5 Customer Service Complaints Solved by User-Friendly Booking Software

When it comes to successfully running any business, most roads lead to customer satisfaction.

This is even more true for small businesses. When your business runs well, your customers and clients are usually happy. When things get bumpy, customer satisfaction tends to drop.

In many ways, customer satisfaction is a great way to measure how well your business is doing—no matter how complex your operations become. It’s really that simple. But as you already know, “simple” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy.” 

The good news? There is a single solution that can fix multiple issues, make your customers happier, and help your business grow.

That one thing is user-friendly booking software. It’s a powerful way to turn many common customer complaints into positive customer experiences—instantly.

What does user-friendly really mean?

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “user-friendly,” don’t worry. You don’t need to be a computer expert to understand what it means.

Simply put, websites or software are user-friendly when they are easy to use. They feel simple—and getting things done is intuitive. You can quickly accomplish what you need to do without a lot of guesswork.

Put another way, have you ever visited a website and found it difficult to use? Maybe the design made it feel confusing. Or the language and instructions weren’t clear. Whatever the reason, you had to struggle to do what you went to the site for in the first place. All of this is the OPPOSITE of what it means to be “user-friendly.”

Fact is, when the experience with software or a site is difficult to navigate, customers tend to be less satisfied with that business overall. The same goes for the software your staff and customers use.

You can think of your booking software as a digital front-door to your business. A good experience there sets the tone for a great experience overall—and leads to more customer satisfaction, a boost in appointments, and opportunities for your business to grow.

As a bonus, user-friendly booking software can deliver more than happy customers. It can make things easier, more streamlined, and efficient for you and your staff—so you can focus on delivering the best service and experience possible!

And while each small business is different, turning customer complaints into customer satisfaction is key to every business’s success. So let’s look at the top five customer complaints and pain points user-friendly booking software can fix—and turn those frowns upside down.

Customer Pain Point 1: Confusing Online Booking

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and a confusing booking process can quickly turn off potential clients—leading to abandoned bookings and a tarnished first impression. The crux of the issue lies in a design that doesn’t make things easy for your customer—and forces them to jump through unnecessary hoops. The result? They get frustrated. Or worse, they disengage completely.

Consider a scenario where a client visits a booking website, only to be greeted with a cluttered look, vague instructions, and a confusing path to finalizing their appointment.

Just ask the parks department of West Covina, California. They needed a simple, streamlined solution to let visitors register and spend time at their many parks and natural areas.

With a tight, six-week deadline, West Covina was able to implement, learn and fully utilize their DaySmart booking software solution.

The result? Since launching their booking software, West Covina has seen a 10% increase in revenue, more happy customers, and improved communication for their staff.

As Mike Cresap, the Public Services Superintendent of West Covina said, “Customers are doing a lot of things themselves, saving staff because most of the work is done online.”

Implementing user-friendly booking software can transform your customer and client experiences, because intuitive navigation, simple forms, and clear messaging ensure clients can book appointments with ease and confidence—and have a better overall experience.

Customer Pain Point 2: Long Waiting Times

Extended wait times, whether experienced over the phone or during in-person interactions, significantly contribute to customer dissatisfaction. In an age where time and attention are precious commodities, you can’t underestimate the importance of respecting your clients’ time.

To see the impact user-friendly booking software can have, look no further than the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). In the very first year of implementing DaySmart Software, they maximized operations across their offices and minimized customer wait times—to serve 780,000 people.

User-friendly booking software saves your customers’ time and doesn’t feel like a chore to use. Real-time scheduling lets them select the appointment that works best for them without the need to wait on hold or in a physical line.

And if your customers prefer, they can even schedule appointments using two-way texting. The same goes for appointment reminders. It’s all about letting your customer interact with you when and how THEY want to. It shows you respect their time, and if you respect your customers’ time, they’ll know you value them—which leads to a better experience, higher satisfaction—and more repeat business.

Plus, with easy online booking and appointment tracking, you’ll be maximizing the value of your own time as well!

Customer Pain Point 3: Lack of Real-Time Schedule Information

The cornerstone of an efficient online booking system is its ability to provide real-time appointment availability to clients. By doing so, customers can make plans with greater confidence, relying on up-to-date, accurate information.

For Nikki Budaj at Scrubber’s Dog Wash in Michigan, installing and using booking software at all her locations has not only helped her staff and customers—it’s helped her business grow.

In her words, “All our groomers can see what their schedule is for the next day. Since we added online booking to our website, we’ve been able to gain new customers. I knew DaySmart Pet was the software for me, and it has paid for itself.”

When your customers—and staff—have access to real-time information, they’re empowered to make informed decisions. Customers can book appointments—and staff can track and confirm them—effortlessly.

Customer Pain Point 4: Inefficient Appointment Reminders

Without efficient reminders, missed appointments, last-minute cancellations, and scheduling miscommunication can become overwhelming problems very quickly. As a result, daily disruptions, revenue loss, unhappy customers—and stressed employees—will all follow.

With user-friendly booking software, automated appointment reminders can not only reduce no-shows and cancellations, but also make it easy for your staff to track visits.

Whether via email or two-way text, automated appointment reminders can keep your clients informed so they aren’t caught off guard. It helps them have a better experience—and makes it easier for them to plan their time—and stay on schedule. It decreases the chance of a forgotten or missed appointment—which can lead to a longer wait time to get back in to see you.  

Dr. Donita McCants opened her mobile practice, Veterinary Concierge Services, in 2021, and her story offers a compelling example of how appointment reminders can help a business—especially because it’s her staff that visits patient homes (rather than patients coming to her office).

In her words, “Anything that saves us time is crucial.” And solutions from DaySmart help her team “stay on track by not missing out on important calls and reminders that we need to make.”

User-friendly booking software can fix this customer complaint by automating appointment reminders. So your customers and clients get timely notifications to help them stay organized—and are less likely to miss or cancel appointments.

Customer Pain Point 5: Limited Payment Options

Many small businesses don’t think about customer dissatisfaction with their payment process. Because it’s very easy to chalk up limited or outdated payment options as something you just have to live with. But customers notice everything, and this overlooked issue can lead to a bad experience.

Limited payment options can cause many issues, and result in confusion and inconvenience at checkout. It can lead to a slower checkout process and long waits, throwing your customer off schedule. So even if your customer has a great experience with your business, those final moments of checkout can detract from their feelings overall.

Plus, a stable, reliable and efficient payment system also offers your customers peace of mind, knowing their payments and personal information are safe and secure. With all the errors and security issues surrounding other payment systems, your customers will appreciate knowing that your business protects their privacy.

Urban Style Hair Salon in Wisconsin has served customers for more than seventeen years. Like many salons, when pandemic restrictions were lifted, they faced an uphill battle to regain their customer base and deliver a great experience despite new rules and protocols.

With DaySmart Software already in place, their transition back to business was easier and more seamless. While text and email reminders for appointments minimize missed or cancelled visits, automated payments save owner Denise Mackey-Natz, her staff—and their clients—time and hassles.

When asked, Denise said, “What I really love about the software is how efficient and thorough the automated payment processing is. Everything is connected with it; if I run a credit card, it goes right into the system without delays or problems. And the program enables me to complete payroll in about five minutes. I’ve had so many accountants try to convince me to switch to their services, but this is a better program than anything they have.”

Integrated payments partnered with user-friendly booking software can simplify the ENTIRE customer experience—from setting an appointment to final checkout. With more options— including chip cards, contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and online payments—you’ll be offering a smooth, hassle-free conclusion to your customers’ experience. So they’ll leave your business happier and more satisfied—and more likely to come back soon.

In the end, user-friendly booking software can solve many major customer complaints.

And what does that mean for you? Happier customers, more efficient staff—and more chances for your business to thrive.

The journey towards enhanced customer satisfaction and streamlined operations is important for any business—and user-friendly booking software can help. By addressing common customer pain points and complaints—such as confusing booking processes, long waiting times, lack of real-time availability, inefficient appointment reminders, and limited payment options—this technology can be a catalyst for positive change and spark growth.

Fact: Businesses that embrace user-friendly booking software not only improve their efficiency, but also make it clear that client satisfaction is their priority.

This strategic approach will pave the way for sustained growth, allowing you and your staff to focus on your core offerings—while ensuring your clients and customers remain deeply engaged.

What business doesn’t want happier clients, improved efficiency, and a platform for growth? The benefits of incorporating user-friendly booking software into your business puts this all within reach.

To explore software that can transform your customer service experience, visit DaySmart Solutions—or simply book a demo today and see exactly how we can help you. Embrace the future of your business operations with confidence, knowing that your clients are in good hands!

The post 5 Customer Service Complaints Solved by User-Friendly Booking Software appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Owning and operating a business is more complex than ever. In addition to delivering the best for your customers and clients, competition gets fiercer all the time. You want to grow, but you also may not have all the resources, time, and team it takes to stay one step ahead.  

