Social Media

Thanks to all who attended our second pre-holiday webinar on Wednesday the 3rd by Seth Gardenswartz and Janell Loving. The holidays are pretty much already here, and Doubling Your December is critically important to get 2011 started off right.

Relive the presentation by Janell as she outlines the Top 5 tips to leverage online holiday sales growth and maneuver your way to a successful, revenue-filled holiday season.

Double Your December in 2010: Watch the Video

Download and follow along with our presentation [PDF]

Posted in Holiday Promotion Brief, Social Media, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, SpaBoom Webinars • 1 Comment »

A great post from Christina Warren of Mashable outlines the results of a study by Virtue, a social media management company. The study pinpointed specific times that users are “most active” on Facebook pages that are administered by businesses and brands.

Some highlights from the story:

• Largest user spikes occur on weekdays.
• Specifically, spikes occur at 11:00am, 3:00pm and 8:00pm ET.
• Weekday usage is steady overall, but peaks at 3:00pm ET.
• Morning posts are 39.7% more effective (user engagement) than those posted in the afternoon.
• Sunday was the least active day.
• Top of the hour (:0 to :15 minutes) gets the most interaction.
• Second half of the hour (:30 to :45 minutes) is second most popular for interaction.

Social media is a dynamic system, these insights will continue to morph over time as consumer behavior evolves, so take advantage of their immediate value. Leveraging information by timing posts in accordance with audience Facebook usage can improve your target audience's engagement with your spa or salon.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Marketing • 1 Comment »

Starting next year, several large phone companies will no longer deliver white pages to some residential customers. Why? Because no one uses them. They are just bound for a landfill. "Everyone goes online anyways," says New York City doorman Ramon Almanzar in a New York Times piece. He explains that “[w]e end up throwing them away,” which is exactly what you are doing with your money if you keep relying on old media to bring you new customers. Navin L. Johnson (Steve Martin's character in "The Jerk") may be the last person to want his name on dead trees.

The white pages are something phone companies have to provide but customers don't pay for. Therefore they have a vested interest saving the planet and ending the waste. However, it's interesting to note that the yellow pages is not going away as quickly.  That's because the phone companies are clever enough to convince many small businesses to pay for it. Don't be one of them. The people who are looking up phone numbers online use online directories to find business. There are better ways to spend your online marketing dollars.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Marketing • 3 Comments »

Spas of all sizes actively look for insight regarding how they can use Facebook effectively to promote their businesses and build a community of interested and active participants.

A recent article in Mashable, Understanding How and Why Facebook Users Interact with Brands, highlights some of the latest research regarding Facebook user's interactions with companies.

Researchers looked into specific activities and offer a breakdown of potential motivations for liking a brand and staying engaged over time. Their results create an opportunity to objectively evaluate current Facebook strategies and potentially adapt them to include a mix of spa education, limited-time spa treatment specials, insider information that can all together contribute toward continued interest on the part of Facebook users.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Marketing • Comment »

I can honestly say that it has been months, perhaps a year since I have forwarded an email. I just don’t share that way anymore. According to TechCrunch, I am just following the herd because sharing online via email is going down fast, approximately 7% since the beginning of the year. In stark contrast, social media and in particular Facebook has ramped up its sharing with startling speed. Twitter and Facebook are now responsible for 57% of all shared links. Why? It is just so easy and frankly it is more fun to share that way.

A recent TechCrunch article lays out this share shifting phenomenon in simple pie graph glory, thanks to great data from a new start up called ShareThis. They also point out very astutely that just because someone shares across their social graph doesn’t mean it always gets clicked on, we see that anecdotally every day. Social reach is that magic nugget and 44% of the shared social links are clicked on.

Also check out some of the new social vocabulary that is sprouting up including, but not limited to share velocity, social engagement and social reach index. As long as someone else is performing that statistical analysis I will fascinated by the results and the new insight it will glean.

Right now spas are very effective communicating with customers via email but to actually spread your social influence and extend your reach, Facebook and Twitter are the natural complement. At SpaBoom we believe in a comprehensive online approach to social sharing that integrates fresh content, email, events and automated posts to Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Marketing, SpaBoom New Features • Comment »

Have you seen a Facebook post or a Tweet where a friend says, "Hey, I've checked in at Tony's Pizza!"? Perhaps you use these services yourself to make notes about travel or just share the things you love to do with your social circle.

Just yesterday Facebook launched into the location-friendly world with Facebook Places.  We'll save you some time (though their full FAQ is worth reading) and show you how to use Places – and why you should.

