The number one problem salons and spas face is ineffective client communication. Despite so many new-age tools, they are finding it difficult to keep their clients engaged. In the bargain, they are facing the brunt of missed appointments, last-minute cancellations and ineffective promotional outreach. Traditional communication methods such as SMS and email often fall short. Emails usually go unread while SMS has become obsolete these days. Thus, WhatsApp has become the perfect tool for salon marketing. Salon360App, an online booking system for salons offers WhatsApp integration for easy appointment scheduling and follow-ups.
It helps beauty businesses connect with their clients instantly, set up automated reminders and send out promotional messages.
Salon Marketing with WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a trusted and secure salon marketing platform. It helps you engage with clients in real-time and also allows you to send them multimedia messages. Also, since it’s a two-way communication channel, it helps build long-lasting communications.
Here are some benefits you can achieve by integrating WhatsApp into your salon booking system:
Personalised Communication
One of the biggest boons of using WhatsApp is that it allows for personalised communication. When you’re sending an automated message to a client, you can add a personalised element. This doesn’t have to be limited to appointment updates. You can use personalisation even for reminders, invoices, authentication or a promotional message.
Automate Appointment Booking
Though most clients use a salon booking system to schedule an appointment, a few regular clients prefer WhatsApp. Well, when WhatsApp is integrated into your salon software, you can seamlessly book, confirm or reschedule appointments. The best part is that you can do all this on the chat since WhatsApp is a two-communication channel. However, the process is only a smooth one when you use a WhatsApp Business API and not just regular WhatsApp for business.
The former is recommended for medium to large salons while the latter works best for salons that are serving a high volume of clients.
To set up a WhatsApp Business API, first you need to choose a solution provider for the API and create a business profile. Then, you need to connect it to your salon management software. This helps you sync appointments and automate communication.
Helps Build Trust & Increases Flexibility
A verified business profile on WhatsApp definitely helps you standout. Clients too feel rest assured that they’re interacting with a trusted salon. Since WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption, it guarantees a secure and private communication.
Unlike SMS marketing, multiple team members can log into WhatsApp on different devices which enhances flexibility. They can respond to client queries simultaneously. Salons and spas can also add CTA buttons such as “book now” or “redeem today”. Clients only need to click on their preferred choice without making a phone call. The entire communication is automated. This even helps if they have to reschedule an appointment.
Personalised Follow-ups
In the beauty business, follow-ups are everything. Once the appointment is over, you want to know what clients thought of the service, the stylist/technician, and so on. WhatsApp is ideal for feedback collection and follow-ups. Salons can even send the invoice on WhatsApp as everybody prefers going paperless these days. If you haven’t seen a client in a while, you can even send out a personalised message asking if they’d like to schedule an appointment anytime soon. It’s definitely the perfect tool for client follow-ups.
WhatsApp Payment Integration
By integrating WhatsApp into your salon software, you can even collect advance payments for appointments through WhatsApp payment links. This considerably reduces no-shows and cancellations. When clients have prepaid for their appointment, they’re more likely to make it.
Cataloguing
Salons and spas tend to create their catalogues and lookbooks for clients to see and refer. It usually includes new hairstyles, successful treatments, and funky nails. From hair salons to nail salons and bridal salons, all come up with their own lookbook with different pricing and pictures. This also gives them a chance to showcase their services and products. Catalogues can be shared with the clients on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is definitely a powerful messaging tool for salons and spas. By integrating WhatsApp into Salon360App, beauty businesses can enjoy myriad benefits. From automating notifications to creating customised reminders, salons can go an extra mile to keep their clients informed and engaged. Request a Salon360App demo today and watch your business grow!
