What we learned at Salon Smart LIVE 2021

Going virtual once more to learn, share, think and laugh – Salon Smart LIVE 2021 delivered the goods yet again!

We were all ready for our close ups as Salon Smart LIVE returned to inspire and connect salon owners and hairdressers across the UK once again. We had such fun last year that we were only too ready for Salon Smart to get virtual once more, delivering an inspiring live experience streamed onto laptops and phone screens. Flash polls! Probing questions! You had the chance to get truly interactive as the day unfolded – you might not have been with us in the flesh, but your voices were heard!

Being forced to close your business was brutal, chaotic, and for many it spelled the end – but those watching have salons that have survived. That’s testament to the strength of their business. But what are the challenges?

Salons need to give clients a reason to visit

Customers might be behaving differently; over the past year they have done everything online, and a few will believe they are capable of cutting and colouring their own hair now. The struggle lies with getting them in and spending again. What are you offering that will get them in?  And for those working from home still, the focus is on shopping local. They’re looking for quirky, unique and different salons that give back to their community.

Salons need to get sustainable

Have you also noticed clients checking labels more, asking more questions about recycling and ingredients? Sustainability now needs to be an essential part of your business. Hairdressing is an enormous waste generator but we can, and must, drive this down.

Salons must get digital

After the year we’ve had, we can’t leave anything to chance – bin the coffee-stained appointment book and get your business online if you haven’t already. It will give you an insight you won’t have been able to access before, and you need to be forensic about your business, what you’re bringing in, what your charging, your clients’ journeys…

There are lots of challenges ahead, yes, but also plenty of opportunities – and that’s why we had a stellar line-up of speakers and panel members. All responsibly social distanced and with all the necessary PPE in place where required, the Salon Smart LIVE studio played host to an incredible roster of guests, with the brand new medley of Masterclasses seeing brilliant business and creative experts from our partners and associate sponsors sharing the goods in whip-smart 20 minutes sessions.

The essential subjects covered included how to put the best of yourself and your business on social media, how to incorporate innovation into your colour services and safeguarding your revenues. Oh, and we also investigated the power of branding and how to stay ahead as the future approaches…

Lots to sink your teeth into, no doubt – and what did viewers teach us? We asked the questions; here are your answers…

SALON SMART LIVE 2021: THE STATS

How much is green thinking driving important decisions in your business?
100%  – Yes we’re starting to think that way

How long will it take for your business to return to pre-lockdown levels?
33% – We’re already there!
6% – 3 months
11% – 6 months
44% – 12 months
6% – 2 years or more

How are clients spending now they’re back in the chair?
40% – £££ They’re splurging!
60% – ££ They’re spending the same
£ – They’re saving

Do you offer online booking?
50% – Yes
50% – No

For more from Salon Smart LIVE, click here >