Does my business require a mobile app?

Let’s cut straight to the chase here! Various customers will access your business information through various platforms depending entirely on a number of factors such as preference, ease of use and of course, the GOAL of the app itself.

Would your favourite apps be as fun on a mobile responsive site?

Think about all your favourite and most used apps (Facebook, Instagram, MyFitnessPal, Uber, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter to name a few) and ask yourself if they would be as much fun on a mobile responsive site as opposed to a mobile app? Probably not. Mobile apps are actually designed all around the core activities of engagement. Is your business model designed to offer your customer something to return for? Any business with an aim for high retention and engagement goals, such as the apps listed above, should and do consider a mobile app.

Analytics are key but are not the decision maker

A great way to visualise whether a mobile app is something you should expand towards is to look at your analytics, to see which customer demographics and device/technology leads are using to access your site. For Salon Tracker, we know that our mobile traffic has grown significantly in the last 4 years. In 2012, only 26.74% of people were landing on our page through mobile, whereas in 2015 we had a whopping 61% of clients' access our site through this platform. This means that for our business, mobile optimisation is essential (as it is for most of us as we move further into the 21st century). Do we need a web app? Probably not right now. We do not offer an online shop, booking area, discounts, a forum or gallery- simply because we do not need to do so at this moment in time for our total addressable market. Our aims are not built on engaging with the customers at this stage, it’s about offering them information that they can take away. Instead, we offer squeeze pages. Squeeze pages are our way of getting the potential client’s email, sending them our white papers and product brochures, in order to grow a relationship built on trust and transparency. 

I think my business needs a mobile app- what now?

Mobile apps are great because they offer absolutely everything in one hit. Even if your website is optimised for use on a mobile, apps are undeniably more seamless and, accessible on the go. However, they aren’t easy or cheap to build. A great place to start is this article linked below by Joe Stangarone (MRC-Productivity 2012). Although this article was written now 4 years ago, it gives a great insight into the difference between native apps and mobile web apps, highlighting the pros and cons of offering access to a new platform at a less expensive cost. 

I’d like to just finish by quoting Stangarone (MRC-Productivity 2012) “What will the mobile landscape look like in another 5 years? Maybe a new OS will take over. Maybe iOS and Android will lose popularity. Who knows? The one thing I do know: The web isn’t going anywhere. Mobile web apps offer the only way to protect your company from changes in the mobile landscape.”

Source: (MRC-Productivity 2012)

8 Social Media Predictions for 2016!

Social media is so ever evolving that revamping it now and again is absolutely imperative. As we have shifted into 2016, now is the time for consumers to take into account business predictions of the year, in order to find success on social platforms. Please see our pointers below! 

- A picture speaks a thousand words so it’s no surprise that 2016 is set to see some huge growth for businesses on various platforms including photo based apps such as Instagram and Pinterest. Any business can make themselves visual but you need a plan to find success using these apps. 

- Speaking of Instagram; although Facebook purchased Instagram just under 4 years ago, it is only until 2016 we will see a huge merge in the advertising element of the platforms. Facebook ads are now pushed to coincide with Instagram ads meaning that now strong visual content is imperative for successful lead generation. Instagram now offers the ability to pay for sponsored content but also a “shop now” button meaning the platform is completely taking out the middle man, the search engine. You can even share audio and video footage on most platforms now such as ads, tutorials or web casts. Think about what you can offer to the market to promote brand awareness. 

- Julie Ellis (Social Media Week, 2015) confirms the point above by stating that many users “are skipping the search engine and performing their searches directly on social media”. Obviously search engines are still a popular way to find information but this is a huge point to highlight since many people put their trust into accessing sites where they can see using customers of the chosen brand. Twitter, for example allows an advanced search to see product “problems” which means businesses are more accessible than ever as are reviews. 

