27 Aug 2024

Feature of the Month: Marketing


This blog will run through the marketing feature on Salon Tracker and how to use it.

Did you know you can also use Salon Tracker to notify your customers of any offers or campaigns? The ‘Marketing’ section on the Salon Tracker software allows you to send out marketing emails and SMS text messages to your customers to make them aware of any offers or discounts you may have running.

Why is Marketing beneficial to your salon?

Marketing is one of the key strategies to increase customer loyalty. Using these features that we provide in the Salon Tracker software will allow you to increase the chances of having returning customers, as if they are informed about upcoming offers or discounts they are more likely to purchase them.

The drop down button on the ‘Filter’ section in the ‘Marketing’ section gives you premade marketing templates of SMS text messages for you to send to customers. There are sections that you can personalise to the customers’ names and tailor to your specific offer.


Pressing the ‘Send Email’ button in the ‘Marketing’ section allows you to export your customers to your Mailchimp account, or the CSV button. This allows you to create marketing emails in Mailchimp and to send it to the relevant customers when created.


Pressing the ‘Send SMS’ button in the ‘Marketing’ section allows you to send a customised SMS text message to your customers. You can select the template at the top of the marketing page before you press ‘Send SMS’ in order to get the most relevant template for the offer you are introducing. You can also send yourself a preview before sending it out to customers.

 



When signing up for our free trial, you will receive 50 free SMS credits! So why not begin a free trial today?

 Call us on 0113 350 8230 or drop us an email at info@salontracker.co.uk

Salon Tracker x

20 Aug 2024

Hardware


Running a successful salon requires more than just great service—it's about creating an efficient, seamless experience for both your staff and customers. Investing in the right hardware from Salon Tracker can transform your salon operations, making them more streamlined and secure. Here’s a rundown of how different pieces of hardware can elevate your salon management:

Fingerprint Reader

With our fingerprint reader, customer's minutes are protected with their unique fingerprint, meaning that no one else can use their minutes. The fingerprint reader also makes it faster than ever to book a customer in, with just the tap of a finger. It can also be used for staff logins; this biometric method ensures that only authorised personnel access sensitive information, reduces time fraud, and speeds up the clock-in process. Plus, it eliminates the need to remember passwords, what more could you want out of one device.

Signature Pad

Going digital doesn't mean losing the personal touch in your salon. An electronic signature pad allows your clients to sign your agreement digitally, making interactions smoother and faster. This not only reduces paper usage—contributing to an eco-friendlier salon—but also stores records securely in your system, making retrieval easy.

QR Scanner

For use with our Enterprise package, the QR scanner allows customers to simply scan the QR code from their online login to bring up their account on Salon Tracker, allowing seamless transactions and a contactless experience.

Barcode Scanner

Managing inventory and tracking products is essential in any salon, especially if you offer retail products to your clients. A barcode scanner helps you maintain accurate inventory records by simplifying the process of selling products. Instead of manually searching for a product, your staff can scan barcodes to instantly add the product to the transaction. This reduces human error, saves time, and ensures your stock records are always up-to-date.

Receipt Printer

Even in the digital age, physical receipts are still an important part of customer service for many clients. A receipt printer provides fast, reliable, and professional receipts with your business name on after every transaction. Whether it's for services or products purchased, a printed receipt is a tangible confirmation of the transaction, which many customers appreciate.

Cash Drawer

Though the world is becoming more contactless, cash is still a widely used payment method. A cash drawer is a crucial component of your point of sale (POS) system, it ensures that cash is handled securely and efficiently. The drawer opens only when authorized by the system, reducing the risk of theft or mishandling. It also provides a tidy, organized space for managing notes and coins, speeding up the payment process for both your staff and customers.

