MOAP MONDAY RECAP 2017

If there is one thing that is just as important as having hard work and passion in your role as a beauty therapist, it is constantly educating yourself and your team on the how the industry is changing and evolving!

We have had a HUGE year bringing all our salon partners 8 FREE educational MOAP Monday Live sessions via Facebook, with huge success. We were also lucky enough to have special guests Vanessa McDonald (Salon Marketing Coach) and Daynah Hamilton (Studio Matrix) share their wealth of knowledge across salon marketing, and social media and give our salon partners the tips and tricks they need to help them become more profitable in the beauty industry.

View Part 1 & 2 of Matt Williams and Vanessa McDonald's live episode discussing how to retail your Christmas packs this season:

Watch Matt Williams and Daynah Hamilton discuss the important apps, tools and tricks needed to nail your salon's social media:

Missed an episode or want to re-watch again? Visit our Profit Advantage Facebook Page.

Reducing Salon No Shows and Last Minute Cancellations

No-shows and late clients are an inescapable fact of life in the salon. The good news is that you are not alone. It happens to the best of the best, and it’s a problem that every salon occasionally has to deal with. Thankfully, there are ways to help eliminate (or drastically reduce) the number of no-shows you have:

1. Set up the Groundwork
   It’s always best to think proactively and stop a problem before it starts. To do that, you should have a clear policy in place for handling problem clients before you need to use it. Make sure your policy is posted on your web page, Facebook page, and online bookings page and that your clients have read and understand it. Then, stick to it! It may be difficult to turn away a client who shows up late, but if you don’t enforce your policy it becomes meaningless. If you say on your website that you’ll refuse service to anyone who is more than 15 minutes late, then do it. Typically, you only have to enforce the policy once for the client to realise you mean business and start showing up on time.
   

2. Send a Reminder
   Once you have your policies in place, the next step to preventing no-shows is to have an appointment confirmation procedure worked out. There are 3 main ways to remind your clients: Appointment cards, Text messages, Phone calls.
   Text reminders are so common these days that they are expected good business practice and customer care. Salon software suppliers offer this facility as standard. It’s easy to set up and can save you a fortune on last minute cancellations and no shows. If clients don’t confirm their automated reminder, actually picking up the phone to give them a quick call can be key – particularly for those clients who have been unreliable in the past. You can also take this opportunity to upsell other treatments or products to them while you have them on the phone.
   

3. Offer a Discount for Pre-Paid Services
   You’ll be surprised how much better your client’s memory is once they’ve already paid for their service – offer them an incentive to do so in the form of a discount or special if they pay beforehand. As a bonus, you’ll find your clients are far more open to splurge on other services or retail products if they’ve put the bulk of the payment behind them by the time they’ve walked through the salon door.
   

4. What to do When Clients Fail to Show Up
   If despite all of your efforts to confirm the appointment, a client still doesn’t show up, it’s important to contact them. This accomplishes a few things: first, you can make sure they’re all right and show them that you care for their well-being. Clients are less likely to no-show in the future if they feel they have a relationship with their service provider. Secondly, it can help diffuse any embarrassment they might feel if they simply forgot their appointment, especially when you tell them “I’m just happy you’re OK.” Then, after you’ve reassured them, you have an opportunity to reschedule the appointment and not miss out on the potential for future revenue. However, if you don’t make that call, chances are you’ll lose the client forever.
   

5. Know Your Rules
   You have to have a standard set of rules that you can’t break for any one client. If your policy is to charge no-shows, add the fee onto another bill or simply reschedule, consistency is key. You’ll lose credibility if you do something for one client, and something else for another.
   Remember that whatever policies and procedures you ultimately put in place, the best way to prevent no-shows and late arrivals is through outstanding customer service and quality. If you are known for the amazing work you do and the way you respect both your time, you’ll build a clientele that is loyal and respectful.

7 Things to Look For in a Tanning Brand

Does one tan stand out above the rest? In Australia, spray tans are a sure thing, just like summer barbeques and day trips to the beach. But, with so many spray-tanning brands on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down which one to choose that you love. When your clients have a big event on the horizon, you don’t want to put your (and their) trust in the wrong tan!

Wouldn’t it be great to find your ultimate go-to brand that ticks all the boxes and achieves a flawless tan every time? Here are seven things to consider when looking for a tanning brand:

1. Does it contain natural DHA?
   The chemical DHA is used in tanning products to achieve a realistic bronze without the sun. But there are different types on the market, meaning your tan can differ depending on what you use. Inhaling DHA over time is not idyllic, so look for a brand using organic DHA as a safe option. Sunescape only uses natural DHA for our professional and retail formulas, providing a healthy tan for your client, and a safe environment for your salon.
   

2. Is the scent enticing or pushing people away?
   Is it possible to get the faux glow without the classic strong smell? Many tans can smell pretty overpowering. Not a great experience for you or your client! One of the key features with Sunescape is its signature lush coconut vanilla scent, developed to conjure thoughts of the perfect tropical escape.
   

