Reminders: Automated texts or emails a few weeks after their visit can remind them to rebook, especially for routine services. Including a booking link streamlines the process.
  • Reconnect with Long-Lost Clients: After a longer absence (depending on the service), a friendly message with a rebooking incentive (discount or special offer) can entice them to return.

All of these automated message types can be performed with the Salon S.O.S. loyalty program. It has a built-in email and messaging systems for automated communication that lets you send branded messages, promote specials, and reconnect with clients between visits! Learn more about this affordable solution and request a free demo by clicking here! https://www.salonsos.ca/loyalty-programs-for-salons-and-spa

BEYOND EMAIL: MULTI-CHANNEL COMMUNICATION

beyond email communicationYou can also automate messages on social media (check out this blog to learn how) or use a third party messaging system to communicate and send automated messages. Remember, consistent, personalized communication strengthens client relationships and sets your salon apart. There are so many avenues in which to follow up with guests following their salon visit and now more than ever, it is important to enhance your salon experience and set yourself apart to retain and recruit clients.

The main message is to come up with a simple, attainable strategy to effectively communicate with your salon guests and stick to it. As you’ve read above, most of these things can now be automated with technology, and fortunately our partner Salon S.O.S. is here to help you with that.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Keep Your Clients Coming Back: Connecting Between Salon Visits appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> How Influencer Marketing Can Grow Your Salon or Spa https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/how-influencer-marketing-can-grow-your-salon-or-spa/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:22:31 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=9226 You’ve seen them, you’ve heard them, and you’ve likely been influenced by them in one way or another. Social media influencers can be found in every niche, from “mommy” influencers, fitness influencers, and of course, beauty influencers. We’ve seen influencer marketing be extremely beneficial in other industries and we think when done correctly and strategically, it can be an amazing marketing investment for your salon/spa! In this blog post, our friends from Salon S.O.S. explain exactly WHAT an influencer is and the benefits of collaborating with one as well as how to take the first steps in getting started with a brand ambassador for your salon! INFLUENCER TIERS Influencer marketing has picked up steam in the last few years as social media has continued to run the show. Think of influencer marketing almost like a sort of digital “word of mouth”. Any person, brand, team or group can have influence as long as their audience trusts the message they are putting out on social media. There are 5 levels of influencer and it is determined by social media following. This is important to know because an influencer with a higher status will likely require more of an investment because your message will be exposed to a larger audience. Before you choose an influencer, it is important to establish WHY you are collaborating with one in the first place. Is it to gain new social media followers? Well then it’s important that you team up with an influencer that has a very large following so you can gain that surge of followers. If your goal is to get more guests coming to your salon through learning about you on social media, you’ll want to focus more on a locally based influencer because in this case, trust is more important than number of followers. For these reasons, every level of influencer is important for one reason or another, it’s just necessary to nail down the purpose of the collaboration before diving in! If you’re struggling with creating a solid social media game plan for your salon/spa, you can reach out to our partner Salon S.O.S. for support. Click here to learn more! INFLUENCER MARKETING BENEFITS FOR SALONS AND SPAS As with any other digital marketing strategy, there are pros and cons that go along with collaborating with an influencer. We believe that when done right, the pros far outweigh the cons. We’re going to fill you in on the benefits of using an influencer as well as things to be aware of before you get started to make sure it’s an easy, stress-free process! • Increase brand awareness. This is the most obvious benefit; even if an influencer’s followers don’t become guests of your salon, seeing these collaborative posts will make them aware that your brand exists. • Build trust. Influencers have built a level of trust with their audience and have created a community feel. This means that if the influencer likes you and your products/services enough to post about them, their audience will feel more comfortable connecting with your salon because they trust the opinion of influencer. This seal of approval also provides credibility for your salon/spa. • Better content. User generated content is beneficial for so many reasons; it builds trust and credibility for your brand as your audience sees REAL people talking about your products/services, it provides you with different content to use on your social, and it gives you an opportunity to be seen by the audience of the guest who posted the photo. • Increase sales. This is typically the goal when collaborating with an influencer and when done correctly, you will absolutely see a return on investment. • Cost effective. In comparison to other marketing strategies, influence marketing is relatively inexpensive. Well, more like it is as expensive or inexpensive as you choose to make it! You’re the one putting together the contract giving you control over what you invest in it. • Create collaborative relationships. For salons, the goal of having an influencer is likely to create brand awareness in your community to gain new clientele. This means, you’ll likely be collaborating with an influencer figure in your local area. This can open up so many new doors and allow you to meet new people in your community while cross promoting your businesses. Win-win for everyone! • Boosts SEO. Search. Engine. Optimization. PEOPLE! These are the little keywords that platforms like Google look for when determining which results get posted at the top of searches. So when an influencer mentions your business by name and the services/products you offer, SEO will pick up on these keywords and will hopefully bring your salon up in the search results! To further boost your salon/spa’s SEO, check out these Salon S.O.S options! THINGS TO BE AWARE OF The list of benefits goes on for miles, but we also want to let you know of a few things to be aware of when collaborating with a salon influencer. • Fair exchange. This is truly the #1 issue you have to worry about when collaborating, because no one wants to feel like they are doing more and not receiving as much in exchange. This is where contracts and guidelines come into place, we’ll get more into that in a bit here! • Finding the right partnership. It takes a lot of trust to place your brand in someone else’s hands, so you want to make sure you’re doing that with someone whose overall values line up with yours. If your brand promotes positivity and you collaborate with an influencer who is often negative, it can shed that unwanted light on your brand. • Measuring results. This is often an oversight as it can be exciting process signing on a salon brand ambassador! You want to make sure you’ve got a solid tracking system in place so you can actually see your ROI. We’ll dive into that a little more in the next section! Now that you’ve got a

The post How Influencer Marketing Can Grow Your Salon or Spa appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Grow your salon with influencer marketing

You’ve seen them, you’ve heard them, and you’ve likely been influenced by them in one way or another. Social media influencers can be found in every niche, from “mommy” influencers, fitness influencers, and of course, beauty influencers. We’ve seen influencer marketing be extremely beneficial in other industries and we think when done correctly and strategically, it can be an amazing marketing investment for your salon/spa!

In this blog post, our friends from Salon S.O.S. explain exactly WHAT an influencer is and the benefits of collaborating with one as well as how to take the first steps in getting started with a brand ambassador for your salon!

INFLUENCER TIERS

influencerInfluencer marketing has picked up steam in the last few years as social media has continued to run the show. Think of influencer marketing almost like a sort of digital “word of mouth”. Any person, brand, team or group can have influence as long as their audience trusts the message they are putting out on social media.

There are 5 levels of influencer and it is determined by social media following. This is important to know because an influencer with a higher status will likely require more of an investment because your message will be exposed to a larger audience.

Before you choose an influencer, it is important to establish WHY you are collaborating with one in the first place. Is it to gain new social media followers? Well then it’s important that you team up with an influencer that has a very large following so you can gain that surge of followers. If your goal is to get more guests coming to your salon through learning about you on social media, you’ll want to focus more on a locally based influencer because in this case, trust is more important than number of followers.

For these reasons, every level of influencer is important for one reason or another, it’s just necessary to nail down the purpose of the collaboration before diving in!

If you’re struggling with creating a solid social media game plan for your salon/spa, you can reach out to our partner Salon S.O.S. for support. Click here to learn more!

INFLUENCER MARKETING BENEFITS FOR SALONS AND SPAS

As with any other digital marketing strategy, there are pros and cons that go along with collaborating with an influencer. We believe that when done right, the pros far outweigh the cons. We’re going to fill you in on the benefits of using an influencer as well as things to be aware of before you get started to make sure it’s an easy, stress-free process!

grow your social media following

• Increase brand awareness. This is the most obvious benefit; even if an influencer’s followers don’t become guests of your salon, seeing these collaborative posts will make them aware that your brand exists.

• Build trust. Influencers have built a level of trust with their audience and have created a community feel. This means that if the influencer likes you and your products/services enough to post about them, their audience will feel more comfortable connecting with your salon because they trust the opinion of influencer. This seal of approval also provides credibility for your salon/spa.

• Better content. User generated content is beneficial for so many reasons; it builds trust and credibility for your brand as your audience sees REAL people talking about your products/services, it provides you with different content to use on your social, and it gives you an opportunity to be seen by the audience of the guest who posted the photo.

• Increase sales. This is typically the goal when collaborating with an influencer and when done correctly, you will absolutely see a return on investment.

• Cost effective. In comparison to other marketing strategies, influence marketing is relatively inexpensive. Well, more like it is as expensive or inexpensive as you choose to make it! You’re the one putting together the contract giving you control over what you invest in it.

• Create collaborative relationships. For salons, the goal of having an influencer is likely to create brand awareness in your community to gain new clientele. This means, you’ll likely be collaborating with an influencer figure in your local area. This can open up so many new doors and allow you to meet new people in your community while cross promoting your businesses. Win-win for everyone!

• Boosts SEO. Search. Engine. Optimization. PEOPLE! These are the little keywords that platforms like Google look for when determining which results get posted at the top of searches. So when an influencer mentions your business by name and the services/products you offer, SEO will pick up on these keywords and will hopefully bring your salon up in the search results!

To further boost your salon/spa’s SEO, check out these Salon S.O.S options!

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

The list of benefits goes on for miles, but we also want to let you know of a few things to be aware of when collaborating with a salon influencer.

• Fair exchange. This is truly the #1 issue you have to worry about when collaborating, because no one wants to feel like they are doing more and not receiving as much in exchange. This is where contracts and guidelines come into place, we’ll get more into that in a bit here!

• Finding the right partnership. It takes a lot of trust to place your brand in someone else’s hands, so you want to make sure you’re doing that with someone whose overall values line up with yours. If your brand promotes positivity and you collaborate with an influencer who is often negative, it can shed that unwanted light on your brand.

• Measuring results. This is often an oversight as it can be exciting process signing on a salon brand ambassador! You want to make sure you’ve got a solid tracking system in place so you can actually see your ROI. We’ll dive into that a little more in the next section!

Now that you’ve got a hearty list of pros and cons to weigh, we want to give you the tools you need to get started with vetting out potential salon influencers!

GETTING STARTED WITH INFLUENCER MARKETING FOR YOUR SALON OR SPA

influencerIf you’ve decided that Influencer Marketing is a route you’re interested in trying for your salon/spa, we’ve got a few tips on how to get started!

• Determine your goals. As we mentioned above, the first thing you need to do before even reaching out to influencers is establishing WHY you are and what you hope to accomplish through doing so.

• Establish a budget. Like most other marketing strategies, you need to make an investment in influencer marketing. Every influencer is different and may accept payment in salon services and retail discounts, or they may require a monthly payment. Either way, determine what your monthly budget is and this will help guide you to which kind of influencers to reach out to.

• Consider discount offerings. Often brands will give influencers a specific discount code so their audience can score products/services at a discounted rate. There are many ways you can offer custom discounts for your brand ambassadors such as creating an online discount code for retail or having a welcome package specifically for your influencer to hand out to incentivize salon visits. Custom discount codes also allow you to track which sales are coming from your ambassador, which leads us to our next point…

• Create a tracking system. You’re investing in an influencer as a marketing strategy, and you want to make sure there is truly a return on investment! Influencer discount codes (for both online and in salon purchases) are a great way to keep track of the sales you are getting as a result of your influence marketing investment.