Incorporating integrated payments with your business is a way you can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest players in your market, and it’s simpler than many business owners expect.  

The fact of the matter is, if you aren’t incorporating a modern, seamless payment system in your business, you run the risk of falling behind.  

The good news? It’s not too late to get up to speed.  

The better news? Getting started right now can be simple, and the benefits of integrated payments can deliver exponential opportunities for growth, differentiation from competitors, and an exceptional experience for your clients and customers.  

Read on to understand why customers today expect—and deserve—the simplicity and seamless experience integrated payments deliver. You’ll understand not just why your business should utilize integrated payments—but also the dangers of not using it.  

Finally, you’ll learn practical steps to implement integrated payments, and hear from business owners who took the plunge—and reaped the benefits.  

Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about integrated payments and why they are fundamental to growing a successful business.  

Start by understanding what integrated payments are—and what they are not.

The easiest way to explain integrated payments is this: it’s a way to handle payment processing for small businesses. But beyond simple point of sale transactions, it’s a system that enables you to accept electronic and card payments, and works directly with your business management software.  

It’s not just about making checkout easier. It can help streamline many of your business operations and give you more opportunities for growth.  

• Simple Payments: Clients can pay for services and products directly through your website, app, or in your store. That means a faster, easier customer experience that’s consistent online, offline, or on the go. 
• Inventory Management: Every transaction can automatically update your business’s inventory. So keeping track of what you have in stock—and what you need to order—is simpler than ever. 
• Data Insights: See what’s selling, and what’s not. Gain insights into what your customers and clients want more of—and make informed decisions that translate into growth. 

For fitness centers, this could mean managing membership payments, and seeing what classes your members want more of. For a vet, integrated payments can help you understand patient lifetime value—and clearly track revenue per visit. For a spa, it could result in streamlined bookings and staffing—and more satisfied clients..  

No matter what your business offers customers and clients, integrated payments can make your systems run more smoothly.  

And while some small businesses may want to avoid credit card processing fees, but it’s important to look at the big picture. When you look at all the benefits to your business and your customers, a small percentage of revenue going to card payment processing companies won’t seem like a roadblock.  

Beyond transactions, integrated payments help small businesses understand sales trends, provide better service, and put you on equal footing with the largest players in your market. Plus, by making your payment process more efficient, you can focus on what you do best: making customers and clients happy. 

Fact: Your customers will notice if payments aren’t seamless and simple 

Right now, your clients and customers expect the same convenience and efficiency from you that they experience from companies like Amazon, Spotify, Venmo and their bank. If you don’t believe you are competing with the Amazons of the world, let’s stop for a moment. Imagine a new bank was launching. How well would this bank do if they didn’t offer online payments, EFTs and full service in their app. What if they didn’t offer customers a debit card? Imagine if deposits and withdrawals meant having to go to their branch, stand in line, and wait for a person behind a glass to help you.  

Obviously, this bank wouldn’t attract much business.  

Customer expectations of seamless efficiency across all kinds of businesses is often referred to as “Amazonification”. It means that service, speed, convenience, and attentiveness have become the norm across many industries. It also means small businesses must adapt by implementing integrated payments to meet these expectations—and not fall behind. 

And if you think it’s just about credit cards, think again. Online payments and mobile payments make up a huge percentage of transactions. In fact, a recent study stated how forecasts show the total transaction value by the end of the year will be $6.68 trillion. $4.195 trillion will come from Digital Commerce and $2.489 trillion will come from Mobile POS Payments. 

If this all sounds intimidating, take a second and relax. It doesn’t mean you have to be as big or complex as Amazon. Far from it. By adopting integrated payment solutions, your business can offer the same level of seamless service as the best businesses on earth. It’s what your clients expect. It’s what they deserve. And it’s what you can offer thanks to integrated payments.  

Reduce errors, save time and increase growth with payment processing for small businesses 

Any and every business can benefit from simplified transactions, efficient scheduling, and more accurate financial tracking.  

The right system will do all the hard work for you and your team—and make running your business easier. 

• Save Time: Automated processes reduce hours wasted on manual data entries, allowing you to focus more on service, quality, and growth. 
• Increase Accuracy: With integrated payments, the risk of errors goes down significantly, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and records. 
• Deepen Security: Enhanced security features protect both you and your clients from fraud—providing more peace of mind. 
• Avoid Costly Chargebacks: Reduce your risk of financial repercussions from chargebacks to your business. 

Whether you need to automate recurring payments, make POS transactions easier, increase customer trust or just have fewer administrative headaches, integrated payments can deliver the solutions you’re looking for. 

With integrated payments, the efficiency, security, and convenience create a win-win-win scenario for you, your employees, and your clients. 

A hard truth: Without integrated payments, your business will fall behind 

We’ve talked about how integrated payments can be a game-changer for small business owners—significantly saving time and money while delivering a better customer experience. Now let’s discuss the hidden costs of NOT using integrated payments. The price can be steep—and really hurt your business. 

Not incorporating integrated payments means wasted time, lost opportunities and a higher cost of doing business. Manual transactions, ordering, and scheduling will all be more inefficient and time-consuming.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Without integrated payments, transactions will always be slower and inventory management will be harder. The risk of error increases—so staff satisfaction and performance can suffer. That means worse service, increased hassles, and unhappy customers.  

Remember the bank we talked about earlier? It wouldn’t stay in business very long.  

Increased competition. Steeper customer expectations. Supply chain issues. Whether it’s missed salon appointments, lapsed gym memberships—or just not offering the treatment a client is looking for in your spa—things are hard enough today for small businesses to survive and thrive.  

And the sad truth is that many don’t. Not incorporating integrated payments with your systems could be the difference between growing your business—or closing up shop.  

But take a breath. If you’re a small business owner who understands the value of integrated payments to you and your customers—but doesn’t know where to begin or what to choose—getting started is not as difficult as you may think.  

The best small business payment processing choice for you: A practical guide to getting started 

It’s no question that integrated payments are a smart move for small business owners, The next question is this: which solution should you choose?  

Every business is unique—with its own challenges, expectations, and goals. So choosing the right integrated payment system is as important as the decision to use them in the first place.  

To start, ask yourself what kind of transactions you need to process. Do you need to manage recurring payments like gym memberships? Are retail products integral to your bottom line—like a salon’s hair products? Do you need transactions to sync with patient appointments and records for veterinary visits?

  

Choosing a system designed with your specific business type in mind will eliminate a lot of challenges and headaches. Many one-size-fits all payment systems force owners to settle for what they offer everyone—without customizing the solution to specific business needs.  

Think of it this way: It’s not about choosing the best payment processing for small business. It’s about choosing the best payment processing for YOUR small business. 

The best advice? A system designed for your business will be easier to implement and deliver more benefits than an off-the-rack offering.  

That’s where DaySmart can help. Our entire mission is to develop and deliver software solutions designed for specific kinds of businesses, so it’s easier for you to thrive and grow.  

We appreciate that a doggie daycare is different from a body art studio. That a day spa faces challenges a veterinarian doesn’t—and vice versa. A one-person barber shop has different needs than a small chain of mani-pedi salons. That’s why our integrated payment solutions are tailored to your business.  

How to begin?  

1. Visit DaySmart.com: Explore the website to understand how integrated payments can benefit your specific type of business. 

2. Explore Your Solution: DaySmart offers different solutions for different industries. Find the one that best fits your business needs. 

3. Get in touch with a DaySmart Expert: Learn more about DaySmart Integrated payments and if it’s the right fit for your business.
   

If you want to be more efficient, have fewer administrative hassles—and enjoy more opportunities—DaySmart integrated payments can help.  

Learn from other business owners who’ve been there 

You don’t have to look too far to find small business owners who are glad they’ve made the switch to integrated payments.  

Jason Anderson of Wet Paws Mobile Pet Grooming sees value from integrating his payment system with his scheduling and customer data—and the ability to store and track customer cards for easier payment simplifies everything. As Jason explains, “Since we are 100% mobile groomers, we use the app exclusively…Do I want five platforms to manage and keep in sync, or just one?” 

Ursula Augustine, owner of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio was able to concentrate on delivering the best service to her clients instead of getting bogged down in complicated systems not suited to her business. In addition, Ursula said,  “I’m not great with technology, so it’s reassuring to know that I can always call in and have a human being help me with an issue.” 

Having a seamless integration of payments also helps Public Services Superintendent, Mike Cresap at Plano Sports Authority, manage his parks and recreation center. “In 2010 over 85% of our administrative work was done face to face, requiring staff to explain programs, review schedules/locations, register users, and take payments. Today less than 15% of that work is done face to face. Using the DaySmart Recreation customer portal. Users can research programs of interest, consider a schedule that suits their lifestyle, then register and pay, online.”  

Making the switch to integrated payments is a smart move for any small business. An even smarter one? Choosing a system that’s part of a complete, seamless suite of software that helps you run every aspect of your business—and is designed especially for your business’s unique needs.  