- This leads us to the importance of social media reviews. The searches conveyed through social media will be focused on finding product and also reviews on product which means you need to ensure there is a business push on engagement and/or reviews. Even if your business has backlash, you need to learn how to deal with it. Micah Soloman (Forbes 2015) lists the 5 best practices to use when handling with social media complaints or issues which everybody should be taking into account now on verbal based platforms especially such as Twitter and Facebook. 

- According to Statista (2015) there will be an increase by 16.7 million on smartphone users in 2016 is the US compared to 2015 and a further 12.6 million increase into 2017- though this point isn’t only relative for social media. Have you noticed the amount of retail giants that are mobile optimised? It should have hit home before 21st of April 2015 when the Google Algorithm came into play but we cannot stress enough the importance of optimising your phones for your consumers. 2016 is only going to grow with the amount of users accessing sites with their handheld smart devices, which means you need to up your game before you lose the potential customer. 

- Facebook Ads will improve their targeting reach which means you NEED to know your customer. You might think you already do but what are their stereotypical interests, what do they read, buy, watch etc.? How are they accessing your site? This can be sourced through Google Analytics as long as you are using a URL builder to measure every type of marketing activity you partake in. 

- According to Chuck Frey (Content Marketing Institute, 2015) Twitter has “255 million active users” that “send more than 500 million tweets a day” however, it doesn’t make it right for everyone because the stereotype is much younger. So you’ve researched Twitter, tried our Twitter Top Tips guide and set-up and run an account for a year and still just aren’t feeling it…That’s okay. Not every platform was made for your business. Invest your time in areas that you are succeeding. Don’t get us wrong it’s important to have an active profile across the platforms but if you invest your core chosen platform whether this be Facebook or Instagram you really will see growth. 

- Did you know that “49% of people aged over 65+ are active on social media sites”, (PewInternet 2015) with a huge 89% of 18-29 year olds also active. It is therefore by far quickly becoming the fastest and most efficient way in which to reach anybody, whether that be your friends, family, companies or clients of a business.


Thank you for reading, we wish you all the success with your 2016 social content!

Improving Multi-Site Salon Businesses

Happy New Year and a big welcome back from all of us here at Salon Tracker.

So, a fresh New Year...how about some new improvements for the salon! And we’ve made some enhancements to our salon software too.

This month, we’re going to be concentrating on multi-site salons, by providing tips on how owners can improve their business if it is made up of several sites, operating from an overall salon headquarters/head office.

As some of you may know, we are exhibiting at Professional Beauty in February this year and therefore are releasing some new features just in time for the show.

So, what are the main areas that we are focusing on?

There are many hindrances to businesses that are of the multi-site sector. For example, when things get busy at a particular location, it can be hard to give employees based at other locations the time that they deserve. Organisation sometimes goes out of the window and time doesn’t get managed as well as it should.

Presumably, if you are the owner of multiple salons, you will also have a substantially large client database as each separate salon will have its own local clients. Some of these clients may however flit between several of your salons, especially if you have them situated nationwide. Therefore having said this, Salon Tracker hopes to improve the management of those customer details as all notes will be stored across the chain, which means that clients will no longer have to re-register at a salon in a separate location. This includes any skin tests or tanning disclaimers that may have been signed, so for example, if a customer has visited your ‘Birmingham’ salon, the technicians in your ‘Leicester’ salon will be able to see all the details associated with those particular clients.

By linking all of your salon businesses up, any of you who currently have our Enterprise package will be familiar with our Site View feature. In the coming months we are hoping to advance on this feature so that overall salon activity can be seen from a multi-site business headquarters. Hopefully this will be inclusive of end of day sales, KPI tracking and monthly cash flow.

We are currently also in the process of updating our online booking feature, meaning that soon customers will be able to actually register for a salon online. This is a very beneficial feature to any salon owners of a multi-site as once a client has registered with your salon chain, they are evidently a customer of every single one of your sites. This should promote an increase in footfall for those salon businesses and again, efficiency will be improved as online bookings will be fired straight over to the correct salon calendar. Technicians will instantly be able to see these bookings and this way appointments won’t cross over.

