Salon Roundup: Booking Options for Every Generation

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We know it’s impossible to keep up with all of the news in the beauty and wellness industries. That’s why we’ve cherry-picked the articles from this week that matter most for salon and spa professionals like you.

[Appointments] Booking Options for Every Generation

Source: PBA Progress

Part of the fun party about running a salon is that your clients span the generational gamut. Part of the challenge is that the preferences of your clients can vastly differ depending on their age group.

How can you make sure to serve each generation the right way, especially when it comes to bookings? Here’s a quick overview:

• GI and Silent Generations (1901-1946): These clients will book in person or via phone, and tend to want recurring appointments on the same day and time of the week. They appreciate a personal touch, so don’t forget to follow up with a reminder call before their appointments.
• Baby Boomers (1947-1964): Email bookings can be a great option for these folks, who tend to have very busy schedules between work and family.
• Generation X (1965-1979): This generation is tech savvy and independent. They want to be able to book appointments anytime it’s convenient on their phone or mobile devices.
• Millennials (1980-2000): Millennials are all about internet research and comparison shopping, so make sure you have your services available on your website and local listings pages. Online, social, and mobile bookings are a must.
• Boomlets (2001-Present): Tweens and children who will become the next wave of salon-goers crave instant gratification. Texting is the primary method of communication, so mobile booking options and text reminders will be important.

Why It Matters: Providing flexible appointment options—in person, via phone or email, on your website, on social media, and via mobile—is a smart idea if your clients span a few different generations. Consider your audience and make sure your booking options reflect their personal behaviors and preferences.

[Marketing] 7 Basic Steps to Marketing Success

Source: Salon Today

Marketing can seem like a scary endeavor, but once you get started, it’s easy to keep your momentum going. Here are 7 tips to get your started with marketing your salon

Make a budget.

1. Be active on social media.
2. Engage with your local community through charity.
3. Befriend your local media.
4. Take care of your current clients before marketing to new ones.
5. Plan for the holidays in advance.

Why It Matters: Marketing isn’t rocket science, but it does take planning and continual upkeep. Start by nailing down a preliminary plan, and then work to incrementally implement that plan and revise it as you go along. 

About the Author

Ashley Taylor Anderson is a content developer and marketer who's spent her career knee-deep in the B2B technology space. In previous professional lives, she worked as a science textbook editor, media producer, and pastry chef.

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