3. Does it offer a complimentary range of products?
   Clients often book in for a spray tan for a special occasion or event, but what about the times in between appointments? Offering a take-home retail range allows your clients to keep that glow 24/7, and keep coming back for more. Sunescape’s range extends beyond professional tanning solutions to include Self-Tan Mousse, plus prep, prime and maintain products which include Exfoliating Body Polish, Hydrating Body Butter, Gradual Tan Extender and a wash off range.
   

4. What is in the formula and what if left out?
   The ingredients that many use to get that gorgeous glow are not always good for the skin. Ultra-dark formulas look good, but can also wreak havoc on the skin, causing it to dry out quicker. Some tanning ingredients used in Australia are even banned overseas! Sunescape is known for its attention to skincare, the rich, ultra-hydrating formula that focuses on nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E and leaves out ingredients that are less than desirable, drying and flaky.
   

5. Is it cruelty-free and does it have vegan ingredients?
   Cruelty free, vegan and natural products are a growing trend in the industry. A brand that avoids chemical nasties and uses vegan ingredients to nourish the skin is ideal. Not to mention one that is certified cruelty-free, as well as being free of parabens alcohol and petrochemicals.
   

6. What’s the rate of tan development?
   It’s often difficult to judge the results of a tan, so look for a brand with a two-hour rapid tan that continues to develop over the next eight hours. Sunescape’s spray tan formula gives you a guide bronze. That way, you can get a sense of the final outcome, and your client can rinse off while still allowing the tan to develop.
   

7. Does it fade naturally?
   One of the biggest woes about faux tans is accelerated, uneven fading! All regular tanners dread the snakeskin look, and hate it even more when it happens a few days in. If a tan fades naturally, your client will get more bang for their buck, and loyalty to your salon. Steer clear of solutions that streak, saving hours of concern over unreliable spray tans from drying formulas.

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Sunescape Tan is formulated to give you a natural looking and feeling tan. They provide salons and consumers with a safe, ultra-moisturising bronzed glow; one that smells amazing, fades evenly, and is long-lasting. Their products are focussed on treating the skin with care, containing added vitamins, antioxidants and oils to nourish skin, as well as hydrating ingredients to leave skin smooth. The proprietary formula is certified approved natural DHA, not tested on animals, and free from alcohol, parabens and petrochemicals.

Get that tropical bronzed glow with Sunescape!

To enquire about becoming a Sunescape salon or for more information, call 1800 625 387  or visit www.sunescape.com.au. 

Promote Black Friday + Cyber Monday in your Salon

Black Friday (24th Nov) and Cyber Monday (27th Nov) are two of the BIGGEST shopping days of the year with 137 million shopping over the weekend in 2016, and an estimated $682 billion to be spent this year in the USA alone. If you are currently thinking “Woah that’s amazing!”, it’s time for you to enter the fold and craft unique promotions to get your clients coming into salon to try services or new products.

Promoting Black Friday is a great salon marketing tool when used properly. This shopping day can boost a potential quiet month in salon – in the lead up to Christmas, November can be slower – as well as encouraging clients to spend more money in order to get a good deal.

Here are some quick promotion ideas to market your salon in the Black Friday craze:

1. Market Season-based Services.
   Brand your services uniquely themed to the season with modifying your classic treatment names to spring up holiday feelings. Why not surprise your loyal clients with a surprise complimentary holiday service? It is not only a great way to say thank you, but also draws attention to your creativity and brings to the forefront of their mind their need to rebook before the Christmas period.
   

2. Gift Cards!
   This idea can be hugely successful at this time of the year, and it’s fantastic to promote on Black Friday with 63% of Black Friday purchases being gifts for others. It is effective to offer your client a gift card and something in return, such as ‘purchase a $100 gift card for a friend, and receive your own $25 gift card free’. This is something special that they know is a rare promotion, and will feel rewarded by you. And when they return, they are likely to use this card on a special treatment to pamper themselves, which means a happy client and more business for you.
   

3. Run Black Friday discounts on social media and on your website.
   Stress your time-limited sale or exciting promotions on social media to encourage people to pop in. It is even great to invest in some Facebook advertising to reach a greater audience and boost your organic posts. But remember, advertising any sale or discount in advance works much better than posting on the day.
   

4. Shift older salon stock.
   A quick dash around your salon will yield a surprising haul of forgotten items. Turn these items into hot sellers with a great, compelling price and beautiful packaging! Even bundle a few items together in an organza bag and create your own beauty, skin or tanning kit that’s appealing to the eye to move through your stock. Clients will suddenly feel they are getting value. It’s the one weekend when discounts are expected and work well, remember to price each item individually and show the discount to boost your cash flow.
   

5. Run a Black Friday competition.
   A great way to get engagement to your salon’s pages is by running a competition on your Facebook leading up to Black Friday, or over the weekend, with a prize is a service that must be taken up in January or February, when you will be much quieter.

Only just realised that Black Friday is only a few days away? Research shows that the best way to promote your discounts, services or gift cards in salon is through e-newsletters or text. These are effective, inexpensive ways to reach your whole salon database to shout about your last-minute beauty bargains and treats.