• Make a rough draft of a contract. You will need to adjust this based on the agreement between you and the influencer but it’s good to have a foundation to build onto. This contract should include how the influencer will be compensated, what you as the company require in return (number of posts, platforms, tags, hashtags, etc), as well as anything else you want to set in stone before moving forward. For example: contract duration, exclusivity, whether approval of posts is required, bonuses, contract termination guidelines, etc.)

• Scope out potential influencers. Now that the hard work is done, it will be super easy to navigate choosing potential influencers for your salon/spa! Make a list of 3-5 solid candidates.

• Reach out! Depending on your marketing budget, you may only be looking to bring on one brand ambassador. If this is the case, message your top choice to see if they’d be interested in collaborating! This message is your first impression so make sure it’s oozing personality and that they get a good feel for what your brand values are and why you feel as if they’d be a great fit as an influencer.

• If (and when!) they say they’re interested, set up a meeting to discuss logistics. Lucky for you, you already have the bones of this ready and can plug in the agreed upon numbers accordingly!

CONCLUSION

Influencer marketing for salons and spas may or may not be the best route for you to take, but we feel as if it’s a trend to be aware of either way! Influencer marketing on social media has been blowing up over the last few years, and we’ve seen salons that have hopped on this trend and had incredible success. If you decide to give salon influencer marketing a go, make sure you come up with a solid game plan to ensure your investment of time, energy, and money is fully worth it in the end.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here: https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.

You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post How Influencer Marketing Can Grow Your Salon or Spa appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Save Time by Automating your Social Media Message Responses https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/save-time-by-automating-your-social-media-message-responses/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:45:12 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=9155 Between phone calls, texting, emails, and social media direct messages, it feels as if clients have full access to salon professionals 24/7. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with responses and downright irritating feeling obligated to respond immediately. If you’re not currently taking advantage of automated messages to respond to social media messages or emails, it’s time you start! In this blog post, our friends at Salon S.O.S. give you a break down on why automating and scheduling across digital marketing platforms is beneficial for salon/spa owners, provide you with the tools and resources you need to successfully schedule and automate, and give you a full step by step on how to create automated message on both Facebook and Instagram! STOP WAITING, START AUTOMATING We live in a constantly evolving, digitally driven world and as small business owners, you have more responsibilities and tasks to juggle and manage than ever before. Long gone are the days of clients simply calling the salon during business hours, there are countless ways for them to contact you (all day, everyday…) We also live in a time where people expect instant gratification—and it can be difficult, no, impossible to keep up timely responses on all of the different platforms. It is important, however, to give the people what they want and provide responses to their questions and inquiries in a timely fashion. This is where automation comes into play! You can save auto-responses to any social media messenger to let the sender know that you will respond to them ASAP as well as offer other contact/booking info. Having these messages automated to respond takes pressure off of you as a business owner as you can be confident you are providing your social media followers with a professional, immediate response without having to lift a finger! SCHEDULING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS We’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t mention scheduling your salon’s social media posts and why it’s an absolute game changer. As mentioned above, salon/spa owners have a LOT on their plates and the last thing we believe you should be worrying about is keeping up appearances on social media daily. Taking an hour to plan and schedule your posts in advance will ensure your social presence is crisp and consistent without being a day to day burden. There are countless apps and systems you can use to schedule your posts in advance—may we suggest checking out the Salon S.O.S. Social Media Scheduler? So the question isn’t why should you be scheduling your social media posts, it should be why not. FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM AUTOMATED RESPONSES Here is a step-by-step guide to set up your automated responses on FB and IG: FACEBOOK Make sure you are logged into your Business PAGE Click on the 3 lines in the top right corner to get to your Menu Select ‘Also from Meta’ and click on Meta Business Suite Click on your inbox (text bubble in menu across the bottom of the screen) Select Automated Responses and follow the prompts INSTAGRAM Go to your Profile Page Click on the 3 lines in the top right corner to get to your Menu Select SETTINGS Select BUSINESS Select SAVED REPLIES and follow the prompts RESPONSE EXAMPLES Thanks for reaching out! A member of our salon team will get back to you ASAP. If you need to reach us sooner, call us at (phone number)! Hey there, I will be away from the salon until (date) and will be catching up on messages then! You can give the salon a call at (#) for all of your needs until then. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as we can! If you’re looking to kill some time until then, check out our online shop here! (Website link) Thanks in advance for your patience, one of our salon team member will respond shortly! If you’re looking to book an appointment, check out availability here! (Online booking link) Hi there! We are currently closed but will get back to you as soon as we’re open. Until then, you can book appointments online here (online booking) or shop online here (salon website) AUTOMATION & SCHEDULING TIPS Establish how often you want to content batch and schedule time to do it. A few concentrated hours of social media content planning each month beats a scattered half hour daily! Don’t schedule too far in advance, you want to stay modern! Start with planning every week and then every month. You have 280 characters available for Facebook automated responses. You can also add direct links and attachments within messages. CONCLUSION Now that you know why you need to incorporate scheduling and automating into your salons digital marketing game, learned how to put it into play step by step and have examples of responses, you have no excuse not to take advantage of these tools that will make your life easier! We challenge you to game plan automating messages and scheduling social posts and then put that game plan into action. This blog post contains everything you need to start and believe us, the sooner you start, the better! Automating messages not only takes the pressure off of you to drop everything and respond immediately but also minimizes the chance of losing a potential client because of a delayed response. If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.  You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Save Time by Automating your Social Media Message Responses appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Save Time by Automating your Social Media Responses - automating messages

Between phone calls, texting, emails, and social media direct messages, it feels as if clients have full access to salon professionals 24/7. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with responses and downright irritating feeling obligated to respond immediately.

If you’re not currently taking advantage of automated messages to respond to social media messages or emails, it’s time you start!

In this blog post, our friends at Salon S.O.S. give you a break down on why automating and scheduling across digital marketing platforms is beneficial for salon/spa owners, provide you with the tools and resources you need to successfully schedule and automate, and give you a full step by step on how to create automated message on both Facebook and Instagram!

STOP WAITING, START AUTOMATING

automating messagesWe live in a constantly evolving, digitally driven world and as small business owners, you have more responsibilities and tasks to juggle and manage than ever before. Long gone are the days of clients simply calling the salon during business hours, there are countless ways for them to contact you (all day, everyday…)

We also live in a time where people expect instant gratification—and it can be difficult, no, impossible to keep up timely responses on all of the different platforms. It is important, however, to give the people what they want and provide responses to their questions and inquiries in a timely fashion.

This is where automation comes into play! You can save auto-responses to any social media messenger to let the sender know that you will respond to them ASAP as well as offer other contact/booking info.

Having these messages automated to respond takes pressure off of you as a business owner as you can be confident you are providing your social media followers with a professional, immediate response without having to lift a finger!

SCHEDULING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

automating messagesWe’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t mention scheduling your salon’s social media posts and why it’s an absolute game changer.

As mentioned above, salon/spa owners have a LOT on their plates and the last thing we believe you should be worrying about is keeping up appearances on social media daily.

Taking an hour to plan and schedule your posts in advance will ensure your social presence is crisp and consistent without being a day to day burden.

There are countless apps and systems you can use to schedule your posts in advance—may we suggest checking out the Salon S.O.S. Social Media Scheduler?

So the question isn’t why should you be scheduling your social media posts, it should be why not.

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM AUTOMATED RESPONSES

Here is a step-by-step guide to set up your automated responses on FB and IG:

FACEBOOK

  1. Make sure you are logged into your Business PAGE
  2. Click on the 3 lines in the top right corner to get to your Menu
  3. Select ‘Also from Meta’ and click on Meta Business Suite
  4. Click on your inbox (text bubble in menu across the bottom of the screen)
  5. Select Automated Responses and follow the prompts

INSTAGRAM

  1. Go to your Profile Page
  2. Click on the 3 lines in the top right corner to get to your Menu
  3. Select SETTINGS
  4. Select BUSINESS
  5. Select SAVED REPLIES and follow the prompts

RESPONSE EXAMPLESautomating messages

  • Thanks for reaching out! A member of our salon team will get back to you ASAP. If you need to reach us sooner, call us at (phone number)!
  • Hey there, I will be away from the salon until (date) and will be catching up on messages then! You can give the salon a call at (#) for all of your needs until then.
  • We will respond to your inquiry as soon as we can! If you’re looking to kill some time until then, check out our online shop here! (Website link)
  • Thanks in advance for your patience, one of our salon team member will respond shortly! If you’re looking to book an appointment, check out availability here! (Online booking link)
  • Hi there! We are currently closed but will get back to you as soon as we’re open. Until then, you can book appointments online here (online booking) or shop online here (salon website)

AUTOMATION & SCHEDULING TIPS

  • Establish how often you want to content batch and schedule time to do it. A few concentrated hours of social media content planning each month beats a scattered half hour daily!
  • Don’t schedule too far in advance, you want to stay modern! Start with planning every week and then every month.
  • You have 280 characters available for Facebook automated responses. You can also add direct links and attachments within messages.

CONCLUSION

Now that you know why you need to incorporate scheduling and automating into your salons digital marketing game, learned how to put it into play step by step and have examples of responses, you have no excuse not to take advantage of these tools that will make your life easier!

We challenge you to game plan automating messages and scheduling social posts and then put that game plan into action. This blog post contains everything you need to start and believe us, the sooner you start, the better!

