The career of a freelance beautician is very different from that of a full-time one. As a freelancer, when you’ve decided to open your own beauty parlour, there are several things you should consider. When you’re transitioning, you need to invest in salon software for small business, professional tools and equipment, and systems that will accelerate growth.
Best Beauty Parlour Software for Freelancers on a Budget
To grow your client base as a freelancer or full-time salon owner, you need to invest in top tech tools. You don’t need different teams to handle various tasks. All you need is salon software that handles everything from one centralised system. It ensures smooth operations, utmost client satisfaction, and aids in business growth.
Business Tools Every New Full-time Salon Owner Needs
- Appointment Booking Software
Did you know? 70% of consumers prefer online booking over calling. This trend is mainly driven by convenience and flexibility to change the booking. When you’re transitioning, you will realise that there are so many things to do that taking phone calls for every appointment will almost feel impossible. With salon booking software, appointment scheduling is streamlined. Bookings are automated, clients can book at their convenience, no-shows are reduced and clients receive automated reminders for every booking made. Salon owners too have witnessed a growth in their client base after they have shifted to online booking. The growth has almost been 40%.
- POS System
Having a POS or point-of-sale system is most critical. Clients make conclusions about your brand based on how tech-savvy and proficient it is. Millennials and Gen Z prefer payment modes that are quick and flexible. Instead of using age-old payment methods, it’s best to choose a POS that supports multiple payment gateways and avenues. With a robust POS, clients can accept payments everywhere, in their salon or on the move (in case of a freelancer). Spa software usually comes with in-built POS systems that can track income, expenses, taxes and generate financial reports.
- Client Management Tools
In any service-based industry, CRM tools are invaluable. It’s important to invest in a client relationship management (CRM) software that can store valuable client information, past service history, purchase history, preferences, allergy information, preferred stylists/technicians and so on. Consistency is key in the beauty industry. To deliver the same or better experience each time a client visits, it’s ideal to invest in a salon CRM. Customer service is the core of business operations. Detailed client profiles also give clients an impression of how professional your salon or spa is. Doing this when you’re starting out as a full-time salon owner is extremely important.
- Professional Salon Equipment
When you switch from being a freelancer to a full-time salon owner, you need professional equipment that can handle large crowds. Once your salon becomes popular, you will need equipment that is used professionally and is salon-approved. Core items you need to stock up on are hair scissors, brushes, combs, professional hairdressing electricals (straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons) manicure and pedicure equipment, top-notch nail polishes and other salon supplies. The brands you use determine the kind of salon you are – a budget-friendly or a luxury salon. You will also be able to attract the right kind of clientele based on the brands and technology you invest in.
- Marketing Tools
When you invest in salon software for small businesses, you usually get a personalised salon website with it so that you can display all your business offerings in one place. Marketing any kind of business is an expensive affair. However, with the right tools, you don’t even need a marketing manager. Beauty parlour software also doubles up as salon marketing software. The software helps you run automated marketing campaigns, segments your clients as per whose active and inactive and sends marketing emails on your behalf. By sending branded messages to your clients regarding the latest offers and promotions, you can keep them engaged. The software already has preset templates. This helps you save costs as you don’t need to hire any marketing manager. SMS and email campaigns are powerful in driving client action.
- Business Growth Tools
As a freelance beautician, tracking your business growth is fairly easy. However, as a full-time salon owner, tracking key metrics is a full-time job. Getting a strong hold on your business numbers is essential. With Salon360App’s analytics and reporting feature, you can stay abreast of key insights and growth drivers. It helps you understand which services are popular, what client retention rates are and which are the peak hours. At the end of the day or month, you can draw out any report you wish. Financial accounting is taken care of when you buy salon software.
Final Words
Transitioning from freelance to full-time is definitely not easy. However, with salon software like Salon360App by your side, the transition is definitely smoother. You feel like a professional and treat your services like a business. The right business tools ensure you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a makeup artist, hair stylist, nail artist, lash technician or beautician, beauty parlour software helps you manage your business like a pro. Take a demo, it’s free!