The bottom line? Integrated payments are essential for any small business to succeed 

We hope you’ve learned more about the benefits of integrated payments. How it can deliver a better experience for your clients and customers—and how it can make transactions, inventory, bookkeeping, and customer management easier for you and your team.  

And more than just learning WHY integrated payments are a smart decision for any small business, we talked about what to look for in yours—and outlined some steps on HOW to get started.  

Know this: it’s never too late to make the decision to incorporate integrated payment processing with your business. 

What’s more, integrated payments will help level the playing field between you and the biggest companies on earth—and it’s easier than ever to launch.   

Think of the bank we imagined before. The one that doesn’t offer electronic transactions, debit cards, or an app to manage customer accounts. Ask yourself: is that a bank you would want to do business with? Now think of your customers. If you don’t offer integrated payments to make things more convenient for them—your competition already does.

Want to learn more right now? Fill out the form to get a demo of DaySmart Payments integrated with a software solution built for your business!

The post Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know  appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

There’s nothing like seeing a full calendar of client bookings. Busy periods of your schedule mean you’re at the top of your game, your employees are giving their all, clients are happy, and revenue is rolling in.

 But what do you do during the slow periods when you open your schedule and see a whole lot of nothing? To help, we’ve got three reasons why clients aren’t booking with your business and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Ineffective Online Presence

Never underestimate the impact that your website and online listings can have on your small business. Your website serves as a vital platform for engaging with potential clients and providing them with the precise information they seek. From showcasing your services and pricing to offering a seamless appointment booking process, it all boils down to ensuring a seamless user experience that leaves clients satisfied and eager to choose your business.

Having a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website is key to increasing appointments booked. In fact, 82% of clients use mobile devices to book appointments. If they can’t easily make an appointment on their phone, they’re going look for a business that does. Once they find your website or online listing, is the information listed there correct and current? Incomplete and out-of-date information is another roadblock to client bookings. Trying to book a service that is no longer available or seeking days and times that have since changed will cause clients to go elsewhere.

Your online reputation matters as well, reviews can be one of the biggest setbacks – or a great leg up – for many businesses It’s common for reviews and ratings to appear in an online search, and they are pulled from social media and business listings sites. If you’re not using reputation management tools to leverage reviews, clients may look elsewhere when they can’t find recommendations.

2. Inadequate Marketing and Promotion

Marketing goes hand-in-hand with your online presence and its ability to drive client bookings. 

Are you using your online and community presence to promote awareness and visibility? Coming up with marketing promotional strategies is helpful, but not having the right tools for execution and follow-up will make these efforts more challenging. Social media is key for business growth. If you’re not posting photos and videos of the work you do, the trends you’re following, and the knowledge you possess, you won’t be noticed by clients in your community. Scroll down for marketing solutions and recommendations.

3. Subpar Customer Experience 

The customer experience is a key factor in whether or not they’ll come back. Small business owners have the unique challenge of finding unique ways to create positive experiences for everyone who walks in the door. Customers want a personalized, customized experience when they book an appointment. They want staff to acknowledge their individual preferences and expectations, resulting in a service that’s tailored just to them. Lack of soft skills and the ability to build relationships add to the experience, making it unpleasant or unprofessional.

How to Fix It: Solutions and Recommendations for Increasing Appointments Booked

Here’s the good news: these problems are easily solvable. Let’s take a look at some steps you can implement. 

1. Put Time and Effort Into Marketing

The work you put into your marketing will pay off in a full calendar and your business revenue targets. Having marketing plans in place will make it easier to put them into motion when you decide to run campaigns to promote your business. Decide what messaging and platforms you want to use when running a typical campaign. Then target your efforts based on what you’re promoting, who you want to reach, and what you want to accomplish. 

Text and email marketing are particularly helpful in reaching your customers and prospects. You can use both platforms to share special deals, announce new services, and promote your business during busy seasons, such as the holidays. Your clients check their texts and emails multiple times a day, so having a presence in their texts and inbox will make them more aware of what you offer.

Make social media a regular part of your day to highlight the great work you and your staff perform on a daily basis and make your community aware of the services you provide using these tips:

• Leverage social media platforms in your marketing campaigns and general awareness.
• Research competitors and industry experts to get inspiration for your own posts.
• Use hashtags and tag clients, employees, and relevant local businesses and organizations to generate more exposure and engagement. 
  
  

2. Prioritize the Customer Experience

Focusing on excellent customer service and personalization will keep it top of mind for staff. If customers are happy, they’ll book return visits and make referrals. A business management platform lets you keep detailed notes on client preferences and personalize your services. It can also provide a seamless booking and communication experience for your clients and staff.

You might offer the best services in the neighborhood, but if they’re delivered by staff with a negative attitude, that’s all the client will remember. Train your staff to provide professional and friendly interactions and leave the right impression on every client in their chair. Having the right ambiance and a clean space will go a long way toward a positive experience. Make sure your decor, music, and cleaning procedures work together to create an environment for customers to relax and enjoy their visit. 

3. Use the Right Software and Information for Your Online Presence

Choosing the best tools is the first step to improving your online presence. Make it easy for clients to learn more about your business and take action. This starts with your website — invest in a solution that provides a mobile-friendly and user-friendly website experience. Your clients need to seamlessly navigate your site no matter what device they’re using. 

Update and optimize your online booking platforms with accurate information. When you’re making changes to your staff, scheduling availability, and services, make sure your booking platforms and business listings reflect the new information. Create a checklist of your web pages and online listings for when these changes are made so you don’t forget where you need to make updates.

Ask them to shout their love from the (digital) rooftops. Make it easy for customers to write a review so you can publish them to your website, social media, and listing sites to bring in new customers.

Fill Your Calendar and Your Revenue Stream 

Having an ineffective online presence, inadequate marketing, and subpar customer service can create barriers to booking. These problems are getting in the way of new and repeat customers who want to do business with you but can’t get past these roadblocks. Solving these issues is vital to running a successful business, generating revenue, and keeping customers happy and eager to return.

If you’re overwhelmed, tackle one problem at a time. The improvements you see will be motivation enough to keep going and breaking down these barriers to success.

A Successful Business Starts with the Right Management Platform

DaySmart is the software solution that’s helping businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks. Find the solution that’s right for your business and request a demonstration today!

The post 3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It  appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

If you own a small business, you know how important it is to develop a relationship with local customers. Building a relationship with the locals is essential for continued business and growth; for any small business.

After all, if people who live nearby aren’t visiting their local businesses, why would others from further afield make the trip?

Unfortunately, advertising locally is not as simple as you might hope. However, once you understand how to implement effective advertising, the results you will see will be monumental.

Suppose you can successfully separate your offering from the competition and engage with your local customers. In that case, you will see plenty of knock-on effects, such as more business, more positive reviews, and even some more customers that are not local.

This article will guide you on how to advertise your business locally to good effect and help you continue to grow and build your brand.

Key takeaways for your business

From this article, you will learn the following:

1. How to create marketing campaigns that resonate with your local customers and help you stand out from the competition.
2. You can employ a range of digital and physical marketing tactics to experience more local business from local customers.
3. Any business can use several free and cost-effective marketing tools, regardless of size or marketing budget.

Ways You Can Promote Your Local Business

Start a Company Blog

Developing a company blog is one of the most effective marketing strategies available to you. Not only is blogging completely free to execute, but it can also lead to several new potential clients discovering your business.

By writing plenty of blog content surrounding your industry, you will show potential customers just how knowledgeable you are about the field, and it will build your trust and reputation.

Not only that, but Google’s ranking system will also take note. If your content is deemed insightful, engaging, and beneficial, your business will appear at the top of the rankings when local people search for businesses near me them.

However, to achieve this success, your content must be more thought out than simply writing about industry-related topics you anticipate people are searching in Google. To ensure your content has a true impact on where your business ranks on Google, you must implement a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

An SEO strategy includes keyword research, highlighting which topics are constantly searched by your target audience, which you can then use to write content that answers their query. Google values content that solves users’ questions and offers them useful guidance.

There are plenty of free keyword research tools that you can use to map out your blog content, or you can use more advanced tools like Ahrefs, SEMRush, and SurferSEO if they fall within your marketing budget.

Understanding what your target audience is looking for online is the first step toward building content that will lead to traffic and new local customers.

Keep Your Social Media Channels Updated

Once you have spent time crafting the perfect blog content for your audience, you should start sharing it on social media. 

Social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, are all excellent ways to interact with potential local customers.

Almost all of your local target audience will use social media platforms to search for the best businesses nearby. Therefore, it is crucial that you remain active on each channel and try to respond to comments, queries, or direct messages, as quickly as possible.

As you will know, first-time customers often have plenty of questions, which is perfectly understandable. 

By being active on social media, you allow potential customers to ask these queries, gain more information about what they are looking for, and also build your relationship, making you more trustworthy. The more trustworthy you are, the more likely they are to choose your business.