Automating messages not only takes the pressure off of you to drop everything and respond immediately but also minimizes the chance of losing a potential client because of a delayed response.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.  You can also follow them on Instagram @salon.s.o.s and check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Save Time by Automating your Social Media Message Responses appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> 5 Must-Haves for a Standout Salon Website! https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/5-must-haves-for-a-standout-salon-website/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 21:38:29 +0000 https://iconbc.com/?p=8562 We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: in today’s world, having an outstanding website is not just a choice, it’s a necessity. Consumers now expect top-notch online service, regardless of the size of the business. Your website doesn’t have to be a technological marvel, but it does need to offer the basics in a polished manner. To help you keep up and elevate your business, we’ve got the lowdown from our partners at Salon S.O.S. on the essential elements your salon website should have for an amazing browsing experience. WHAT DOES MY SALON WEBSITE NEED? 1. THE BASICS Your salon website probably already covers the essentials, but it’s crucial to keep them up to date. Ensure that your contact information, salon hours, and online booking details are easily accessible. If potential clients struggle to navigate your site, you might lose them. Keep it simple and current – a non-negotiable!  Never forget your call to action. What do you want a website visitor to do?  Call you?  Click a link to book?  You have to know what action you want visitors to take, and then make it as easy as possible for them to take that action. 2. QUALITY IMAGES & COPY When it comes to photos, quality matters. Think of it like finding a hair in your takeout – one flaw can ruin the experience. And you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression. Opt for clear, high-resolution images (try PNG format for the best results). This is your chance to show off your space.  Eliminate the clutter in the background and make your salon sparkle.  Lighting is important here. The same goes for your written content – clear, concise, and error-free. Your website visitors should have a pleasant and easy reading experience.  Tell them WHY you are serving the community and what experience they can expect with you.  Make it personal and inviting – you want people to connect with your salon and have a positive emotional feeling towards it. 3. SEO (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION) SEO might sound daunting, but it’s essential for online visibility. We’ve had our friends from Salon S.O.S. cover the ins and outs in a past blog. In a nutshell, it involves using keywords strategically in your content. Create a list of these keywords to sprinkle throughout your website copy and social media captions. Blogs are fantastic for boosting SEO, so consider starting one if you haven’t already! Remember, if you’re not found on page #1 of a Google search, you essentially don’t exist. Not sure where to start with SEO? Salon S.O.S. has got you covered.  Check out their platform and affordable service here to learn more – www.salonsos.ca/seo to learn more! 4. MEET THE TEAM Humanize your salon by introducing your team with photos and engaging descriptions. Go beyond headshots; share training, qualifications, services they specialize in, and social media handles. Let your team’s personalities shine through in the copy. The more potential clients know about your team, the more comfortable they’ll feel booking an appointment. You also don’t want to forget that other industry professionals are checking out your website as a potential place to work. They want to see what type of people work there to see if it would be a fit.  So you definitely want to include a ‘Join our Team’ section where people can apply to work with you. Show off what a great place to work it is with potentially some employee testimonials! 5. WHAT YOUR SALON OFFERS Highlight not just your services and retail but also the overall experience your salon provides. Whether it’s a high-end luxury or a zen, laid-back vibe, paint a picture of what clients can expect. Don’t forget to showcase current promotions, add-on services, consultations, beverage menus, upcoming events, and anything else that adds value to their salon visit. You don’t need to list every single service in your menu. Keep it simple enough to give website visitors a sense of what you offer and prices so that they can determine if it’s in their budget. CONCLUSION Creating a successful salon website is critical to converting website visitors into paying clients.  It doesn’t have to require a massive investment and our friends at Salon S.O.S. are on a mission to make sure that every salon and spa business can have a professional website that grows your business at extremely affordable prices.  Check out what they can do for you here https://www.salonsos.ca/website-creation-for-salons-and-spa If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.  You can also check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post 5 Must-Haves for a Standout Salon Website! appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> 5 Must-Haves for a Standout Salon Website!

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: in today’s world, having an outstanding website is not just a choice, it’s a necessity. Consumers now expect top-notch online service, regardless of the size of the business. Your website doesn’t have to be a technological marvel, but it does need to offer the basics in a polished manner. To help you keep up and elevate your business, we’ve got the lowdown from our partners at Salon S.O.S. on the essential elements your salon website should have for an amazing browsing experience.

WHAT DOES MY SALON WEBSITE NEED?

The Basics1. THE BASICS

Your salon website probably already covers the essentials, but it’s crucial to keep them up to date. Ensure that your contact information, salon hours, and online booking details are easily accessible. If potential clients struggle to navigate your site, you might lose them. Keep it simple and current – a non-negotiable!  Never forget your call to action. What do you want a website visitor to do?  Call you?  Click a link to book?  You have to know what action you want visitors to take, and then make it as easy as possible for them to take that action.

Quality images and copy2. QUALITY IMAGES & COPY

When it comes to photos, quality matters. Think of it like finding a hair in your takeout – one flaw can ruin the experience. And you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression.

Opt for clear, high-resolution images (try PNG format for the best results). This is your chance to show off your space.  Eliminate the clutter in the background and make your salon sparkle.  Lighting is important here.

The same goes for your written content – clear, concise, and error-free. Your website visitors should have a pleasant and easy reading experience.  Tell them WHY you are serving the community and what experience they can expect with you.  Make it personal and inviting – you want people to connect with your salon and have a positive emotional feeling towards it.

SEO (search engine optimization)3. SEO (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION)

SEO might sound daunting, but it’s essential for online visibility. We’ve had our friends from Salon S.O.S. cover the ins and outs in a past blog. In a nutshell, it involves using keywords strategically in your content. Create a list of these keywords to sprinkle throughout your website copy and social media captions. Blogs are fantastic for boosting SEO, so consider starting one if you haven’t already! Remember, if you’re not found on page #1 of a Google search, you essentially don’t exist.

Not sure where to start with SEO? Salon S.O.S. has got you covered.  Check out their platform and affordable service here to learn more – www.salonsos.ca/seo to learn more!

Meet the team4. MEET THE TEAM

Humanize your salon by introducing your team with photos and engaging descriptions. Go beyond headshots; share training, qualifications, services they specialize in, and social media handles. Let your team’s personalities shine through in the copy. The more potential clients know about your team, the more comfortable they’ll feel booking an appointment.

You also don’t want to forget that other industry professionals are checking out your website as a potential place to work. They want to see what type of people work there to see if it would be a fit.  So you definitely want to include a ‘Join our Team’ section where people can apply to work with you. Show off what a great place to work it is with potentially some employee testimonials!

What your salon offers5. WHAT YOUR SALON OFFERS

Highlight not just your services and retail but also the overall experience your salon provides. Whether it’s a high-end luxury or a zen, laid-back vibe, paint a picture of what clients can expect. Don’t forget to showcase current promotions, add-on services, consultations, beverage menus, upcoming events, and anything else that adds value to their salon visit.

You don’t need to list every single service in your menu. Keep it simple enough to give website visitors a sense of what you offer and prices so that they can determine if it’s in their budget.

CONCLUSION

Creating a successful salon website is critical to converting website visitors into paying clients.  It doesn’t have to require a massive investment and our friends at Salon S.O.S. are on a mission to make sure that every salon and spa business can have a professional website that grows your business at extremely affordable prices.  Check out what they can do for you here https://www.salonsos.ca/website-creation-for-salons-and-spa

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.  You can also check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post 5 Must-Haves for a Standout Salon Website! appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> E-Commerce Best Practices for Salons and Spas https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/e-commerce-best-practices-for-salons-and-spas/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:33:55 +0000 https://iconbc.com/?p=8550 E-commerce is becoming increasingly important for salon businesses because it allows you to reach a wider audience and sell your products and services beyond the physical location of your salon. With an online store, salons can offer convenience to customers who prefer to shop or book appointments from the comfort of their own home, which also opens opportunities for salons to attract customers from different geographical areas. E-commerce can also help increase sales as it provides access to a 24/7 shopping platform that is not restricted by business hours or holidays. By incorporating e-commerce into your business model, salons can enhance customer experience, generate additional revenue streams, and remain competitive in an ever-changing market. In this blog post, we’re going to give you some insider tips & tricks to ensure you are optimizing your salon’s e-commerce platform to it’s full potential. TIPS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SALON’S E-COMMERCE PLATFORM 1. Start by optimizing your website for a great user experience. A successful e-commerce depends on how easy it is for customers to find what they are looking for, browse and make purchases. Ensure that your website has a simple navigation system, clear product categories, high-quality images and descriptions, and straightforward checkout process. It is also super important to make sure your site is mobile friendly for easy shopping from any device. 2. Use social media marketing to reach more people. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer an excellent opportunity to reach potential customers who might not have come across your online store otherwise. You can use paid advertising or organic posts to engage with potential buyers directly. 3. Provide exceptional online customer service. Positive customer experiences can make all the difference when it comes to running a successful e-commerce salon business. Make sure you respond promptly and professionally to any inquiries or complaints from customers via email, phone calls or chatbots. Offer multiple payment options including debit/credit cards, PayPal etc., provide free shipping on orders over a certain amount or give exclusive discounts for repeat customers. You could also add FAQ pages to help customers get answers to common questions quickly. Following all of these steps is important for creating a great online shopping experience, but none of it really matters if you are not keeping your salon’s e-commerce platform up to date and relevant. It’s important to look at your online shop as an extension of your entire operation—not just as a side thing that generates some extra income. We recommend designating someone, whether it’s yourself as the owner or perhaps a salon manager or a trusted staff member, to be the main go-to and the one responsible for maintaining your e-commerce platform. In order to have a successful online shop, you need to take it as seriously as the retail on your shelf, so having a dedicated person specifically taking care of e-commerce customers will ensure a great guest experience as well as keep everything organized in the back end of things. That individual should also focus on regularly talking about and promoting your online store. It’s one thing to have an online store. It’s a totally other thing (and more important) to have a communication plan around promoting it if you want it to actually generate any sales. This is where salons too often miss the boat. If you don’t even have a solid website presence yet, you need to start there. Walk before you run. Our partner at Salon S.O.S offers super affordable and professional website services specifically for our industry! They build AND maintain your website to make sure it enhances the client experience and drives sales. Click HERE to learn more about it! TRICKS FOR INCREASING YOUR SALON’S E-COMMERCE SALES 1. Offer limited-time promotions. Customers love a good deal, so offer them limited-time discounts or sales to create a sense of urgency and encourage them to make a purchase. You can also use this tactic to clear out excess inventory or promote new products. 2. Personalize the shopping experience. Use data and customer behavior insights to personalize the shopping experience for each individual user. This can include targeted product recommendations, personalized email campaigns, and retargeting ads based on their browsing history. 3. Simplify the checkout process. Make it as easy as possible for customers to complete their purchase by streamlining the checkout process. Reduce the number of steps involved, offer multiple payment options, and optimize your website for mobile devices so users can shop on-the-go. Additionally, consider offering free shipping or other incentives to motivate customers to complete their purchase. 4. Offer custom discount codes for your team and salon ambassadors or influencers. This incentivizes your salon staff to promote retail sales online as it would go towards their retail commission, and you may offer additional compensation to salon ambassadors if their followers use their discount code. This allows your salon’s e-commerce to be seen by a new demographic of followers that may not have known about your salon or online shop otherwise! For more of a deep dive on how to get your salon’s e-commerce platform kickstarted, check out this blog! CONCLUSION Offering e-commerce in 2023 is not just an option but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive and relevant. With the increasing trend of online shopping, customers expect easy access to products and services from anywhere at any time. E-commerce provides that convenience, allowing businesses of all types to reach a wider audience and increase sales. It also enables salons to collect data on customer behavior and preferences, which can be used to personalize marketing strategies and improve customer satisfaction. Finally, e-commerce eliminates geographical limitations, enabling your salon business to expand your reach beyond local markets. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adapt to the changing times by embracing e-commerce as an integral part of their salon’s business strategy! If you’re ready to incorporate e-commerce into your salon’s digital marketing strategy, S.O.S has got you covered. Click HERE to learn about our easy-to-use E-Commerce platform!

The post E-Commerce Best Practices for Salons and Spas appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> E-Commerce best practices for salons and spas

E-commerce is becoming increasingly important for salon businesses because it allows you to reach a wider audience and sell your products and services beyond the physical location of your salon. With an online store, salons can offer convenience to customers who prefer to shop or book appointments from the comfort of their own home, which also opens opportunities for salons to attract customers from different geographical areas. E-commerce can also help increase sales as it provides access to a 24/7 shopping platform that is not restricted by business hours or holidays.

By incorporating e-commerce into your business model, salons can enhance customer experience, generate additional revenue streams, and remain competitive in an ever-changing market.By incorporating e-commerce into your business model, salons can enhance customer experience, generate additional revenue streams, and remain competitive in an ever-changing market. In this blog post, we’re going to give you some insider tips & tricks to ensure you are optimizing your salon’s e-commerce platform to it’s full potential.

