Business and consumer news in 2013 continues to be sharply focused on the introduction of the next great computer tablet or smartphone – or speculation about what the future holds for the generations of tablets and smartphones sure to follow. If they seem to be everywhere, it is because they are, and savvy spa owners have already learned that they need to make adjustments to remain visible in an increasingly mobile world. If you are still relying on a desktop-optimized...

In this blog post, we discuss the use of text messaging to stay in touch with your spa clientele. Since 95% of all text (SMS) messages are open and read, harnessing the power of mobile to reach customers should be a goal for any spa marketer. Spas have the opportunity to use mobile marketing to deepen relationships with clients and gain access to the “inner sanctum” of their lives. They also have the opportunity to alienate clients and deteriorate the...

In my last blog post , I discussed the “mobile revolution.” This week, I’ll share some specifics on optimizing your website for mobile devices. Step 1: Review Your Website View your current website on several mobile devices. Even though you can see your website on a mobile phone, that still doesn't mean that it's mobile-friendly.Mobile users want access to the most relevant information, quickly and easily. Can your customers access your phone number, business hours, service menu and booking information...

In-house signage will help you and your staff do your jobs even better. If you are opening or renovating a Spa, put signage on your task list…and in your budget. An effective signage program shouldn’t be an afterthought Signage is important from both a guest’s perspective and a business’s point of view. And it’s never too late…when you are ready to enhance your signage program, there are just three simple rules to remember: 1. Maintain the value of your messages...

Part 1 of this Consumer Trends blog covered the first 5 trends to watch according to Trendwatching.com . The next 5 are as equally compelling…but don’t think you can handle them all; choose your favorite(s) and remember it’s a work in progress… 6. Celebration Nation: Cultur-aware Emerging markets will proudly export and even flaunt their national and cultural heritage in 2013 . Symbols, lifestyles and traditions are being modernized and marketed with pride to both domestic and global consumers. For...

Please try really hard not to cave and offer discount coupons to the consumer. If you rely on selling discounted spa services in mass numbers to stay afloat, you may as well be running a Ponzi scheme, or a CouPonzi scheme, if you will. The “investors” in the scheme are the consumers who bought your deals from a discount site. The “high rate of return on their investment” has to do with the benefits they plan to receive from your...

Do you want to increase your income exponentially? You can, by focusing on delivering a complete guest experience, “in the spa” and “at home!” The spa industry does a great job with performing treatments “in the spa”, but in most cases, misses the boat with retail opportunities and educating guests on how to take care of themselves at home BETWEEN TREATMENTS. I don’t know why, but most spa teams don’t recognize the importance of home care products in the wellness...

There are all kinds of ways to be noticed and one is by being featured in a magazine for consumers like a mention in the beauty bible (we fans call) Allure Magazine . I always wondered and so have other professionals and spas too. Most of the time press in magazines occurs from representation by a public relations firm. In this case it was not. Lucky beauty business owner! Here’s an interview with beauty business owner and free-lance makeup artist...