Have you ever thought about the value of repeat clients? It costs around 5-8 times more to gain new clients as opposed to keeping your current clients. Think about how many clients are in your salon software database and how much money each of them spend on average. Therefore, it is clear that one of your top initiatives should be to build loyalty and trust with repeat customers. Utilize your salon software to send email marketing to your clients. Email marketing is a cost effective way to stay in front of your customers, follow up after appointments and communicate upcoming promotions.

Check out some of these marketing tips:

• Keep content relevant and valuable to your audience
• Keep email short with a clear message
• Include a call to action
• Make sure you allow people to opt out of receiving mail
• When communicating a promotion, include an expiration date for faster response

The “2011 Social Commerce Study” researched by National Retail Federations Shop, comScore and Social Shopping Labs released some interesting results on consumers and how they utilize social media for their purchases.

Here are some of the findings:
Nearly half of consumers have followed a retailer through Facebook, Twitter or a blog (average consumer follows 6 retailers)
58% follow companies to find deals
67% of Twitter users have been influenced by a post to click on a retail website
42% of Twitter users access the retail site on their mobile phone at least once a day
34% of Facebook users access the retail site on their mobile phones at least once a day
82% if consumers are aware of group – buying sites and location-based apps and are using them
35% of shoppers say they would likely make a purchase directly through Facebook and 32% would purchase directly through Twitter

Many retailers are already utilizing social media to connect with consumers and build their brand. This study shows that as smartphone usage grows, retailers can do more to generate sales directly from social media. Make sure you don’t get left behind as this trend is likely here to stay.

 Can you relate to Mary? Check out the video to see what we can do to help you drive your business!

Salon Tru, an Aveda Concpet Salon in Scottsdale, Arizona is now live with ConnectBeauty! 

Smart innovative solutions = happy clients, more services, and more money coming in. Make it easy for your clients to book appointments online, buy product, and read about their stylist and or services on your website. Your salon software gives you the opportunity to do just that. Salon management software simplifies scheduling and makes it simple for your clients to book appointments 24/7.

Make it easy on your staff by using one platform to host your appointment books, ecommerce site, sales reporting, POS system and marketing tools. ConnectBeauty’s cloud-based software allows you to run your business from any place with an internet connection, even from your iPad! Contact ConnectBeauty to learn more about how to simplify your salon and manage your business more effectively.

In order to connect with the changing demands of consumers, retailers are using iPads to run their business and increase sales. Its portability and user friendly interface are shaping consumer shopping behavior from all ends of the spectrum. 

Not only is it easier for a consumer to shop on an iPad, retailers are using the tablet in stores to add to the overall shopping experience. One ipad can do everything from clocking in to checking out a customer to creating sales reports . To engage customers, store associates are using the tablets to help customers visualize what certain things will look like together.  For example, a customer can feel more confident with their purchase of red paint if they can actually see what it looks like in their living room before they buy. 

In addition to the in-store advantages, opportunities are endless when it comes to apps. Retailers make it easier for the consumer to locate a store near them or compare reviews. Allowing consumers to check in at their store not only engages people, it creates a buzz around the brand and encourages customer loyalty.  This retail trend is picking up in the salon industry as well. What steps are you doing to keep up with your innovative competitors?

How do you attract new clients to your salon?  Are you partnering with Groupon or LivingSocial to get people in the door? Running discounts? Offering the latest  products and services?

While this type of marketing may be a good way to get potential clients in the door, you also run the risk of getting one time customers who are on the hunt for the next discount. As a salon owner, you know that first impressions are vital to the success of your business. Have you ever considered that a new customer has made a first impression of your salon before they even walk in the door? When a potential client is considering a new salon the first thing they will do is go to the website and check it out. This is why your website is so important. Does your site give the customer a good feel for what their experience will be? 

Aside from looking nice, your website must be user friendly and easy to use. Potential customers should be able to navigate easily, read about services and stylists, and book their appointments online. Show pictures of the salon and of the service providers so they get a personal touch before they walk through the door. Need help? ConnectBeauty’s salon management software helps you make the first impression you need to turn one time deal seekers, to long time loyal customers. Contact us today to get started.

Leadership behavior is one of the most important factors when looking at workplace performance. Until an employee has a meaningful relationship with their leader, they tend not to be motivated to do their best work. Think back to your former leaders- were you more likely to produce your best work when you had a good relationship with them? In most cases, the answer would be yes. Motivation is fueled by highly effective relationships that are mutual, beneficial, and meaningful. If your staff feels disconnected or unappreciated, they will not be as motivated to do their best work- regardless of how passionate they are about their job.

Take your leadership behavior into consideration when managing your salon. Make sure you are exemplifying the behavior you want to see in others and connect with your staff and find out what motivates each person. For some it may be a financial incentive, and for others it could be recognition or flexible hours. Building solid relationships and understanding what truly motivates your employees will have a tremendous effect on your salons performance.

According to anythingresearch.com, the cosmetology and barber school industry is the best industry to start up a company in 2011. The industry grew 29% in the last year with an average company size of $1.3M.  If you are thinking of starting up a company in the beauty industry, take a look at these numbers:

• 29% Year-over-year growth rate for cosmetology and barber schools
• $1,324,420 Average company size for a cosmetology or barber school
• 20,000 Number of new licensed barbers between 2008 and 2010
• 9% Year-over-year growth rate for nail salons
• $168,703 average company size for a nail salon
  
  

Over the next few years, the beauty industry is expected to grow and continue its recovery. This may be the time to start the company you have always wanted!

The International Beauty Show in Las Vegas is coming up! Will you be there?

IBS Las Vegas is held June 18^th-20^th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  They offer over 150 classes, 300 exhibitors, Nail and Barber Cutting Competitions and of course lots of entertainment! It will be packed with top nail, hair and beauty companies along with all of the newest hair styling tools, nail gels and makeup.

Events like IBS provide a fantastic way to network with other beauty salon owners and share tips and tricks of the trade. What better way to find out how to better your business than talking to salon owners like yourself. You will get to see in person all of the hottest new trends in hair, nails and makeup from the top manufactures in the industry. Not only will you see what other salons are using in terms of products, you will be able to talk and learn how to manage your business more efficiently from a technology standpoint. Take advantage of opportunities like this to ensure you have the tools to stay ahead of the game and increase profits for your business. Stay tuned for more details from the event!  


picture from troyrichardsalon.com