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The Source | Articles on client retention, salon marketing, growing revenue and more

<p>The most important factor for any salon isn’t its location, atmosphere, or marketing. It’s the stylists you hire to make your clients happy. I'm sure you've noticed that your clients often return to see a specific stylist in your salon.&nbsp;You’re lucky to have your team and the best way to go about showing appreciation is by paying them fair salon salaries. Not to mention, a great team who have loyal clients can help  <a href="/the-source/growing-your-salons-revenue/">grow your salon's revenue</a>. </p>



<p>Many salons vary in how much they pay their stylists, as well as how they go about setting up their pay systems. We explore the pros &amp; cons of each of the different methods of paying your staff. Hopefully you'll soon have a better understanding of what’s best for your salon salaries.</p>



<h2>The four main types of pay structures for salon salaries:</h2>



<h3>Hourly rate</h3>



<p>Hair stylists have the most stability with their paychecks under the hourly pay structure. They know they’ll be getting paid regardless of whether they managed to bring in any clients or not. Stylists are also confident in knowing that they will be getting paid for all of the other tasks that come with the job like cleaning, greeting guests, answering phones, marketing work, etc.</p>



<p>With that said, your higher performing stylists may not be a fan of this model. They may end up doing more work than their lower-performing counterparts, but won’t be getting paid for their extra efforts. To add to that, your stylists may not feel encouraged to <a href="/growing-your-salons-revenue/10-ways-to-upsell-at-your-salon-or-spa/">upsell products</a> or work harder to bring in more clients, because they know they’ll be getting paid the same regardless.</p>



<p>Sure, you <em>could</em> change the hourly rate according to individual performance, but this can be hard to justify if you get questioned on it. Stylists are always talking to each other, and you should assume they know how much the others are being paid. If you decide to pay hourly rates, you may want to introduce a secondary incentive program based around performance.</p>



<p>At the time of writing, the median hourly rate for a hair stylist in Australia is $25.99 AUD ($17.28 USD or £13.65 GBP) - link is same, add to end. In the UK, the average hourly rate is £8.90 GBP ($16.95 AUD or $11.27 USD). In the beauty industry, the average hourly rate for a beauty therapist in Australia is $30 ($19.84 USD or £15.70). The average hourly rate for a <a href="https://au.talent.com/salary?job=beauty+therapist">beauty therapist</a> in the UK is £12.31 per hour ($23.52 AUD or $15.56 USD). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Timely_The-Source_Marketing-Strategies-for-Salons-Spas_Hourly-rate.png" alt="Hourly rate graph depicting dollar values for Hair stylists and Beauty therapists in Australia and the United Kingdom." class="wp-image-73000"/></figure>



<h3>Annual salary</h3>



<p>Although people may assume that it’s reserved solely for desk jobs, an annual salary is another avenue for salon owners to consider. An annual salary has many of the same benefits of an hourly position. Your stylists are guaranteed to get paid even if they weren’t able to get any clients, and they’re being compensated for all of the other tasks that come with the position.</p>



<p>The biggest drawback of an annual salary for a hairstylist however, is that they won’t be getting compensated for any additional work they do outside of working hours. If there's a last minute client or someone that wants to show up before official hours, it could be cause for concern.</p>



<p>An annual salary has the same drawback as an hourly wage. Stylists will be getting paid the same rate no matter the work they do.</p>



<p>At the time of writing, the average salary for a hair stylist in Australia is $55,000 AUD ($36,399 USD or £28,788). The average salary for a hair stylist in the UK is £24,769 GBP ($47,312 AUD or $31,201 USD). For Beauty Therapists, <a href="https://au.talent.com/salary?job=beauty+therapist">in Australia</a> the average annual salary is $58,500 AUD ($38,712 USD or £30,626). In the UK, the average annual salary is £24,000 ($45,861 AUD or $30,327 USD). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Timely_The-Source_Marketing-Strategies-for-Salons-Spas_Annual-salary.png" alt="Average salary graph depicting dollar values for Hair stylists and Beauty therapists in Australia and the United Kingdom." class="wp-image-73002"/></figure>



<h3>Commission based</h3>



<p>This option offers no base pay, instead giving stylists a high commission rate on the clients they bring in and the <a href="/growing-your-salons-revenue/mo-money-mo-products-how-to-sell-out-your-salons-products/">retail products they sell.</a> If there is a rockstar stylist that brings in a whole slew of clients and gets a lot of work, they can look forward to a pretty hefty payout. Commission based pay structures encourage employees to work hard because they know that they need to be continually finding work if they want to get paid.</p>



<p>The downside of a commission based structure though, is that stylists that are new or struggling to find work are going to have to deal with making little to no money. This is something that can weigh on their minds heavily and cause stress.</p>



<p>It should be noted that a commission pay structure encourages stylists to build their own list of clients that may leave with the stylist if they ever choose to quit. If this has happened to you, see our blog on '<a href="/blog/whose-client-is-it-anyway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whose client is it anyway?</a>'.</p>



<p>A commission pay structure compensates stylists based on a percentage of the salon revenue per service. This varies wildly between salons so it's up to you to work out what works best. Can you afford to give your stylists 30%, 40%, or even 50% of the profit from a particular service?</p>



<p>Here's a guide to help you decide on the <a href="https://strategies.com/whats-best-commission-rate-pay-salon-spa-staff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best commission rate for salon or spa staff</a>.</p>



<h3>Performance based</h3>



<p>Performance based pay structure is a mixture of the previously discussed salon salaries. It's similar to a commission structure in that stylists receive more pay based on how much work they’re putting in. In this situation however, they still have an hourly or annual rate.</p>