Each social media platform offers its own unique benefits. Instagram and TikTok offer excellent opportunities to showcase your work and get potential local customers excited over what you can do. Obviously, some social media channels are better than others when it comes to industry; Tattoo artists, stylists, and groomers tend to get much more of their business from Instagram than Facebook or LinkedIn, due to the nature of the industry.

Just remember to keep your social media posts relevant to your local audience, and you will quickly see your follower count grow.

Sign Up for Local Listings or Local Directory

Another important way that you can advertise your small business locally is to submit your contact details and business profile to local listings, ones that are specific to your industry.

Often these local listings are run by professional organizations, such as local directories like Yelp or review sites like Tripadvisor.

By locally listing your business, you allow potential customers to research your business before making a commitment.

Implement Locally Targeted Ads

While some businesses believe that digital marketing is only beneficial for brands that focus on a nationwide or worldwide audience, that isn’t the case.

Facebook advertising has become incredibly popular as a local advertising option for businesses due to the extensive details they have on their users.

You can create digital ads for your business and then personalize them to only target a specific audience, using several targeting options to narrow down your audience:

• Geofencing
• Demographic
• Address
• Interests
• Page likes
• Age

These are just some of the options you can use to identify your local target audience with your advertisements.

Don’t be put off if your audience volume drops significantly; that is always going to happen when you start hyper-targeting. 

It is much better to spend advertising money promoting your product or service to people that want to hear about it and are potential buyers rather than focusing on sending it to a large group that doesn’t fit your target audience.

Geofencing allows you to only target people within a certain radius of your business, ensuring you are only targeting local people.

From there, you can also add rules surrounding the demographic, their interests, what pages they have liked, and even how old they are.

Focusing on people who show an interest in your industry or similar industries is a good way to identify people who are likely interested in getting one at some point.

Create a few very similar audiences, possibly split by age or by interests, and see which ones perform the best.

Once you have identified the best-performing ads, put more of your budget into those groups to reach more similar people, and take money out of the underperforming ads.

Locally targeted ads take a little bit of funding and trial and error, but once you identify your audience, you will quickly see results.

Create a Direct Mail Campaign

While digital marketing campaigns have plenty of value and can be really fun to get your head around, don’t discard traditional local advertising methods like direct mail.

Direct mail might’ve been around for a long time now and may not be the most popular choice, but it is still extremely effective.

Due to how the internet is set up, users are hit with ads almost everywhere they go. While this gives you plenty of advertising opportunities, it also means they lose some of their impact.

One way to stand out from the crowd is to go back to basics and start sending out physical brochures.

You may want to design your own brochure or hire a freelance designer to do it for you. Whichever option you choose, ensure you include your business details and contact information, and possibly a first purchase incentive, such as a discount.

You could also consider posting an advert in the local paper, although that might not be as effective depending on whether or not your target audience is avid readers of the daily newspaper.

Build Your Email List

It might not be quite as traditional as direct marketing, but email marketing is another effective advertising technique that has proven successful over many years.

Email marketing is fantastic for building brand awareness, increasing customer acquisition, convincing customers to repurchase, and so many other benefits.

The bigger your email list, the more opportunities can come from each message you send.

Offer incentives for people to register for your email list, and include them on local flyers, direct marketing, and even on small business cards you have on show at your business.

Take Part in Community Activities

If you are searching for the most organic way to promote your business locally, then showing potential clients you are a contributing member of the local community is a great place to start. 

Showing people you genuinely care about the area will go a long way to showing prospective customers that you are loyal to the area, and they should be loyal to you.

Keep an eye out for volunteering opportunities, fundraisers your business can donate to, or any local events your business can get involved in.

The key to these events is not to heavily promote your brand, as the local people will see through this as fake generosity and loyalty. Instead, offer genuine support and allow people to learn about the brand behind your support organically.

You might even consider partnering with local charities or hosting your own fundraising event for a local cause. Essentially, any opportunity to get involved with the local community should be taken.

Create a Loyalty Program

Another way to advertise your business locally is by promoting a loyalty program for your customers. This type of advertising will help you gain repeat business from locals and develop customer loyalty.

Existing local customers will be more tempted to work with your business again if there is an incentive to do so.

That incentive could be gaining a discount on each purchase or a free gift after a certain amount of purchases are made, for example.

The more you work with existing customers, the more you will build up your local business community and develop a foundation that you can build upon.

Build a Referral Program

Finally, one excellent way to build up your local customer base is by offering a referral program. While some of your customers will willingly share how amazing your business is with their friends and family, others may need a little push.

Offering a discount on their next purchase with you is a great referral option. You can increase the discount the more people they refer to your business. The choice is up to you. 

For any customer who is happy with their experience, they will be more likely to want a second one. Offering them the chance to get a discount will incentivize them to promote your brand to other people, which will carry much more weight than any marketing message you can create.

Studies have shown that over 60% of customers trust recommendations from friends and family over the word of a company.

Therefore you can quickly start to see why this advertising strategy is a fantastic way to develop awareness organically via word of mouth.

Final Thoughts on How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Now you have several ways to advertise your small business efficiently and effectively. Many of these options of easy to implement, and while some do come with an associated cost, they should not be too significant.

However, marketing can take plenty of your time, the time you may not have to spare. To free up time for essential marketing strategies, consider using Daysmart. 

Ditch the pen and paper and embrace tech to manage more of your business. DaySmart software solutions help businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks.

Once you have freed up additional time with this software, you can start implementing your marketing strategies and growing your business.

Find the solution that can help you seize your day, smarter!

The post How to Advertise Your Business Locally appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

5 Tips for Opening a Luxury Day Spa

Wellness has a market value and it’s on the up. Since 2015 when it was worth 166.6 billion dollars it’s been steadily rising. The health and wellness market in the United States reached an amazing $12 billion in 2020. 

Thinking about opening a spa? Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Opening a Spa – Everything You Need To Know

1. It’s a Business

Whatever your motivation for opening a luxury spa you have to remember it’s a business. Like any other business, you have to get the financial aspect of the business right or it will fail.

Start by creating a serious business plan. You need to make some decisions about your future business. For a start, what will your business deliver?

It may help to check out the competition. What services are already being delivered? Are they meeting the demand or is there still some capacity in the market for more providers?

Get a massage or another treatment from establishments in your area to gauge how good the opposition is. Check out what their prices are and who their customers are.

You should make some decisions about what services you propose to offer. This will help determine what space, equipment, and skills you will need. You may need to hire people or start working alone.

Decide who your customers are likely to be. Where do they live and what are they looking for from a spa? How much are they willing to pay for your services?

Plan your expected costs and revenues. A business plan must address these financial aspects if you are going to be profitable. You may need to raise some finance in the form of loans, and you’ll need to demonstrate to your lender that you have a plan that looks credible.

2. Opening a Spa – Location, Location, Location

Deciding the location of your spa is a fundamental decision that can be the make or break of your spa business. If you are not familiar with the area then you may need the advice of a real estate broker. In any event, get to know the community.

Consider how your customers will get to your spa. Will they use public transport or will they drive? Are there adequate transport facilities and parking?

The surroundings make a difference to your prospective customers’ perception of your business. A run-down, poorly lit area may be cheap to buy or lease but most potential customers will be put off. Look for an attractive area, preferably with retail rather than commercial neighbors.

Any decisions you make about location will also influence your opening hours. A retail location may be lively and welcoming in the evening. A commercial location will probably leave your business isolated and remote in the evening.

The spa services you have decided to offer will dictate the suitability of the property you consider. You will need space for a reception area. You may need a retail space, treatment rooms, a salon area, and perhaps other facilities.

Installing a sauna, jacuzzi, or other equipment needs suitable electrical and plumbing services. Consider restrooms, an administration office, and changing rooms too. If you are going to have employees, they may need an employee break room.

Check the terms of any lease in detail. You don’t want to find out later that you have expensive obligations that may damage your business viability.

3. Get Good People

Your staff can be a huge headache or a source of joy. You need them to grow your business but they do come with an added challenge. As far as your customers are concerned, your employees represent your business so they have to be professional and personable. 

It’s tempting to recruit people with the skills to deliver the services your spa needs to offer. A qualification in electrolysis or hydrotherapy treatments may be what you are looking for but don’t forget customer service skills and spa-side manner.

Select employees that will reflect the values and ethos of your business. If your brand is about customer care and exceptional service, then select people who have a track record of this behavior. These attitudes are vital for your business’s success.

The spa business is one where the therapies and services are always changing. Customers want the latest techniques. Recruit people who have a track record of staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques.

4. Equipped to Succeed

You will need to get the right equipment to deliver your services. Don’t limit your thinking to the most obvious spa equipment. You will need some much less obvious equipment.

Technology is vital for any business. Getting the right computer equipment and software can make your marketing and customer experience so much better. Just consider how you would handle some of the basic administration without a dedicated software solution.