Facebook users can only "check in" at your business using their mobile phone once Facebook has a Place page for you, so let's get started!

(Do step "0″ first and make sure Facebook knows about you!)

0. Create your Facebook Page. If you haven't already created a Page for your business – there is no time like the present, and we have lots of reasons why it's a great idea!
1. Create your Place. If someone has not already added your business, you can do so by using the "check in" button on your Facebook iPhone app (or at http://touch.facebook.com), then click on "Add" to get started.
2. Check In! Go ahead and check in and start the ball rolling on your visibility. Encourage your iPhone-wielding clients to do the same, and in short order your Place could have a greatly increased online presence for your city.
3. Formally Claim your Place. Once your Place is listed, you can claim it to have access to it's information like address and other details. Just search for your business name in Facebook and once you see the Place listing, look near the bottom for the "Is this your business?" link and click away to claim your Place. You'll need to verify using a business license or other form of electronic legal document, but once you have the file, uploading it is quick and easy.

Posted in Social Media, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Tutorials • Comment »

Spas and salons that are most prepared online this holiday will win the revenue game.

Join us for a webinar on Monday, August 23rd that is designed to give you actionable tools to maximize holiday sales. Online synergy and success demands that your website, social media and email marketing work smarter 24/7. Learn to streamline online traffic and prepare for the holiday rush so you can be in the best position to help your business.

Presenters are Seth Gardenswartz, VP Business Development, SpaBoom and Brigette Lemos-Norman, Social Media Manager and Program Developer, YG Laboratories.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat NOW!

This webinar is Free. Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

Title: Get Ready for a Billion Dollar Online Day — Free Webinar
Date: Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM EDT

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Product Sales • 2 Comments »

Everyone, including your clients, is involved in monetizing social media for your business. A big picture look can reveal the path to increasing revenue via social media, but it takes microscopic analysis of each interaction with intent to truly take advantage of the revenue potential.

Spas listen and engage with their clients every day. That intimate one-on-one experience, where the client is center means servicing them based on their individual needs in a given moment. Great relationships are built on conversations, which creates the possibility for amazing connections long-term. Understanding the value of these connections and managing the relationships can take on added strength when extend online using social media. Every interaction that occurs with clients fits along a social continuum and if they are managed with intent, they can be monetized to increase revenue and strengthen your spa brand.

For instance, your website is an extension of your spa or salon and reflects the unique differences that set you apart from the competition. It is a place to engage, connect and hopefully make your clients lives easier by allowing them to book appointments online, learn about the latest treatments and in-spa promotional offers and to purchase an Instant Gift Certificate for someone special.

Giving clients easy access to Facebook and Twitter from your website allows them to be part of your community and creates the opportunity for social referrals. Events and in-spa promotions that are disseminated via social media have the possibility of traveling to new social networks. This creates the opportunity for new clients, increased revenue and widening connections.

Take a look at the social piece of your spa business. Each component, from the front desk, therapist and product purchases to your spa website, email campaigns, events and social outreach on Facebook and Twitter plays a part in monetizing social for your spa.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • Comment »

Don’t let the social media wave pass you by!

Join us for a webinar on August 11th. In one hour, Neil Ducoff of Strategies will join Seth Gardenswartz of SpaBoom and teach you how to leverage the most powerful force in media to drive more business into your salon or spa.

We will demystify the social media phenomenon, outline a straightforward strategy for using Facebook and Twitter, while highlighting powerful tips and common mistakes you can easily avoid. This webinar will help you spread your online influence quickly with fresh and timely advice you won’t find anywhere else.

This webinar is Free. Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

Click to Reserve your Webinar Seat NOW!

Space is limited.

Title: Social Media Crash Course – A Free Webinar to Ignite Sales
Date: Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm EDT

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Marketing, Spa Product Sales, Spa Technology, SpaBoom Webinars, Strategies • 2 Comments »

GiGi’s Elite Spa is a serene and tranquil retreat in Chicago, Illinois. The spa has launched their new website packed with SpaBoom’s fully integrated online marketing capability including easy management of their website content and graphics, online booking, email marketing, social media, SEO, online menus, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

There is a warmth to Gi Gi's Elite Spa; it serves as a place to reconnect mind, body and spirit. Clients come to relax, meditate, find peace and receive nothing shy of pure pampering. There is a focus on tailoring each client’s treatments to meet their specific needs, to revitalize their mind using the best natural products from GiGi’s own Creations product line.