All-in-One PC

The all-in-one PC is the command center of your salon. With its sleek, space-saving design, this device integrates the power of a full computer, meeting our recommended specifications, into a compact monitor with a wireless mouse and keyboard, reducing clutter at your front desk. It handles everything you would need, with the ability to run not just Salon Tracker, but any other applications or browsers that you may want to use.. The all-in-one PC allows you to run multiple tasks simultaneously without lag, meaning that you can play your music using the PC and a music streaming app alongside Salon Tracker and much more! 

13 Aug 2024

Effective Salon Security with Salon Tracker.


I’m sure the matter of your own salon security has crossed your minds multiple times; wondering if your customer data is actually safe and if your staff care about the well-being of the salon just as much as you do… especially if you’re still old-school and use the paper diary as a way of organising your salon and a filing cabinet for all those disclaimers!


Well worry no more, Salon Tracker is cut out to keep your salon more than secure and here is how:

User logins with passwords

Salon Tracker gives you the ability to create multiple staff logins for your staff, each protected with a pin and the option of finger print recognition. Each staff member will have their unique log in and pin and of course with finger print recognition only they can access their account and make actions on Salon Tracker. Furthermore, the owner of the account has the ability to prevent certain staff members from accessing certain parts of the software, such as specific reports or making admin changes.


Our software also has an ‘Action log report’ which entails every single detail of what's occurred within the software in any given time frame. From the minute the software is launched to the minute it is shut down, any transaction that was made, any movement on the software down to a report being pulled or a client card being looked at – it’s all tracked. So, nothing in the software would go amiss! 

Auto log-out


Salon Tracker also has the option to turn on an ‘auto log-out’ feature where after a given amount of no movement on the software, it will automatically log you out and will need a user to log in with their fingerprint or password before it can be used again. This is perfect for busy salons that don’t always have a receptionist or someone at the desk 24/7.

Finger print technology and secure ID

As mentioned previously, Salon Tracker has the ability to interact with fingerprint technology for staff members to log in with. The best part about it is that your customers can also register their fingerprint for added security, to protect their account and minutes/ pre-bought services. 

All you need to do is register their finger print when you are adding them as a customer, and from there forward they will just need to place their finger on the reader and the software will bring their client card up already without you having to search for their name. This is perfect for busy salons or new salon owners that haven’t got to know their customers yet. 

The option for secure ID to be turned on (where the client has to put their fingerprint down) is also available when they’re going on a bed or for certain services which can work as an authenticating feature for added salon protection.


Client Identification

Our software also allows you to take a picture of your clients and store it to their client card. You can do this by either using your integrated webcam or uploading a picture from your files, which is an alternative way of checking the client’s identification.

Virtual disclaimer

Sick of storing all those signed paper disclaimers in a full filing cabinet with no sense of organisation to it? Salon Tracker does all the hard work for you by giving you the ability to upload a PDF format of your salon disclaimer to the software and by using one of our integrated signature pads, you can store a signed copy of the disclaimer onto every client’s customer card. Say goodbye to those messy filing cabinets and hello to a much safer way of protecting your salon disclaimers!

Secure shell

Secure shell is a security measure we’ve created as a request by some of our clients. It makes the computer in your salon only accessible for the software itself so there isn’t any way of your staff being able to access the internet in work hours; making your salon their number one priority. All you have to do is request this feature when setting up the software and we’ll be able to add that in for you!

I’m sure a secure salon is just what you’re looking for, so why not give us a call to get booked in for a free demo and 2-week trial? You’ve got nothing to lose!

Salon Tracker x

6 Aug 2024

Summer Self Care with Salon Tracker


As summer rolls around once again, summer beauty treatments such as spa days can be beneficial for our mental and physical well-being. The hotter temperatures in combination with the increased sun means that social events become more frequent and we risk exhausting ourselves if we disregard our usual fitness and wellness routines to pencil in new social events. Fortunately, there are several ways to maintain your wellness while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.