<p>This pay structure gives your stylists peace of mind. They'll rest easy knowing that they are always receiving a certain amount of money. It has the added benefit of providing extra motivation, knowing they’ll receive more money with each additional sale.</p>



<p>The disadvantage is that when things are slow, your employees may receive checks smaller than what they’re used to. Unfortunately this will be out of your control. In addition certain stylists may be not work any harder because they’ll be getting paid either way. Having stylists with this sort of attitude can often breed resentment within the team, and lower morale. This method of paying salon salaries really depends on the type of people in your team.</p>



<p>A successful performance based pay structure requires a fine balance between offering a fair base wage, and enough of a performance bonus to offer incentive without bankrupting the salon. It's by far the hardest pay structure to get right, but if done correctly can boost your salon's performance significantly.</p>



<h2>Figure out what’s best for your team</h2>



<p>Every option for salon salaries has its own pros &amp; cons. Thorough research will ensure you’re making the best decision for you and your stylists. As always, run any ideas for change past your team; whatever you decide on won't work properly without everyone being on board.</p>



<p></p>

Salon Salaries: 4 Payment Structures for your Staff

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<p>A topic which seems to be in constant discussion among hair and beauty salons is client ownership and contact information. In the hair and beauty industry, customers build very personal relationships with their stylist or therapist.</p>



<p>So what happens to this relationship when the stylist and salon are no longer working together? Or if a therapist moves on to start their own salon or clinic? Does the right to connect with the client belong to the salon or to the stylist?</p>



<p>The dilemma for the client is that if they’ve had their hair cut by the same person for 2, 5 or 10 years, who then moved on, would they still go to the same salon? Or follow that stylist?</p>



<p>For the client, there is much to consider in making this decision.</p>



<p>There are multiple reasons they've visited your salon with the same stylist for so long. On one hand, the location, ease of getting to the salon and parking, quality and cleanliness of the environment, the coffee provided, and the service from the team (“they know me there”) are all real and strong reasons to frequent a business. On the other hand, there is the haircut, colour and how it’s blow-waved before they leave, all performed by the <strong>stylist</strong> in a way they’ve personally developed from the training and experience they’ve had.</p>



<p>The conversation and relationship that a stylist builds with their client is&nbsp;important and personal.</p>



<p>So, which is more important to the client&nbsp;— the salon or the stylist? The answer is different for everyone.</p>



<h2>Looking at it from the salon’s perspective</h2>



<p>Do you own the right to contact the client when they leave the salon or clinic? Or is it the stylist or therapist who performed the service?</p>



<p class="\&quot;\">As the owner of the hair salon, you've worked hard to build a space that both your employees and customers love. You provide a space for professional services and do the hard work of marketing and managing your business. You are the one taking all the risk, paying the bills, keeping the lights on and paying the wages. Facilitating the space, service and operational systems for stylists and customers to meet and build their relationship makes you a big part of that relationship. Does that mean you can claim the client as yours?</p>



<h2>What do stylists say?</h2>



<p class="\&quot;\">As the stylist, you might see things from a different perspective. The business needs your skills and experience, and you are the front line of the business. You nurture the relationship with the client, deliver the professional service and build a reputation. While the environment, location, coffee and brand in the salon play a factor in clients returning for more, the hair styling is the part of the experience the client remembers most and is what brings them back. Does that mean you have full rights to this client? Or is it a bit like saying “If I use the same blow waver every day then should it be mine if I leave?”</p>



<p class="\&quot;\">So how does it work between these two parties? Owners can outline an understanding, in writing, with each stylist or staff member with their expectations when it comes to customer relations. A written agreement is legally binding but works best in good faith and understanding.</p>



<p>Let’s take a closer look at some key questions around this topic. To get a better understanding, we’ve asked some industry experts to pitch in with their opinions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/timely-whose-client-1400x800.jpg" alt="Whose client is it anyway?" class="wp-image-55239"/></figure>



<h3>Should a stylist ever expect to be able to solicit a client from the salon they just left?</h3>



<p><em>“I don’t condone staff ‘stealing’ clients. This is totally inappropriate and not good business practice and eventually will destroy the reputation of an individual. Usually through industry gossip and word of mouth. Having respect for your salon owner if you are leaving is key to making a transition pleasant and amiable.”</em> – Julie Hyne, <a href="http://www.business4beauty.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Business 4 Beauty</a></p>



<p><em>“It is appropriate for the salon where the stylist moves to, to advertise where the person is now employed but there should not be soliciting beyond that.”</em> – Erica Cumming, CEO HITO New Zealand</p>



<h3>Should a salon advertise for a stylist with an existing customer base?</h3>



<p><em>“I don’t believe that that is appropriate. &nbsp;Each salon has the obligation to build their own business. &nbsp;If for no other reason but the salon owner needs to remember that if they advertised for a new stylist with a client base then that stylist can easily leave with that client base along with others that they might build up.”</em> – Erica Cumming, CEO HITO New Zealand</p>



<h3>If a client asks, should a salon give out the details for a stylist that has moved on?</h3>



<p><em>“I have always felt that honesty is the best policy, I have always passed on stylists whereabouts and have always given them access to their own client lists, I do admit though that this has bitten me.”</em>&nbsp;– Kylie Hayes, Moha, New Zealand</p>



<h2>Behind all of this discussion sits the client, blissfully unaware</h2>



<p>People approach a salon/clinic looking for professional services and leave their contact details to help make coming back easier. But are they aware that while they enjoy their treatment, a potential war will be waged for the contact information? Do they have a say in it?</p>



