How SMS marketing can increase conversion and retention rates in your salon

Are your email offers going unopened? Facebook algorithms getting you down? Are you sick of spending money on marketing channels that don’t drive results for your salon?

With an open rate of 99%, and an engagement rate eight times higher than email, SMS is a sure-fire way to increase conversions and give your clients a memorable experience.

Our analysis shows that businesses using SMS have a 28% lower no-show and cancellation rate than those that don’t. On average, this is worth £3,538 per year, and that extra revenue is pretty enticing, right?

Why is SMS such a powerful marketing tool? 

• 89% of people have their smartphone within arm’s reach, always
• SMS open rates are like no other channel – 99% vs 33% on email
• SMS marketing is personal and an easy way to build brand familiarity with clients
• It’s cheap as chips.  

What can SMS marketing do for my salon? 

SMS is a cost-effective and easy way to stay connected with your clients, all while providing a seamless customer experience. Here’s some of the ways you can use SMS in your business: 

Elevate your client experience 

Confirm your clients’ booking, send an upcoming appointment reminder or provide all those important aftercare instructions to show you’re going the extra mile.  

Save time and reduce admin 

With automated SMS marketing, you can simply set and forget your appointment reminders, giving you more time to do the things you love.

Grow your revenue 

Appointment reminders alone reduce appointment no-shows by 28%, and businesses that use SMS marketing have an 18% better customer retention than those who don’t. It’s a no brainer really.

Lift your brand reputation 

Use SMS to ask your clients for feedback, reviews or referrals. Hello positive word of mouth. 

What can I use automated marketing for?

Many software or SMS providers offer automated SMS functionality. Automated messages are an easy way to deliver an exceptional service to your clients. Here are some of our favourites: 

Thank you messages – connecting post-appointment is a great way to build client relationships and lift your brand.

Referral request –gain new clients entirely by word of mouth by setting up an automated SMS to encourage referrals. It’s one of the easiest forms of marketing there is.

Review requests – improve brand awareness, credibility and search rankings by requesting reviews from loyal clients.

Aftercare instructions – set-up automatic aftercare messages by service, so if you’re offering treatments like IPL, you might need to follow up an appointment with some important information. 

Share guides and documents – this is a great way to share guides, send detailed aftercare instructions or share a map to your location. 

Reconnect messages – reconnect and entice clients you’ve not seen or heard from in a while. Sending a message lets them know you care and want to see them again. 

SMS marketing is a must do for your business. Keen on more info? Salon software provider Timely has put together the ultimate guide to smashing your SMS marketing. Best of all, it’s free. You’re welcome! 

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