With such a full calendar, making sure to find time for ourselves is of the utmost importance. Taking a visit to a spa can be the perfect way to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spa treatments, including skin and hair treatments and massages, also offer many physical benefits as well as rejuvenating your mind. In the summer months, exposure to the weather’s drying effects leave our skin in need of moisture. Applying creams and moisturisers to counteract this can cause our faces to feel clogged and heavy. Spa facials help protect and repair your skin by improving exfoliation, removing impurities, cleansing and increasing elasticity of the skin leaving you feeling rejuvenated. The spa day is a holistic approach to maintaining your well-being during the busy summer months.



Not every summer day will be filled with sunshine, and for those who still wish to maintain golden, glowing skin, tanning salons can keep you looking radiant despite non-ideal weather. 

Meanwhile, salon treatments offer a variety of services to get you feeling pampered and polished, from manicures and pedicures to hair coloring and styling. These treatments ensure that you don't have to rely on the summer sun to look your best. If the weather is gloomy, a visit to the salon can also keep spirits high and provide a perfect escape from any unwanted showers.



Summer is also a perfect time to strengthen bonds with loved ones, which can significantly boost your mental health. Spending quality time with friends and family, whether through casual gatherings, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company, can enhance your emotional well-being. Social interactions are proven to reduce stress, increase happiness, and foster a sense of belonging. These connections not only bring joy but also provide a vital support system, causing you to smile more and worry less, which is essential for a balanced and fulfilling summer.


While summer brings plenty of fun and socialising, it’s important to balance these with wellness routines that nourish both body and mind. Rejuvenating spa days, salon treatments and quality time with loved ones all nurture your mental and physical health. Incorporating these activities into your summer routine will aid you to enjoy the season to its fullest without compromising on your well-being.



Salon Tracker x

30 Jul 2024

The Best Kept Salon Secrets!


You're probably wondering what these secrets are... and why you don't know them already. 


The thing is, although salons are very similar in what they do, they can be very different in how they do things. Therefore what works well for some may not for others, so we've spoken to a number of salons and gathered together just what it is that they think keeps their salon busy regardless of how small or big a thing it is...

  • Treat being a stylist/ therapist/ beautician as your hobby and not your job!

When your job is all about making someone look and feel good about themselves you begin to get the same feeling. If you do it for fun, your 'job' actually turns into something to look forward to every day. Having that passion for your job will reflect in how your work looks and how your clients react. This goes both ways though and if you treat your job as a chore then that will show too. The brighter you make work feel, the more likely a customer is to book again!

  • Accepting the ups and the down's as a learning curve rather than a set-back

Learning to deal with the downs of a salon as a learning curve not a set-back is the best decision you could make. For example, if you have an unusually quiet period in Summer... why could that be? Did you do enough marketing? Did you remind clients to re-book after 6 weeks? If not, instead of dwelling on it, why not make use of the quiet time? Send out a marketing campaign from your Salon Tracker marketing suite offering 20% off treatments for the week. Or, why not focus on your social pages and put some offers on there? Business will be booming again all because you were proactive rather than dwelling on a setback.

Finally...

  • Salon Software i.e. Salon Tracker!

If you're still running your salon with endless paper cards for your tanning beds and messy hair and beauty diary's with pages ripped out and words that have been tried to be erased whilst sending your appointment reminders manually from your own phone... then it's time to move on. Our users say using our software has saved them time and gives them more hours in the day. This means they have no compromise on personal time and they can invest the extra time in the salon.

Salon Tracker boasts many features and is always improving the software based on user needs and feedback. Features include, SMS appointment reminders and marketing suite, extensive business reports and charts, re-book reminders and more.

To get your FREE demo and trial go to https://www.salontracker.co.uk/FreeTrial.aspx to have your salon turned around!

If you have any other questions or queries then please get in touch with us via, info@salontracker.co.uk or call 0113 350 8230 between the hours of 9am and 5pm

Thanks for reading!

Salon Tracker Team

23 Jul 2024

A Guide on how to add in your Services on Salon Tracker

 Want to know how to add in new courses? new beauty treatments? new offers?