<p><em>“I have always believed that the client has the right to decide, and always favoured that if they 'belong' to anyone it's the stylist they have formed the relationship with. Now I know&nbsp;business owners will be sighing saying ‘really?!', but on too many occasions&nbsp; when we as business owners try to desperately hold onto that client, the business looks non-cooperative.”</em>&nbsp;– Kylie Hayes, Moha, New Zealand</p>



<p><em>“A good reminder for the business owner is to try to have a relationship with a number of clients, not only the ones that they may do themselves. &nbsp;Take the time to talk to other clients so clients know who owns the salon. &nbsp;Also remember that if a client leaves, then acknowledge should you meet them on the street as they may very well like the chance to come back to your salon but may be embarrassed that they left in the first place. Also, ensure that you have sufficient other staff coming up as new stylists that the clients know so that they know other people within the salon.”</em> – Erica Cumming, CEO HITO New Zealand</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/timely-moha-client-feedback-1400x800-c.jpg" alt="Whose client is it anyway?" class="wp-image-55864"/></figure>



<h3>Here's what the clients have to say</h3>



<p><em>“I will always follow my stylist if I have been with them for a long time, I will stay loyal to them when they decide to move on.” Eden, Wellington</em></p>



<p><em>“I love my stylist, but the salon is close to home and convenient. I’d prefer my stylist to stay at that salon, they know me there, it would be hard to move if she changed salons.”</em></p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-large"><p><em>I don’t belong to anyone, I’ll choose my hair stylist on quality and the in salon experience - I’d hate to think that either party thought they own me..!</em></p></blockquote>



<h2>Our Verdict: the client has the ultimate say</h2>



<p>People won’t chime in through a contract or an agreement, they vote with their feet &amp; their money. For this reason, the client doesn’t belong to the salon or the stylist. They are the consumer. The right to choose where they have their services performed still lies with them.</p>



<h3>Some final thoughts</h3>



<p>At some stage in your business ownership, this is going to be a question for you and your team. &nbsp;In today’s environment where ‘finding people’ has taken on a whole new level of meaning, is this discussion out of date? Businesses are facing a new social way of doing business. Social media is hugely public, so finding these clients is very easy.</p>



<p>Let’s face it, your salon clients are already communicating with your stylist through Facebook, and appointments through Facebook Messenger is an everyday occurrence between stylist and client&nbsp;— like it or not!</p>



<p>Perhaps rather than stressing over protecting our data, it's time to evolve and manage our salon team and business to create a kick-ass space that our clients love. Perhaps this will solve any issues around business retention.</p>



<h3>4 ways to ensure your business is protected</h3>



<h4>1. Be upfront with your expectations</h4>



<p class="\&quot;\">Have an open chat with your new staff members about clients from day one. Not all working relationships last forever so it’s good to have the expectations for all parties laid out. Discuss how you will choose to part ways with each other and your clients and prevent any miscommunication later.</p>



<p>Make a note of any specific expectations in your employment agreement&nbsp;— having it in writing is a good way to prevent any misunderstandings.</p>



<h4>2. Invest in your staff and customer relationships</h4>



<p class="\&quot;\">You are part of the relationship your staff have with your clients. Invest in this relationship by working with your team. Talk to them every day— remember that every visit is an experience for the client and one you should be a part of.</p>



<p class="\&quot;\">Ask yourself, where does that experience happen? Think of your store as a home. A warm, healthy, family home is a comfortable place for guests, which is why hosting a healthy work environment is vital to your business. It helps retain good staff and builds a comfortable place for your clients to visit.</p>



<ul><li>Will you openly tell clients where she has gone and how to find her? Followed by an introduction to another staff member and a friendly message to let them know you value their needs.</li><li>Try a direct marketing strategy to help keep your clients and encourage them back to other team members&nbsp;— a <a href="https://gettimely.com/blog/gift-vouchers-pocket-sized-billboard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gift voucher</a>, perhaps?</li><li>Make personal contact with your clients between visits via email or <a href="https://gettimely.com/features/reminders/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SMS marketing</a>.</li><li>Protect your client data by outlining what access staff have to client details. If you’re using POS and booking software you should have a feature to help you limit and manage access.</li></ul>



<h4>3. Present your staff to your clients</h4>



<p>Add profiles of your staff on your website and Facebook. Your clients are going to find your staff anyway, so why not have a professional persona ready for them. Present them on a professional page along with inspiration that you can support (and quietly encourage quality).Prepare a strategy for your clients. Create a plan for talking with your clients to let them know they are valued. Plan your strategy for when it does happen because it <em>will</em> happen at some stage. How will you ensure your reputation stays strong and is seen to be genuine about best caring for each client?</p>



<p>Having a plan will help you keep your reputation strong. Think about what you will do when a staff member moves on.</p>



<h4>4. Build a culture</h4>



<p>Build a culture around clients belonging to the business and enjoying a relationship with all the team, not just one. This should include apprentices, front of house staff and owners equally. Communication is key! Stay in contact with your clients. Inform and share with them through email, Facebook posts and in-salon communications. Collecting client details then takes on the wider goal of maintaining a relationship with them during and between salon visits.</p>

Whose client is it anyway?