TIPS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SALON’S E-COMMERCE PLATFORM

1. Start by optimizing your website for a great user experience.

A successful e-commerce depends on how easy it is for customers to find what they are looking for, browse and make purchases. Ensure that your website has a simple navigation system, clear product categories, high-quality images and descriptions, and straightforward checkout process. It is also super important to make sure your site is mobile friendly for easy shopping from any device.

2. Use social media marketing to reach more people.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer an excellent opportunity to reach potential customers who might not have come across your online store otherwise. You can use paid advertising or organic posts to engage with potential buyers directly.

3. Provide exceptional online customer service.

Positive customer experiences can make all the difference when it comes to running a successful e-commerce salon business. Make sure you respond promptly and professionally to any inquiries or complaints from customers via email, phone calls or chatbots. Offer multiple payment options including debit/credit cards, PayPal etc., provide free shipping on orders over a certain amount or give exclusive discounts for repeat customers. You could also add FAQ pages to help customers get answers to common questions quickly.

It’s important to look at your online shop as an extension of your entire operation—not just as a side thing that generates some extra income.Following all of these steps is important for creating a great online shopping experience, but none of it really matters if you are not keeping your salon’s e-commerce platform up to date and relevant. It’s important to look at your online shop as an extension of your entire operation—not just as a side thing that generates some extra income. We recommend designating someone, whether it’s yourself as the owner or perhaps a salon manager or a trusted staff member, to be the main go-to and the one responsible for maintaining your e-commerce platform. In order to have a successful online shop, you need to take it as seriously as the retail on your shelf, so having a dedicated person specifically taking care of e-commerce customers will ensure a great guest experience as well as keep everything organized in the back end of things. That individual should also focus on regularly talking about and promoting your online store. It’s one thing to have an online store. It’s a totally other thing (and more important) to have a communication plan around promoting it if you want it to actually generate any sales. This is where salons too often miss the boat.

If you don’t even have a solid website presence yet, you need to start there. Walk before you run. Our partner at Salon S.O.S offers super affordable and professional website services specifically for our industry! They build AND maintain your website to make sure it enhances the client experience and drives sales. Click HERE to learn more about it!

TRICKS FOR INCREASING YOUR SALON’S E-COMMERCE SALES

1. Offer limited-time promotions.

Customers love a good deal, so offer them limited-time discounts or sales to create a sense of urgency and encourage them to make a purchase. You can also use this tactic to clear out excess inventory or promote new products.

2. Personalize the shopping experience.

Use data and customer behavior insights to personalize the shopping experience for each individual user. This can include targeted product recommendations, personalized email campaigns, and retargeting ads based on their browsing history.

3. Simplify the checkout process.

Make it as easy as possible for customers to complete their purchase by streamlining the checkout process. Reduce the number of steps involved, offer multiple payment options, and optimize your website for mobile devices so users can shop on-the-go. Additionally, consider offering free shipping or other incentives to motivate customers to complete their purchase.

4. Offer custom discount codes for your team and salon ambassadors or influencers.

This incentivizes your salon staff to promote retail sales online as it would go towards their retail commission, and you may offer additional compensation to salon ambassadors if their followers use their discount code. This allows your salon’s e-commerce to be seen by a new demographic of followers that may not have known about your salon or online shop otherwise!

For more of a deep dive on how to get your salon’s e-commerce platform kickstarted, check out this blog!

CONCLUSION

Offering e-commerce in 2023 is not just an option but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive and relevant. With the increasing trend of online shopping, customers expect easy access to products and services from anywhere at any time. E-commerce provides that convenience, allowing businesses of all types to reach a wider audience and increase sales.

It also enables salons to collect data on customer behavior and preferences, which can be used to personalize marketing strategies and improve customer satisfaction. Finally, e-commerce eliminates geographical limitations, enabling your salon business to expand your reach beyond local markets. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adapt to the changing times by embracing e-commerce as an integral part of their salon’s business strategy!

If you’re ready to incorporate e-commerce into your salon’s digital marketing strategy, S.O.S has got you covered. Click HERE to learn about our easy-to-use E-Commerce platform!

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip. You can also check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post E-Commerce Best Practices for Salons and Spas appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Email Marketing Essentials for Hair Salons https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/email-marketing-essentials-for-hair-salons/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:55:09 +0000 https://iconbc.com/?p=6766 With all the constant talk and hype around different social media platforms, it recently got us thinking: how many salons ONLY use social media for their digital marketing? Although social media needs to be a very important part of your digital marketing strategy, it is important to remember that: 1. Your followers are NOT a client list of information that you own. The social media platform owns that information. What do you do if a platform gets shut down tomorrow or starts to lose popularity and users over time. 2. The algorithms are making it harder and harder to get visibility, meaning that only a small percentage of your followers actually sees your content. In fact, the IG and FB average is about 5% of your followers that see any one post that you make.  This means that the information that you are trying to get out to your clients isn’t always received. Enter email marketing, a powerful and often underestimated tool that can transform the way hair salons engage with their customers. Email marketing may seem like an old school way of communicating with consumers, but it offers an unparalleled opportunity to build customer relationships, brand loyalty, and ultimately grow your business.  In this blog, our friends from Salon S.O.S. not only share why email addresses are worth their weight in gold, but they share tools to start your own email campaign or optimize your existing email game plan! Whether you’re a seasoned salon owner or a budding hairstylist, get ready to discover how email marketing can become your secret weapon in the pursuit of a thriving business. WHY IS EMAIL MARKETING GOOD FOR HAIR SALONS? First, let’s unravel the enchanting magic of email marketing. Why is it such a game-changer for hair salons? 1. Personalized Communication Email marketing allows you to send personalized messages directly to your clients. Whether it’s a birthday wish, a special discount on their favorite hair care products, or an exclusive offer for loyal clients, you can tailor your emails to make your clients feel valued and special. The personalized touch goes a long way in building customer loyalty. 2. Building Client Relationships In the hair salon business, nurturing strong client relationships is essential. Email marketing provides a platform to engage with your clients regularly. You can share tips, tricks, and insights on hair care, trends, and styling, positioning yourself as an expert in your field. This not only keeps your clients informed but also reminds them of your expertise and the services you offer. 3. Showcasing Your Services Emails are a great way to showcase your salon’s services. From highlighting new haircuts, color treatments, or spa packages to featuring success stories from satisfied customers, email marketing lets you display your salon’s expertise and unique offerings. 4. Promotions and Special Offers Everyone loves a good deal. Email marketing is the perfect platform to promote special offers and discounts. Whether it’s a seasonal promotion, a holiday special, or a referral program, sending out enticing deals to your email list can boost your salon’s revenue and keep clients coming back for more. 5. Keeping Clients Informed Hair salons often have changing operating hours, new stylists, or new products in stock. Keeping clients informed about these updates is vital for the smooth running of your business. Email marketing allows you to share important information promptly, ensuring that clients are always in the loop. HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL EMAIL MARKETING STRATEGY Now that we understand why email marketing is a game-changer for hair salons, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting a successful email marketing strategy: 1. Build a Subscribers List The first step is to build a subscribers list. Encourage your clients to subscribe to your emails when they visit. This should be easy to get as part of your ‘client profile.’ Ensure that you have their consent to send marketing emails to comply with privacy regulations. In order to get more people on your subscriber list that are not YET clients, you need a hook or an incentive.  Why might someone give you their email address if they are not a client?  You have to provide something of value: Freebies are a great idea. Offer a free tutorial or hair care guide when they sign up.  Here is a real example that’s beneficial for you.  If you want to check out a Salon S.O.S. freebie download, click here to score your own 35 Day Social Media Content Calendar! Quizzes: consumers enjoy filling our quizzes and polls. You can have an online quiz for them to answer by filling in their email address VIP list: create exclusive content (beauty tips, tutorials, special offers) that you don’t post on social media and only provide to an email list. This gives people a reason to subscribe to your email list! 2. Segment Your Email List Not all clients have the same needs and interests. Segment your email list to tailor your messages to different client groups. For example, you can have separate segments for regular clients, new clients, and clients interested in specific services. This allows you to send more relevant and personalized content when you need to. 3. Create Engaging Content The content of your emails is crucial. Your content can include newsletters, style tips, how-to guides, promotions, and client testimonials. Make sure your content is visually appealing, with high-quality images and a mobile-friendly layout. A newsletter is a great way to keep your clients in the loop for what’s going on in salon and/or online! You can decide how often you want to send these newsletters out to your email list and whether it’s quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly, make sure to keep it consistent! Your newsletter could contain everything up and coming in your salon from deals and promos, to stylist promotions and new systems or services. It’s also a great opportunity to do a deep dive into the brands and products you carry as well as the services you offer so your guests can

The post Email Marketing Essentials for Hair Salons appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Email Marketing Essentials for Hair Salons

With all the constant talk and hype around different social media platforms, it recently got us thinking: how many salons ONLY use social media for their digital marketing?

Although social media needs to be a very important part of your digital marketing strategy, it is important to remember that:

1. Your followers are NOT a client list of information that you own. The social media platform owns that information. What do you do if a platform gets shut down tomorrow or starts to lose popularity and users over time.

2. The algorithms are making it harder and harder to get visibility, meaning that only a small percentage of your followers actually sees your content. In fact, the IG and FB average is about 5% of your followers that see any one post that you make.  This means that the information that you are trying to get out to your clients isn’t always received.

Enter email marketing, a powerful and often underestimated tool that can transform the way hair salons engage with their customers. Email marketing may seem like an old school way of communicating with consumers, but it offers an unparalleled opportunity to build customer relationships, brand loyalty, and ultimately grow your business.  In this blog, our friends from Salon S.O.S. not only share why email addresses are worth their weight in gold, but they share tools to start your own email campaign or optimize your existing email game plan!

Whether you’re a seasoned salon owner or a budding hairstylist, get ready to discover how email marketing can become your secret weapon in the pursuit of a thriving business.

WHY IS EMAIL MARKETING GOOD FOR HAIR SALONS?

First, let’s unravel the enchanting magic of email marketing. Why is it such a game-changer for hair salons?

1. Personalized Communication

Email marketing allows you to send personalized messages directly to your clients. Whether it’s a birthday wish, a special discount on their favorite hair care products, or an exclusive offer for loyal clients, you can tailor your emails to make your clients feel valued and special. The personalized touch goes a long way in building customer loyalty.

2. Building Client Relationships

In the hair salon business, nurturing strong client relationships is essential. Email marketing provides a platform to engage with your clients regularly. You can share tips, tricks, and insights on hair care, trends, and styling, positioning yourself as an expert in your field. This not only keeps your clients informed but also reminds them of your expertise and the services you offer.

3. Showcasing Your Services

Emails are a great way to showcase your salon’s services. From highlighting new haircuts, color treatments, or spa packages to featuring success stories from satisfied customers, email marketing lets you display your salon’s expertise and unique offerings.

4. Promotions and Special Offers

Everyone loves a good deal. Email marketing is the perfect platform to promote special offers and discounts. Whether it’s a seasonal promotion, a holiday special, or a referral program, sending out enticing deals to your email list can boost your salon’s revenue and keep clients coming back for more.

