Did you know that salons, spas and clinics that use Kitomba Online Booking software earn an extra $4,000 a month on average? This article covers what Online Booking is, how it works, and how it can help you to drive more revenue for your business.
What is Kitomba Online Booking and why should I use it?
Online Booking is an online appointment booking platform by Kitomba Salon and Spa Software that makes it simple for your salon, spa or clinic clients to book at their convenience. With the freedom to make an appointment via your personalised online booking website, you’ll never have to worry about missing salon appointment booking calls again.
Online Booking is all about your clients. Whether you operate a salon, spa or clinic, your clients are looking for convenience and simplicity in their busy lives, and that extends to how they make their appointments with you.
In fact, according to our research, one third of clients want to be able to book outside your standard opening hours.
Think of an online booking system as your personal assistant, taking bookings when you can’t get to the phone, or even while you sleep. It’s an added bonus that Kitomba Online Booking customers make $4,000 a month on average* through Online Booking!
What you need to know about Online Booking
According to our research, on average, 10% of appointments are booked online and that number is quickly growing! That’s an average of 56 client online bookings every month and almost $50,000 a year in your bank account!
Online Booking has the ability to increase your revenue dramatically and it costs very little to add this money generating feature to your Kitomba Salon and Spa Software package.
Ever missed a phone call? You’re probably thinking you’ve missed out on income and it’s likely you have. With Online Booking your clients have the ability to book an appointment even when you’re closed, and most importantly – when it suits them. It’s also nice to know that you can focus on the client in your chair, while your Online Booking system processes all your new client bookings for you.
On average, 1 in 10 appointments are “lost” as late cancellations and no shows. Cancellations are the biggest challenge as they make up the majority of these “lost” appointments. The good news is that the stats show if a client makes their appointment using Online Booking, the likelihood of a cancellation or no show is lower.
So much more than an online booking platform
The Online Booking name doesn’t do this service justice. Online Booking isn’t just a booking system, it has different types of functionality bundled into one software feature that can automate your booking process and make your clients’ lives easier.
If you have multiple business locations, clients can choose which location to book with easily using Kitomba’s Online Booking. And, just like with standard appointments, clients who book online also receive reminder text messages, which majorly reduces no shows.
Take online deposits and payments
Kitomba Online Booking functionality enables you to take online payments at the time of booking. You can either take full payment or a deposit amount of your choosing to secure the booking, further reducing cancellations and no-shows. You can Add a dollar or percentage deposit amount to lock your clients in when they book online.
Clients can upload images with their booking
We’re in a before and after focused industry, so the ability to use photos with your clients is a must. Kitomba Online Booking allows your clients to upload photos to their Online Booking profile or when they make an appointment online.
You’ll be alerted that there’s a photo to view when you receive their booking so your staff know what their client wants before they even walk into your spa or salon. In fact, you’ll build stronger client relationships with the ability to interact with them outside of the salon with photos. This feature also increases inspiration, improves consultations and allows you to take your clients on a transformation journey.
Client loyalty programme integration
We all want loyal clients, and having a loyalty programme is a must. Just as important is your clients being able to see how close they are to receiving their reward. With Online Booking, clients can check their loyalty balance when they book a new appointment online.
Easily update client information
Having correct, up to date client data and history information ensures you can remind clients of their next appointment, market to them and be well prepared when they come in for their next visit. Online Booking also allows clients to update their details so you can rest assured their client card is correct.
How to make the most of Online Booking
1. Set up and customise your online booking site
It’s important that your Online Booking site is on-brand and looks just like your website! So customise the background, add a banner image and select the right colour scheme.
Write a promotional blurb or description of your business, add your opening hours and check that your address is correct. These are the basics but are really important to ensuring you have a consistent brand image.
Set up a ‘book now’ button on your Facebook page that links through to your Online Booking. It’s really easy and only takes a couple of minutes. Make sure you have a book now button on your website, too.
2. Promote it
If you’ve got Online Booking, you need to shout it from the rooftop! There are so many ways to tell your clients they now have the option to book online.
Change your voicemail message to include your new way to book. Something like; ‘sorry we can’t get to the phone right now, you can book online at….’ is perfect. Your clients will be happy that although you couldn’t take their call, they can still make a booking.
Add ‘Book now’ buttons to your Facebook and Instagram pages so that your clients and potential clients can access your online booking site from their favourite social media platform.
In-salon signage ensures your clients know they have multiple options when booking, and if your salon or spa is on a busy road – add some signage to your door. A sign with ‘The salon may be closed but we take bookings online 24/7!’ will be sure to capture the attention of potential new clients.
Tell your clients through a marketing campaign. If you’re new to Online Booking, use Kitomba to send an email or SMS campaign. Sharing a post on your social media channels is a great idea, too.
If you’re looking for new ways to promote Online Booking, set up a ‘lapsed client’ marketing campaign that automatically emails customers who have not re-booked 12 weeks after their last appointment prompting them to “come back”.
In fact, whenever emailing clients, you should always include a link or button to your Online Booking page.
Learn more about how to promote your Online Booking.
Get Online Booking for your salon, spa or clinic
Online Booking is continuing to grow in popularity each year. Make sure you choose an Online Booking solution that offers your clients all the benefits outlined in this article – it’s what they want, and it will save you time as well as improve your bottom line!
If you’re a Kitomba customer and you don’t have Online Booking, get in touch with our support team to start your free trial.
Not already a customer? Book a personalised demo to see how Kitomba’s online booking and other powerful functionality can help you grow your business.
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Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 22 Aug 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
*$4,000 a month from Kitomba Online Booking is a statistic from 2017.