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<p>Imagine looking at your schedule at the beginning of next week and it's fully booked? In this post (read-time: 1:45) I'll give you 3 steps to making this a reality in your salon.</p>



<p>Who would like to look at their appointment schedule at the beginning of next week and be fully booked?</p>



<p>I’m sure that everyone said a big yes without hesitation.</p>



<p>A full appointment schedule won’t happen for you unless, as one of the services that you offer, you plan the next visit and offer the service of re-booking. You must understand that this is a service to your clients.</p>



<p>In this blog I will share with you the steps that I know, from my experience as a business coach, will definitely achieve what you want.</p>



<p>However, there is a challenge...</p>



<p>The challenge is for you to be focused enough to put into practice what I share with you.</p>



<p>I am going to give you the steps to follow and I am also going to give you some revelations.</p>



<h2>Step one</h2>



<p>You absolutely must match the client’s expectations.</p>



<p>You absolutely must show the clients that you care and are interested.</p>



<p>You absolutely must stand out as a professional that can please the client.</p>



<h3>Revelation</h3>



<p>No client will rebook a service with you unless they are 100% happy with everything you have done. You don’t go back to a restaurant that serves you average food and gives you average service, there are too many to choose from. People will only return if they get “their version” of good.</p>



<h2>Step two</h2>



<p>Use all of your professional skills every single time. When a hair client sits in your chair or a beauty client has a treatment you must say to yourself. “I am going to do everything I can do and use all my knowledge and skill to win this client, so they want to come back not just to our salon but to me personally.”</p>



<p>When an existing client returns to you, you must try just as hard every time to please that client. Don’t ever take an existing client for granted. Make every visit a special experience.</p>



<h3>Revelation</h3>



<p>Think about this carefully. This is a fact from a survey conducted by a leading product company.</p>



<p>Only 45 % of first time clients return to the same salon.</p>



<p>Scary you might think but I say what an opportunity to be the one who stands out and does it better. This says there are hairdressers and therapists out there not getting it right enough often enough, for clients to choose to go back to them.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/timely-successful-salon-2-1400x800.jpg" alt="3 steps to having a successful salon" class="wp-image-56034"/></figure>



<h2>Step three</h2>



<p>During the service start to plan the next visit(s).</p>



<h4>An example:</h4>



<p>“If we are going to work to grow those layers down to change the shape it will probably take 4 visits. I will work with your hair to make sure we still keep a great shape while we are getting to your goal.”</p>



<p>Or</p>



<p>“Your daughter’s wedding is in five months, so I suggest that we plan to do this facial once a week for the first month then once a month after that. This will guarantee your skin will look amazing for the wedding. What do you think?”</p>



<h3>Revelation</h3>



<p>Re-booking will build your client base quicker than any marketing campaign. These clients have already come to your salon. They live or work nearby. They have made a decision that they think your salon matches their expectations. Get it right and you will have lots more clients and that will result in you getting closer to that full appointment book.</p>

Why isn't your Salon Fully Booked?

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<p>Successful salon owners make it look so easy. How do they do it? What makes them so successful? Discover six easy steps to become a thriving beauty business owner.</p>



<h3>1. Take care of yourself</h3>



<p>If you don't take care of yourself, you can't expect to take care of anyone else. More than that, as a salon owner, your clients and staff will suffer if you're not performing as best you can. Looking after yourself means getting enough beauty sleep, eating well, and making time away from work to do things you&nbsp;enjoy. When you take care of yourself, everyone&nbsp;benefits.</p>



<h3>2. Keep it together</h3>



<p>Being organised is about being realistic, like making&nbsp;time in a busy&nbsp;calendar for the things that need doing, because beauty salons don't run themselves. Make time for specific tasks and stick to it. Your daily agenda should have time set aside so you can deal with meetings, business planning and other administrative tasks. Working in dedicated time blocks means you're more likely to focus and get things done efficiently.</p>



<h3>3. Invest time in your team</h3>



<p>Any good leader knows that their&nbsp;team is the heart of the business. If your salon staff aren't happy, clients are going to be affected. Good employee management means making time to support the needs of your salon staff and help them get on with their job. Train salon employees so they feel fit and able to do their job successfully. This will have a direct impact on customer satisfaction, creating loyal customers and ultimately building a successful beauty salon. Check out our guide on&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gettimely.com/resources/team-building-salon-larissa-macleman" target="_blank">team building in your salon</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Timely_The-Source_body-image_Invest-time-in-your-team-1024x585.png" alt="Invest time in your team. An image of a happy salon team seated together smiling. " class="wp-image-72978"/></figure>



<h3>4. Automate to save time</h3>



<p>We're in an age where there are so many exciting and useful tools available to us, and a successful beauty salon manager uses this to their advantage.&nbsp;Harness the power of automation and use <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gettimely.com/features/appointment-software" target="_blank">cloud-based software</a> to make your work easier.&nbsp;Tech systems&nbsp;save both time and money by&nbsp;automating many of the things that take up valuable time. Train your salon employees as well, so you can split the workload and make</p>



<h3>5. Inspire your employees</h3>



<p>A stat from <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://forbes.com/sites/larrymyler/2013/09/02/why-are-70-of-employees-disengaged-and-what-can-you-do-about-it" target="_blank">Forbes magazine</a> suggests that 70% of employees are not engaged at work. What kind of knock-on effect do you think this has on clients? Investing time, money and energy into your employees will help keep them engaged and inspired. This might be through investing in their training and professional development, listening to their suggestions and ideas and implementing some of them.</p>



<h3>6. Invest in your business</h3>



<p>Running a successful salon business means investing in tomorrow, rather than spending everything you have today. Investing means protecting the future of the business, your team, your clients and yourself.</p>



<p>In the early days of having my business I thought profit was what I got to take home and spend on cool stuff. To my shock and horror, I later realised that my profit was also the stuff I had to put back into my salon business to grow. I had to use it to buy new things for the business and invest in the future of my business. If I took it all, there would be no tomorrow.</p>



<h3>7. Maintain salon management skills</h3>



<p>The beauty and wellness industry is ever-evolving. In order to ensure their business is thriving, salon owners have got to proactive when it comes to keeping their skills up to date. Good salon skills directly impacts the quality of salon services offered, the satisfaction of salon clients, and the sustainability of your salon.</p>