Scheduling clients and employees, keeping records of your clients and their details, sending out marketing communications and social media promotions are all supported by specialist spa software solutions. You may want your own website and allow clients to book online.

Accounting, employee records, and payroll are all software that any business with people have to consider.

Other equipment that may not be specifically spa related includes decor and furniture. The decor and furniture create a mood that communicates your brand. They aren’t just functional.

You may consider having an interior designer create a bespoke look and feel for your spa. A luxurious spa has to exude luxury in flooring, furnishings, and color scheme, too.

5. Marketing Matters

When you have decided what services you will offer, decide on your marketing strategy. Being consistent is key. Have a clear brand with a limited range of colors, logos, fonts, and even a consistent style.

Have signage at your spa location, your website, and fliers all reflecting the same brand image. It will have more impact and will communicate your credibility.

Have your marketing reflect what you decided about who your customers were likely to be. If they are local to your location, then put flyers in every local mailbox. If people are likely to travel from further afield then consider press advertising.

Opening a Spa

After all the hard work you’ve done to prepare to launch your business, you deserve a celebration. Opening a spa is an opportunity to throw a party. Invite potential customers and start making bookings.

Learn more about how business software can help your spa business.

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The post 5 Tips for Opening a Luxury Day Spa appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

SMS Marketing Best Practices

What Is SMS Marketing?

SMS marketing, or text marketing, is the abbreviated term for short message service marketing. It is a digital marketing tool consisting of bulk text messaging that can be used to send information about discounts, promotions, informational updates, and other special offers directly to your customers’ mobile phones.

With DaySmart Spa, your business can integrate SMS messaging into your client database to send appointment reminders and text marketing campaigns directly to your customers.

Why Use SMS Marketing Campaigns?

SMS marketing offers the ability to reach customers instantly and allows them a chance to respond quickly and in real time, making it easier to gain attention through actionable and urgent messaging that encourages the audience to respond.

Because text marketing is still a comparatively new marketing strategy, the mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) are on guard against unwanted text messages being sent to their customers, which they gauge through the volume of unsubscribes or blocking of messages.

To successfully use text marketing for your business – and avoid the attention of the major carriers, it is crucial to strategically craft your messages in ways that entices customers to respond to your offer – AND prevent them from unsubscribing.

That’s why we put together seven tips to help you make the most out of your SMS marketing campaigns.

7 SMS Marketing Best Practices

1. Clearly Identify Your Company

Even if someone has opted in to receive texts from you, they may forget that they signed up. Be sure to clearly identify your business in the message to ensure your contacts don’t delete your messages or report them as spam. Here are a few examples:

• Thanks for signing up to receive updates from Riches Spa! Here’s your exclusive discount code: WELCOME20
• Rebecca, wishing you a very happy birthday from all of us at Rosie’s Day Spa! We’re gifting you with 20% off your next appointment

2. Select Your Target Audience

There are various types of campaigns to consider. Promotional campaigns include discounts, coupons, or special offers, while transactional campaigns are for immediate actions such as appointment reminders, cancellations, and other requests.

When sending promotional campaigns, you can simply segment the audience based on the exclusive promotion you plan to share. Take a moment to determine who, what, why, and how. Then narrow the audience down to create a target audience list.

• What promotion do we plan to offer?
• Who will benefit from the special offer?
• Why and how should they claim the offer?

For instance, you may want to attract customers you haven’t seen in the last six months with a unique discount that will make them want to visit your business as soon as possible. With clear and concise messaging that speaks to your target audience, you can ensure that your message generates interest, is well received, and creates an urgency to respond.

3. Offer Immediate Value in Your Message

Use the immediacy of text marketing to create a sense of real-time value. For example, you could announce a flash sale or a limited-time discount on a product or service. By doing so, you can quickly increase your revenue and create a more enjoyable experience for your clients.

4. Be Conscious of Your Message Timing

The last thing any customer wants is to receive a text marketing message at an inconvenient time. Imagine you’re curled up on the couch late in the evening, and a text message that offers a discount on your favorite service comes through. Would you respond right away? Would you consider unsubscribing to avoid future interruptions during your downtime? Or, if you wanted to claim the offer and the business is closed, who would answer your response?

Texting your customers when they are less likely to take action, feel interrupted, or when your business cannot respond will not lead to a successful outcome.

Be sure to schedule marketing messages during reasonable business hours to avoid causing your customers annoyance. Being courteous of their time will be well received and help to prevent unsubscribing.

5. Be Consistent with the Number of Texts You Send

As with any marketing channel, consistency plays a role in its effectiveness. At the very least, plan to send an SMS message at least once a month so that you stay top of mind and your messages don’t feel like they’re coming out of the blue. On the other hand, if your messages are too infrequent you run the risk of people forgetting they signed up.

6. Include Helpful Disclaimers in Your Message

It is essential to comply with industry regulations to decrease the likelihood of carriers filtering or blocking SMS messages, and we highly suggest including the following information in your messaging:

• How often do you plan to text contacts? (You may receive up to 4 msgs/month)
• Msg & Data rates may apply
• A link to your terms and conditions as well as your privacy policy
• Information about how to unsubscribe (Reply STOP to end or HELP for help)

7. Comply with Text Marketing Rules and Regulations

There is a lot of discussion in the industry about how regulated text marketing can or should be, but, contrary to the headlines, it’s actually more about following common-sense guidelines. That said, without consistently considering these rules in your marketing, you run the risk of being blacklisted by the phone carriers and having your messages blocked. For instance:

• Frequency: Don’t oversend marketing texts to your contacts. There isn’t a hard number cutoff, but if you’re sending more than five messages in a single 60-second span, you’re almost guaranteed to be blocked.

• Opt Out: Provide clear instructions for your users to opt-out of messages. Adding “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” to the end of any automated messages can help avoid these messages from being blocked by carriers.
• Links: Don’t use shared URL shorteners such as bitly.com or other similar services. These are forbidden by US carriers and will result in your messages being blocked.
• Content: Any messages that mention forbidden categories will be blocked. This includes:

• Cannabis (United States)
• CBD (United States)
• Firearms
• Fireworks

Start Texting Customers Today With DaySmart Spa

Remember, the upper hand goes to the businesses that use text marketing uniquely. Brainstorm ways you can use this feature to provide a great customer experience. Perhaps there’s a way you can set your business apart from the competition in how you communicate with SMS.

Want to experience the benefits of texting for your business? DaySmart Spa software is simple and easy to set up, allowing you to start texting your customers immediately.

Please visit here for more information on Daysmart Spa’s text marketing features. Please note that all information found in this guide and within the Support Center is for informational purposes only, does not guarantee text messages will not be filtered or blocked by carriers, and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

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The post SMS Marketing Best Practices appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

Aesthetic Spas vs. Esthetic Spas

When most people hear the words aesthetic and esthetic, they might think that these words are different spellings of the same word. However, these two words have different meanings.

An aesthetic spa is a spa that focuses on improving the appearance of the skin. An esthetic spa is a spa that offers a wide range of services. This includes hair removal, massage, and skincare treatments.

Skincare treatments currently make up a third of the entire industry, meaning that both of these types of spas are popular. And sure, there are some similarities between aesthetic and esthetic spas. But there are also some key differences.

This quick guide will explore the differences between aesthetic and esthetic spas. Then, we’ll discuss the benefits of each type of spa in terms of business offerings.

Aesthetician vs. Esthetician: What’s the Difference?

A common question in the beauty industry is what exactly is the difference between an aesthetician and an esthetician. A lot of people use the terms interchangeably, but there are some key distinctions.

An esthetician primarily focuses on skincare and can perform facials, makeup applications, or waxing treatments. In some states, they’re allowed to perform treatments such as laser hair removal or microneedling.

An aesthetician may have similar skills. They also have in-depth knowledge of skin health and offer advanced treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.

This means that, in most cases, a medical aesthetician will have more extensive training and may require a license to practice.

In short, both provide services aimed at improving the appearance of their client’s skin. The difference is that an aesthetician may have a wider range of training and abilities.

What Is an Esthetic Spa?

An esthetic spa is a type of salon that offers a variety of services focused on improving the appearance and health of the skin. These services can include:

• Nourishing facials
• Body scrubs
• Makeup application
• Massage therapy

So why go to an esthetic spa instead of a regular salon or dermatologist’s office? Or, if you’re the salon owner, why would your clients visit your spa instead of heading to a local dermatologist or surgeon?

Well for one, estheticians specialize specifically in skincare, making them experts in their field. Plus, many esthetic spas offer a more relaxing environment than a dermatologist’s office. This is in addition to personalized treatment plans to address individual skincare needs.

As skincare trends continue to gain popularity, more and more people become interested in treatments such as microblading and facials. Therefore, you can expect to see more esthetic spas pop up all over the place.

What Is an Aesthetic Spa?

