COVID-19 has created unique challenges for the health and wellness industry. It forced salons and spas to discontinue operations and left business owners to struggle with new ways to keep their business afloat.
Whether your salon or spa is still temporarily closed or has already continued its services with the pandemic around, you still have a lot of opportunities to maintain your brand, support clients, and earn a good amount of revenue during these uncertain times.
That’s why we’re here to provide support and helpful information to help you keep your salon or spa business going. Here are 12 ways to improve your salon or spa during COVID-19.
1. Reduce Unnecessary Contact
With the pandemic around, you want your business to offer safety to your clients. While your services require physical touches, you can still eliminate unnecessary contact to minimize risks for both clients and employees. But how?
Reduce the number of people allowed in the waiting room by implementing virtual check-ins. Do this by sending waivers and forms to clients beforehand so they don’t need to use shared devices upon checking in.
You can also go cashless to limit front desk contact.
2. Sell Retail Products
If your spa sells beauty or skincare products, like massage oils, essential oils, body soaps, shampoos, or skin accents for facial treatments, create an online store and keep it open. As long as you have supplies for your products, your clients will bring the demand.
Tip: Encourage customers and clients to pre-order items when products come back in stock to create future demand.
3. Consider Pre-Booking
If your salon or spa needs to stop operating during the pandemic, consider learning pre-booking. Take this opportunity to promote advanced bookings to your loyal customers when you plan to reopen.
4. Allow Cancellation Fees
During typical business operations, cancellation fees are considered best practices. However, while the pandemic remains at large, it’s best to waive such fees, particularly when a client backs out on an appointment because they are feeling unwell.
Pursuing cancellation fees may power clients to show up in your salon or spa even when they’re not feeling well.
5. Keep Staff Informed and Safe
Follow credible and official sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) so your salon and spa along with its employees stay up to date news about the pandemic and government mandates for businesses.
It’s also vital to make it clear to your employees that their health matters and you expect them to take preventive measures to take care of themselves. If they are feeling under the weather, let them stay at home to get enough rest. In return, they’ll be setting a good example to other employees, clients, and even the industry itself.
6. Keep a Clean Environment
Regularly clean your salon or spa before you open, before you close, or even when you haven’t opened for quite some time. If you can, provide a cleaning schedule and post it on your social media pages. This lets your clients know to expect service in a clean and safe environment.
When cleaning your salon or spa, see to it that frequently touched surfaces are properly sanitized. This includes door surfaces, furniture, and the bathroom.
7. Up Hygiene Standards
You might think that keeping all the surfaces in your establishment clean is enough. But it isn’t. Bring in exceptional standards when it comes to sanitation practices. Use disposable cups, place hand sanitizers everywhere, or let clients use Personal protective equipment (PPE) if applicable.
8. Go online
It may be strange for salons and spas to offer virtual services but it’s the best way for your business to provide services to clients in need when they can’t see you. If you’re closed, you can advise them on the right facial products to use, or guide them through a hair trim or cut.
Even registered massage therapists in Kitchener are taking advantage of the internet to provide online consultations and advice. Follow suit to maintain relevance and stay top of mind with your clients.
9. Build a Social Media Presence
Use social media channels to build your presence and attract prospects. You can do this by posting regularly, sharing information, creating polls, or surveys to engage your audience. If you start building your online presence today, you’ll have tons of interested and new clients when your salon or spa reopens.
10. Stay Connected
Keep the communication going with your customers. Share essential information through emails, social media channels, or where you usually connect. Include information like your business’ availability, COVID-19 preventive measures, services or menu, or online services.
You should consider answering frequently asked questions, or replying to questions. Posting creative content also keeps your clients and potential customers engaged in your business. You may write content such as how common foot problems are treated with Orthotics or things people should know about physical therapy.
11. Add Online Services and Products
If the pandemic forces your salon or spa to close for a long time, it’s time to switch to online services. You can start by creating a virtual store where you can offer workshops or clinics featuring services like manicures, seminars on summer make-up trends, or webinars about aromatherapy.
12. Ramp Up Marketing Strategies
Focus on your marketing strategies despite the challenges. Get attention online and build a community where you can create an avenue to increase revenue in the long run. Automate marketing, use social media, make partnerships with other businesses, get help from satisfied customers for testimonials or reviews.
Doubling down on your marketing strategies can help your salon or spa grow and get on top of the competition even during the pandemic around.
Just because COVID-19 continues to affect the world doesn’t mean you should stop doing business. There are many who still need your services. All you have to do is adapt, follow protocols, and get the word out there.
