Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

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 »

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 »

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 Online Booking • 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 »

Oceans Massage and Spa is a family owned business with two spa locations in Lubbock, Texas. They have launched their new website packed with SpaBoom’s fully integrated online marketing capability including easy management of their website content and graphics, email marketing, Social Media, SEO, online menus, Online Booking, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

Oceans Massage and Spa offers their clientele a tranquil atmosphere, exceptional service and the highest quality of spa amenities. “We believe massage therapy is an integral part of health care and wellness. Our goal is to provide clients the highest quality service, by offering them some of the best trained therapists with a variety of specializations.” says Oceans owner Bev Byers. Additionally, Oceans Massage and spa has an extensive menu of services including massage therapies, facials, body treatments, pedicures and manicures.

In addition to the Oceans Massage and Spa business the Byer’s family also run the highly regarded Oceans Massage Therapy School and Oceans Travel. “They really needed a series of websites (3) that could connect and grow together and we were happy to accommodate their request. They are a tremendous family with a passionate focus on massage therapy and spa.” says Kelly Stone, a SpaBoom Implementation Specialist. The family visits New Mexico often, so it was also a treat to occasionally have them in the SpaBoom office to discuss their online business plans.

The new website takes the Oceans Massage and Spa, Oceans Massage Therapy School and Oceans Travel website to a new level and extends their relationship with customers online. Clients can follow Oceans Massage on Facebook and Twitter where the staff will share valuable spa information, post upcoming events and limited-time promotions. Because these websites are now fully integrated, it has streamlined their entire marketing process, which means they can put even more focus and attention on their clients and running their businesses.

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 Online Booking • 1 Comment »

SpaBoom has just unleashed another tool that will increase your visibility to the world, one IGC at a time:  Facebooking at the time of IGC pickup.

This is a client-driven feature, and specifically, a recipient-driven activity:

Read all about how it works from your clients' perspective in our help topic, and begin to spread the love!

Posted in Creating Customers, Social Media, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), SpaBoom New Features • 3 Comments »

We enjoyed putting on the Social Media Webinar for everyone on Tuesday.

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 — download the presentation notes in PDF format and then contact us if you have any questions. (UPDATE: This webinar recording was not up to our standards, but you can see the same information in our follow-up webinar from June 23rd: Social Media Revealed!)

Download and follow along with our presentation [PDF]

Posted in Social Media, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), SpaBoom Webinars • 1 Comment »

We enjoyed putting on the SEO Webinar for two separate audiences in the last few weeks, and if you missed out on our great tips and action items for your website's visibility, you can still tap into our knowledge — download the presentation notes, or watch the webinar right here to get all of Janell's detailed explanations of each topic.

Download and follow along with our presentation [PDF]

Posted in Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Webinars • Comment »

UPDATE: Missed the webinar? No problem — download the notes or view the video here.

Maximize your online visibility using smart SEO tactics!

Your website reflects the essence of your business to the online community. The biggest hurdle you must face is being seen online, consistently and easily. Search engine optimization, design functionality and activating revenue potential are a few of the key components to maximizing your online presence.

Join Janell as she once again outlines the top five secrets to website success! Increase visibility for your spa/salon and generate revenue while you do it!

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

SpaBoom Special Offer: Sign up for a Full Service Dynamic Website and we'll include our Smart SEO Service at no extra charge! A $499 value! Offer extended through April 10, 2010.

Title: 5 Secrets of SEO
Date: Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now!

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

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 6 Comments »

UPDATE: Missed the webinar? No problem — download the notes or view the video here.

Maximize your online visibility using smart SEO tactics!

Your website reflects the essence of your business to the online community. The biggest hurdle you must face is being seen online, consistently and easily. Search engine optimization, design functionality and activating revenue potential are a few of the key components to maximizing your online presence.

Join Janell as she outlines the top five secrets to website success! Increase visibility for your spa/salon and generate revenue while you do it!

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

SpaBoom Special Offer: Sign up for a Full Service Dynamic Website and we'll include our Smart SEO Service at no extra charge! A $499 value! Offer valid through March 31, 2010.

Title: 5 Secrets of SEO
Date: Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now!

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

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Webinars • Comment »

1. Yellow Pages.
    
   This is a complete waste of your advertising budget and the paper it is written on. There are millions of Yellow Pages sitting in homes, in a drawer or closet, which will never be looked at and will end their days in landfills. The Yellow Pages are however an excellent resource for my grandmother, she likes to sit tall in her dining room chair.
   
