How to get the most out of every day with salon scheduling software

Running a salon means juggling a long list of admin tasks, all while trying to stay in control of your schedule and get as much as possible out of every day. But all that costs precious time that could be spent on your real goal: growing your business. 

That’s where your salon scheduling software comes in. Built for simplicity and convenience, your scheduling software is the key to making every day more rewarding. We spotlight five ways you can use your salon scheduling software to get maximum value out of every day, with minimum effort. 

Manage your schedule anytime, anywhere

You’re a salon owner, which means you’re extremely busy. If you have your scheduling software ready on every device you own, you’ll never have to wonder what your day looks like. Take total control of your schedule whether you’re at home, at work, or on the move:

• Check your schedule on your phone, and prepare for your day on the way to the salon.
   
• Manage your salon’s day-to-day operations from your desktop computer. Bookmark your online booking platform on your browser for instant access.
   
• Collaborate with your staff or show clients your availability from your tablet.

Once you’ve got a clear view of your schedule, manage appointments and make changes straight from your calendar. Keep track of whether clients have received their treatments or paid for their service. And when you book clients in, quickly check which staff or resources are available to avoid scheduling clashes. 

Get strategic with your salon scheduling tools

Add blocked time to your services to keep space free before or after appointments, and give you and your staff time to get ready for the next client. It’s especially useful for services that need to be prepared for, like hair colouring, or when you need to clean your space following treatments like waxing.

Set processing time for any services that need it, like a face mask that needs time to work. That way you can serve other clients in the meantime – which means they enjoy a better client experience, and you get to keep your appointments flowing. 

Lastly, make sure your online booking optimisation is switched on to prevent awkward, unbookable calendar gaps – and awkward conversations with clients where you have to ask them to reschedule.

Set your team up for success

Having a successful business means having a well-equipped team. Use your online booking platform to give your team the structure they need to run like clockwork. 

Set your team’s working hours as far in advance as possible, so your staff know exactly when they’re working and clients know exactly when they can book. Use repeating shift patterns to keep staff schedules consistent, set breaks that don’t clash, and add staff holidays to your calendar ahead of time so you can plan for absences. 

Also, consider giving your team permission to handle some of your day-to-day admin, like rescheduling appointments or setting breaks. That will help free up your time to focus on the big picture.

Use appointment notifications to save time and delight clients

The client experience begins long before clients reach your salon. Switch on your booking platform’s automatic notifications to enhance each clients’ experience from the moment they book to the follow-up after their treatment, all while streamlining your own workflow and saving time.

Use your salon scheduling software to send notifications that:

• Confirm when appointments are made and get clients excited for their treatment.
   
• Remind clients about appointments and reduce no-shows.
   
• Thank clients right after appointments to show your appreciation, and prompt them to leave a review and tip. 

All without having to lift a finger yourself. The more notifications you automate, the more clients you’ll be able to serve, and the better service you’ll be able to provide. 

Discover valuable insights in your reports

Every appointment in your online booking calendar feeds into your booking platform’s reports, putting valuable data right at your fingertips. Check your reports regularly to see exactly how your business is doing, and fine-tune your strategy for growing your salon. 

Start by reviewing your sales reports to find your best-selling services, so you can cater to clients and run promotions that get you booked. Plus, view your staff’s performance so you can reward top performers and see who needs help filling their calendar. 

Not to mention, you can use your reports to make your daily cash-ups and monthly accounting a breeze. (Why lose hours filling out spreadsheets when you can have your sales tracked for you?)

Make sure to use your booking platform’s checkout feature to accurately log your appointments and sales, giving you a clear picture of your business’s performance. 

Master your day with the right salon scheduling software

Pick the right salon scheduling software and stay on top of your day, every day. You’ll empower your team, serve even more clients, and free up valuable time to focus on growing your business. Fresha makes it easy for you to create more availability and get more done each day – get started for free.