Let’s face it Social Media is here to stay. If you are a busy spa or salon you and your marketing department are juggling all the other things you have to do every day and the last thing on your mind at the end of a busy day is social media. Some of our clients tell us during our initial meetings that they wish they could ignore social media and that it would just go away, but trust me you do not want it to. Done properly Social Media can be one of the most cost efficient ways to market your business.

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube… the list is overwhelming but the potential for growing your business and expanding your customer base is just as vast.

A few businesses are effectively using social media to increase their profits but most are struggling to get their arms around Social Media and are making critical mistakes.

First, and by far the most important thing to understand the different social media venues you can utilize for your business. Recently I saw the following shared with a group of us social media experts at a seminar, that I thought I would share it with you!

Now that we have had a bit of a chuckle, let’s get serious about Social Media. The data on the percentage of small businesses that are using social media varies by source, however one thing is for sure, it is becoming an essential marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. The shocking statistic is there is no one employed or assigned to social media in over 70% of small and medium size businesses because owners and staff are stretched too thin causing the loss of potential revenue growth.

At SpaTech Marketing we help dozens of spas and salons by handling the entire social media process and getting them the visibility and leads they desire in a cost effective way. We do not believe in a one size fits all so call us and let us build a social media strategy that is right for you! You can reach us at www.spatechmarketing.com or 248-667-8718.

You have put your heart and soul into your business, invested every dime of your life savings and although bad reviews break your heart when you see them on Yelp or Facebook there is a way to turn your heartache into a positive note. Immediately answer the post, apologize that they did not enjoy their experience. Give your name and a contact email and phone number. Let the guest know that this is not the norm in your establishment and you want to rectify things with them immediately. Many times guest will call you and you can rectify the issue with a little old fashioned listening, a heartfelt apology and a free service or meal. Many times guests will remove the negative review with the new found understanding of how much you really care about them and their experience. Often they just want someone to listen and to care. By showing how much you truly care online to both the reviewer and the people who may read their negative review you can keep your reputation intact.

I also believe in responding to the good reviews as well! Respond immediately and thank the guest for their review and that you appreciate their patronage. Let them know of any upcoming specials and let them know the next time they are in your establishment you want to meet them personally and shake their hand. When you get a positive review, shout it to the world! Tweet it, put it on your Facebook page, share it with your employees and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work making your organization the best it can be.

In closing, Yelp, Facebook and all the other review sites have given us a whole lot more visibility in the world of marketing your organization to guests, you just have to be very aware and manage your reputation continuously.