Owner Gloria Gholston has her own product line made exclusively for her day spa clients. Gloria knows her customers. “Today customers are on a quest to have healthier and softer skin, so I created products equipped with the finest natural ingredients like Emu Oil, Aloe Butter, Olive Oil, Grape Seed, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. It nourishes the skin and the chamomile, sandalwood and lavender scents provide aromatherapy for the soul,” says Gloria.

Because the spa website is now fully integrated, it has streamlined the entire marketing process, which means Gloria can put even more focus and attention on clients, developing her product line and running her business.

Gloria’s serene day spa offers a cozy, comfortable and holistic environment with three elegant treatment rooms, one meditation area and a party room for special occasions. Her staff of trained estheticians and therapists prides themselves on providing the ultimate spa experience for each client. The spa offers a wide range of services including facials, massage therapy, body treatments, waxing, manicures and pedicures and a variety of special packages.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Technology, SpaBoom Online Booking • Comment »

SpaBoom received great feedback from our last webinar, How To Compete with Massage Envy, some participants wanted examples of how they can use online marketing tools to gain a local competitive edge over large spa concepts like Massage Envy. I just happen to have a personal example.

Joie De Vivre is a company that operates 33 boutique hotels in California. In a recent TechCrunch article they outline how they have used social media very successfully to compete with larger hotels.

Every Tuesday, Joie De Vivre’s Twitter account will Tweet an exclusive deal to its nearly 10,000 followers. Followers have only hours to book the steeply discounted room rate. For example, this past Tuesday, it offered $79 rooms at the group’s Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco in November and December. The company also operates similar deals for its 5,000-plus Facebook fans on Fridays. –Lena Rao

I am just back from holiday; I stayed at Shorebreak Hotel, a Joie De Vivre hotel in Huntington Beach, California. I checked their Facebook and Twitter accounts every day leading up to my trip. I found relevant information about what was happening in town and at Shorebreak Hotel and obsessively checked for the deals to post on Tuesday and Friday. My family had a fantastic stay and I let the hotel know via Facebook when I returned. The entire family loves Joie de Vivre, we will stay at one of their hotels in California next summer.

This is exactly why SpaBoom has created a powerful, integrated online marketing platform for spas that allows them to enter an event on their website and have it automatically post to their Facebook and Twitter accounts. It works, it encourages your clients to LIKE your spa via social media and take the step to get your posts regularly.

With SpaBoom's online marketing suite, a spa menu is updated, website content is added, special events are activated, email campaigns are created, Facebook and Twitter messages are generated all from a single login. It can handle a spas important online marketing functions simply, saving considerable time and effort for their business.

Just as clients leave your spa, after experiencing a fantastic set of treatments, let them know you offer deals every week on Facebook and Twitter. I guarantee it is the fastest and best way to build your community of avid followers. I am still dreaming of the sun, surf and fun I had at Shorebreak Hotel, I'll check out their weekly deals and consider a tempting opportunity for a quick dash to California and catch the wave.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing, Spa Technology, Spa Website Design • 1 Comment »

Estrellas Moroccan Spa is a luxury day spa in the heart of historic downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. The beautiful high desert landscape goes hand in hand with this elegant spa, a true oasis of luxury and harmony. The spa has mastered the art of detail; every element is considered, setting a high standard for each individual spa experience from start to finish. Estrellas Moroccan Spa’s fabulous atmosphere is exotic and peaceful, setting the tone for magical spa treatments.

Estrellas Moroccan Spa challenged SpaBoom with building a website that would help their business generate more traffic and deliver more sales. The spa’s old website was difficult to find online, a challenge to navigate and was not generating the traffic the spa intuitively knew they should be getting.

The new Estrellas Moroccan Spa website establishes a heightened presence and it’s online marketing capability will continue to generate more traffic and revenue over time. The spa’s new website includes easy management of their website content and graphics, online booking, email marketing, social media, SEO, online menus, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

SpaBoom’s events feature allows Estrellas to consistently add new, rich web content that can instantly post to Facebook and Twitter. Each new event the spa regularly adds to the homepage is relevant information for visitors, optimized for search to enhance their search rank and increases the spa’s visibility and sales online. SpaBoom’s booking with confirmations has increased the spa’s appointments and the increased traffic has substantially increased instant gift certificate sales since going live in March.

Because this website is now integrated, it has streamlined the spas entire marketing process, which means they can put even more energy and focus on creating a unique spa experience for their clients. Their passion for the healing work of massage and their tailored approach make them a special destination spa.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Technology, Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Dynamic Websites, SpaBoom Online Booking • Comment »

Artesia Day Spa and Salon, a luxurious and relaxing retreat in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gas Lamp District, offers clients the perfect setting to unwind and relax in a beautiful spa environment. “The long-term connection we have with our clients and community are critical to Artesia's success. Our goal is to provide clients with the highest quality service and we accomplish that by having a staff that strives to be their best each day. We want clients to have a great spa experience and keep coming back,” says spa director Brittany Brown.