So if you feel like any of the above applies to you and you are looking for something to improve the overall management of your business then why not call up for a FREE demo of our software? Our telephone number is 0113 350 8230 and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss the best software options.


Let’s start the New Year off well!


Salon Tracker x

Farewell 2015!

Can you believe it’s this time again! It’s been a busy year and quite frankly, it has flown by. For us at Salon Tracker, 2015 has been great, packed with lots of fun-filled events including our debut exhibition at Professional Beauty North, in which we actually got to meet some of you in person. Our software packages have advanced and we have really enjoyed helping you guys to improve the management of your salons throughout the past year. We know for some of you the year isn’t over yet, as you’ll be jam-packed up to Xmas with people wanting their last minute tans, lashes and highlights. However, we hope that after the hustle and bustle this week you all have a fantastic and well-deserved Christmas and we wish you all the best going through to the New Year. Salon Tracker have some exciting new features to come in the Spring so keep posted. We’re really looking forward to working with you over the coming months and hopefully, meeting a few more of you at Professional Beauty London in Feb! So, here is to 2016 and another successful year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Salon Tracker x


**We are closing down for Christmas on 23rd December 2015. We will be back in the office on January 4th 2016. Should you require assistance during this time, please telephone 0113 3508230 and leave a voicemail or email info@salontracker.co.uk.**

Salon Tracker Software: Intelligent Marketing Tips for the New Year

You may have seen recently that we’ve done quite a bit of posting on New Year planning, looking at how to improve your business using salon software and also how to market in 2016. We’ve mentioned SMS marketing, competitions, promotions and offers. Having said that, we know how busy you guys will be in the salon this close to Christmas and so we don’t want to bombard you with a wordy blog packed with information during this time. Instead, we thought we’d create something a little more helpful and so have come up with some snappy, quick fire marketing examples that you can refer to when it comes round to your January planning!

SMS

For those of you that are already Salon Tracker users and have our SMS marketing feature, here are a few examples that you can create using our message templates. However, there is no reason why any of you who don’t currently use our salon software cannot take these ideas as a basis to set up the campaigns yourselves in an alternative way.

Hi <<Forename>>

[Happy New Year! Do you like us on Facebook? Click here <<link>> to follow us and enter our competition for the chance to win 25% off your next treatment]

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&Cs Apply


Hi <<Forename>>

[Happy New Year! Fancy a 2016 makeover? Begin here with our updated treatment list and receive 10% off selected services]

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&Cs Apply


Hi <<Forename>>

[Sparkle in 2016! Book your appointment today and receive 10% off selected treatments]

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&Cs Apply


Hi <<Forename>>

[Need a bit of pampering after the Christmas Party season? We’re offering <<%>> off <<treatment>> on <<date>> Book now to receive your discount!

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&C’s Apply


Hi <<Forename>>

[Get Glam in 2016…we’re offering a FREE <<treatment>> when you spend over <<£>>! Call <<CompanyTel>> to book today]

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&Cs Apply


Hi <<Forename>>

[Got any friends who are looking for a beauty change-up this New Year? Refer a pal and receive 10% off your next treatment. Click here for more details <<link>>]

<<CompanyName>> <<CompanyTel>> T&Cs Apply



Social Media 

Your social media networks are the fastest methods of communication in which to reach a client. Status posting also costs nothing and so is a quick and easy way to market yourselves free of charge. Here are some example Facebook posts that you can use to promote to clients and gain that extra footfall throughout Jan.


**January Competition**…to enter comment with JANCOMP below this post for the chance to receive a £5.00 off voucher for your next treatment. Winner announced on 31st Jan!


**New Year, New Look**…to enter comment with JANCOMP below this post for the chance to receive a 25% off voucher for your next appointment with us. Winner announced on 31st Jan!