2. Hire an outside professional to Facebook/Twitter and blog for your spa.
    
   There are too many social media experts out there hoping to convince small businesses that your spa needs them. In reality, it is the spa community and the relationships your business develops using these tools that matter so hiring an outsider makes no sense for a small to medium spa.

   Jonathan Zadok, co-owner of the Coffee Groundz LLC in Houston, in a recent Wall Street Journal article, says he wouldn't pay another firm to blog on behalf of the four-year-old café.

   The idea with Twitter is that you get close to an immediate response," he says. With an in-house person handling it, "there's no middle man that has to go check with the company," he says. Wall Street Journal, Sarah E. Needleman
3. Paid Directories.
    
   Why would a business pay to be on a directory when many free online directories offer so much more to businesses and consumers? It is always critical to know the online businesses you are working with and paying a directory with vague business practices to list your website could have SEO ramifications down the road. Check out Joy of Spa, it is a free directory for all SpaBoom spa clients. You are much better off proactively managing the links and content of your website to improve your search rankings.
4. SEO professionals who promise to improve your search ranking in record time.
    
   SEO professionals are out there seeking your business every day. They like to use complex words and phrases like 'perform SEO Analysis', 'utilize complex algorithms', 'SEO site architecture' and promise to 'achieve optimal ranking' for your website. Paralyzed Yet? Crikey these snake oil promises are truly a detour in your efforts to improve your spa website’s ranking. Do some research and check out Google's take on SEO, and getlisted.org to see how your business currently ranks.
5. Postage.
    
   This includes bulk mail, mailing gift cards, birthday/anniversary offers, promotional offers and invitations to spa events etc. Every year millions of trees are destroyed unnecessarily for large and small direct mail campaigns. That is just the beginning of bulk mail’s environmental impact to the planet. Mailing marketing material is also very expensive. In addition to postage, there are paper and printing costs involved. It is not necessary to cut out direct mail completely, just use it sparingly and when it is a uniquely appropriate vehicle for your marketing message.

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • 5 Comments »

1. It is going to be an aggressive holiday season this year so make sure your spa has high impact spa promotions that are ready to go. Check out our BOGO and % off Instant Gift Certificate features.
2. Remember that during the holidays consumers are buying for other people, family, friends and co-workers so position your promotions with that in mind. Let the gift seekers know your spa has the perfect gift they can give to just about anyone.
3. Use email marketing to promote your spa and Instant Gift Certificates. Click the link, to access a recent blog post that outlines how to avoid email spam filters.
4. Make it extremely easy for existing clients and gift givers to make a purchase from your spa, especially your website. Any action, including booking and Instant Gift Certificates, that can be conducted through your spa website increases efficiency and most importantly adds convenience for your customer.
5. Engage, Engage, Engage. Every aspect of your spa should be concentrating on the clients who are currently in your spa. They are your very best prospects today, tomorrow and next year. Make it possible for them to rebook, purchase retail products and find the gifts they want in your spa. Get their email address when they book and you will have an amazing list in no time.
6. Learn from last year. Be ready in your spa and on the website. Make sure all messaging is up to date and that your spa retail area is ready for clients.
7. There will be a promotional intensity to this holiday season. Consumers will be hit with a plethora of options all designed to have them “ACT NOW.” Make sure your customers choose gifts from your spa by being prepared to act while they are in the spa and afterward.
8. Advertise where your customers are right now, they are surfing social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
9. Consumers are going to pinching pennies this year so get in early and get the advantage before anyone else. Remember, “Limited time offer” is a classic call to action.
10. It is important to consider that your spa competes with any business that has a gift idea targeted to your demographic and a majority of businesses will be offering perks like free shipping, reduced prices and special promotions. Make your spa packages special, packed with value and stress reducing treatments.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »

A skin specialist + Dynamic website = SEO Dynamite

 
Very often life teaches us that conquering the big mountain does not define progress but rather it is the well thought out individual steps that ultimately garner success.

Janice Brownell defines herself as a skin educator, a specialist who sought out education and skill over time to build her knowledge of skin. That wasn’t always easy or simple to achieve when you live in the beautiful but remote area of Southern New Mexico.

It is worth it for her clients who benefit from her skin solutions focus. The goal is to enhance the skin of each individual client and keep it healthy over the long term. When life brings change the true entrepreneur will take advantage of it and that is just what Janice did for herself. A move to Albuquerque presented an opportunity to work at a high-end spa and it also allowed her to learn more about the local community. After about a year she decided it was time to go out on her own.