What is amazing about Artesia Day Spa and Salon is the deep loyalty clients feel for the salon, spa and the staff. Reviews consistently focus on their exceptional service, beautiful location, the quality of the cut and style, and the fact that their devoted clients look forward to their appointment as an opportunity to unwind and enjoy their salon and spa experiences.

Artesia Day Spa and Salon has launched their new website using SpaBooms integrated online marketing platform, it is packed with online marketing capability that generates revenue instantly. The salon and spa’s new website includes easy management of their website content and graphics, online booking, email marketing, social media, SEO, online menus, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

Because this website is now integrated, it has streamlined their entire marketing process, which means they can put more focus and attention on their clients and running the spa and salon. The new website also empowers online visitors with valuable, relevant information about the spa and previews the exceptional experience Artesia Day Spa and Salon offers to clients. Artesia Day Spa and Salon has an extensive menu of services including hair styling, color, airbrush tanning, massage therapies, facials, body treatments, pedicures and manicures.

Artesia supports many local community events and uses Spaboom’s automatic social media integration to encourage their clients to participate via Facebook and Twitter. “It is their consistent commitment to the local community that make these events a win-win for all, downtown San Diego and their growing set of loyal clients,” says Kelly Stone, Strategic Implementation Specialist at SpaBoom. The new website takes the Artesia Day Spa and Salon to a new level and extends their relationship with customers online.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Technology, Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Dynamic Websites • Comment »

When Bob Maconi approached SpaBoom to build and launch a new website we were all a little excited. Bob is a creative force at HARMS Software and also happens to own the cutting edge and well established Elysium Salon and Spa in New Jersey. We respect Bob’s innate business sense and appreciate that he has always been a loyal champion of SpaBoom.

Elysium’s previous website was beautiful and Flash intensive which made it difficult to update and a challenge from an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) perspective. With Elysium’s salon and spa businesses growing they needed an online marketing suite that could handle their significant and real-time needs and live up to their sophisticated brand presence.

Elysium’s new, integrated website streamlines online traffic generation, shares their brand message locally, nationally and virally, sells instantly and online, builds repeat clientele, and captures more bookings via Harms Software integration.

SpaBoom built Elysium’s online marketing suite to include easy management of the salon and spa’s website content and graphics, email marketing, social media, SEO, online spa menus, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

With one entry Elysium’s spa menu is updated, website content is added, special events are activated, email campaigns are created, Facebook and Twitter messages are generated. It can handle all of Elysium’s important online marketing functions simply, saving considerable time and effort for their business.

Now Elysium Salon and Spa is using their new website’s integrated capability to leverage their traditional marketing efforts to drive revenue, connect with clients and facilitate Instant Gift Certificate sales 24/7.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Technology • Comment »

It's not uncommon for us to be talking with a spa director about social media marketing and get the response that Facebook is just full of kids. Why spend the time creating a presence on Facebook, if it's going to be another 5 or 10 years before they'll realistically be your clients?

Well, the demographic data for our Joy of Spa Facebook fans tells a very different story: they're 79% female and 80% between the ages of 25 and 54, an excellent demographic for spa marketing. Only 8% are "kids", none of them younger than 18.

Your clients are on Facebook, and you need to be, too.

If your spa has a good following on Facebook, take a look at your Facebook Insights and share what your demographics look like.

Posted in Social Media, Spa Marketing • Comment »

UPDATE: We now have the video available — sorry for the delay, and enjoy the show!

We enjoyed putting on the Social Media Webinar for everyone last week.

If you missed out on our great tips and insider scoop on how Facebook and Twitter can bolster your already fantastic brand, you can still tap into our knowledge — view the video and download the presentation notes in PDF format and then contact us if you have any questions.

Download and follow along with our presentation [PDF]

Posted in Social Media, SpaBoom Webinars • 2 Comments »

Since we've rolled out the ability to post to Facebook from within SpaBoom, both automatically and any other time you'd like, we're thrilled with the feedback.

So, we're making it even better — now you can post a photo with your entries.  Feature your newly decorated massage room, your gorgeous flower arrangements, even your smiling staff — every little bit of personalization will bring the spa experience closer to your clients, both the regulars and the future devotees.

It's simple to use — there is a new checkbox available when you create a Social Media post.

