The dos and don'ts of creating and maintaining a salon website

Published 22nd Jan 2019 by charlottegw
The dos and don'ts of creating and maintaining a salon website Having a salon website is essential. Aside from social media, finding a website is the most common way clients (and importantly potential clients) search for information. Here are the dos and don’ts of creating and maintaining a salon website, straight from those in the know. DO update your website constantly. This is absolutely necessary, especially when it comes to public information. "Whether it be a price change or a change of contact details, it is essential your website is updated and not out of date," explains Alice Smithson, marketing manager at iSalon software. If a client is mis-led on your website or isn't able to contact you, this leaves them with a bad impression of your business. DO consider introducing ‘virtual consultations’. Hari’s in London has introduced Hari's Hair Hotline which allows clients to access stylists via Skype Video Calls from home, work or on the go. Whether they’re seeking urgent advice on a dye disaster or can’t decide on a new style, the 15-minute, live-streamed, cyber consult can be booked in advanced, followed by an in-salon, tailored appointment. The salon charges from £25, which is redeemable against an appointment. Clever. DON'T operate on a 9-5 basis, include an online booking service on your website. "In this busy  world, anything you can do to make it easier for people to come to your salon has got to be a good thing," explains Kate Woods of KOR Digital. "If that means being able to clear 'book hair appointment' from their to-do list at 2am in the morning on their way home from a night out, that's a huge tick for your salon." DO use keywords within your website content. Also be sure to use ALT tags on images. Both of these strategies improve SEO and are simple yet very effective. If you are unsure of how to do either, why not consider hiring someone to build your website for you? 
DO allow clients to fill last-minute appointments. While most salons appreciate that discounting isn't the best way to grow a loyal customer base and reputation, it's great to be able to fill those quiet days. Kate or KOR Digital explains: "You could do this with targeted Facebook ads, or look at software such as Gappt, which lives on your site and offers on the day appointments."
DO consider creating a community page. Kent Salon, who have recently refurbished their website, are encouraging a community of Kent stylists. On the community page they are aiming to feature hairdressers that use their brushes and are keen to support them and share their news – not just their Kent-created work. There is also a messenger service, perfect for queries and quick replies. The brush brand are also encouraging stylists to tag the brand in their social media posts so they can grow their community page. DON’T overload your website with information. This can really put potential clients off. iSalon's Alice suggests only having your contact information, social media links, price list, salon images and a bit information around the salon and team. HJi & PB jobs
charlottegw

charlottegw

Published 22nd Jan 2019

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