Boost Your Book with Technology
New stylists are familiar with social media —you have grown up with it and it’s part of your daily lives. What you may not know is how to leverage this technology to maintain a competitive edge.
Social Media
Nearly everyone uses social media, so make the most of it by putting it to work for you. A Facebook page can showcase albums of your best styles. Facebook ads can target specific age groups and locations. Use snapchat to show off videos or photos of a cool new haircolor technique you just learned, Instagram before and after pics, YouTube how-to videos and Tweets about new products or services. The possibilities are endless in how you can advertise your work and the more creative you are the more you will stand apart from the crowd.
Website
Having a website is a prerequisite in 2015. There is no better way to display your skill and accomplishments than with a beautiful and trendy website. You can use a website builder like squarespace or wix to quickly create a unique space that has the potential to collect valuable information like client email addresses and phone numbers so you can send email newsletters or text coupons.
Email Newsletters
If you have shopped online in the last 20 years, your inbox is probably overflowing with great email marketing examples. You can easily sign up with a cheap service like mailchimp or constantcontact to start building a template and contact list. Email marketing is best used to remind your Guests that you are the ideal person/place to book an appointment with by offering valuable information, coupons, service ideas and stories. Email newsletters can help your Guest retention in a big way by keeping you in contact with your past Guests and reminding them why they chose you.
Texting
Texting is a great way to grab the attention of Guests who may not have time to check their email or browse the Internet. There are many services online that you can sign up for to assist you in creating sms-based advertising.
Salon Apps
Apps may not be an obvious way to increase booking but consider the way they might assist you once your Guests are in the chair. There are a ton of apps that can help show your Guests what a style or color may look like before they take the leap. Making a Guest feel more comfortable about a service can help you recommend additional products and services.
On top of styling apps, there are appointment booking apps that can make it easier for Guests to keep track of appointments and rebook, helping you retain your Guests.
As a stylist, you can use technology to boost your book and business. Making scheduling and appointments flow easily through technology use is a great asset to your business—and a big help to your Guests.