5. Keeping Clients Informed

Hair salons often have changing operating hours, new stylists, or new products in stock. Keeping clients informed about these updates is vital for the smooth running of your business. Email marketing allows you to share important information promptly, ensuring that clients are always in the loop.

HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL EMAIL MARKETING STRATEGY

Now that we understand why email marketing is a game-changer for hair salons, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting a successful email marketing strategy:

1. Build a Subscribers List

The first step is to build a subscribers list. Encourage your clients to subscribe to your emails when they visit. This should be easy to get as part of your ‘client profile.’ Ensure that you have their consent to send marketing emails to comply with privacy regulations. In order to get more people on your subscriber list that are not YET clients, you need a hook or an incentive.  Why might someone give you their email address if they are not a client?  You have to provide something of value:

  • Freebies are a great idea. Offer a free tutorial or hair care guide when they sign up.  Here is a real example that’s beneficial for you.  If you want to check out a Salon S.O.S. freebie download, click here to score your own 35 Day Social Media Content Calendar!
  • Quizzes: consumers enjoy filling our quizzes and polls. You can have an online quiz for them to answer by filling in their email address
  • VIP list: create exclusive content (beauty tips, tutorials, special offers) that you don’t post on social media and only provide to an email list. This gives people a reason to subscribe to your email list!

2. Segment Your Email List

Not all clients have the same needs and interests. Segment your email list to tailor your messages to different client groups. For example, you can have separate segments for regular clients, new clients, and clients interested in specific services. This allows you to send more relevant and personalized content when you need to.

3. Create Engaging Content

The content of your emails is crucial. Your content can include newsletters, style tips, how-to guides, promotions, and client testimonials. Make sure your content is visually appealing, with high-quality images and a mobile-friendly layout.

A newsletter is a great way to keep your clients in the loop for what’s going on in salon and/or online! You can decide how often you want to send these newsletters out to your email list and whether it’s quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly, make sure to keep it consistent! Your newsletter could contain everything up and coming in your salon from deals and promos, to stylist promotions and new systems or services. It’s also a great opportunity to do a deep dive into the brands and products you carry as well as the services you offer so your guests can learn way more about it than just on a surface level. People’s attention spans on social media are so incredibly limited so you don’t want to be hitting them with boat loads of information to digest—they’ll scroll on by. When your client opens a newsletter from your salon, they’re anticipating more of a read and eager to learn, so that’s where you can do a detailed breakdown and explanation.

4. Consistency is Key

Consistency in your email marketing efforts is vital. Create a calendar to plan your email campaigns in advance. Whether it’s a monthly newsletter, weekly tips, or holiday promotions, stick to your schedule so that your clients know when to expect your emails.

5. Monitor and Analyze

Use email marketing tools to track the performance of your campaigns. Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Analyze the data to understand what works best for your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

EMAIL MARKETING BEST PRACTICES FOR HAIR SALONS

To make your email marketing strategy truly effective, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Mobile Optimization

With a growing number of people checking their emails on mobile devices, it’s essential to ensure that your emails are mobile-optimized. This means they should be easy to read and navigate on smartphones and tablets.

2. Subject Lines and Preheaders

It is SUPER important to have a catchy, scroll-stopping subject line for your email. It can make the difference in whether your email gets opened at all, so to make sure your clients actually see all of the juicy info in the email, spend extra time coming up with a killer subject line.

Spark curiosity using phrases like:

  • You don’t want to miss this
  • I can’t believe this happened
  • 5 reasons you NEED ____

Think of emails you receive from businesses, what stops you in your tracks and creates enough interest to open the email and read? Use this as inspiration to create your own catchy subject lines!

3. Call to Action (CTA)

Every email should have a clear and enticing call to action. Whether it’s booking an appointment, buying a product, or referring a friend, make sure your CTA stands out and is easy to follow.

4. Compliance and Privacy

Ensure that your email marketing practices comply with privacy regulations, such as GDPR or CAN-SPAM Act. Provide a clear way for subscribers to opt out of emails if they wish to do so.

CONCLUSION

Email marketing is not just about sending emails; it’s about building relationships, offering value, and growing your hair salon business. When done right, it can be the secret weapon that transforms your salon into a thriving and bustling hub of beauty and style. So, embrace the magic of email marketing, connect with your clients, and watch your salon flourish like never before.

If you want more great digital marketing tips or support for your salon business delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Salon S.O.S. VIP list here https://www.salonsos.ca/salon-digital-tips-vip.  You can also check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

EMAIL MARKETING SYSTEMS

There are countless different platforms you can use for your email marketing. If you use a POS system like Meevo, Phorest, Short Cuts, etc… you may have a built-in email marketing system that you can take advantage of. If not, here are a few of our platform recommendations.

MadMimi is super easy to navigate, create aesthetically pleasing emails, schedule email send outs, and create drip campaigns!

*A drip campaign is a planned, scheduled sequence of emails that is sent out in a strategic timeline after sign up*

Plus, MadMimi’s customer support is out of this world which is important when you’re new to the email marketing game!

Click here to learn more about MadMimi.
Click here to sign up for the Salon S.O.S email newsletter!

MailChimp is probably the most popular email marketing program to create simple or more elaborate email campaigns. It’s got all of the analytic bells and whistles that you want and need from an email marketing platform so you can review and adjust as needed to have a more successful email campaign. To learn more about MailChimp, click here!

There are countless other email marketing platforms out there to suit every businesses budget and needs. Read up and compare the features of each platform and evaluate if it meets your salons email marketing needs. Here’s a great list of the top email marketing platforms.

“HOOK” IDEAS

Quizzes

Quizzes are a great way to get people to sign up for your email list and for salon/spas, the opportunities are endless! You could do everything from quizzes to determine the right service or product to just for fun, “buzzfeed-esque” quizzes.

There are tons of apps can use to create your own custom quizzes- Here’s a great list of platforms for every salon marketing budget!

Freebies

There are many free download options for your salon to create. Here’s a few ideas for you to brainstorm on.

  • Weekly Hair Style Challenge with daily suggestions and video tutorials. This is also a great way to have them interact with you on social by tagging their at home style.
  • Product Tutorial Video. You could have the option for them to trade their email in exchange for tutorials on how to use your salons popular products with tips and tricks to get the most out of their purchase. You can also use this in salon with product purchases to add their email to your campaign and help them learn more about their new at home hair care!
  • Downloadable “Ultimate Guide To ___”

You could do this on a range of topics like “The Ultimate Guide to maintaining your blonde” or “Your Guide to Healthy Hair” or “The Only Lash Extension After Care Manual You’ll Ever Need” etc. Get creative with it and focus on the pain points we went over earlier- find the problem and then offer the solution.

Make sure your freebies are easy to follow and easy on the eyes. You’re exchanging it for the consumers email, so you want to make sure they aren’t disappointed with the quality of their download. It’s also the first major point of contact and an introduction into the sequence of informative emails, so make sure you make a great first impression and keep them wanting more! We recommend using Canva to create stunning, downloadable freebies.

Email Subject Line

It is SUPER important to have a catchy, scroll stopping subject like for your email. It can make the difference in whether your email gets opened at all, so to make sure your email list gets all of the juicy info in the email, spend extra time coming up with a killer subject line.

Spark curiosity using phrases like:

  • You don’t want to miss this
  • I can’t believe this happened
  • 5 reasons you NEED ____

Think of emails you receive from businesses, what stops you in your tracks and peaks enough interest to open the email and read? Use this as inspiration to create your own catchy subject lines!

We can’t wait to see what you do with salon’s email marketing! Make sure to tag us on social in any of your freebie hooks or newsletter announcements @salon.s.o.s

If you want to check out our own freebie download, click here to score your own 35 Day Social Media Content Calendar!

 

The post Email Marketing Essentials for Hair Salons appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Are you Making this Mistake with your Salon Loyalty Program? https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/are-you-making-this-mistake-with-your-salon-loyalty-program/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:51:29 +0000 https://iconbc.com/?p=6762 Loyalty programs are an essential aspect of salon businesses today, and for good reason. These programs offer a variety of benefits to both your guests AND your salon. For customers, loyalty programs often provide exclusive discounts, freebies, and other perks that keep them engaged with your business. At the same time, salons benefit from increased customer retention rates, higher sales, and valuable insights into consumer behavior. With so many advantages to gain from implementing loyalty programs, it’s no wonder why they have become a popular strategy across various industries, including the salon industry. Unfortunately, many salons are completely missing the mark by ignoring some critical loyalty best practices. Just because you have a loyalty program doesn’t mean it’s working. In this article, our friends at Salon S.O.S. share the biggest mistake you may be making with your salon’s loyalty program without even knowing it. WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL SALON LOYALTY PROGRAM? Companies with successful loyalty programs include Shoppers Drug Mart/Loblaws, Starbucks, Subway, Tim Hortons, and Sephora. These companies have been able to create successful loyalty programs because they understand the importance of customer engagement and retention. They offer personalized experiences through targeted promotions, exclusive discounts, and special perks that are tailored to each customer’s preferences. Additionally, they make it easy for customers to earn rewards by providing multiple ways to accumulate points or credits such as making purchases, referring friends, or engaging on social media. They also use data-driven insights to continuously optimize their loyalty programs and tailor them to meet the evolving needs of their customers. Overall, these companies have been successful in building strong relationships with their customers by rewarding loyalty and offering a unique experience that keeps them coming back. What else do these successful loyalty programs have in common? They are all APP based programs! This means that the customer has access to their loyalty rewards information through an app on their phone. Why is this important, you ask? We’re diving into that next… POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS VS APP BASED LOYALTY APPS Many salon software systems offer built-in loyalty programs. Points get automatically added into the client account when they make a purchase. The problem with these systems is that there is ZERO client AWARENESS or engagement. There is no conversation being had about the program. The clients usually don’t even realize they are earning points. And at the very least, they definitely don’t know how many points they earned that day, how many they have in their ‘bank’ and what they’re working towards. As a result, it offers no incentive for them to purchase more or return to the salon more frequently. When loyalty points are automatically built into a system, all of a sudden nobody talks about the program. Clients aren’t aware of their points, nor how close they are to potential rewards. And when people are not aware of something, they don’t change their behaviour. The objective of a successful loyalty program is to change the behaviour of the consumer and you can only do that by keeping the consumer constantly engaged with your program. There are also many unsuccessful programs out there that just ask you if you have the loyalty card, you rummage through your wallet or purse for it, they scan it, and you walk out of the store without knowing how many points you just earned, how many you have in your account, or how close you may or may not be to any rewards. Those programs are very mediocre, but still better than the salon software programs because at least someone asks you if you have your reward card. With the salon software programs, nobody even talks about it, and you just end up giving things away for free after a certain amount of time. It happens over and over again, as much as salons have good intentions to try and talk about it. The key to successful loyalty programs is awareness and engagement. You want your customers to be engaged with your program to get the best results. The best way to engage with customers these days is through their phones. That is why the best loyalty programs in today’s world are app-based programs that allow customers to stay connected and be engaged. The majority of consumers, especially those visiting your salon, are very active on their phones, so having an app that they can regularly check up on substantially increased awareness of your loyalty program. HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SALON’S APP BASED LOYALTY PROGRAM Salon S.O.S. offers gorgeous, custom branded loyalty apps that are successfully used by hundreds of salons and independent operators across North America. You don’t have to be a big salon to reward your clients and benefit from increased sales! If you’d like to learn more about these loyalty programs, click here! Here are some keys to a SUCCESSFUL loyalty program: 1. Utilize marketing campaign features. Most app based programs will have the option that allows you to automatically send salon clients promotions via text. Text marketing has shown to be incredibly effective as most people have access to their cellphones 24/7. Be strategic with these text marketing campaigns as to not overwhelm or overdo it with salon guests. 2. Offer rewards in exchange for reviews. You can prompt salon guests to leave an online review directly through most apps in exchange for a reward. Win-win for both the client and your salon! 3. Utilize loyalty triggers. Many apps will allow you to schedule triggers that will send clients a rewards prompt for any reason. Ex: Send a message if there’s been no activity for x amount of time or send bonus rewards on client’s birthday, special occasion, etc. CONCLUSION Long story short, the biggest mistake you can make with your salon’s loyalty rewards is going with a software that gives no awareness or engagement with your customer. App based loyalty rewards programs offer a range of benefits such as convenience, personalization, ease-of-use, and real-time engagement. They allow businesses to track

The post Are you Making this Mistake with your Salon Loyalty Program? appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Are you Making this Mistake with your Salon Loyalty Program?