Well this blog will give you a step by step guide on how you can do just that... So read on to find out!


First you need to head to the 'Management' tab on Salon Tracker (for access to this you need to be logged into Administrator)

    

    Then select the 'booking services' tab
























Then select 'Tanning' and the '+' to add your new category in... If you are adding into an existing category just select this (e.g. courses)


















Then type in the description you want for your category (e.g. offers) and select ok to save this.














Then select the new category tab (e.g. offers)
















Then select 'Add'














Now you can add in the information you need!

So in 'Description' you can add in the name of your offer.

In 'Retail Price' you can add in the price you are selling it for.










For example here you can see the offer is '60 Minutes + 10 Minutes free' and the price is '£40'


















Then select the 'Service' tab


















Here you can add in the 'Duration' of the service. so in this case it would be 70 Minutes (60 minutes + 10 minutes free = 70 minutes)













If you want to add an expiry period select the drop down on 'Expiry Period' and add in what you want (e.g. 1 year)















Then click save and this will add your service!
















The service will then show when booking your customers in!









For Beauty you can do the same thing and add in your description (e.g. 5 nails + 1 free)














Then, in the services tab similarly to tanning you can add in the duration of the treatment e.g. 90 minutes, AND also the pack quantity.

For just 1 appointment you can put the pack quantity as 1. 

In this case as it's 5 nail appointments and 1 free, the pack quantity would be 6!






I hope this blog has helped you with how you can add in your services! We do also offer free support and training with our system so if you wish to get assistance or know how to do more on Salon Tracker then just give us a call on 0113 350 8230 or drop us an email at info@salontracker.co.uk

Salon Tracker x

16 Jul 2024

Salon Trackers' HQ Feature






Are you a multi-site salon owner struggling to manage all your locations effectively? Salon Tracker HQ is the solution you've been waiting for. This enterprise feature, gives you access to your salon management system from your personal laptop. With Salon Tracker HQ, you can seamlessly manage all aspects of your business from anywhere, enjoying the same functionality and accessibility as if you were on-site. Say goodbye to the limitations of being in one place at a time and embrace the future of salon management with Salon Tracker HQ at just £60 per month on top of your Enterprise subscription. 

In this blog i will break down the  main benefits of the HQ feature and how it can you and your business thrive.

What is the HQ Feature?

The HQ feature from Salon Trackers is designed for salon owners who want location freedom while still being in control of their different salon sites. This innovative tool allows you to access your salon's system from your personal laptop, giving you the freedom to manage your salon from anywhere at any time. Whether you're at home, traveling, or simply away from the salon, you can stay connected and in control.

Real-Time Updates

The HQ feature provides real-time updates, so you're always in the loop. You'll have instant access to your salon's data, including appointment schedules, client information, and sales reports. This ensures you can make informed decisions quickly and efficiently, without any delays.

Enhanced Client Experience

When you can manage your salon from anywhere, your clients benefit too. Faster response times to appointment requests, streamlined booking processes, and the ability to manage last-minute changes with ease all contribute to a superior client experience. Happy clients mean repeat business and glowing reviews.

Security You Can Trust

We understand that security is a top priority when it comes to managing your salon's data. The HQ feature employs state-of-the-art encryption and cloud based back up ensuring you and your customers data is safe and secure 24/7.

Easy to Use

Salon Trackers' HQ feature is the exact same as it is in store so the user interface stays consistent. It's designed to give you the accessibility and freedom as an owner while keeping the tech hassle down to a minimum as we appreciate your time is precious.

Thank you for reading about the capabilities of Salon Tracker HQ! If you're ready to enhance your salon management and enjoy the flexibility of remote operation, please get in touch to upgrade your package or add it on to your current one.

Here’s to taking your salon business to new heights!

Assistance or inquiries, call-0113 350 8230 or email-info@salontracker.co.uk.

How Social Media can Benefit your Salon

In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is essential for any business, including beauty and tanning salons. Social med...