Imagine losing a $300 color appointment because your client couldn’t book when it finally occurred to them at 11 PM on a Tuesday. In 2024, that’s unacceptable, but it’s happening daily to salons with outdated booking systems.
As a salon business expert who’s seen it all, I can tell you that an inconvenient booking process is one of the biggest roadblocks to growing your salon business.
Today, we’ll dive into why online booking isn’t a luxury anymore – it’s absolutely necessary for your salon’s success.
Check out the short:
…and hit play to watch the full video of episode 18 of our Marketing 100 series.
Ok, now let’s get into the details:
The Crucial Role of Online Booking in Modern Salons
Here’s a truth that might be hard to swallow: If you’re not offering online booking, you’re doing it wrong. It’s not just about keeping up with trends – it’s about meeting your clients where they are.
Your clients have 24/7 access to their smartphones, but they are 10x more likely to book from your website than to call you.
99% of millennials and 97% of Gen Xers will happily use self-service scheduling if you offer it (Source).
Think about it:
- Clients want to book the moment they think about it
- Many prefer avoiding phone calls altogether
- Quick, digital transactions are the norm, not the exception
Common Fears About Online Booking (And Why They’re Outdated)
I get it – if you’re not using online booking, you’re probably worried about:
- Clients booking the wrong services
- Time slots getting messed up
- Appointments being made with the wrong stylist
Trust me, these concerns are valid. Salon software has historically been pretty bad at preventing booking mistakes. We need to make booking easy not just for your clients, but for you too. And now we can.
The Mangomint Difference: Booking That Works for You AND Your Clients
Among the countless software options, we’ve found that Mangomint stands out for several key reasons:
1. Seamless Integration
Unlike marketplace platforms that redirect clients to third-party middlemen sites, Mangomint integrates directly with your website. This means:
- Online booking feels like part of your brand
- Clients stay on your website throughout the booking process
- No loss of control to marketplace middlemen
2. Unparalleled Control
Mangomint gives you the power to:
- Limit what services clients can book
- Choose which stylists are available online and when
- Specify booking windows and restrictions
- Get instant notifications for new bookings
↓ Pin it for Later ↓
Optimizing your Salon’s Online Booking for Success
1. Educate Your Clients
Remember that client who always books a “color” when they really get a partial highlight? Client education is on YOU as a stylist. Make sure they know exactly what service they’re coming in for every 6 weeks. When clients know their services, they make fewer booking mistakes!
2. Streamline the Booking Process
Your booking system should be:
- Lightning fast – as few steps as possible from thought to booked
- Device-friendly – works perfectly on phones, tablets, and computers
- No-account-needed – the #1 booking killer is mandatory account creation
- Credit card ready – allows autofill (Apple) and autocomplete (Google)
3. Keep Online Booking Secure But Simple
Want to protect your time without scaring clients away? Here’s the sweet spot:
- Require credit cards for new clients
- Use trusted payment platforms for credibility
- Make the process feel safe and professional
The Hidden Drawbacks of Salon Marketplace Booking Platforms
Many affordable booking platforms offer a marketplace approach, but this comes with drawbacks:
- They direct clients away from your website
- They aim to make clients their customers, not yours
- They reduce your control over the booking process
In contrast, Mangomint is designed for your business, not as a marketplace. It keeps you in control while offering the modern booking experience clients expect.
Online Booking: Attracting New Clients While Retaining Regulars
Let’s break it down:
Existing Clients
They might jump through hoops to book with you because they know you’re worth it. But why make them? Focus on building client loyalty in your salon instead of testing their patience.
Potential New Clients
They have zero patience for booking friction:
- They won’t create an account
- They won’t hunt for booking instructions
- They won’t pick up the phone
- They’ll book with your competitor who makes it easy
Successful salon automation strategies can help you capture these clients effortlessly.
Salon Online Booking and Salon Time Management
Time is your most valuable asset in the salon. Here’s how modern booking protects it:
- Prevents double-booking
- Ensures correct service durations
- Allows you to control your schedule while you sleep
- Frees up your front desk for more valuable tasks
Plus, effective salon rebooking techniques can help you maximize your schedule and revenue.
Ready to Upgrade Your Salon’s Booking System?
Try out these techniques with our preferred salon software Mangomint’s 30-day free trial. Your future clients (and your schedule) will thank you.
Are you ready to level up your salon’s marketing? Stay tuned for 82 more game-changing tips in Marketing 100, our Marketing Strategies series.