**Refer a Friend**…recommend our salon to a pal, get them to quote your name on appointment arrival and the two of you will receive 10% off your next treatments!


**New Year, New Services**…we’ve updated our treatment list! Book an appointment before 31st Jan to receive an exclusive discount!


We hope these tips come in useful! Have a fantastic countdown to Christmas & here’s to a successful 2016!


Salon Tracker x

Salon Software Q+A: What you need to know if you’re thinking about salon software for 2016!

Why do I need a computerised system in the salon?

It is important to computerise your business and keep up with modern technology to compete effectively. Salon software will make operations cleaner and more efficient as it implements a certainty element. It also allows your calendar to be accessible 24/7 with online booking, therefore aiming to improve the business and increase profit, even in your absence.

As well as bookings, what else can they do?

Salon software systems effectively manage every aspect of your business allowing you to store endless information, track appointments and communicate with clients under one easy to use, personalized system. There are also services such as marketing, automated stock management, performance reports and online and Facebook booking. Software allows you to incorporate everything as a combined impact so that you are saving time and money in other areas of your business.

What are the business benefits of using a salon software system in general?

There are numerous business benefits of using salon software but most of all it will save you time that you can be spending elsewhere. Managing figures, reports and cash flow can be a tedious process, which is where software management can give you a helping hand. All you are required to do is generate a customised report and your figures are complete.

The marketing function will also be beneficial for your business. Salon Tracker’s marketing suite encourages regular contact with clients via SMS and email marketing, whether this is showing thanks for their custom or offering a promotion tailored to the client profile. Contacting clients on a regular basis heightens familiarity which leads to increased customer loyalty. The features also enables you to contact customers directly which can help turn around last minute cancellations. In addition, the tool can be used for appointment reminders, consequently reducing the amount of missed appointments.

How easy are they to use?  Do you need to be a computer whizz? Is training available?

Our Salon Tracker system has been designed so it is easy for clients to use. Even someone who has hardly operated a computer before will be able to use it with ease. We offer free training, support and updates for all employees within the salon so if any problems do occur through usage, we will be on hand free of charge… there are no hidden costs.

What is the single biggest advantage of having a dedicated software system?

It is very important to have a dedicated software system provider in order to ensure you have the reliable support you require to develop your business. Salon Tracker is constantly evolving with new features, releases and updates which should be available to every user free of charge. This will help constantly improve your service and help you build positive relationships with clients. We are so confident in the software that we offer a free trial, free support and free training. All of the features within our system have been designed to help us fulfill our mission of making salon life easier.

How is your system different to competitors?

Salon Tracker prides itself on its customer service, support and updates being FREE. We are so confident in our product that we even offer a free two week trial beforehand with no obligations to ensure our software suits your business goals.

What are the costs involved?

Salon Tracker offers three flexible packages with software and hardware options to suit salons of all sizes. Our ‘Standard’ package is £499, the ‘Professional’ £899, and ‘Enterprise’ £1299. There are no additional monthly costs but an annual license fee of £199. We also offer the above packages on a monthly subscription at £30, £60 and £90 PCM with no upfront or additional fees.

Salon Tracker Software: How to plan for Jan!

After the busy Christmas period, we all know that sales throughout Jan deplete a little, as everyone is a bit strapped for cash and tend to tighten their purse strings. However, during the quieter months whilst you have some spare time, there is no better time to analyse previous business years, evaluate, and plan for the year ahead. Here at Salon Tracker we have thought of a few things that salons can take in to account moving forward in to 2016!


Evaluate Previous Years

Some of you may have salon software and therefore can run reports and charts for analysis at the click of a button, others of you may still be using paper KPI trackers and reports. Whichever it is, January is a good time to observe the reports, to see what worked well, and what maybe didn’t. You can then use this data to forward plan and identify any key areas that may need work or any sections of the salon where improvements are no longer necessary.


