It’s 2022 meaning we’re officially in the future, and tech is key to feeling that futuristic and ensuring your salon is always ahead of the game. Caitlin Adamson from Shortcuts Salon Software walks you through the digital necessities of 2022 and beyond.
A DIGITAL PRESENCE – GOOGLE
A strong online presence has always been a sure-fire way to attract new clients. So, making sure your Google My Business profile is looking dressed to the nines in 2022 is a must. That includes making sure your opening hours are up to date (they may have changed since reopening), your website is linked, phone number is correct, and reviews are being answered! You’d be surprised how often these things are forgotten, but it’s the first thing your clients will see after Googling you.
However, Google’s not just about having a pretty face. It can also do a lot of leg work for you in reeling in new clients via local search ads. After all, you don’t just want to show up when a client Google’s your name. You also want to pop up for other relevant, local search
terms – like “hairdresser new farm”, “blonde hair specialist” or even “hairdresser near me”. If you’re not quite sure where to start, it’s the perfect time to enlist the help of an expert that comes from the industry. Shortcuts Google Advisor, Naomi, always welcomes discovery calls so feel free to reach out via www.shortcuts.com.au/google
ENCOURAGE BOOKINGS VIA SOCIALS
Who could forget socials when talking about online presence? They’re the bread and butter to any salon’s marketing strategy. Socials are the one place your clients are hanging out at all hours of the day – so why not put them to good use to help you drum up bookings while you sleep?
Nothing beats a strong social media strategy, complete with clearly defined content pillars and some killer call to actions up your sleeve, to send your followers high-tailing to your profile to make a booking with you. Better yet, if you’re a Shortcuts customer (or soon to be) you can add a booking button to your Instagram and Facebook profiles that directs your client straight to your online booking page.
GET ONLINE BOOKING ASAP
That leads us to the most important tech tool in your kit in 2022 – and that’s online bookings. With so much uncertainty bulldozing the world, flexibility for your clients is key. People want to book as they want, when they want, so offering online bookings is far less barrier to booking for them.
At Shortcuts, Online Booking has always been a super crucial feature for salon owners – that’s why we paved the way with one of the first Online Booking platforms back in the early 2010s. Our Online Booking may have been around for a long time, but we know times have changed. We know when it comes to online bookings in general, the user experience has changed since then and needs newer and more simplified improvements – not to mention a little face-lifting. We feel that 2022 will be the year for glowing up.
DISCOVER ONLINE PAYMENTS
As the future evolves to deliver flashier tech to run your business, one piece of tech that deserves your laser-focus is anything that will get you paid. The pandemic has accelerated the “Uber-style payment experience” in a way no-one could have predicted. Suddenly QR codes are the norm after they tried and failed to be a thing in 2013. Everyone loves a good comeback story so ordering and paying via these QR codes at cafes, bars and restaurants are now commonplace – alleviating pressure on staff and the tills.
This kind of payment experience is also extending to the salon industry. Contactless payments in the chair are turning from dream into reality as COVID drives staff to be more mindful of sanitation in the salon. Collecting upfront payments when clients book online is now safeguarding your revenue if they cancel last minute or no-show, and collecting cancellation fees is now ensuring your time isn’t wasted and your clients are held accountable. Online payments are the way of the future in 2022!
SAVE WITH ZERO COST EFTPOS TERMINALS
The key with terminals is doing your research and finding a terminal solution that won’t end up costing you more than it’s worth. Luckily, Shortcuts have a zero cost EFTPOS solution so you can pass on the hefty transaction fees and put that money where it works – back into your business. Who doesn’t love to save some coin and wave goodbye to dealing with banks while you’re at it? The ShortcutsPay terminals are easy to set up, super portable and can be used straight out of the box. Just plug in and play away! Plus, if you’re a Shortcuts user, they directly integrate with Shortcuts so exxy keying errors will become a thing of the past.
For more information visit www.shortcuts.com.au
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