<p>Staying on top of the latest trends and techniques can give your beauty salon an edge and attract both new and existing clients. It's not just about running a hair salon or a general beauty salon, but about creating an environment where clients feel valued and employees are motivated.</p>



<p>Effective salon management also means understanding the finances, managing overhead costs, and leveraging social media platforms for better client engagement.</p>



<p>By refining your skills and providing effective training to employees, salon managers can turn new clients into loyal clients, deliver high-quality services, and retain excellent salon staff.</p>

How to make a salon successful in 2024

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<p>You’ve seen posts on your Facebook timeline that say ‘Sponsored’ on them. So what are they, and why do they keep popping up on your news feed?</p>



<p>Facebook ads are shown as 'Sponsored posts'. They're advertisements that have been paid for by the page owner. If you've ever wondered why Facebook is free, Facebook ads are how the company makes money. They link with Instagram as well (owned by Facebook), so that’s why you may see the same ad on both platforms. They’re a great way for your business to expand reach and get your posts out to a wider market if you’re trying to grow your client base.</p>



<p>They work particularly well for businesses with beautiful imagery, like <a href="https://gettimely.com/hair-salon-software/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">salons</a> and <a href="https://gettimely.com/spa-software/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spas</a>.</p>



<p>It’s easy to follow the Facebook notifications that encourage you to whip out your credit card and put your hard earned cash behind an ad, without really knowing what it’s going to do. So let’s not do that.</p>



<p>The best way to get Facebook advertising right is to follow a simple three step formula.</p>



<ol><li>Grow awareness</li><li>Increase engagement</li><li>Call to action</li></ol>



<h2>Generate Awareness</h2>



<p>Firstly, you want generate awareness of your salon and brand. This means using Facebook ads to get your brand in front of people who may not have ever heard of you before. To do this you want to target a wider audience than those who already like your page. You can select ‘Friends and friends of followers’ which will target an audience that is similar to the people who already follow you.</p>



<p>Try targeting your local area, within 10-30 kms of your salon. Then segment further to only show women aged 20-45, for example. You can even select people who have an ‘Interest’ in something, like ‘hair’, ‘tanning’ or 'mindfulness'.</p>



<h3>Video content</h3>



<p>A video is the best sort of content grow your brand awareness. Facebook gets over <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/11/07/facebook-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">8 billion views on average, every day</a>. Videos help tell the story of who you are and show what sort of services you provide. It also sets you up to be able to retarget these people later. This the top of the <a href="https://blog.kissmetrics.com/how-marketing-funnels-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">marketing funnel</a>. Find a local videographer to come in and capture the essence of your salon or spa.</p>



<p><a href="https://gettimely.com/blog/3-easy-ways-smash-facebook/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read this blog for tips on making an effective video.</a></p>



<h2>Increase Engagement</h2>



<p>Now we’ve drawn a bit of a crowd on Facebook. Like any good entertainer, we want to engage them and capture their attention. The best way to do this is to ‘<a href="https://www.abetterlemonadestand.com/facebook-retargeting-ads/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">retarget</a>’ those people who watched your video above. If you don't have access to this feature you’ll need to set-up a free business account at <a href="https://business.facebook.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">business.facebook.com</a> to unlock it.</p>



<p>Here’s the steps to set up an audience for Facebook retargeting.</p>



<ol><li>Click menu</li><li>Assets</li><li>Audiences</li><li>Create Audience</li><li>Custom Audience</li><li>Engagement</li><li>Video</li><li>People who have watched at 50% of your video</li><li>‘Choose Videos’ and select the video audience you wish to retarget.</li><li>Name and save.</li></ol>



<p>So now the audience is good to go, you can begin setting up an advertising campaign. Head back to ‘Ads Manager’ and select ‘+Create’. You'll be walked through the necessary steps to getting your Facebook Ads campaign off the ground. Just remember to select the retargeted audience that you created above when it comes to that section.</p>



<p>Some examples of engaging content could be photos of your favourite styles, influencers who came to visit, interior shots of your space, a story about a staff member or even just a story about your business.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/timely-facebook-ads-1400x800.jpg" alt="Facebook ads are great to push call to actions" class="wp-image-56412"/></figure>



<h2>Call to Action</h2>



<p>Now that we’ve done all the heavy lifting at the front end, it’s time to convert this hard work into something tangible, like a booking, purchase or a visit to your space. You want to create a Facebook Ad in the same way as you did above, but include a link to your website and tell them exactly what you want them to do.</p>



<ul><li>“Make a booking before the long weekend”</li><li>“Try our hair and make-up special”</li><li>“Come see us in store for a free brow assessment”</li></ul>



<p>Without this step, you never really know if your social media and advertising is really working or increasing sales. So it’s vital to gauge whether Facebook advertising is beneficial for your business and if it does increase bookings and sales.</p>



<h3>How much should I be spending?</h3>



<p>Spend whatever amount you have budget for. Facebook advertising is very lenient on budget, so it’s really up to you. You will achieve more results with more budget, but it’s better to start small and test the waters before you put substantial budget behind ads. Keep your ads running for as long as possible as Facebook improves it’s targeting for you, so you will begin to achieve better results for less, without even doing anything.</p>



<p>Facebook Ads can be a bit tricky if it’s your first time, so please leave a comment with any questions you have and we’ll do our best to answer them all.</p>

Facebook Ads for your Salon and Spa

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<p>A growing salon needs to make a decision around staff. Should you rent a chair out to contractors, or employ stylists to become a part of your business?</p>



<p>If you're the owner of a growing salon or spa, you’ve likely faced (or are about to face) this decision. Should you rent a chair to freelance stylists, or hire your own stylists as employees? Naturally, both paths have their pros and cons. Take time to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each to ensure that you make the right choice for your business.</p>



