Hi-Tech Ways to Boost Your Business: 10 ways to log-in, turn-on, text & connect!

by Naomi Mannino

You don't have to be a big salon chain or a super-stylist to reach your clients regularly right in their hip pocket.
Plus, most of these suggestions are even free!

Know ANYONE who walks around without a cell phone these days? ANYONE who doesn't read email or a business that DOESN'T use a computer? In fact, every big salon and most smaller ones alike may have a website, but are you using current technology to its fullest? CTIA, The Wireless Association, reports that wireless data service revenues for the first half of 2007 increased 63% over the first half of 2006. In addition, customers now go online to search for and research beauty products and services, then discuss them online on blogs and social networks. They are not just looking for coupons, they are buying online, too reports eMarketer. Plus, you'll need to use these techniques to reach an ever-changing demographic of new customers as well: Teenagers and young adults in their twenties, now called "Millenials," as a generation of truly "wired" individuals with discretionary income to spend, reports iMedia Connection, an online marketing newsletter.

1. Text them. Is it time for an appointment? Haven't heard from them in a while? Offering a new service? Text them…if they've given their permission and cell number, they'll love it and probably reply right that minute to make an appointment.

2. Send a picture message. Got an idea for a great new style for them or a new technique you've learned? A picture is worth a thousand words!

3. Create an email newsletter. Provide updates about your salon…new services, promotions, your stylists, new ideas and always keep things interesting.

4. Send an email appointment reminder. Nothing could be simpler than emailing them an appointment reminder. Plus, it's so convenient for clients to simply reply!

5. Surprise regulars with an email 'free upgrade.' Give them another reason to stop by for a regular service sooner rather than later… right in their inbox.

6. Embrace social networking online. Register for a MySpace and a FaceBook page for yourself and your salon and get lots of "friends" — update your pages regularly to keep clients and new clients checking back often.

7. Create a full service website. Update it often and use email to notify clients. Offer online gift certificates, coupons for upgrades, online appointments and anything else to make your site interactive, appealing and easy-to-use. Add new pictures, new trends, new text, new services, monthly specials, even a blog to keep people checking back often.

8. Write a blog. Link it to your website and your Facebook and MySpace pages. Write about news in the beauty biz, products you love, pet peeves, your philosophies about hair styling, trends, styling tips, celebrity style — anything that moves you to encourage comments from readers and invite them to interact. Check out www.wordpress.com and www.blogger.com for free blogging platforms you can download that are self-service and easy to use.

9. Visit and learn from other blogs and websites. Look for master stylists' blogs like Louis Licari's 'Hair and There' blog at www.louislicari.ivillage.com/beauty. Check out salon marketing ideas and suggestions available for free and updated regularly like those at www.spacollege.org, www.spaclientele.com, www.imediaconnection.com, and www.emarketer.com. Join a professional stylist's forum to exchange ideas and advice like the one at www.behindthechair.com.

THESE WIRELESS DEVICES AND ONLINE TECHNIQUES ARE CONVENIENT FOR CONSUMERS TO USE BUT THEY ARE ALSO AN INEXPENSIVE, EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WAY TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS FAST!

10. Budget for online salon marketing programs. If you need help to create a website, a marketing campaign, a blog or email newsletters, and other support, check out services and software from www.spaboom.com, www.salontouch.com, and www.spaclientele.com. Take advantage of reading and learning from these great blogs that offer free do-it-yourself marketing suggestions, too.

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