A traditional esthetic spa is where you can get massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments. An aesthetic spa takes those services to the next level.

At an aesthetic spa, trained professionals offer medical-grade skincare treatments such as:

• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser hair removal
• Injectables like Botox and fillers

If it’s related to improving the appearance of your skin or body, an aesthetic spa will have it covered. However, in most cases, these treatments require the expertise of a medical aesthetician with a certificate to perform medical-grade treatments.

If you’re interested in opening a spa, it’s worth looking into your state’s requirements when it comes to certifications.

For example, the FDA says that estheticians can only use microneedling devices of less than 0.3 mm. From there, each state regulates different treatments.

In California, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology classifies microneedling as an invasive treatment. If you’re opening a spa in California, this would change the requirements you need to offer that service.

Types of Esthetician Specialties

Are you interested in visiting an esthetician spa and want to know what type of esthetician to look more? Maybe you’re interested in opening a spa and want to understand what kind of esthetician specialties you should offer.

While all types of estheticians specialize in skin care, here’s a breakdown of the main five specialties.

Medical Esthetician

Unlike traditional estheticians, medical estheticians work closely with medical professionals. You’ll mainly find them in hospitals, medical spas, and dermatologist offices. There, they provide specialized skincare treatments.

These can range from cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and laser hair removal. Or, they might offer medical treatments for severe skin conditions. Most treat scars from burns or surgeries.

Along with their technical expertise, medical estheticians also have a thorough understanding of anatomy and medical terminology.

Skincare Specialists

The goal of an esthetician who is a skin care specialist is to help clients achieve their skincare goals. This could mean reversing sun damage or maintaining a healthy glow.

In addition to performing treatments, they also work to educate clients on proper skincare routines. In some cases, they’ll help with product selection to maximize their results. From acne management to anti-aging tactics, they create personalized care for each of their client’s unique skin concerns.

Facial Specialists

Facial specialists offer, well, facials. They offer various facial treatments to enhance the appearance of the face and improve skin health. This can include:

• Waxing
• Exfoliation
• Facials
• Chemical peels

They, like skincare specialists, also work with clients to develop personalized skincare plans. They do this by understanding their client’s unique needs and concerns. However, in this case, they focus treatments on the face.

In addition, they may also perform facial treatments like microdermabrasion or microneedling. Treatments like these are best to address specific issues such as fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage.

Spa Therapists

A spa therapist provides beauty and relaxation treatments to clients. This can include services such as:

• Facial massages
• Body scrubs
• Deep tissue massages
• Sports massages
• Aromatherapy

In most states, to offer massages, however, you would need to ensure you (and any of your staff) have the necessary certifications to offer massage therapy.

Waxing Specialists

And finally, some estheticians specialize in waxing. Their job involves preparing the wax, applying it to the designated area, and removing it quickly while minimizing discomfort for the client. Waxing specialists will need to stay up to date with important waxing trends.

Esthetician Training & Certifications

What kind of training do you need to become an esthetician? Basic esthetician training programs typically last about six months to a year and cover topics like:

• Skin anatomy
• Facial massage techniques
• Hair removal methods
• Makeup application

Some states require estheticians to have a license before practicing. This means you’d need to complete a state-approved program. Many estheticians also voluntarily pursue additional certifications in areas such as microdermabrasion or advanced skincare techniques. While this isn’t necessary, we highly recommend it if you want to stay competitive in the spa industry.

As an esthetician, pursuing additional certifications can improve your business offerings in so many ways. Namely, it shows clients that you are dedicated to staying current on the latest techniques and products. It also opens up the possibility of expanding your service offerings.

For example, maybe you’re currently just offering basic facials. With additional training in chemical peels or microdermabrasion, you can offer those advanced skincare options as well. And don’t forget about the added benefit of potentially increasing your prices to match your expanded services.

Types of Aesthetician Specialities

When it comes to being an aesthetician, we’ve mentioned that you need more expertise and training. This is why aesthetician specialties are all more medical-focused.

Medical Aesthetician

A medical esthetician works under the supervision of a licensed physician. They’ll provide treatments that involve more advanced skincare technology such as chemical peels and laser hair removal.

Both clinical aestheticians and medical estheticians are licensed professionals. They can offer services to improve the appearance of the skin. It’s just that a medical esthetician is better equipped to treat serious skin conditions such as acne or wrinkles.

Clinical Aesthetician

A clinical aesthetician often works in a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office. They provide basic skincare treatments like facials and chemical peels.

If you’re looking for some relaxation and skincare maintenance, stick with a clinical aesthetician. But if you’re interested in more intense skin rejuvenation procedures, it’s best to go with a medical esthetician.

The same goes for deciding which types of training you need to complete for services you’d like to offer at your spa. If you know youll want to offer injectables and high-ticket laser treatments, you might consider getting certified as a medical aesthetician.

Aesthetician Training & Certifications

What are the requirements to become a medical aesthetician or a clinical aesthetician?

For medical aestheticians, you need to have at least 600 hours of training and pass a state exam before getting licensed. In some states and for some programs, this requirement goes up to 1,000 hours. Likewise, you’d have to have worked some of those hours under the supervision of a board-certified physician.

From there, many medical aestheticians decide to go on and become Certified Medical Electrologists or Laser Hair Removal Specialists. The benefits are similar to the ones mentioned above regarding advanced certifications for an esthetician. The more training you have, the more you can charge for your services.

As for clinical aestheticians, you’ll also need to complete approximately 1,000 hours of training and pass a state exam. Some states may require up to 1,500 hours. In addition, most states require that you work under the supervision of a licensed medical professional before practicing on your own.

So while it may take a bit more time and effort, these added qualifications can often lead to more opportunities and higher pay in the long run.

Aesthetic Spa vs. Esthetic Spa Pricing

Now that you know the main differences between the two different types of spas, let’s talk about pricing. As mentioned, licensed aestheticians can usually charge more. After all, Botox injections cost more than a simple facial.

What is the difference between pricing and how can that affect your spa business? Here is a simple breakdown of the average costs of standard spa treatments:

• Facial: $150 to $200
• Makeup Application: $150
• Body Scrub: $75 to $90
• Chemical Peels: $600 to $800
• Botox Injections: $500 to $800
• Microneedling: $650

As you can see, the services you might offer as an aesthetician are much more expensive. This is great news for you. However, you’d need to understand how to market those services to ensure you have enough customers.

Which Type of Spa Is Right for Your Business?

Are you thinking about starting a spa business, but not sure whether to focus on estheticians or aesthetics? We’ve established that both types of spas offer skin care services, but there are some key differences to consider before making a decision. Here is a quick summary to help you make your decision.

An esthetician spa offers a wider range of services, including facials, waxing, makeup application, and body treatments. An esthetician must complete in-depth training and have a state license.

An aesthetician spa often specializes in advanced skincare techniques such as chemical peels and laser treatments. Aestheticians have more intensive education and training than estheticians. But, they may not offer as many services.

When deciding on the model for your spa business, consider what skills and training you or your employees have. Also, consider the needs of your potential clients. Will they be looking for a wide range of skincare options or more specialized services?

It’s also worth mentioning that while aesthetician spas don’t tend to offer as many services, they can charge more per service. For example, you might need to sell 20 facial treatments as an esthetician. However, a medical aesthetician could sell two chemical peels and earn the same.

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and target market, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your business.

Simplify Your Spa Management With Software

Interested in opening an esthetic spa or aesthetic spa? You’re going to need the help of spa management software to keep your business running smoothly.

Daysmart Spa offers everything you need to set up, manage, and grow your spa business. This includes everything from appointment booking to client management. We also offer features that help you communicate better with your clients.

Click here to start your free trial now.

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The post Aesthetic Spas vs. Esthetic Spas appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

Festive Spa Treatments for the Holidays

Wellness tourism is trending and that means if you have a spa, you should have a plan in place to welcome holiday visitors. While the holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebration, they can also be a time of stress, busyness, and missing loved ones.

Offering festive spa treatments is a unique way to invite new guests to take time to indulge in themselves. There are lots of options available, from traditional massages and facials to more unique treatments like hot stone therapy or body scrubbing. Here are some festive spa offerings you can include for the holidays.

What Are Festive Spa Treatments?

Festive spa treatments are a special type of spa treatment that is only offered during the holiday season. They typically include seasonal ingredients, such as peppermint or pumpkin, and offer special holiday-themed services, such as gingerbread man massages or candy cane pedicures.

While many people think of spa treatments as a luxury, festive spa treatments can actually be quite affordable, especially when compared to the cost of other holiday-related activities, such as buying presents or decorating the house.

In addition, festive spa treatments are a great way to relax and de-stress during what can often be a busy and stressful time of year.

Festive Spa Offerings

There are many different types of festive spa treatments you can offer to your clients. Here are just a few of the most popular festive spa treatments:

Massages

A massage is a great way to relax and rejuvenate, and there are many different types of massage available. These range from Swedish massages, to deep tissue massages, and hot stone massages. But how do you make them festive?

