Can software revolutionise your salon?

When was the last time you hand wrote a letter to a friend, jotted down a shopping list or added a note to the calendar hanging in the kitchen?

For many, writing is pretty much a thing of the past. The adoption of technology has enabled us to do all these things from any location, in a shorter amount of time, literally at a touch of a button.

Technology has not only improved our lives at home, but has changed the way we work - in many cases recreating entire industries to be more efficient and cost effective. But the health and beauty industry seems to be lagging behind, with almost 80% of salons in the UK still using an old fashioned pen & paper booking system. So how exactly can software revolutionise your salon?

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The benefits of using salon software

Here are just some of the benefits of how implementing salon software can improve your business and make you more efficient:

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Easy scheduling

‍Scheduling an appointment can be the first initial contact that a customer has with your salon so you want to leave a positive first impression and make the process as smooth as possible. Digital software means you can easily book or amend an appointment by date and stylist with just the click of a button. Online scheduling also means clients are able to book at a time that is suitable for them, without even having to call the salon, providing flexibility and an improved customer experience.

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Reduce no-shows

As part of your salon software package, you’ll receive automated SMS reminders that make it easy for your clients to confirm appointments or reschedule. Not only does this mean that you don’t have to manually follow up with people, but it also reduces your number of no shows, saving your business time and money. Finding out ahead of time that people are unable to make their scheduled appointment also provides you an opportunity to fill slots you previously didn’t realise were available.

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‍Realtime calendar

Software will provide a real-time calendar, so you can book a client in ahead of time at the touch of a button rather than aimlessly flicking through pages and pages. It reduces the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing you and your stylists to spend time doing what they want to be doing. It makes editing, compiling and managing your appointments simple and stress-free.A cloud-based appointment system also ensures you always have access to your calendar, whether you are in the salon or on the road. This allows you to add and amend bookings round the clock.

‍Increase sales

‍Probably most importantly, installing effective salon software at your business will improve your earnings. Clients will benefit from a streamlined booking system which is guaranteed to increase their satisfaction. Additional tools, such as automated client follow up services, will ensure that individuals are encouraged to come back continue time and time again. What’s more, with a whole hoard of reports at your fingertips, you can set goals, track your salon’s revenue and tailor marketing efforts - all will improve sales.