Demand for salon services has never been higher than now, with savvy consumers eager to try new trends and unafraid to invest in the latest look.
Millennials spend more on self-care than any other generation ever. People of all ages are upping their budgets for salon services, with clients in some U.S. cities spending an average of $150+ per appointment.
How can salon owners capitalize on this boom? In a world where omni-channel marketing is the norm, they have to build the tech muscle to reach clients wherever they are.
At GlossGenius, working with tens of thousands of salons, spas, and independents every day, we’ve found these seven features to be the top tech tools that beauty providers need to meet the ever-growing demands of current and potential clients.
Mobile Point-of-Sale Systems
The point-of-sale system is mission critical, and it may be time for an upgrade.
Today, clients require flexible digital payment options that let them use their preferred methods, from credit to debit to Apple Pay. A robust POS system, with the help of a mobile card reader, is a big benefit to stylists so they can accept payments everywhere, whether in the salon or on location.
Look for payment processing software that has no hidden charges, such as transaction or card-not-present fees.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Having all clients’ favorite services, products, and service providers in your back pocket enables easy personalized experiences and outreach that will delight them.
At the core of smoother business operations and better customer service is a powerful CRM system. It becomes the centralized home of detailed client profiles with service history, preferences, and more.
CRMs help salon pros maintain a great impression with each client they work with, every time they interact with your business.
Online Booking Site
A convenient digital way for people to make appointments is essential. It enhances the consumer experience, frees up your time, and lets clients book you 24/7. At GlossGenius, we found that salon owners see an average of 35% more appointments after adopting online booking.
Make sure your digital upgrade is a customized site that doesn’t funnel your visitors to competitors’ websites, as will often happen with online booking aggregators.
Email/ SMS Tools
Smart SMS and email marketing features are crucial so you can reach clients through these essential channels. (Again, make sure this software has no added fees!)
At GlossGenius we discovered that SMS messages sent by our clients have an impressive 99% open rate — making this one the most powerful tools available for gaining their attention.
Salon-Specific Payroll
Unlike one-size-fits-all payroll software that slows salon owners down, a version built for salons and spas can easily customize commissions, tips, and pay rates, making the job faster.
(Our version, GlossGenius Payroll, also includes automated tax filing for all 50 states.)
Comprehensive Client Notifications
Look for a booking system that can automatically remind and rebook clients on your behalf, and that lets you control the communication with customizable messaging and options for when and how you reach your clients.
Some (including our system) prompt clients to write online reviews after their appointment, boosting your business’ star rating on critical platforms like Google.
AI-Powered Integrations
AI tools that create and personalize effective messaging are amazing for salon marketing. Business owners can build customized campaigns much more easily when their platform is equipped with creative AI that does the writing for them.
AI technology integrated throughout salon software can help fill available appointment openings, as well as promote offers, events, and other specials that clients want to know about.
With the right technology, you and your team can care for your clients more efficiently, professionally, and personally.
Implementing these seven tech essentials lets salon owners stay ahead of competition and client expectations — plus, increase profitability and growth!
Leah Cohen-Shohet is Chief Business Officer at GlossGenius.