Loyalty programs are an essential aspect of salon businesses today, and for good reason. These programs offer a variety of benefits to both your guests AND your salon. For customers, loyalty programs often provide exclusive discounts, freebies, and other perks that keep them engaged with your business. At the same time, salons benefit from increased customer retention rates, higher sales, and valuable insights into consumer behavior.

With so many advantages to gain from implementing loyalty programs, it’s no wonder why they have become a popular strategy across various industries, including the salon industry. Unfortunately, many salons are completely missing the mark by ignoring some critical loyalty best practices. Just because you have a loyalty program doesn’t mean it’s working. In this article, our friends at Salon S.O.S. share the biggest mistake you may be making with your salon’s loyalty program without even knowing it.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL SALON LOYALTY PROGRAM?

Companies with successful loyalty programs include Shoppers Drug Mart/Loblaws, Starbucks, Subway, Tim Hortons, and Sephora. These companies have been able to create successful loyalty programs because they understand the importance of customer engagement and retention. They offer personalized experiences through targeted promotions, exclusive discounts, and special perks that are tailored to each customer’s preferences. Additionally, they make it easy for customers to earn rewards by providing multiple ways to accumulate points or credits such as making purchases, referring friends, or engaging on social media. They also use data-driven insights to continuously optimize their loyalty programs and tailor them to meet the evolving needs of their customers. Overall, these companies have been successful in building strong relationships with their customers by rewarding loyalty and offering a unique experience that keeps them coming back.

What else do these successful loyalty programs have in common? They are all APP based programs! This means that the customer has access to their loyalty rewards information through an app on their phone. Why is this important, you ask? We’re diving into that next…

POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS VS APP BASED LOYALTY APPS

Many salon software systems offer built-in loyalty programs. Points get automatically added into the client account when they make a purchase. The problem with these systems is that there is ZERO client AWARENESS or engagement. There is no conversation being had about the program. The clients usually don’t even realize they are earning points. And at the very least, they definitely don’t know how many points they earned that day, how many they have in their ‘bank’ and what they’re working towards. As a result, it offers no incentive for them to purchase more or return to the salon more frequently. When loyalty points are automatically built into a system, all of a sudden nobody talks about the program. Clients aren’t aware of their points, nor how close they are to potential rewards. And when people are not aware of something, they don’t change their behaviour. The objective of a successful loyalty program is to change the behaviour of the consumer and you can only do that by keeping the consumer constantly engaged with your program.

There are also many unsuccessful programs out there that just ask you if you have the loyalty card, you rummage through your wallet or purse for it, they scan it, and you walk out of the store without knowing how many points you just earned, how many you have in your account, or how close you may or may not be to any rewards. Those programs are very mediocre, but still better than the salon software programs because at least someone asks you if you have your reward card. With the salon software programs, nobody even talks about it, and you just end up giving things away for free after a certain amount of time. It happens over and over again, as much as salons have good intentions to try and talk about it.

The key to successful loyalty programs is awareness and engagement. You want your customers to be engaged with your program to get the best results. The best way to engage with customers these days is through their phones. That is why the best loyalty programs in today’s world are app-based programs that allow customers to stay connected and be engaged. The majority of consumers, especially those visiting your salon, are very active on their phones, so having an app that they can regularly check up on substantially increased awareness of your loyalty program.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SALON’S APP BASED LOYALTY PROGRAM

Salon S.O.S. offers gorgeous, custom branded loyalty apps that are successfully used by hundreds of salons and independent operators across North America. You don’t have to be a big salon to reward your clients and benefit from increased sales! If you’d like to learn more about these loyalty programs, click here!

Here are some keys to a SUCCESSFUL loyalty program:

1. Utilize marketing campaign features. Most app based programs will have the option that allows you to automatically send salon clients promotions via text. Text marketing has shown to be incredibly effective as most people have access to their cellphones 24/7. Be strategic with these text marketing campaigns as to not overwhelm or overdo it with salon guests.

2. Offer rewards in exchange for reviews. You can prompt salon guests to leave an online review directly through most apps in exchange for a reward. Win-win for both the client and your salon!

3. Utilize loyalty triggers. Many apps will allow you to schedule triggers that will send clients a rewards prompt for any reason. Ex: Send a message if there’s been no activity for x amount of time or send bonus rewards on client’s birthday, special occasion, etc.

CONCLUSION

Long story short, the biggest mistake you can make with your salon’s loyalty rewards is going with a software that gives no awareness or engagement with your customer. App based loyalty rewards programs offer a range of benefits such as convenience, personalization, ease-of-use, and real-time engagement. They allow businesses to track customer behavior and preferences, which in turn enables them to tailor their offerings to meet individual needs. Additionally, app-based loyalty programs offer cost savings by eliminating the need for physical rewards cards or paper coupons. And customers love them because they are modern and the customer feels in control (don’t we know that everyone loves to feel in control!!).

Overall, app based programs provide an excellent way for businesses to enhance customer retention and increase revenue while creating a seamless experience for customers and are far superior to the easily forgotten point of sale loyalty programs.

Again, you can find out all about the Salon S.O.S. loyalty app and request a free demo for your salon here: www.salonsos.ca/loyalty

If you’re looking for more digital marketing tips or support for your salon business, you can find out more about Salon S.O.S. here www.salonsos.ca and/or check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post Are you Making this Mistake with your Salon Loyalty Program? appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> How You Can Use Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT in Your Salon https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/how-you-can-use-artificial-intelligence-and-chatgpt-in-your-salon/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:56:22 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=5592 Hello, maestros of the salon world! Are you prepared to elevate your hair salon prowess and introduce a touch of AI enchantment? Yes, indeed! We’re immersing ourselves in the captivating realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ability to propel your salon to new heights! THE RELEVANCE OF AI IN THE SALON Let’s address a pivotal question straightaway. Why should we concern ourselves with AI? After all, robots won’t be picking up scissors and color bottles anytime soon. While this holds true, staying aware of the latest trends and innovations remains paramount for any industry, and especially ours. By embracing AI, you can surge ahead of your competitors, provide tailor-made services that leave your clients feeling amazing, and ultimately grow your salons’ business. Despite hesitations that some have towards AI, the reality stands that AI is here to stay and will become an even bigger and bigger part of world. The choice is yours: either learn about it, embrace it and harness its benefits, or fall further behind. While we give you an overview in this article, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have created a powerful online training course that gives you step-by-step tutorials on 10 ways you can unlock the power of AI in your hair salon.  It includes lifetime access to 12 videos with over three hours of hands-on guidance, all for the modest price of $20 + tax.  To learn how to use AI to save time, be more efficient, and enhance your effectiveness, check out the training description here! https://www.salonsos.ca/challenge-page/ai-training-hair-salon It’s crucial to perceive AI as your friend, not your enemy. Within our service-based beauty industry, AI won’t replace jobs in a big way. However, what matters is that people who grasp and embrace AI can outshine you. They will excel in efficiency, customer service, marketing, and operational systems, all due to having learned about and used AI tools. So think of AI as your trusty companion, ready to tackle mundane tasks while you focus on your strengths—wowing your clients! The secret is about utilizing AI to refine your skills, optimize your schedule, and create amazing experiences for your clientele. With this perspective in mind, let’s delve into the main areas where AI, particularly ChatGPT, can empower your enterprise. Continue reading to unravel more! HARNESSING CHATGPT’S POTENTIAL AS A SALON ASSISTANT 1. The Power of ChatGPT Introducing your new digital assistant, ChatGPT! Envision a virtual assistant that will work with you anytime, anywhere and never get tired or complain! You can ask it questions about literally anything and have it write anything you need. Prepare to be astonished by ChatGPT’s ability to liberate your time and energy, enabling you to concentrate more time on your customers’ experiences. Just remember though, the quality of ChatGPTs outputs is based on the quality of your inputs. So the key is getting really good at asking the right questions. 2. Transforming Ordinary into Exceptional Armed with AI-powered tools, you can now deliver hair color and style consultations that transcend the ordinary. Apps now help customers upload their picture and preview different hairstyles, colors, and makeup shades in a very realistic way.  This helps you improve your consultations by making sure expectations are clear. You can use these amazing tools to elevate your client experience! 3. Social Media Mastery We know that we have to be active on social media for our businesses. But it takes up so much time!  We lose time thinking about what to post, what image to use, what caption to write….  This is where AI can be your social media ally! AI tools now permit you to create stunning images by simply describing your vision. Furthermore, AI can write engaging captions that grab attention. This becomes a game changer when you use AI to compose, rework, or refine your content. 4. Brilliance in Blogging Say goodbye to writer’s block! Imagine a creative genius at your disposal, ready to offer blog concepts, craft content, and even edit your own writing. Witness your salon’s blog evolve into a local sensation, enticing clients to delve into your hair wisdom! 5. The Brainstorm Buddy Looking for new ideas for your salon? Uncertain about operational policies, staff matters, or financial issues? Here comes AI to the rescue! Enlist ChatGPT as your dependable assistant to give you ideas, best practices, strategies, guides and more to help expand your business. The possibilities are endless… 6. Navigating the Virtual Space In our digital world, online reviews have significant influence. Fear not, for AI can also help you manage negative reviews with elegance and finesse. Learn to employ AI in crafting professional, emotion-free responses that can convert dissatisfied customers into strong supporters! 7. Chatbot Maestro Ever thought about having a chat box on your website so that customers can ask questions and get instant information? The challenge has always been that nobody can afford to have a human being responding 24/7 to those potential questions and requests.  Now it’s feasible by using AI technology! You can get a free virtual assistant (chatbot) on your website that provides very accurate information to visitors, even during offline hours. Now that’s a remarkable feat! CONCLUSION The examples we’ve explored merely scratch the surface of AI’s potential for your hair salon. We acknowledge your potential skepticism, yet it’s imperative to acknowledge that AI is not a passing trend—it’s the future. To ignore it or remain uninformed is like not using Instagram for your business. If you’re open to learn more about AI and how it can positively impact you and your salon business, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have made a super accessible and affordable training specifically for salon professionals. The exclusive “10 Ways to Unlock the Power of AI for Your Hair Salon” training course is the ultimate guide you need. Say goodbye to guessing and hello to step-by-step instructions that’ll have you AI-savvy in no time! These are practical techniques that you can use TODAY to help save time and get better results from your business.