7 Salon Marketing Tips to Make Halloween Profitable (and Fun!)

Now is the time to jump in with both feet and cash in on the fun. Halloween salon ideas can be fun and lucrative if you play it right. Since people love to have fun with their makeup and nails, it’s the perfect time for you to let your creativity run free.

Heed these 7 tips to draw in new clients, promote special services and offer in-salon tricks and treats to foster community engagement this October 31st.

1. Spooktacular Decorating
Whether you go scary of glam it up, the Halloween salon idea are endless. Do your thing and get creative. Create some pretty lolly displays with old vases or apothecary jars. Try layering lollies by colour in the jar. Place them around the salon or set them up in one display.

Rather than cutting into pumpkins, paint then with all kinds of fun designs to keep them looking fresh Hang some spiders or even use t mannequin heads to have some ghoulish fun.

2. Be BOOtiful
People who are really into Halloween often celebrate the whole month long. Take advantage of this and have some fun! Whatever your salon specialty is, you can be your own best advertisement. If you are a makeup artist, then you can think of so many fun ways to do your makeup. Nail techs can have a tone of fun with all the cool new nail art trends. Show off what you can do and don’t forget to have a business card on hand.

3. Bewitching Deals
Make yourself available, extend your hours and offer some special deals for Halloween looks.

Be sure to start advertising ahead of time. What are other businesses around you doing for Halloween? Planning an event with other local businesses is a great way to get your name out there.

4. Magical Marketing
Have a contest: You can get on social media and do a photo contest for the scariest or cutest costume, most creative makeup or wildest nail art. Get creative and have fun. The prize could be a free service to accompany a regular service.

Create Posters: You can create fun Halloween posters and flyers to hang outside your salon and to hand out. You can also create fun advertisement images for social media with Canva.com. If you are doing Halloween-theme makeup, be sure to add that to your poster.

Don’t just decorate the salon. Think about decorating your website too. Change to a Halloween theme. Jump online and get some ideas or talk to your web designer about doing some temporary web theme changes.

5. Spirited Offers
Offer clients a sweet package deal. They can come and get their Halloween look from you and if they do they get a percentage off or a facial rejuvenation treatment. You can also offer a package price for a group of related services. Or any client who purchases a retail item on Halloween gets to pull a “treat” from the pumpkin. Treats can be percentages (10%, 15%, 20%) off services or sample size products.

6. Halloween Night
Whether you decide to host a business event for trick-or-treat or if you plan to just hand out candy, be sure to advertise on your posters, website and social media ahead of time. Be sure to tie your business card or coupon onto the treats with fun Halloween ribbon.

7.  Blast Out a Halloween Newsletter
Now that’s you’ve got your promos, contests, and events planned out, it’s time to let your guests know about all of the fun stuff you’re doing this month. Send out an email newsletter that shows off your Halloween spirit! 

Whatever you decide to do this Halloween remember just have some fun!

Why Aren’t Clients Recommending my Salon?

Not getting many recommendations, reviews and referrals despite doing everything right? This could be why.

Did you know that 84% of consumers say they either completely or somewhat trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products and services? Referring a business to a friend is the highest-ranking source for trustworthiness in a business, product or service, and is the number one thing you should be working towards developing!

What are you presently doing to encourage your current clientele to refer your business to friends, family and colleagues? Do you give out business cards, ‘refer a friend’ flyers, or do you rely heavily on word of mouth taking its course?

Often, salon owners can implement recommend a friend plans, and find they are getting little to no new clients in return. Why?

Firstly, do not stop your attempts after believing they are failing. It’s highly likely that they are not, but it is the execution that may be getting in the way! As the leader of your collective of therapists, make sure those referral cards are getting handed out to EVERY SINGLE CLIENT you are servicing, even the retail customers.

And simply placing them in their shopping bag isn’t enough to jog their memory later in the day to actually use the card! If you are not handing them out you are limiting your chances to marketing to new people and gain new client referrals. Push them hard, make sure you are handing it to them directly, and explaining exactly what it is so they feel encouraged to share around. Even just a simple addition to the end of your ‘goodbye’ spiel, asking them to refer you is a push in the right direction to getting recommendations.

But what if you are handing out material to encourage clients to recommend you to their friends and family, and still referrals don’t seem to be happening?

Your clients may not be telling anyone about you, but why?

If your salon is not giving an exceptional service to each and every one of your clients, that makes them laud you as they walk out the door, they simply may just not be remind themselves to recommend you. As you want your clients to speak highly of you and endorse you to their loved ones, a winning customer service attitude is what you need!

Every moment you spend with your client is an opportunity to create a positive experience, and one they will remember. From the moment they step in the door, to the second they leave, your client wants an escape from the every day, so give it to them. Chances are they will talk about you then!

Saya Beaute Bar provides a tropical oasis to their clientele, from the products they stock to the atmosphere they provide, while Bella Spazio’s presence in salon and online makes their clients feel like they are part of something special and exclusive.

As we know, word of mouth is one of the best ways to win new clients. Put yourself in your client’s shoes when it comes to recommendations. How good would your service have to be for you to mention it? MAKE your salon WORTH recommending!!

Ask yourself, “Is my salon offering a remark-able experience?”. Yes? Then your clients will remark on it. To their friends.