<h2>Positives of chair rental</h2>



<h3>Salons can save money</h3>



<p>When you rent your booth to an independent stylist, they’re paying a fixed fee for your space. This means that you’re both making money off the deal and saving time because you don’t have to worry about marketing to find clients for that particular chair.</p>



<p>On top of that, the renter is their own independent freelancer. You aren’t responsible for dealing with sick days, maternity leave, paid time off, insurance, etc. which could save you a lot of money in the long run.</p>



<h3>Employment law</h3>



<p>Freelancers often aren’t protected by employment laws. This means they aren't entitled to minimum wage, holidays, or other employment rights. This can save you from a lot of headaches in the long run.</p>



<p>It's important that you research the employment laws in your area. If you are considering renting your salon chairs, you'll need a good understanding of what contractors are entitled to.</p>



<h3>Freelancers bring clients</h3>



<p>Just because their clients are coming in for them, doesn’t mean they can't be your clients as well. There's nothing stopping you from marketing separate products and services to your freelancer's clients. They're already in your salon, you'd be silly not to take advantage of that.</p>



<p>Obviously you don't want to be off-putting, to either the clients or your freelancers. Approach the opportunity with a bit of subtlety. Making sure your products and treatments are well displayed around the salon space is a good start.</p>



<h2>Negatives of chair rental</h2>



<h3>Freelancers work on their own terms</h3>



<p>Although this isn’t always a bad thing, you can bet there have been many instances where:</p>



<ul><li>The freelancer decided to not show up, despite having a booking.</li><li>The freelancer chose to leave much earlier than they perhaps should.</li><li>The freelancer tried to steal your other clients for themselves.</li><li>The freelancer tried to persuade another stylist to come work for them.</li></ul>



<p>You have to be very careful selecting freelancers to rent a chair to. Remember, a freelancer is running <em>their own business.&nbsp;</em>All of the above can do serious damage to your business, and your brand. Clients don't always understand, or care, that the freelancer isn't an employee. They'll refuse to come back regardless.</p>



<h3>Impact on your brand</h3>



<p>A freelancer is free to work as they see fit. They can dress however they want, carry themselves however they’d want, and say what they want to clients. Freelancers aren't always going to comply with the image you want your salon to portray. You can <em>ask&nbsp;</em>them to work in accordance to certain 'salon rules', but freelancers are generally freelancing because they don't like working by other people's rules in the first place.</p>



<p>If you have a strict set of standards that you’d like all of your stylists to adhere to, hiring your own employees will give you a lot more control.</p>



<h3>Impact on your team</h3>



<p>Your crew of stylists feed off each other's energy. If there is even one 'bad apple', they can ruin the atmosphere of the entire salon. This is why you have to be extra careful about who you rent your chair to. If a freelancer has a bad attitude and gives off a lot of negative energy, then they can cause a lot of problems when trying to build your team.</p>



<p>Freelancers are only responsible for themselves, and they're often strong willed (hence why they work for themselves). If you're considering adding another freelancer to the salon, or incorporating a freelancer into an existing team of employees, you have to be certain they'll be a good fit. Consider a trial period for any newbies so that you can be sure.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/timely-rent-a-chair-1400x800.jpg" alt="Rent a chair pros and cons" class="wp-image-56187"/></figure>



<h2>Positives of hiring employees</h2>



<h3>Stable brand reputation</h3>



<p>When you hire your own stylists, you have the freedom to manage your brand’s reputation. You can have employees dress a certain way, or even give them uniforms. This gives your brand more consistency and allows you to make your clients feel a certain way when dealing with employees. It can also provide a more professional nature to your business. Sure you can try this with freelancers, but you'll never have as much control as if they were actual employees.</p>



<h3>Train them as you please</h3>



<p>If your stylists were all employed by you, you can be assured that they were all trained in your own unique way. You don’t have to worry about someone working in your salon on an ad-hoc basis, doing things completely differently. Your regular clients have certain expectations when they come to visit, and a freelancer can sometimes shake this up.</p>



<h3>Employees are invested</h3>



<p>Employees have a vested interest in seeing the business succeed. Their job depends on it! Freelancers often jump around from salon to salon, and are less likely to go the extra mile for&nbsp;<strong>you</strong>, the owner. A permanent employee is more likely to increase revenue by upselling, go out of their way to make clients feel comfortable, and make the salon a better place in general.</p>



<p>When you own the salon and employ all the staff, the profits are yours. If you hire and train well, you'll have clients coming in to see specific members of your team. This can translate into huge profits for your business. If they were freelancers they'd keep all the profits, but as employees the profits go to the business.</p>



<h2>Negatives of hiring employees</h2>



<h3>More costly</h3>



<p>When you employ your own stylists, you become subject to employment law. In most countries this means you are responsible for managing annual leave, sick days, maternity leave, insurance, etc. When this is multiplied by 2-10 staff, it's going to cost you a lot of time and money. Hiring permanent employees is literally an investment in your business.</p>



<p>We mentioned you have to be careful hiring freelancers. It's just as important, if not more so, to be careful when hiring permanent employees.</p>



<h3>Marketing responsibility</h3>



<p>When you rent a chair, the freelancer pays for the space, and they have to fill it. If they don't bring in clients, you still get pai. If you own a salon and employ all the stylists however, then you’re the one responsible for marketing. You need to be constantly bringing in clients to fill up seats, otherwise your employees are costing you more than you make.</p>



<p>If you need help with marketing, read our guide on '<a href="https://gettimely.com/resources/marketing-strategies-salons-spas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marketing Strategies for Salons &amp; Spas</a>'.</p>