One way is to offer a holiday-themed massage by including candles or essential oils that are holiday-scented. You can incorporate seasonal additions to your massages such as peppermint, gingerbread, or pumpkin. You could also offer a special holiday package that includes a massage, facial, and manicure/pedicure.

Facials

A facial is a popular spa treatment that can help to improve the appearance of the skin. Facials are customizable to each individual’s skin type and needs.

To make facials festive, you can use seasonal ingredients such as cloves and cranberry. You can also offer holiday-themed facials, such as a ginger or peppermint facial.

Manicures

This is a great way to incorporate holiday cheer into your spa treatments! You can offer festive manicures such as a Halloween manicure or an Easter bunny mani that comes complete with complimentary candy and Easter egg chocolates.

You can also get creative with your designs and offer something unique, such as a gingerbread man manicure or candy canes, snowflakes, or reindeer nail art.

Spa Packages

If you want to offer something truly unique and festive, consider putting together a holiday spa package. This could include a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure all in one.

You could also add in other treatments, such as a body scrub or wrap. As well, including a take-home gift, such as a festive scented candle or some holiday-themed bath products, would make your package even more special.

What Are the Benefits of Offering Festive Spa Treatments?

There are many benefits to offering festive spa treatments, both for your business and for your clients.

For your business, festive spa treatments can help to bring in new clients. They are also a great way to show your existing clients that you appreciate their business and are offering something special just for them.

In addition, festive spa treatments can help to increase your revenue during the holidays by breaking up the monotony of the usual spa treatments and offering surprises to your regular customers.

This entices clients to still come in instead of skipping the spa at what may be a busy time in their life. They’ll be excited to try something new that’s only offered for a limited time only.

For Your Customers

In addition to providing relaxation and promoting circulation, the use of certain seasonal foods and scents in massage therapy and holistic treatments is beneficial.

For example, the use of cinnamon in a massage treatment can help to improve circulation and ease tension headaches. Similarly, the scent of lavender is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. More than just being seasonal, these products are proven to aid the same way many other spa products do.

Benefits of Ginger In Massage Therapy

Ginger is a popular ingredient in many festive spa treatments, and for good reason! Ginger has many benefits, both when ingested and when used topically. For example, ginger can:

• relieve nausea and vomiting
• ease muscle pain and stiffness
• improve circulation
• reduce inflammation
• boost the immune system

When used in massage therapy, ginger can help to improve circulation and ease muscle pain. It’s also a great way to boost the immune system, which is important during the colder months when we’re more likely to get sick. Be sure to relay these benefits to your clients so they know just how beneficial a ginger massage can be!

Benefits of Pumpkin For Face and Skin

Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in many skincare products. It contains several important nutrients for the skin, including vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains beta-carotene, which is known to protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to the sun.

When used in facial treatments, pumpkin can help to:

• exfoliate the skin
• improve skin tone and texture
• reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• hydrate the skin

Pumpkin is also a great ingredient for body scrubs. When used in a body scrub, it can help to exfoliate the skin and improve circulation.

Benefits of Peppermint For Relaxation

Peppermint has many benefits, both when ingested and when used topically. For example, peppermint can:

• improve digestion
• relieve muscle pain and stiffness
• reduce inflammation
• boost the immune system

When used in massage therapy, peppermint can help to improve circulation and ease muscle pain. It’s also a great way to boost the immune system, which is important during the colder months.

Honey and Cinnamon for Skin

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to keep the skin hydrated. Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which can help to reduce the appearance of redness and swelling. When used together, these two ingredients can help to:

• exfoliate the skin
• improve skin tone and texture
• reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• hydrate the skin

To get the most benefit from honey and cinnamon for your skin, be sure to use natural, raw honey. Raw honey contains more enzymes and nutrients than processed honey and is less likely to cause irritation. You can market this to your clients and charge a premium for this treatment during the holidays.

Popular Festive Spa Treatments

Trying to come up with holiday spa treatments to offer? Here are some ideas you can try.

Pedi On The Rocks

Pedi on the Rocks is a festive spa treatment that’s perfect for anyone who loves getting pedicures. It involves exfoliating the feet with a sugar scrub, followed by a massage with a cooling mint foot cream. The treatment is finished off with a hot stone massage and a refreshing foot soak.

Gingerbread Man Massage

The Gingerbread Man Massage is a festive twist on a traditional Swedish massage. It uses a gingerbread-scented massage oil and includes a hot stone massage. This treatment is perfect for anyone who loves the smell of gingerbread and wants to relax during the holidays.

Candy Cane Facial

The Candy Cane Facial is a festive facial treatment that’s perfect for anyone who loves the smell of peppermint. It includes a peppermint sugar scrub, followed by a clay mask. The mask is then removed with a hot, steamy towel. This treatment is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate their skin during the holidays.

Pumpkin Spice Facial

No one can get away from pumpkin spice anything during the holidays and your spa should jump on the trend. This treatment includes a facial using a special pumpkin spice-scented mask. You can create your own organic blend using mashed pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

This facial is perfect for anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit while sipping their favorite latte.

Holly And Spice Warming Massage

The Holly and Spice Warming Massage is a festive spa treatment that uses the smell of holly and spice. This treatment includes a full-body massage using a special holly and spice-scented massage oil. Offer it to couples who want to get a massage during the season.

Sweet Cinnamon Sanctuary For Two

Speaking of holiday packages for couples, this is a favorite. Start with a relaxing foot massage using a comforting blend of hydrating oils, filling the room with the intoxicating scent of cinnamon. With a coconut scalp massage followed by a sea salt exfoliation, we’ll relax you and your partner before heading to the showers. After that, it’s time for an agave nectar oil full-body couples’ massage.

Cranberry Facial

Did you know that cranberries aren’t only good for juice, but also as a face mask? Cranberries are known to have anti-aging properties, so why not offer a cranberry face pack? Not only will it keep your client’s face glowing, but it’s easy to customize too.

Pumpkin Scrub And Wrap

This soothing treatment is packed full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Plus, it has high levels of vitamin E to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. using pumpkin in your spa treatments helps to repair your skin’s water-lipid layer by increasing nutrients, and oxygen and protecting connective tissue in the process.

Wellness Tourism Is On The Rise

With the holiday season comes an influx of travelers. Many people come to visit family and friends, but an increasing number of people are coming for the express purpose of taking a vacation.

And what do people want to do on vacation? They want to relax and rejuvenate. This is where your spa comes in.

Offering festive spa treatments is a great way to attract holiday travelers and boost business during the slow season.

Spa Management Software

How will you keep track of all the new infusions when it gets close to the holidays? If you want to take your spa business to the next level, consider investing in spa management software. This type of software can help you keep track of appointments, manage client data, and process payments.

It can also help you market your business and attract new clients. When it comes to running a successful spa business, spa management software can be an invaluable tool.

Daysmart Spa Software is a comprehensive spa management solution that can help you run your business more efficiently. With this software, you can manage appointments, track client data, process payments, and much more. It also includes powerful marketing tools to help you attract new clients.

If you’re serious about taking your spa business to the next level, take advantage of features such as:

Reputation Management

The software provides you with the ability to monitor and manage your online reputation. Your online reputation can have a major impact on your business. With Daysmart Spa Software, you can stay on top of what people are saying about your spa online and take action to improve your reputation if necessary.

SEO and SEM

Our software includes tools to help you improve your website’s ranking in search engines. This helps you attract more website visitors, which can lead to more customers.

Payment Processing

Our software also includes a payment processing system that allows you to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other forms of payment. This is important because it allows customers to easily pay for your services.

If you need an online booking system that makes it easy for customers to schedule appointments, we make that easy too.

Offer the Best Spa Treatments for the Holiday

The holidays can be a great time to promote your spa business. By offering festive spa treatments and packages, you can attract new clients and boost your sales. And with our spa management software to help you run your business, you can focus on what you do best – providing exceptional service to your clients.

Start a free trial today and see the difference Daysmart Spa Software can make for your business.

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The post Festive Spa Treatments for the Holidays appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

Important Impressions Made with your Esthetician Uniform

Should you wear your esthetician uniform?

The pandemic has changed the way salon and spas operate. Regardless, this never stopped customers from visiting, especially now that everything is starting to ease up and improve. Soon, we can expect to return to normal working hours, and by then, will you need your work uniform?

An esthetician uniform has always had a positive effect on business. It’s part of the first thing a customer sees when they visit your establishment. This is also the last thing they see when they leave, which helps build an impression for your customer.

If you’re still unsure of whether you should enforce wearing a uniform in your spa, read what’s below. These are the benefits of wearing esthetician uniforms for business. Learn why wearing it is essential to business success!

