In the salon business, you need to stand out from your competitors. But most salons can only offer so many services, limited to the skills of their employees. Even if a salon has a unique service, most services, like haircuts and coloring, on the surface, are the same. When a potential client visits your website, how do you capture their interest? What sets your hair services apart?
Before making a decision, most people want to understand what they're getting into. Without sufficient information, it can be hard to know if you're making the right choice. When advertising to potential clients, you want to be as clear as possible. But as experts in a given field, it can be easy to assume most people understand industry jargon. However, this can alienate potential clients and deter them from booking your services. So, what does it take to get customers to book your services? It all starts with creating an informative and enticing service menu.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through how to create a stellar salon service menu so you can revise your service list for your hair salon and increase bookings.
What is Your Customer Looking For?
Step into the shoes of a potential client. What are they looking for when trying to find a new hair salon service? Think about your ideal client. Then, decide what’s going to bring them to your salon. Are they looking for haircuts? Coloring? Extensions? Scalp massages? Once you have identified the services you offer that customers want, consider what information the client needs to understand when they’re booking.
1. What is the service?
Make each service name straightforward so it’s easier for individuals to understand. Then, explain what each service entails. Give as much detail as possible, particularly for services whose names may not be familiar to some (e.g., Balayage, Pintura highlights, etc.). This may seem frivolous, but imagine a customer booked an appointment with you and was unclear about what they were booking:
You thought you were prepared for the service, but they were expecting a completely different service! While you scramble to get yourself together, they become irritated with the extended wait time and decide not to return to your salon. Save yourself potential stress by giving customers as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
2. How much is it?
Be upfront and transparent about your pricing. Go so far as to have a price list for your hair salon that people can easily refer to. If prices are subject to change, acknowledge that and explain why there may be a change in price from time to time. Each service should have a clear price, or pricing model, so clients know what their service will cost and can plan accordingly.
3. What does the service look like?
Show off your portfolio! When possible, attach images to show off what each service is. If you offer rainbow highlights, include a picture of past work! Potential clients are more likely to book when they can visualize the final result.
4. Is there a price difference? If so, why?
If a service has different price points depending on the service provider, explain why there’s a price difference. If you don’t, potential clients may automatically opt for a service without understanding why one costs more than the other.
A service provider with additional experience, training or certifications is a reasonable justification for why the same service may vary in cost.
5. About how long is the service?
While many factors can impact the length of your service, it can be helpful to provide an estimated time for a service so customers can plan their day and ensure they set aside ample time to be in your salon. The last thing you want is a stressed-out customer who didn't plan accordingly because they thought the service they booked would be shorter.
You can give a range while offering the disclaimer that the length of the service may vary depending on the client’s hair type, length, color or another factor. It’s better to err on the side of caution and overestimate how long an appointment will last so that you end up with a pleasantly surprised client, rather than a disappointed one.
6. Does the client need to do any pre-appointment preparation?
Should your client come with their hair washed? Should they refrain from using styling products in the days leading up to their appointment? Be sure to communicate any pre-appointment information to clients before their service. You can easily do this with Vagaro’s Forms. When they confirm they will attend, send them a pre-service checklist with clear guidelines on what they should or should not do before their appointment. If this isn’t applicable, no need to stress! But, if there’s anything your client should do, be clear and communicate accordingly.
Build a Better Service Menu with Vagaro
While it may seem tedious to craft a service menu, you'll be setting yourself up for success while eliminating confusion & potential frustration among clientele. If you’re ready to get started, consider using Vagaro to create an easy-to-navigate list of salon services.
With Vagaro, you can quickly build out your service menu, write descriptions and add images to each entry with a clear template. If you have multiple locations, you can share this information between locations seamlessly, allowing you to focus on the customer experience and overall satisfaction. Vagaro makes running your business easy so you can focus on doing what you love. Try Vagaro today and start working smarter, not harder.