<h3>Risk factor</h3>



<p>The flipside of investing in employees, is that if you're not careful they can be a bad investment. If a freelancer slacks off, they're the only ones losing out. You still collect the chair rent. If an employee slacks off however, you as the salon owner are footing the bill. Again, this comes down to the all-important hiring process.</p>



<p>Ensuring employee wellness and motivation is a great way to mitigate the risk. Read our guide on '<a href="https://gettimely.com/resources/wellness-in-the-salon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wellness in the Salon</a>' for some great tips.</p>



<h2>So, rent a chair or hire employees?</h2>



<p><strong>If you decide to rent a chair to freelancers</strong>, it's important to write up a service contract for them to sign. This will give you a little bit more control, and draw a line in the sand that you are both clear on.</p>



<p><strong>If you decide to hire employees</strong>, make sure you put time and effort into them. They're an investment in your business and could make or break your success in the industry.</p>



<p>At the end of the day, it’s up to you to weigh the pros &amp; cons. Hopefully this article has helped you decide which is the best move for your salon.</p>

Rent a Chair or Hire Employees for Your Salon?

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<p>Don’t let the relaxed vibe and casual nature fool you, running a salon is serious business. Bringing in clients is a big part of that business, and what better way to market your services than by running hair salon promotions?</p>



<p>Hair salon owners are always busy. If they aren't occupied with cutting hair themselves, they're busy making sure staff are doing the job properly. There's also online reviews that need replies, and social media that needs to be kept updated. On top of that, there's a myriad of other business management tasks that need attention. It's hard to find time to think of new hair salon promotions to run at the same time.</p>



<p>That's why we've done the work for you. Read on to discover 5 hair salon promotions that are sure to keep your calendar full.</p>



<h2>1. Bring a friend</h2>



<p>The 'bring a friend' deal is one of the most classic hair salon promotions and has been used to fill up salons for some time now. It’s a win-win for everyone involved because the salon is gaining an extra customer from the deal while the client that brought in the friend can receive a discount or other reward.</p>



<p>The trick with these sorts of deals is to make sure your offer is sustainable. You don't want half your work for the day to be done at no charge. It's important to find a balance between attractiveness of the deal, and value to your salon.</p>



<p>If you're not sure what you should be charging for services, read our blog on <a href="https://gettimely.com/blog/the-essential-four-steps-to-getting-your-salon-prices-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">salon prices and getting them right</a>.</p>



<p>To ensure your customers are aware of your hair salon promotions, use <a href="https://gettimely.com/features/messages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bulk SMS or email</a>&nbsp;to send out messages, keeping them in the loop. Social media can be used to reach those you don't already have contact details for.</p>



<h2>2. Back to school</h2>



<p>No matter where you’re located, chances are that there are plenty of families nearby that would love the opportunity to receive a haircut for their child that’s going back to school.</p>



<p>Parents often have to worry about new clothes, school supplies, etc. so offering something to entice them to bring in their kids is a good idea. Again, if you decide to offer a discount, make sure it's not going to impact your bottom line negatively.</p>



<p>The upside to offering special cuts for kids, is that the mother or father will often choose to also get her hair done at the same time. Parents love an opportunity to save time and energy!</p>



<p>The 'back to school' discount can also apply to those attending university. Market the offer in such a way that students are encouraged to get their hair done before classes start up again for the new semester.</p>



<h2>3. Reviews for discounts</h2>



<p>People often make the mistake of forgetting about their existing customers when they research hair salon promotions. In reality, selling to your existing customers is one of the cheapest ways of making a sale!</p>



<p>Try offering an incentive like $10 off their next visit if they leave a review for your salon. This keeps clients engaged with your hair salon and more likely to return, or refer their friends. These could be Google reviews, Yelp, or social media. Check what review sites are most trusted in your area, and encourage customers to post there.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://gettimely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/timely-hair-salon-promotion-1-1400x800-c.jpg" alt="tags for hair salon promotions" class="wp-image-55868"/></figure>



<h2>4. Comarketing with other businesses</h2>



<p>The thought of working with another business may seem crazy to you. Of course, you're busy focussing on your own business as a busy entrepreneur. The truth is, your clients are visiting plenty of places aside from your salon and it pays to understand where your customers are spending their time.</p>



<p>Try setting up your hair salon promotions with nearby nail salons, makeup artists, spas, hotels, wedding planners, jewelry shops, etc. to entice their customers to give you a visit.&nbsp;Other businesses near your salon for example, might be keen to refer your services if their guests ask about a good hair salon nearby. The other business does it’s job by helping their customers find what they need, and you can benefit from a new client. Successful co-marketing campaigns generate “win-win-win” situations that offer value not only to the partnering businesses, but also to your clients.</p>



<p>As an added bonus, it’s always nice to be able to connect and build relationships with other entrepreneurs in your area. You might even get some treats for yourself at the same time!</p>



<h2>5. Loyalty reward system</h2>



<p>Getting new customers to come to your salon for the first time is only half the battle. You’re also going to have to work to get them to come back and become a regular.</p>



<p>This is where the loyalty reward system comes into play, each time they visit they get points and that brings them one step closer to receiving a reward. Ultimately it’s up to you to figure out how many visits it’ll take before they start to get incentives and rewards for their loyalty.</p>



<p>These incentives and rewards could be anything from $20 off a service, to 20% off their next visit. Just ensure that your rewards are not only good for the client, but for your salon as well. Also make sure to put extra effort into making sure that your cards are nicely designed! You don't want people throwing them in the bin as soon as they head out the door.</p>



<h2>6. Birthday discounts</h2>



<p>Sending a client an email or SMS for a coupon regarding their birthday is sure to put a smile on their faces as well as strengthening their relationship with your salon!</p>