1. Creates A Consistent Impression

The esthetician uniform your employee will use has your brand logo. These create a consistent impression that supports customer and clientele relationships. When a customer sees this, it lightens their mood, and they feel valued.

Regardless if it’s a return customer or a new customer, the uniform will help you gain their trust. They’ll know that the brand’s reputation will be at stake, ensuring that they’ll have an excellent experience while under your care.

This also gives off a sense of consistency in that everyone looks the same. Work uniforms are a great way for your customers to know whether they’re talking to a professional or another customer.

2. Creates A Sense of Pride

An esthetician spa uniform creates a sense of pride that benefits your employees. With improved motivation, you can expect an increase in their productivity. It’s a surefire way to cause your employees to do better at work.

With this, you can expect your customers to leave the spa satisfied with what they’ve had done to them. Without a doubt, the customer will come back to continue to do business with you. They may even bring new customers along since most people nowadays value professional work in any setting.

3. Improves Brand Awareness

When you receive a customer, you must be easy to recognize. Aside from your brand logo and advertisements, work uniforms can help you build brand awareness. This is a simple personalized experience that helps create a memorable brand identity.

Creating brand awareness is important for businesses as your competition will always grow. You need to employ strategies that establish the presence of your brand to avoid getting drowned out. Esthetician spa uniforms can make this happen, especially when they’re well-designed.

Nowadays, aesthetics is as important as the quality of service provided. If it appeals to the client, it will engage them and make them more likely to choose you over other brands. It allows you to have an edge when it comes to choosing between you and other spas.

It’s a simple way of representing your brand consistently throughout the workday. This makes wearing your uniform a great way to market your business passively.

4. Fosters Professionalism

You’ve probably heard this many times, but the term dress to impress also applies to work uniforms. Don’t forget that the beauty industry is about appearances.

Staff members in their uniforms are sure to look clean, smart, and stylish. Clients that observe this will see your staff as peerless professionals. This puts a client at ease because they know a professional will take care of their needs.

This also builds morale for both clients and staff members. When morale is high, this makes your staff work towards accomplishing a common goal and that’s to take care of the client. Clients are the first people to feel the high morale and this improves their mood.

5. Improves the Staff Comfort

Spa uniforms are not only about improving a brand image. They’re designed to provide comfort and safety to the staff while they work. This is because a beautician’s workplace often has many hazards like hot wax and chemicals.

Some workplaces allow their staff to come to work with their own choice of clothing. These often result in ruined clothes, which will cause customers to see the place as an unprofessional spa. It can also lower employee morale as it’s their clothes that get damaged.

You should invest in good materials when making your uniforms. These uniforms are easy to replace and are often built to protect you. This will improve worker comfort as they know they’ll get some protection when dealing with the chemicals in their line of work.

6. Cheap Advertising

Customizing work uniforms is a way to advertise your business at a low cost. With your brand logo added to the uniform, you advertise the spa to potential customers. This makes it easy to identify for both new and consistent clients.

A great way to do this is during the holidays. Customize your uniforms to go with the season. This way, potential customers get to relate to your brand easily, causing them to avail themselves of your services.

Clients love seasonal festivities, and doing this is an easy way to attract them. It’s also another way to build awareness for your business. Make sure not to forget the brand logo, and advertising will go easy.

7. Improves Work Appearance

Most esthetician uniforms are wrinkle-free and promote cleanliness. This improves the image of the brand and the staff. If a client sees a clean and neat appearance, they will feel more comfortable in the spa.

It’s an establishment that should promote cleanliness and relaxation, after all. A simple uniform can bring this out from your workers and workspace with ease. This effect gets elevated when wearing a medical esthetician uniform, as it doubles down on the cleanliness factor. 

Wear Your Esthetician Uniform Today

Wearing an esthetician uniform is a great way to improve your business in an instant. Uniforms will motivate your staff to work in unity and improve the quality of their service. Wear your esthetician uniform now and improve your workforce today!

Do you need software assistance for your spa business? Connect with us and know the service we can provide for you.

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The post Important Impressions Made with your Esthetician Uniform appeared first on DaySmart Spa.

The Top 4 Waxing Trends All Waxing Studios Need to Know

In 2019, the spa and beauty salon industry was worth a staggering $66.16 billion. And with around 77,000 beauty salons in the U.S. today, competition for that income is fierce. Waxing studios need to stay on top of what their customers want to survive in a competitive sector. 

Though female waxing trends have waxed and waned over the years, the market has focused on intimate-area waxing for the past few decades. Now, we’re seeing exciting new features like advances in wax technology, full-body waxing, and even an increase in male waxing.

Read on for an overview of the trends beauticians and waxing professionals need to know in 2021.

1. A Wave of New Waxes

Wax manufacturers are getting experimental in recent years, releasing new and improved synthetic waxes and innovative products like wax beads.

Across the body wax studio industry, pine resin-based wax is quickly replaced by high-tech 100 percent or partially synthetic concoctions. They cause less skin irritation, stick better to the strands of hair (instead of the skin), and have lower melting points. Likewise, wax beads are popular because they’re easy to store, quick to melt, and you don’t need to use strips.

With conscious consumerism on the up, people are looking for ways to eco-ize their purchases. Waxing isn’t immune to this trend. Cue the rise in popularity of sugar wax over the past few years.

While standard waxing is already inherently more eco-friendly than other hair removal methods, sugaring goes one step further. Sugar wax is a sticky, gel-like paste made from lemon, water, and… you guessed it, sugar. It’s a technique that dates back centuries–Ancient Egyptians reportedly used honey.

Sugaring is great for Brazilians, a bikini wax, or customers plagued by ingrown hairs because it doesn’t pull on the skin cells and removes the hair right at the root.

2. Fun Shapes for Waxing Studios

From fun-shaped landing strips shaped into lighting bolts and stars to romantic love hearts, it seems there is no end to the symbols a Brazilian wax studio therapist might have to create. These shapes are sure to test the skills of even the most practiced esthetician.

Some beauty therapists frown on overly-complicated designs because they require them to wax against hair growth direction–something that can lead to ingrown hairs, blocked follicles, and acne. For those therapists, this adverse reaction is not worth adhering to a short-lived fad.

Of course, for every trend, there’s an equal and opposite in-thing. Salons across the U.S. have also noticed a growing “the barer, the better” movement when it comes to intimate-area waxing.

In 2018, clients were requesting to leave a little on the top. In 2021, customers are asking their esthetician to remove it all.

3. Full Body Waxing Is on the Rise

Whether you run a European wax studio or are inspired by other spa models, you’ve likely noticed an increase in bookings for full body waxing.

Full body waxing requires a lot of commitment from both the client and the practitioner. Plans usually include bikini or Brazilian, arms, legs, and back, and sometimes the face, and beauticians typically alternate between hard and soft waxes. Developing trusting client relationships is an essential aspect of this rising trend.

Where once beauty salons bundled waxing services into their full-service spa offerings, the increased desire for an entirely smooth body has even inspired a jump in the number of stand-alone waxing studios.

You may have experienced a drop-off in requests for longer-session full body waxing services due to nervousness around COVID-19. Reassure your clients by emphasizing your cleaning protocols, informing them of the services you do and don’t have, and how appointment bookings will be made.

The bare-all look has become so popular that men are getting in on the act. Some salons report around 10 percent of their clients are men, and that figure is rising fast. Overtaking the once common back or chest wax booking are requests for intimate waxing services.

4. More Men Are Getting Waxed

Manscaping, Manzilians, and The Full Monty. Waxing for men is increasing in popularity so fast that there is now a plethora of new services on offer to cater to the male body.

Waxing for me was once limited to the world of bodybuilders, swimmers, and professional cyclists. Now, however, men are attracted to waxing for more than just practical reasons.  They’re enamored with waxing for much the same reasons as women.

Male waxing wants include:

• Aesthetics
• Saving time
• Health benefits, like exfoliation
• Sensuality

Pubic waxing, in particular, is snowballing. There’s also been an uptick in men interested in shaping their bushy brows with waxing.

Men’s hair tends to be coarser than women’s, and they’re less familiar with the waxing process. It’s essential to carefully brief male clients before they come into your salon.

Tell your male customers to trim their hair to half-a-centimeter long and gently exfoliate the waxing area one to two days before the appointment. They also need to start a skincare regime that includes daily moisturizing.

Since this is a burgeoning industry, many men are confused about which salons will accept male clients. If you offer male waxing, don’t be shy about sharing your services through text marketing, social media advertising, and your website.

Know Your Clients Needs

Waxing, it seems, is fast becoming a need rather than a want, which is definitely great for waxing studios and spa owners!

If you focus on making your customers feel great about their bodies, your clients will return again and again no matter the trends that year. And smart marketing is essential to staying on top of what your customers want.

Take advantage of the free package trials offered by Daysmart Spa Software to see if it’s the right marketing service for your spa.

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The post The Top 4 Waxing Trends All Waxing Studios Need to Know appeared first on DaySmart Spa.