Leveraging the latest technology is no longer an option for salon and spa owners — it’s a must to stay competitive. Technology plays a huge role in the lives of your clients and they expect the same from businesses they patron. Here are some ways to upgrade your technology in the New Year.
Create an App for Your Business
While consumers have been on an app overload in recent years, there is still a huge opportunity for businesses to have success with an app, if done right. In 2018, consumers are now looking to consolidate for platforms that combine multiple functionalities into one.
Leveraging the power of an app for your business provides clients unprecedented access to your salon 24/7. Mobile apps bridge the gap between a customer’s mobile device and your salon and allow your business to fit seamlessly into the world that sits in the palm of your client’s hand. The benefits of apps include building guest loyalty, communication regarding appointments, special promotional offers, consultations, events notification, and much more.
Accept NFC Payments
Make your check-out process mobile friendly this year with NFC-enabled terminals. NFC (near field communication) is the technology that allows contactless payments at your credit card terminal. Think Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay. NFC-enabled payments are the future for three key reasons: they’re secure, the fastest way to pay, and convenient for customers. To accept this new type of payment method, your businesses will need to upgrade to a credit card terminal that accommodates NFC payments.
Live Stream Video
Why? Live video is more appealing to brand audiences: 80% would rather watch live video from a brand than read a blog, and 82% prefer live video from a brand to social posts. Furthermore, mobile viewers spend 8X longer with live video than on-demand options.
One of the biggest perks? Live video doesn’t have to cost you anything and can be done straight from your smartphone. If you’re looking to invest some of your marketing budget into live video, there are cost-effective cameras such as the Mevo (not to be confused with our Meevo) that offer high-quality live streaming without tying up someone’s personal phone.
Lighting for the Selfie Age
Have you ever walked into a fluorescent-lit bathroom or dressing room, looked in the mirror, and wondered how you aged so much in the last 30 seconds? Your clients may have a similar feeling if you don’t have the right lighting at the chair. Even the best work isn’t properly represented without the right lights. Make 2018 the year to invest in better lighting for your mirrors such as LED vanity lighting, ring lights, and more.
You can even go a step further and create a selfie station. Post-service selfies have become a powerful marketing tool for many salons and spas. Essentially a recommendation in itself, client selfies attract new clients while building brand loyalty. Make it easy for your clients to take selfies with a branded photo station (include your logo and hashtags) that is well-lit and Instagram-worthy.
Mobile-Friendly POS
2018 will be the year that many salons and spas upgrade their business management software. With more clients than ever performing daily tasks on mobile devices, its about time your business did too! Salon and spa cloud software such as Meevo 2 offer mobile-friendly register and fully functioning inventory tools, a smart waitlist with mobile confirmations and so much more.
For more information on Meevo 2, visit www.millenniumsi.com.