The post How You Can Use Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT in Your Salon appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> How you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT in Your Salon

Hello, maestros of the salon world! Are you prepared to elevate your hair salon prowess and introduce a touch of AI enchantment? Yes, indeed! We’re immersing ourselves in the captivating realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ability to propel your salon to new heights!

THE RELEVANCE OF AI IN THE SALON

Let’s address a pivotal question straightaway. Why should we concern ourselves with AI? After all, robots won’t be picking up scissors and color bottles anytime soon. While this holds true, staying aware of the latest trends and innovations remains paramount for any industry, and especially ours. By embracing AI, you can surge ahead of your competitors, provide tailor-made services that leave your clients feeling amazing, and ultimately grow your salons’ business. Despite hesitations that some have towards AI, the reality stands that AI is here to stay and will become an even bigger and bigger part of world. The choice is yours: either learn about it, embrace it and harness its benefits, or fall further behind.

While we give you an overview in this article, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have created a powerful online training course that gives you step-by-step tutorials on 10 ways you can unlock the power of AI in your hair salon.  It includes lifetime access to 12 videos with over three hours of hands-on guidance, all for the modest price of $20 + tax.  To learn how to use AI to save time, be more efficient, and enhance your effectiveness, check out the training description here! https://www.salonsos.ca/challenge-page/ai-training-hair-salon

It’s crucial to perceive AI as your friend, not your enemy. Within our service-based beauty industry, AI won’t replace jobs in a big way. However, what matters is that people who grasp and embrace AI can outshine you. They will excel in efficiency, customer service, marketing, and operational systems, all due to having learned about and used AI tools.

So think of AI as your trusty companion, ready to tackle mundane tasks while you focus on your strengths—wowing your clients! The secret is about utilizing AI to refine your skills, optimize your schedule, and create amazing experiences for your clientele.

With this perspective in mind, let’s delve into the main areas where AI, particularly ChatGPT, can empower your enterprise. Continue reading to unravel more!

HARNESSING CHATGPT’S POTENTIAL AS A SALON ASSISTANT

1. The Power of ChatGPT

Introducing your new digital assistant, ChatGPT! Envision a virtual assistant that will work with you anytime, anywhere and never get tired or complain! You can ask it questions about literally anything and have it write anything you need. Prepare to be astonished by ChatGPT’s ability to liberate your time and energy, enabling you to concentrate more time on your customers’ experiences. Just remember though, the quality of ChatGPTs outputs is based on the quality of your inputs. So the key is getting really good at asking the right questions.

2. Transforming Ordinary into Exceptional

Armed with AI-powered tools, you can now deliver hair color and style consultations that transcend the ordinary. Apps now help customers upload their picture and preview different hairstyles, colors, and makeup shades in a very realistic way.  This helps you improve your consultations by making sure expectations are clear. You can use these amazing tools to elevate your client experience!

3. Social Media Mastery

We know that we have to be active on social media for our businesses. But it takes up so much time!  We lose time thinking about what to post, what image to use, what caption to write….  This is where AI can be your social media ally! AI tools now permit you to create stunning images by simply describing your vision. Furthermore, AI can write engaging captions that grab attention. This becomes a game changer when you use AI to compose, rework, or refine your content.

4. Brilliance in Blogging

Say goodbye to writer’s block! Imagine a creative genius at your disposal, ready to offer blog concepts, craft content, and even edit your own writing. Witness your salon’s blog evolve into a local sensation, enticing clients to delve into your hair wisdom!

5. The Brainstorm Buddy

Looking for new ideas for your salon? Uncertain about operational policies, staff matters, or financial issues? Here comes AI to the rescue! Enlist ChatGPT as your dependable assistant to give you ideas, best practices, strategies, guides and more to help expand your business. The possibilities are endless…

6. Navigating the Virtual Space

In our digital world, online reviews have significant influence. Fear not, for AI can also help you manage negative reviews with elegance and finesse. Learn to employ AI in crafting professional, emotion-free responses that can convert dissatisfied customers into strong supporters!

7. Chatbot Maestro

Ever thought about having a chat box on your website so that customers can ask questions and get instant information? The challenge has always been that nobody can afford to have a human being responding 24/7 to those potential questions and requests.  Now it’s feasible by using AI technology! You can get a free virtual assistant (chatbot) on your website that provides very accurate information to visitors, even during offline hours. Now that’s a remarkable feat!

CONCLUSION

The examples we’ve explored merely scratch the surface of AI’s potential for your hair salon. We acknowledge your potential skepticism, yet it’s imperative to acknowledge that AI is not a passing trend—it’s the future. To ignore it or remain uninformed is like not using Instagram for your business.

If you’re open to learn more about AI and how it can positively impact you and your salon business, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have made a super accessible and affordable training specifically for salon professionals.

The exclusive “10 Ways to Unlock the Power of AI for Your Hair Salon” training course is the ultimate guide you need. Say goodbye to guessing and hello to step-by-step instructions that’ll have you AI-savvy in no time! These are practical techniques that you can use TODAY to help save time and get better results from your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the course, and let’s unleash the power of AI together! Your salon’s success is just a few clicks away! Click here to learn more and join the fun! https://www.salonsos.ca/challenge-page/ai-training-hair-salon

The post How You Can Use Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT in Your Salon appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> These Instagram Hacks WON’T Grow Your Business Anymore https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/these-instagram-hacks-wont-grow-your-business-anymore/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:57:51 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=5511 It seems as though Instagram “hacks” to grow your following change as soon as you finally get the hang of them. Social media is a huge investment of your time as a salon owner, and you want to make sure you’re not wasting time on practices that you won’t see any return of investment on. In this blog post, our partners at Salon S.O.S. have shared a few common Instagram hacks that WON’T benefit your salon’s page anymore (and solutions that WILL). MISTAKE #1 – Blindly following mass amounts of people and buying followers. Follower count on Instagram seems important, but the number doesn’t really matter if those follows don’t translate into actual customers of your salon. Instead of going on a random following spree, establish what your ideal client looks like. When following people in your city, make sure they possess the qualities that your ideal client would. This way, your page is more likely to spark their interest and encourage them following you back and in time, become a paying customer at your salon! Long gone are the days of mass followings and unfollowing, and ESPECIALLY purchasing followers, and quality of followers trumps quantity. As with anything else with digital marketing, execute a strategy with purpose if you expect to see a return on your investment of time! If you’re needing a little extra help in the social media department, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have got you covered. Click here to check out S.O.S social media solutions! MISTAKE #2 – Posting too often and without purpose. Once again, the rule of quality over quantity comes into play. If you are posting daily or multiple times a day with filler content that serves no purpose (entertaining, inspirational, educational or promotional), you may consider changing up your strategy. Instead of focusing on posting constantly, concentrate on posting consistently. Consistent, quality content will out perform constant, half thought out posts any day of the week. Speaking of low quality content, let’s dive into our next mistake. MISTAKE #3 – Posting poor quality content and reposting too often. We tie these two together because they often go hand in hand. Sometimes when you screenshot someone else’s post, the quality of the photo may be affected. Not only this, but often reposts neglect to credit the original creator, which is a big social media no-no! Instead of taking screenshots to repost, consider sharing the original post in your stories. For original content, you also want to make sure you’re putting out high quality, easily digestible, scroll stopping posts. Make sure photos are clear and visually appealing and that any font used is easy to read. Throw together a great caption and you’ve got a successful post ready to go! MISTAKE #4- Using too many irrelevant hash tags. The evolution of hash tags is all over the map; first it was tag as many #’s as possible, whether they were relevant or not. Then there was the debate of whether to put hashtags in the caption, or in the comments. It’s hard to keep up! We’re going to make things easier for you, ditch majority of your hashtags and select a few specifically suited to your photo. Instead of posing a bunch of random hashtags, choose 3-5 specific hashtags that you predict your ideal client would search. Include your area, your specialties, and anything specific keywords that will land you on local search results. CONCLUSION If you’re still on any of these Instagram “hacks” to grow your salon’s page, it’s time for an upgrade! These are the key things you should takeaway from this post: Don’t blindly follow mass groups of people, strategically follow people who fall under your ideal client umbrella. Don’t thoughtlessly post just to post regularly, post with purpose. Don’t slack on quality- post high quality pictures and repost by sharing in stories. Lay off the unnecessary hashtags and post 3-5 specific, strategically picked hashtags. Looking for more digital marketing tips or support for your salon business?  You can find out more about Salon S.O.S. here www.salonsos.ca and/or check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post These Instagram Hacks WON’T Grow Your Business Anymore appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Instagram hacks that won't grow your salon business

It seems as though Instagram “hacks” to grow your following change as soon as you finally get the hang of them. Social media is a huge investment of your time as a salon owner, and you want to make sure you’re not wasting time on practices that you won’t see any return of investment on. In this blog post, our partners at Salon S.O.S. have shared a few common Instagram hacks that WON’T benefit your salon’s page anymore (and solutions that WILL).

MISTAKE #1 – Blindly following mass amounts of people and buying followers.

MISTAKE #1 - Blindly following mass amounts of people and buying followers.Follower count on Instagram seems important, but the number doesn’t really matter if those follows don’t translate into actual customers of your salon. Instead of going on a random following spree, establish what your ideal client looks like. When following people in your city, make sure they possess the qualities that your ideal client would. This way, your page is more likely to spark their interest and encourage them following you back and in time, become a paying customer at your salon!

Long gone are the days of mass followings and unfollowing, and ESPECIALLY purchasing followers, and quality of followers trumps quantity. As with anything else with digital marketing, execute a strategy with purpose if you expect to see a return on your investment of time!

If you’re needing a little extra help in the social media department, our friends at Salon S.O.S. have got you covered. Click here to check out S.O.S social media solutions!

MISTAKE #2 – Posting too often and without purpose.

MISTAKE #2 - Posting too often and without purpose.Once again, the rule of quality over quantity comes into play. If you are posting daily or multiple times a day with filler content that serves no purpose (entertaining, inspirational, educational or promotional), you may consider changing up your strategy. Instead of focusing on posting constantly, concentrate on posting consistently. Consistent, quality content will out perform constant, half thought out posts any day of the week. Speaking of low quality content, let’s dive into our next mistake.

MISTAKE #3 – Posting poor quality content and reposting too often.

MISTAKE #3 - Posting poor quality content and reposting too often.We tie these two together because they often go hand in hand. Sometimes when you screenshot someone else’s post, the quality of the photo may be affected. Not only this, but often reposts neglect to credit the original creator, which is a big social media no-no! Instead of taking screenshots to repost, consider sharing the original post in your stories. For original content, you also want to make sure you’re putting out high quality, easily digestible, scroll stopping posts. Make sure photos are clear and visually appealing and that any font used is easy to read. Throw together a great caption and you’ve got a successful post ready to go!