<p>Timely has 'customer birthday reports' designed to give you a full list of clients having birthdays in a given month. Use it to schedule a birthday email for these clients with your special hair salon promotions!</p>



<p>Now that you’re aware of what goes in to successful hair salon promotions, it might pay to go over the strategies with your team to get a sense of what they think of each. Not all hair salon promotions will suit your business, or your clients. A luxury salon probably doesn't want to market 'cheap' discounts, as it won't fit their sophisticated image. Find out what hair salon promotions work best for you.</p>



<p>The most important part of running hair salon promotions however, is finding out exactly how effective these strategies were for your business. Make sure to look at your <a href="https://gettimely.com/features/reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">business reports</a> to provide an in-depth analysis of how much money you’ve made using each promotion.</p>

Hair Salon Promotions: 6 Ideas for your Business

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<p>The desire to be sustainable has evolved. Today, society is wanting to <a href="/the-source/salon-sustainability/">make greener choices</a>, and the majority now understand that sustainability is more than a trend —&nbsp;it’s a responsibility. We sat down with the Director and Founder of Sustainable Salons, Paul Frasca, to find out why running businesses sustainably is a no-brainer! </p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>These days, people want to know how they can take sustainability to the next level —&nbsp;that includes your customers!</p></blockquote>



<p>Businesses like <a href="http://www.sustainablesalons.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Salons Australia</a>&nbsp;are looking at ways they can meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to live healthily and happily. That’s what being sustainable is all about.</p>



<p>True sustainability gives back as much as it takes. The beauty industry is a long way from that, but there are so many ways that our industry can create <a href="/salon-sustainability/making-steps-toward-an-eco-friendly-salon/">new eco-friendly habits</a> to limit the threat we’re placing on the environment.</p>



<p>Sustainability is about making intelligent choices, and these often come&nbsp;down to the initiative of the business owner. Sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of doing things.</p>



<p>Being sustainable only works if we make small steps and changes every day.</p>



<h2>Paul Frasca's tips for running your business sustainably</h2>



<h3>1. Do your research</h3>



<p>Not all recycling businesses take all of your waste, so it’s vital you do your research.</p>



<p>Make sure you know exactly what your recycling company can take, and where the rubbish ends up! &nbsp;Recycling is a given but you just have to ask what’s happening in your local area and ensure that your recycling company best serves your business.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ssa-bins.jpg" alt="Sustainable salons australia" class="wp-image-52908"/></figure>



<h3>2. Get busy in the garden</h3>



<p>In-salon composting is a great way to deal with your food scraps and waste. Many sustainably-run salons have worm farms in the backyard, and clients know that anything consumed in the salon will end up being disposed of correctly and sustainably. Remember, clients too are looking to make better choices, so make sure you can offer these greener alternatives.</p>



<h3>3. Switch to LED</h3>



<p>LED lighting is given. If you haven't switched to LED lighting, then you’re probably paying an extra 20-30% on your electricity bill.</p>



<h3>4. Hunt of recycled furniture</h3>



<p>Recycled furniture always has a story and stories are vital in the salon environment. People like things with history and history gives you a great conversation starter, especially with new clients.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-large"><p>If you were walking into purchase a product and you saw an antiquated product and then saw something from today that was organic and had biodegradable packaging — which would you choose?</p></blockquote>



<h3>5. Shift toward products that are more eco-friendly</h3>



<p>Society wants to make choices for a better planet, so make sure your salon is in the best position to serve.</p>



<p>It’s up to the salon owners to place pressure on hair-care suppliers to offer eco-friendly products. The more demand they place upon them, the more likely they will be to deliver.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/paul-frasca.jpg" alt="Sustainability in the Salon: People, Planet, Profit" class="wp-image-54958"/></figure>



<h2>People, planet, and profit</h2>



<p>Being a part of programs like Sustainable Salons is rewarding. Not only can you do your part environmentally, but you can give back to society.</p>



<p>Sustainable salons is a comprehensive resource recovery service that is run specifically for the salon environment. All profit from the waste that they collect, and then resell, goes back to into local communities and charitable programs.</p>



<h3>Hair</h3>



<p>Hair clippings are collected and used to make hair booms that help clean up oil spills. Each one-metre hair boom can soak up to 4 litres of oil and, unlike other oil spill solutions, are made naturally and from organic, recyclable material!</p>



<p>Ponytails of a certain length are donated to wig makers so that they can create wigs for people with alopecia or for those who are going through chemotherapy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sustainable-salons-dep.jpg" alt="Sustainability in the Salon: People, Planet, Profit" class="wp-image-54879"/></figure>



<h3>Salon waste</h3>



<p>Sustainable Salons sell off all the commodity waste. This includes aluminium, colour tubes, canisters, paper, razors, and tools. Once sold, all the proceeds go to <a href="http://www.ozharvest.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oz Harvest</a>. For every dollar they raise, they can provide two meals for someone in need.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“Sustainable salons Australia was born to solve a problem.”</p></blockquote>



<p>One of the biggest misconceptions is that going green will cost you the Earth. When in fact, these practices are likely to save you money.</p>



<p>Many eco-friendly steps simply involve being mindful: turning off a light or unplugging appliances that aren’t in use. These habits are free and will also save you money in the long run.</p>



<p>In the past, <a href="/salon-sustainability/is-your-salon-helping-or-harming-the-environment/">eco-friendly products </a>have been more expensive but with the demand for more environmentally friendly products growing, prices are becoming more competitive.</p>



<p>It’s a simple equation —&nbsp;supply and demand.</p>



<p>Let’s switch to eco-friendly and sustainable practices in our salons. It’s a no-brainer!</p>

Sustainability in the Salon: People, Planet, Profit

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