From pen and paper to salon software: how making the switch could benefit your business

The day-to-day responsibilities of running a successful salon or spa can often feel like a bit of a juggling act. In an age where a growing number of clients expect to be able to book services online in an instant, traditional pen and paper just doesn’t cut it anymore. Making the switch to salon software can seem like a bold move, but when you pick the right one, it can be a game-changing investment for your business! 

Here are 5 reasons why we think making the switch from traditional pen and paper to Fresha's salon software can boost your sales and help your business reach its full potential.

1. Start selling your services online

Your time is valuable, and hours spent answering the phones or responding to emails could be better spent on your clients. Salons who use online booking systems typically see a 30% increase in sales by making scheduling more convenient for their clients.

With over 60% of online bookings made outside of regular working hours, it has never been more important for your clients to have complete flexibility when booking. By keeping your business open 24/7, you can keep filling your calendar even when your doors are closed.

2. Protect your business against no-shows

When clients are delayed, or fail to make an appearance, it’s an irritating cost for any salon that takes advance bookings. The good news is that with the right rules, regulations and tools in place, you’ll never be out of pocket if your clients don’t end up making it (especially if it’s too late to fill their spot).

Clients are far more likely to attend an appointment if they’re at risk of being charged for cancelling late or not showing up. That’s why creating penalty fees is a great way to lock in a realistic commitment from your clients. By introducing a protection policy, you can reduce no-shows and late cancellations by as much as 90%, saving you time and money by ensuring your appointment slots don’t go to waste.

3. Automatically notify clients about their appointments

Keeping track of your personal and professional schedules can sometimes feel like a bit of a juggling act. With so much on our plates, it can be hard to remember what day of the week it is, let alone what appointments we’ve booked weeks or months in advance. It’s the same for your clients; if you’re not reminding them of their appointments in advance, it’s highly likely they’re going to forget.

Keeping your clients updated every step of the way with fully automated client notifications is the simplest and most effective way of making sure they turn up. They also allow you the opportunity to thank them for their visit, leave a tip, and book with you again. Plus, any additional info or consultation forms that need to be completed beforehand can be gathered before their appointment takes place, saving you time on the day.

4. Build awareness for your brand on social media

The unique benefit of social media is that it allows you to talk directly to your clients and followers. More than 40% of digital consumers use social media to research new brands or products, and part of that discovery involves getting to know who you are as a business and what you have to offer.

Bringing your booking calendar to where your clients spend most of their time online gives you free exposure to an entirely new client base. By adding official booking integrations to your social accounts and engaging with your followers directly, you can start capturing online appointments from people who might never have heard of you before.

5. Use intelligent marketing tools to attract new clients and boost sales

A good marketing strategy is integral to business, but with the responsibility usually falling on the manager or owner, it can quickly become an afterthought. Modern salon technology uses information about client preferences and your business’ default settings to optimise the reach of your notifications across email, text, and in-app notifications.

Automatically triggered by events in your database, you can surprise clients with a birthday discount, or try winning back old ones with a unique offer. Marketing campaigns that use the same information to offer exclusive promotions can see a huge return on investment from clients who may have otherwise booked with one of your competitors.

Start growing your business, selling your services, and retaining more clients with Fresha’s market-leading salon technology.