MISTAKE #4- Using too many irrelevant hash tags.

MISTAKE #4- Using too many irrelevant hash tags.The evolution of hash tags is all over the map; first it was tag as many #’s as possible, whether they were relevant or not.

Then there was the debate of whether to put hashtags in the caption, or in the comments. It’s hard to keep up!

We’re going to make things easier for you, ditch majority of your hashtags and select a few specifically suited to your photo. Instead of posing a bunch of random hashtags, choose 3-5 specific hashtags that you predict your ideal client would search. Include your area, your specialties, and anything specific keywords that will land you on local search results.

CONCLUSION

If you’re still on any of these Instagram “hacks” to grow your salon’s page, it’s time for an upgrade! These are the key things you should takeaway from this post:

  1. Don’t blindly follow mass groups of people, strategically follow people who fall under your ideal client umbrella.
  2. Don’t thoughtlessly post just to post regularly, post with purpose.
  3. Don’t slack on quality- post high quality pictures and repost by sharing in stories.
  4. Lay off the unnecessary hashtags and post 3-5 specific, strategically picked hashtags.

Looking for more digital marketing tips or support for your salon business?  You can find out more about Salon S.O.S. here www.salonsos.ca and/or check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post These Instagram Hacks WON’T Grow Your Business Anymore appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> How to use QR Codes in your Salon for a Modern Client Experience https://www.saloncentric.ca/articles/how-to-use-qr-codes-in-your-salon-for-a-modern-client-experience/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:35:25 +0000 https://www.iconbc.com/?p=5509 From menus at restaurants to vaccination passports, QR codes have been EVERYWHERE in the past few years! Are you utilizing QR codes in your salon or spa?! If not, we’ve got some great tips to share from our friends at Salon S.O.S. about why you should and how to do it! QR codes (or “Quick Response” codes) came on the scene in the mid 2000’s and have picked up steam in the last few years. The pandemic forced business owners and consumers to be aware of the amount of physical contact made, and QR codes are the perfect way to pass along info or complete a transaction with minimal contact. In short, a QR code typically allows a consumer to scan the code with their phone’s camera and have their phone be automatically directed to a website – any website page that you choose! Your guests will love the modern, digital touch when you incorporate this into your business! QR codes are SUPER simple to make and can be utilized in countless ways in your salon/spa. Check out this website to easily create your own QR code! QR CODES IN YOUR PRINT MARKETING We’re going to start with the basics and talk printed marketing; business cards, posters, brochures etc. Popping a QR code on any and all of your printed marketing encourages people to engage digitally with you. This not only creates an awesome first impression of your salon business but also makes it super easy for them to follow through with an appointment booking or retail purchase! Here are a few ideas: Business Cards Create a QR code for the landing page of your website and print it on your business cards. This way, when you hand out your card, the recipient can easily scan the code to see your work, contact you, or book an appointment! This is a super simple way to implement QR codes into your digital marketing game plan. Posters When there is a promotion or feature happening in your salon, create a poster and include a QR code that directs the customer to a landing page with more info! For example: if there is a retail promotion that your salon is running on a specific product line, create a poster stating the details of the sale and a QR code that links to a landing page of your choice. We suggest thinking outside the box and linking the QR code to a tutorial, how to video, detailed write up about the products, etc. The same would work if you are running a contest. You can link your QR code to the contest details page rather than printing all the details (and taking up valuable space!) on your poster. Welcome Packages If your salon offers welcome packages to new guests, making a digital coupon using a printed QR code is a great way to keep your guests coming back for more! We suggest printing business cards with a QR code that leads to a digital coupon for them to use at their next visit. Or perhaps you print stickers of this same digital coupon QR code that you stick on every welcome package bag! The opportunities are endless when it comes to digitally spicing up your welcome packages. Online Orders If you have an online store and want to do something a little different for your customer to thank them for their purchase, include a thank you card in the shipping box with a QR code for a digital coupon to use on their next online purchase. QR CODES IN THE SALON There are so many different ways that you can utilize QR codes in every area of your salon, and we’re going to tell you a few of our faves! WAITING AREA WIFI QR Code Print your WIFI QR code and place it somewhere in your waiting area to allow your guests to automatically connect to your salon wifi. Website Landing Page Pop a QR Code sticker or photo in your waiting area that directs your guests to your website so they can browse while they wait! STYLIST STATIONS Stations are the perfect place to put QR codes for your guests to scan and scope out while they get their service done! You can get creative with how you display your QR code’s; print codes and display in a picture frame or print mirror stickers for your clients to easily scan! Add On’s/A La Carte Menu Including a QR code that links directly to an online add on menu is a great way for your stylist’s and technician’s to increase their service ticket! It’s also a great way for your team to easily bring up and discuss add on services with their guests without feeling pushy. Coffee/Beverage Menu If your salon/spa offers beverages of any kind, create a QR code that links directly to your drinks menu so your clients can order easily. Stylist’s/Salon’s Instagram Page Having a QR code that links to your salon and/or service provider’s social media page allows your clients to easily check out and follow online. It’s super easy to find your Instagram QR Code: Open Instagram on your phone Click on the three lines in the right hand corner of your profile Here, you will the option of QR Code. Tap on that to view your unique QR Code FRONT DESK Loyalty Program If your salon offers a Loyalty Rewards Program, you should definitely have a QR code scan to sign up and score points! Salon S.O.S creates beautiful, custom loyalty programs for salons and spas that uses QR code’s for sign up and stamps. To learn more about implementing your own loyalty program or to request a free demo, click here! Leave a Review Encourage your salon guests to leave an online review by having a QR code linked to your review page at your front desk. It’s super easy to ask your clients for a positive review when you’re ringing them through if they can

The post How to use QR Codes in your Salon for a Modern Client Experience appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

]]> Create a modern salon experience with QR codes

From menus at restaurants to vaccination passports, QR codes have been EVERYWHERE in the past few years! Are you utilizing QR codes in your salon or spa?! If not, we’ve got some great tips to share from our friends at Salon S.O.S. about why you should and how to do it!

high use of QR codes since the start of the pandemic

QR codes (or “Quick Response” codes) came on the scene in the mid 2000’s and have picked up steam in the last few years. The pandemic forced business owners and consumers to be aware of the amount of physical contact made, and QR codes are the perfect way to pass along info or complete a transaction with minimal contact.

In short, a QR code typically allows a consumer to scan the code with their phone’s camera and have their phone be automatically directed to a website – any website page that you choose!

Your guests will love the modern, digital touch when you incorporate this into your business! QR codes are SUPER simple to make and can be utilized in countless ways in your salon/spa. Check out this website to easily create your own QR code!

QR CODES IN YOUR PRINT MARKETING

We’re going to start with the basics and talk printed marketing; business cards, posters, brochures etc. Popping a QR code on any and all of your printed marketing encourages people to engage digitally with you. This not only creates an awesome first impression of your salon business but also makes it super easy for them to follow through with an appointment booking or retail purchase!

Here are a few ideas:

Business Cards Create a QR code for the landing page of your website and print it on your business cards. This way, when you hand out your card, the recipient can easily scan the code to see your work, contact you, or book an appointment! This is a super simple way to implement QR codes into your digital marketing game plan.

Posters When there is a promotion or feature happening in your salon, create a poster and include a QR code that directs the customer to a landing page with more info! For example: if there is a retail promotion that your salon is running on a specific product line, create a poster stating the details of the sale and a QR code that links to a landing page of your choice. We suggest thinking outside the box and linking the QR code to a tutorial, how to video, detailed write up about the products, etc. The same would work if you are running a contest. You can link your QR code to the contest details page rather than printing all the details (and taking up valuable space!) on your poster.

Welcome Packages If your salon offers welcome packages to new guests, making a digital coupon using a printed QR code is a great way to keep your guests coming back for more! We suggest printing business cards with a QR code that leads to a digital coupon for them to use at their next visit. Or perhaps you print stickers of this same digital coupon QR code that you stick on every welcome package bag! The opportunities are endless when it comes to digitally spicing up your welcome packages.

Online Orders If you have an online store and want to do something a little different for your customer to thank them for their purchase, include a thank you card in the shipping box with a QR code for a digital coupon to use on their next online purchase.

QR CODES IN THE SALON

There are so many different ways that you can utilize QR codes in every area of your salon, and we’re going to tell you a few of our faves!

QR code in your salon waiting area

WAITING AREA

WIFI QR Code Print your WIFI QR code and place it somewhere in your waiting area to allow your guests to automatically connect to your salon wifi.

Website Landing Page Pop a QR Code sticker or photo in your waiting area that directs your guests to your website so they can browse while they wait!

STYLIST STATIONS

Stations are the perfect place to put QR codes for your guests to scan and scope out while they get their service done! You can get creative with how you display your QR code’s; print codes and display in a picture frame or print mirror stickers for your clients to easily scan!

Add On’s/A La Carte Menu Including a QR code that links directly to an online add on menu is a great way for your stylist’s and technician’s to increase their service ticket! It’s also a great way for your team to easily bring up and discuss add on services with their guests without feeling pushy.

Coffee/Beverage Menu If your salon/spa offers beverages of any kind, create a QR code that links directly to your drinks menu so your clients can order easily.

Stylist’s/Salon’s Instagram Page Having a QR code that links to your salon and/or service provider’s social media page allows your clients to easily check out and follow online. It’s super easy to find your Instagram QR Code:

  1. Open Instagram on your phone
  2. Click on the three lines in the right hand corner of your profile
  3. Here, you will the option of QR Code. Tap on that to view your unique QR Code

FRONT DESK

Loyalty Program If your salon offers a Loyalty Rewards Program, you should definitely have a QR code scan to sign up and score points! Salon S.O.S creates beautiful, custom loyalty programs for salons and spas that uses QR code’s for sign up and stamps. To learn more about implementing your own loyalty program or to request a free demo, click here!

Leave a Review Encourage your salon guests to leave an online review by having a QR code linked to your review page at your front desk. It’s super easy to ask your clients for a positive review when you’re ringing them through if they can easily scan to access your review page!

QR CODES IN YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING

And finally, we dive into ways we love to utilize QR codes digitally to promote your salon or spa.

Digital Referral Provide your clients with a digital QR code referral discount. They can store this picture in their photo albums and show it off to anyone they’re referring to your salon! We suggest offering a referral promo of sorts to further encourage new bookings- perhaps a small discount to use at their first appointment!

Email Newsletter When it comes to email newsletters, QR code’s can be utilized in a few different ways! You can have a printed code for your guests to scan in salon to sign up or your can include a code that leads to a discount, promotion or feature in your newsletter.

CONCLUSION

We’ve given you tons of ideas of how to implement QR codes in your salon/spa and we challenge you to try out at least one of the above recommendations! The sky is the limit when it comes to using QR codes in your salon’s digital marketing plan and we can’t wait to see how you utilize them!

Looking for more digital marketing tips or support for your salon business?  You can find out more about Salon S.O.S. here www.salonsos.ca and/or check out their free digital marketing academy at www.salonsos.ca/digital-marketing-academy

The post How to use QR Codes in your Salon for a Modern Client Experience appeared first on SalonCentric Canada.

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