Run Over Pricing

During your analysis of previous years, you need to ensure that you are evaluating your prices and also comparing those to that of competitors. Also, make sure that your prices reflect your services. For example, there may be certain technicians that have worked in the salon for some time and your loyal clients don’t mind paying that little bit more for their treatments. Having said that, you don’t want to offer your services at too low prices either, as the last thing you want is clients believing that your work isn't up to par and also you don't want to be labelled as a cheap-salon service. However you also have to make sure that you aren't charging so much that clients find your services too un-affordable that they go elsewhere for their repeat treatments.


Marketing & Offers

January is always a great time to market and offer discount, as every company is renowned for doing this early on in the New Year, especially as everyone is a bit strapped for cash. On the days that you’re quiet, for example a Monday/Tuesday, offer discounts on a few selected treatments, as by doing this it will make the offer seem a little more exclusive as a pose to discounting your entire treatment list.  In terms of marketing and promotions, run monthly email and SMS campaigns, for example a good idea would be to start a monthly newsletter promoting new services, information on new staff members and any special offers. Another fab idea for some extra salon promotion would be to partner with local photographers or universities who may need hair stylists for their shoots.  If you're currently training new technicians, you could advertise for 'styling models' then collaborate with the local photographers & students, as you then should receive a copy of the artwork for free which you can use for salon display!


Salon Aesthetics

Clients who are impressed with the experience that they receive when visiting your salon are more likely to return and also spread the word to friends.  As we have said before, the experience starts when a client walks through the salon door. Your salon décor, layout and level of cleanliness is therefore really important.  If all of this is up to scratch, it instantly impresses a client and should encourage them to recommend your salon. Your digital aesthetics is also something to think about.  How is your salon website and social media accounts looking?  Use January to give these a little re-vamp...post client photos online, select the best photos of your salon technicians' work and share these on your social network accounts.  You could even create landing pages for each of your technicians' on the website, so when clients are booking online they can see an example of certain technicians' work.  This being especially beneficial if it is a first-time client, as reviews and testimonials are key in terms of winning that client over and getting that sale.

Improve Business Presence

Create a blog and let your staff members share their beauty stories with clients. A great way to improve SEO (search engine optimisation) for your website and also beneficial in terms of offering advice to clients. Reviews are another great technique, as again you can hashtag the brands of the latest products, contributing again to the SEO for your site and also, the sales of your retail products. Something else to think about, how many places is your salon listed on the web? Ensure that your salon is listed on all the top local business directories to make sure that you have as much publicity as possible. If online isn't for you just yet, produce and hand out some business cards.  You can get bulk cards printed for quite a small cost at places such as Vista Print, and this is a simple and effective way to gain added exposure for your business.  Hand them out at reception after treatments so that clients can pass them to friends.  You can also ask local businesses if they wouldn't mind displaying one in their shop window, as you might just gain a little extra local business by doing this. 

Complimentary Promotions

Mini promotions on your website, Facebook page and other social media accounts are great in terms of networking and word-of-mouth promotion for the salon.  These don't have to be anything too costly either.  You could just have a competition running throughout January where for each person that enters, there will be a daily winner that is entitled to a free £5.00 voucher of a 25% off coupon for their next treatment. Followers who subscribe to your feeds can stay informed of any businesses competitions and will be more likely to book an appointment with you.  Complimentary gifts are also a great way to win clients over in terms of their loyalty towards you, as little extras after appointments are the things that make your salon stand out from the crowds. These could literally be something as simple as a free product sample or sweets in reception.  A little gesture goes a long way. 

January Return Vouchers

Introduce vouchers that can only be used from 1st to 31st January 2016.  These are a good way to promote a 'bounce-back' in custom and improve the footfall in the salon during quieter periods. Start handing them out now throughout the busy Christmas season and promote them on your social media pages to ensure that your salon starts off the New Year with a bang. 

We hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and that some of our ideas will come in useful for a great start to the New Year!


Salon Tracker x