In this line of work, it's not just about the services you provide as an independent beauty pro – it's about the entire experience. Whether you're a makeup artist, hairstylist, or skincare guru, being your best self during appointments starts before clients book and ends long after the service is done. It's about ensuring comfort, showcasing your professionalism in every interaction, and leaving a positive lasting impression.

Here, we'll explore how beauty business owners and service providers can really show up during appointments by optimizing your web presence, managing your time effectively, personalizing services, and making the checkout process a breeze.

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First Impressions

Amp Up Your Online Presence

Your web presence is often the first interaction potential clients have with your business. A beautifully designed, user-friendly website establishes trust and sets the tone for the experience they can expect at your salon or spa.

Active social media pages show that you’re engaged, responsive, and in tune with the way clients interact with today’s digital-first landscape. Include high-quality images of your work, a brief introduction to your services, and clear contact information wherever you show up online – and ensure your site is mobile-responsive.

Streamline Your Booking Experience 

Incorporate an easy-to-use booking system that allows clients to choose their preferred date and time at their leisure. Offering 24/7 online booking provides convenience for clients who might not be able to reach out during regular business hours. Plus, with 24/7 online booking, clients don’t have to wait for a response. It also saves you the pain of having to track and respond to a constant stream of calls or texts about your availability.

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Get Your Paperwork in Order

Implementing forms and waivers that clients can complete before their appointment not only saves time during the visit but also showcases your professionalism and attention to detail.

GlossGenius makes it so easy to add custom, built-in forms and waivers to your booking process – now, with GlossGenius Gold, members can require clients to acknowledge waivers and complete form questions before completing their booking. That way, you can rest assured that you have any and all relevant information about your clients before their service begins.

To get started with GlossGenius Waivers and Genius Form, open your app and head to More > Genius Form and select your specialty or specialties, then pick and choose which questions you’d like to require for specific services. Then, tap the Waivers tab at the top, hit the + button, and select the pre-written waiver template you’d like to add, or copy and paste your own waiver into a new template.

Finally, you also have the option to select whether to send appointment reminder emails 72 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment, 24 hours before the appointment, or both.

Time Management and Preparation

Check Your Calendar

Efficient time management should really be the first step when it comes to showing up as your best self within the salon. 

We know it’s always thrilling to have a full calendar on the books, but creating a schedule that allocates enough time for each service and includes gap time between appointments is truly a game-changer. Giving yourself a breather between services and clients prevents you from feeling rushed, and ensures that your service station is set up and ready to go for each client – it’s a win-win. 

Prep Your Station 

Having everything prepared also extends to the tools and products you'll be using. Before your client arrives, double-check that your tools are clean, your products are organized, and everything is within easy reach. This level of preparation guarantees the appointment will flow smoothly and may even shave minutes off your service times, which translates to more time back for you! 

The Appointment Itself

Review Your Notes

Thanks to the information provided in the forms clients have filled out or previous versions of your client notes, you'll have insight into each individual's specific requirements and preferences. When you’re armed with this info, you can tailor the experience to each client's needs so that everyone sitting in your chair feels special and cared for. 

Additionally, referencing points from past visits or discussing ideas for future bookings shows that you value their loyalty and are invested in their beauty journey and goals, which ultimately should increase your client rebooking rate.

Educate Your Clients

You’re an expert – why not show off your knowledge? While performing the service, you should always take the opportunity to educate your clients. Share tips and tricks related to the service they’re receiving and give them ideas that can help them maintain their look even after they leave your salon. Providing in-chair education enhances the value of your service and positions you as the expert you are. 

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The Checkout Process and Building Relationships

Seal the Deal

The checkout process is a crucial phase of any appointment, not just because it's when you get paid. It’s also an opportunity for you to solidify the positive experience you've created. Before checking out your client, consider selling a few products related to the service you provided. Whether it's something to maintain or enhance the results, it’s a great way to boost revenue and show your clients that you’re invested in supporting them even between appointments.

Let’s face it, sometimes the whole asking-for-money thing can feel awkward. Despite the fact that you’re absolutely here to get paid, as a creative professional, dealing with the more administrative, business-y parts isn’t always in your wheelhouse. Luckily, there are several strategies you can implement to transform this part of the process from painful to pleasant – starting with a smart POS.

Offer Multiple Payment Options 

One of the easiest ways to make things painless at the point of sale is to incorporate multiple payment methods. Giving clients the option to put their card on file, use Tap to Pay on iPhone, or enable their mobile wallets helps streamline checkout, while a stunning card reader can add a touch of sophistication.

As part of the checkout process, make clients’ lives a little easier by offering to rebook for the next appointment – again, this will help improve your rebooking rate.

Reviews and Receipts

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to consider implementing a system that automatically requests client reviews in the receipt. Positive reviews act as social proof and can attract new clients and less-than-stellar reviews can help you channel that feedback into a new and improved version of yourself for next time. 

And fear not, with GlossGenius, you control which reviews are displayed on your website – so you can handle any issues discreetly, and protect your online reputation.

At the end of the day, being a beauty pro goes well beyond simply providing services – it's about creating meaningful experiences and leaving a lasting impact that you can only deliver by truly showing up.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

By focusing on your first impressions, time management, personalization, and a seamless checkout process, you can consistently bring your best into every client interaction and keep building lasting relationships with your loyal clients.