Why should a salon go digital

Going digital can feel like a big step, but it can come with serious rewards for a business owner. Some initial investment and set-up time can save you time, money, and resources.

Let's examine some of the reasons why a salon might consider going digital and the options available for doing so.

What does "going digital" mean?

To "go digital" means integrating digital technologies into daily business operations. These will usually change how a business operates and delivers value to its customers. This transformation can cover many changes, such as shifting from traditional paper-based processes to digital workflows, using cloud computing for data storage and collaboration or adopting tools like customer relationship management systems and email marketing.

Going digital often requires a cultural shift within your salon to get your team on board with new processes. It can also take setup time whilst you're training employees to use new technologies effectively and encouraging a mindset open to change and new ways of working.

What does it mean for salons?

Businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world by going digital. 

Digital appointment booking systems streamline the scheduling process for both salons and clients. With online booking capabilities, clients can easily view available appointment slots, book services at their convenience, and receive instant confirmation, reducing the need for phone calls and manual scheduling. Unlike appointment books or calendars, it also means that your records are backed up and kept secure.

Expanding a salon's visibility beyond its physical location allows it to reach a larger audience online. Using an SEO (search engine optimised) website, social media platforms and online directories salons can attract potential clients who may not have otherwise discovered them.

Related: The 7 best salon website builder recommendations

Digital tools like email newsletters, appointment booking apps, and social media messaging platforms facilitate seamless communication between salons and their clients. These channels allow salons to send appointment reminders, promotions, and personalised recommendations, enhancing the overall client experience. It also means fewer missed appointments and paperwork.

Using digital platforms also provides salons with valuable data and analytics that can inform business decisions and marketing strategies. By tracking metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and client demographics, salons can gain insights into their audience's preferences, behaviour, and needs, allowing them to tailor their services and marketing efforts accordingly.

In today's digital age, consumers expect businesses, including salons, to have an online presence and offer digital conveniences such as online booking and communication options. By embracing digital technologies, salons can stay competitive, attract tech-savvy clients, and differentiate themselves from competitors who have yet to adopt digital practices.

Overall, going digital empowers salons to enhance their visibility, streamline operations, improve client communication, leverage data-driven insights, increase revenue opportunities, gain a competitive advantage, and adapt to changing market conditions. By embracing technology and digital innovations, salons can future-proof their businesses and thrive in today's dynamic beauty industry landscape.

How can a salon go digital?

Salons can go digital using technology in a few different ways and many digital tools can help salons save time, money, and resources. Here are some examples:

• Online appointment booking - implementing an online booking system allows clients to schedule appointments conveniently via your salon's website or mobile app. This can reduce the need for phone calls, eliminates double bookings, and minimises scheduling errors, saving time for salon staff and clients.
  Related: What’s the best salon booking system?

• Digital calendar and scheduling software - utilise digital calendars and scheduling software to efficiently manage appointments, staff schedules, and salon resources. These tools enable easy scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations while providing reminders and notifications to staff and clients.
• Inventory management systems - digital inventory management systems help salon owners track and manage their inventory of products and supplies more effectively. By automating inventory tracking, ordering, and reordering processes, salons can reduce waste, avoid mistakes and optimise inventory levels to save time and money.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems - implementing a digital POS system allows salons to process transactions quickly and securely, track sales and revenue, and manage customer payments. POS systems can also integrate with inventory management, appointment booking, and customer relationship management (CRM) software for a more streamlined workflow.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software - CRM software enables salons to maintain detailed records of client preferences, purchase history and appointment schedules. By centralising client data, salons can personalise communications, send targeted promotions, and provide a more tailored salon experience, increasing client retention and loyalty.
• Digital marketing tools - using digital marketing tools like email marketing platforms, social media management software, booking reminders, and marketing automation platforms can help salons streamline their marketing efforts and reach their target audience more effectively. These tools enable salons to create and distribute targeted marketing campaigns, track performance metrics, and analyse customer engagement to optimise marketing strategies.
• Virtual consultations and training - offering virtual consultations and training sessions allows salons to provide personalised advice, recommendations, and education to clients and staff remotely. This saves time and resources associated with in-person consultations and training sessions while also accommodating clients who prefer virtual interactions.
• Online retail and E-commerce platforms - establishing an online retail presence or e-commerce platform allows salons to sell retail products, gift cards, and salon packages to clients online. This expands revenue opportunities beyond in-person salon visits and allows clients to shop from anywhere at any time.

Disadvantages to going digital as a salon

While going digital can bring benefits to a salon, there are also some disadvantages to consider before you decide whether it's right for you and your salon.

Moving to digital systems can require a significant investment. This might include purchasing new hardware, such as computers or tablets, and subscribing to software services for scheduling, billing, and customer management. 

Setting up digital systems can be time-consuming. Integrating new software, migrating existing data and configuring systems to meet specific salon needs can take considerable time and effort. This process can disrupt daily operations and require staff to spend time on training instead of focusing on their primary duties which can be a challenge in a service-based business.

Digital systems are prone to technical issues like software bugs, hardware failures, or connectivity problems. Salons must be prepared to handle these issues, which may require hiring IT support or subscribing to maintenance services. Maintenance and updates are also necessary to keep systems running smoothly and securely. Some people are also less tech-savvy than others, which can be a challenge.

Handling customer data digitally introduces risks related to data security and privacy. Salons must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information from breaches or cyberattacks, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of going digital. 

Relying heavily on digital systems can make a salon vulnerable to disruptions if technology fails. Power outages, internet connectivity issues, or system malfunctions can halt operations and affect customer service, highlighting the need for reliable backups and contingency plans.

By embracing digital tools and technologies to streamline operations, salons can optimise their workflows, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the salon experience for staff and clients.

Deciding on whether to go digital

Every business is different, and whether you choose to go digital depends on your needs, what your customers want, and where you're at with your business. Digital can save time, money, and resources and make it more convenient for many of your clients. However, there can be more downtime, training, and investment required.

Weigh up whether it's the right decision for you and your business. And remember, you don't have to go fully digital all at once. It might be that you decide to take your bookings process online or that you decide to automate your reminder emails. Go digital in a way that works best for your salon.

Specialist hair and beauty salon insurance through Ripe

Ready for your salon to go digital? You may also want to consider protecting yourself and your business with specialist insurance just in case the worst were to happen.

Through Ripe, you can get specialist salon insurance that provides up to £10m Public and Products Liability cover and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard to protect you against third-party claims for injury or property damage.

You can also choose additional cover options, such as Employers' Liability and Buildings cover, so you're only ever paying for the cover you need. 

Learn more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote.