The key to salon success is seamless operations and management. That is the secret ingredient to profitability and customer satisfaction as well. We’ve spoken to a lot of salon owners and each one cites only one problem – appointment scheduling. They are literally spending hours juggling phone calls and texts. If you don’t have an efficient system in place to handle bookings, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. Now is the time to invest in salon online booking software.
It is literally a game-changer and salon owners swear by it. It not just simplifies the booking process but also streamlines operations thereafter. You will never have to worry about a missed appointment or no-shows.
Which is the Best Salon Appointment App?
Salon360 is the best salon appointment app. Once you optimise your booking system within the app, appointment scheduling is simplified for both you as well as your customers. They can see stylist and technician availability in real-time and schedule an appointment that suits their convenience. There are no middlemen involved. They can book from anywhere and at any time, even during non-business hours. Isn’t that cool? What you get in return is more free time. Your staff too will be freed from endless phone calls to schedule, reschedule, confirm or cancel appointments. This further gives them more time to focus on satisfying customers and ensuring their needs are met.
If you’ve never used salon software before, this guide may be helpful to you. With our tips, setting up and utilising a salon booking system is much easier:
What to Keep in Mind when Setting up Salon Online Appointments?
- List All your Services Clearly
Before you set up your online booking, you need to decide which services will be available for customers to book without getting on an extension call. Only list your standard services which customers can book without too much thought. For instance, haircuts, facials, blow-dry, single-process or double-process colours treatments, and so on. Such services are easy to book. On the other hand, complex services such as corrective treatments, wedding makeup or hair styling is something that needs a consultation. A common mistake salon owners make is not listing their services clearly. It’s important to list all your services clearly, include clear descriptions, pricing as well as estimated duration. If there are any add-ons or special requirements, mention that as well. In your menu, it’s important to be as transparent as possible.
- Review your Google My Business Profile
When a new client is looking at your salon, they usually turn to your GMB profile. Go over your profile and check your salon business information carefully. Incorrect salon hours, contact information or pricing can be embarrassing. Everything that goes on a Google My Business profile should be accurate. Also, make sure you include the link to your salon online booking software.
- Let the Client Hold the Reins
The whole point of having an online booking system is giving your client all the control. No client will want to “settle” with the first available stylist. Thus, make sure you give your clients choice. Regular clients usually have their favourite hair stylist or nail technician. The booking system should allow them to choose their preferences without having to settle. Individual stylist schedules should be displayed so that a customer can book an appointment that suits them. This small detail can make a huge difference in increasing repeat business and client loyalty.
- Set up Automated Confirmations and Reminders
The best salon appointment apps have an automated reminders feature. No-shows and missed appointments can kill your revenue and staff productivity. By enabling automated reminders, your clients will be notified of their appointment at various stages. This way, they will never miss an appointment. You don’t have to physically send reminders; the software will do it for you. However, you can frame the brand messaging to keep it professional yet personal. A few prerequisites your message should include are date and time of the appointment, name of the stylist and service/treatment they’ve booked for. Reminders can be scheduled three days before the appointment and on the day. Give your clients an option to choose which way they want to receive reminders – SMS or email.
- Decide Who Can Change the Booking
These days, clients prefer having total autonomy over their appointment. In case they’re unable to make it, they want to be able to schedule, reschedule or cancel the appointment and at their ease. However, when you’re setting up your salon booking system, you can choose who can amend bookings. If you prefer your staff making the changes, you can change the parameters accordingly. However, before they go ahead and make any changes, it’s important to train them. You need to ensure that your staff is well-trained on using salon software. This will prevent double-bookings and ensure your salon is up and running.
Choose the Right Salon Online Booking Software
Salon booking software not just ensures your appointments are managed seamlessly but also takes away the stress of managing time-consuming tasks. It can be a game-changer for your beauty business only if it is set up the right way. If you’re ready to invest in the best salon appointment app, Salon360App is at your service. The software makes appointment management a breeze for both you and your customers.