All it says is "Include Photo" and is the same functionality as attaching photos to blog posts, events and email campaigns.

Simply enable it and then select a photo from your gallery.  If you have new photos to upload, add those first before you create your post, and they'll be ready for you in the gallery selection.

Once your Facebook post is published, you'll see the photo included:

Simple and lovely while building  your brand — that's what we like to do.

Posted in Social Media, SpaBoom New Features, Tutorials • 1 Comment »

We all think differently. One person can gain great insight through visual experiences while another thrives using a systematic process. With that in mind, I have included a video How to Create a Facebook Business Page from Hubspot. In 7 minutes Lily Zhu of Hubspot demonstrates the ends and outs of setting up your own business page.

I have created this written overview, 6 Steps to Set Up a Facebook Business Page. The process should not take too long but make sure you set aside a chunk of time so you don’t feel pressured to finish quickly.

Step 1: Make sure you have a personal profile in Facebook before you create a business page.

A personal Facebook account is called a “profile” and and business identity is called a “page.” Even if you don't plan on using your personal Facebook account now, in most cases you should set up a profile before you set up your business page.

Go to Facebook and fill out the form to set up your personal profile.

• The personal profile setup requires that you include your name, email address and date of birth.
• If you are worried about entering your personal email you can set up a separate Gmail account specifically for your social media.
• Facebook will require that you confirm your email. You will need to log into your email, retrieve the verification email from Facebook and click on the link in order to proceed and fill out the entire profile.

Now that you have a personal profile on Facebook you can proceed and set up a business page for your spa.

Step 2: Register your spa business page on Facebook.

• Choose your business category, local or brand (product).
• Most spas should choose local business. The difference between local and brand will be apparent later when you fill out the spa information in the page layout.
• The name of your business should be the exact name of your spa; the name people use to search for it online. Stay away from abbreviations and nicknames.
• Category and Name can’t be changed once they are completed. If you need to edit this information you must delete it and start over.

Step 3: Upload your logo and fill out the page tabs.

• Once you have registered your spa in Facebook you will be encouraged to upload your profile picture. This will most likely be your spa logo and it will appear in the upper left corner of your business page.

Step 4: Fill out the page tabs: Wall, Info, Photos, Discussion and Video.

• Click on the Info tab and fill out information about your spa. Don’t forget to hit save before you move on to the next tab.
• You can upload photos in the photo tab but keep it professional. Showing consumers professional pictures of your spa could give them the incentive to take action and book an appointment.
• The discussion tab allows you to have discussions and communicate with your fans.
• Add video if you have created a webinar or have spoken professionally on behalf of your spa.

Step 5: Publish your Page so others can see it!

Step 6: Next time you log into Facebook…

• Log into your personal account.
• In the search bar, upper right side of your personal page, type the name of your business and select your spa. It will take you directly to your business page.
• If you created your personal profile, become the first fan of your new business page!

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing, Spa Technology • Comment »

Facebook is the new Google. Use social media to draw clients to your spa — join us to learn how easy it is!

June 23rd, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm EDT

Click here to register for the free webinar.

Social Media Revealed is the latest webinar in our online marketing for spas, salons and massage therapists series. Gather tips and tricks to strengthen your social media strategy while you learn the key role social media should play in any modern marketing mix, and how driving revenue should be an expectation, not a pleasant surprise.

This webinar is FREE so be sure to join in and learn.

Title: Social Media Revealed
Date: Wednesday, June 23rd
Time: 1:00 pm -– 2:00 pm EDT

Don't miss this webinar! Space is Limited. Reserve your seat now!

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Marketing, SpaBoom Webinars • 1 Comment »

Spas understand how important customer service is to their business, a priority for every employee. It can differentiate your spa from the competition and gives customers a reason to choose your spa over a large spa concept.

Leverage your social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and extend customer service by using it for customer inquiry and a means to respond to client service issues. It will give your spa that extra service edge that larger companies just can’t deliver.

Think about how clients and potential customers currently contact your spa, they use SpaBoom online booking, email or call to speak to someone in person. Facebook and Twitter are an additional contact source but it is also a place to build a dialog and develop a community of avid online spa clients.

Empower your employees to respond to inquiries via social media the same way they would using email. It simply requires that you set attainable expectations and that employees overseeing customer contact monitor social media activity throughout the day.

Great customer service starts with listening to and responding to the needs of your clients consistently. Every opportunity to engage with clients and solve their problems is an investment in your spa and its brand. Using social media to build relationships with your customers is a logical extension of quality service.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing • 2 Comments »