The Importance of Online Bookings for Hair and Beauty Appointments

In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, the convenience of online booking has become a game-changer for the hair and beauty industry. Clients increasingly prefer the flexibility and ease of scheduling their appointments online through an online salon booking system, making it essential for salons to offer this service.  

  

Convenience and Accessibility 

Online booking allows clients to schedule their appointments at any time, day or night, without needing to call during business hours. Did you know 42% of online bookings are booked when your salon is closed? Times this by your average bill and you could be missing out on thousands of pounds in missed revenue.  

  

This convenience is particularly appealing to busy individuals who may not have the time or opportunity to make phone calls during the day. The ability to book online gives clients the freedom to choose appointment times that best fit their schedules, increasing their satisfaction and likelihood of returning. 

  

Real-Time Availability 

With online booking systems, clients can see real-time availability, allowing them to select the exact service and time slot they prefer. This transparency reduces the likelihood of double bookings or scheduling errors, ensuring a smoother experience for both clients and salon staff. It also empowers clients to make informed decisions quickly, which can lead to increased appointment bookings. 

  

Increased Efficiency for Salons 

For salons, online booking reduces the administrative burden on your team, freeing them up to focus on providing exceptional service rather than managing phone calls and emails. It also helps in filling last-minute cancellations by making open slots immediately available to clients. 

  

Meeting Client Expectations 

In an era where nearly every service can be booked online, offering this option is no longer just a luxury—it’s an expectation. Clients appreciate businesses that provide modern, user-friendly solutions, and salons that offer online salon bookings are more likely to attract tech-savvy customers and retain their loyalty. 

 

Interested to discover how SalonIQ can help you enhance your salon? Connect with us

 

Top 5 Areas to Promote Online 

  

1. Salon Opening Hours 

  

Sharing your opening hours for your salon online is great for any clients who want to book in advance. On average clients are booking no more than 7 days ahead online.  

2. Booking Portal

With so many of us glued to our phones each day, having an easy-to-use booking portal for your clients to access and book their appointments quickly and smoothly is crucial.  

  

• Set your favourites, and make it easy for your clients to find your most popular services. Your salon appointment system will be able to do this for you.  

  

• Naming your services, we’ve seen many creative titles of colours and cuts, however the more creative they are, the more difficult it becomes for your clients to know what to book for. Keep it simple and easy to understand. 

• Offer upgrades, this is a great way to increase your average bill without any effort from your team. Once your client has selected their services, your salon appointment system can easily offer a service upgrade if available. SalonIQ does just this and many salons have seen an increase in upgrades being added when booking online.  

• Secure your online bookings – Deposits are not rare when making an appointment online, over 60% of salons using SalonIQ all request a deposit at the time of booking to avoid cancellations and no-shows.  

  

3. Gift Cards 

  

Gift card sales are on the rise, they are a perfect way to treat friends and family. Buying them online comes with many benefits too. 

• The convenience of buying a gift card online from your own home or work is perfect if you have left it last minute or are short on time.  

• Personalisation is also available for online gift cards, adding messages and custom designs works a treat. 

• Flexible usage with only gift cards allows the gift cards to be used in many ways, from services to retail and often can be used in conjunction with other promotions.  

• Online gift cards are trackable and secure for you the salon owner and your clients. 

  

4. Subscriptions / Memberships 

  

Promoting higher-value services through an affordable membership, or subscribing to a colour club or blow-dry bar ensures customer loyalty and experience. Your salon appointment system should also be able to offer a variety of payment methods, from cards to payment plan providers such as Klarna which help spread the cost even further.  

  

5. Courses 

A great one for Hair and Beauty salons who provide a course of treatments or services. Promoting these online provides a wider visibility of your service menu and allows your clients to book and spread the cost of a course.  

 

Promoting and selling courses for your salon increases your average bill, increases client loyalty and are a cost-effective way for your clients to have the services they want or need with you. 

Interested to discover how SalonIQ can help you enhance your salon? Connect with us