Janice needed a Dynamic spa website that accurately reflected her new venture, clarified her position in the marketplace and clearly communicated her specialties, skin rejuvenation, acne and waxing. When Janice called SpaBoom she made it clear that she wanted a website that communicated who she was and what she could do for her clients. At SpaBoom the team learned that Janice’s skin solutions focus was integral to her brand and her spa website had to reflect that sentiment.

Janice kept the website soothing, with great photos and simple navigation that allows clients and potential customers to find what they need quickly. Because Janice has a number of specialties she is presented with a great opportunity to utilize SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to help drive traffic to her website. In addition, she understands the importance of building online traffic and increasing her revenue with SpaBoom Instant Gift Certificates.

SpaBoom will continue to work with Janice to ensure she fully utilizes SpaBoom’s full arsenal of marketing tools including email marketing and Joy of Spa. From our perspective, each client represents a long-term relationship and we are committed to working with clients to help them realize their full potential.

The best part about writing these stories is the opportunity to meet members of the SpaBoom community like Janice, whose soothing personality and can-do attitude inspire us all to do our jobs better every day.

Posted in General, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • Comment »

Powerful Online Positioning.

Great spas communicate a very clear understanding of their position in the marketplace and their website design mirrors that positioning.

Customer-Centered Content.

A great spa website will develop content that is clear, concise and valuable. What you say is very important so make sure your online content provides constructive information that is to the point and concise.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Make sure clients can find you by consistently adding content and use effective spa keywords that potential customers would use to find your spa online.

Ease of purchase.

The most effective spa websites make it very easy for customers to purchase gift certificates. They can click to the gift certificates from the home page and it is clearly visible to customers at all times.

Easy to Update/Add Content.

Dynamic Websites allow spas to easily customize, update and refine website information on a daily basis. SpaBoom Dynamic Websites are specifically designed for quick and easy updates and new content. It gives spas the independence they need to build their online business.

Creative Spa Packages.

Spa packages that offer extra value are an effective way to increase online sales. It facilitates the customers buying experience because you have eliminated the step of having to choose for them. They just choose a package and make the purchase.

Effectively Use Directories.

Directories are a fantastic way to ensure that target customers see your spa online. Participating on the Joy of Spa and Spa Emergency directory exposes your spa to customers around the country. Many customers may be looking to buy a gift certificate in your city for friends and family. They may never enter your spa or city but can still be a great customer if they can find your spa website online. Directories are a great tool to increase the online visibility of your business.

Offer Value.

Communicate value to your customers by creating spa treatments that are affordable. Online customers spend approximately $75 per gift certificate so make sure you have treatment options that fit that price range.

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 1 Comment »

Customers expect to have a great experience when they visit your spa’s website. They anticipate its speed, relevant information and ease of navigation because it is what they experience from other websites. Customers won’t wait for unwieldy transactions; they must be quick, easy and on their way instantly. They want to "get the gist" of what makes your spa special before they pass its threshold.

Your spa's first impression, particularly for new spa customers, begins with your business website. Just as customers are greeted at the spa door with a smile, extraordinary service and a lush white robe, your online audience expects tools that make their experience easy and satisfying. Put the control in their hands and you will find that your spa runs more efficiently and revenues see a positive gain as a result.

Information is Power:

Relevant information is critical to keep customers on your website. The content you create should be clear and help differentiate your spa, ultimately guiding them toward a purchase. Keep information concise and helpful, no flowery content necessary. Here is a list of important information that should be very easy to find on your website.

• Map and directions to your spa.
• Spa treatment menu.
• Pictures of the spa that differentiate it from the competition.
• Reviews. If you don’t want to link to online reviews, ask your clients to give you reviews and post them online.

Transaction Is Power:

You are making your customers' lives easier by making gift certificates available 24/7 and without the need to leave the comfort of their homes.

Joy of Spa Universal Gift Certificates make it possible to send spa gifts to relatives in Denver or Chicago. I love that my favorite local spa benefits from my out-of-town spa gift purchases. The Joy of Spa badge on your spa website means incremental revenue and it is a great benefit for customers.

Booking Is Power:

Customers book so much online these days, most wouldn’t dream of calling to make plane, car or hotel reservations. It puts the power in the hands of the customers and that makes for the beginning of a great relationship. With online spa booking customers don’t need to call; they can book an appointment when they are ready, 24/7.

It is a free SpaBoom service that makes it easy for clients to book a spa appointment.

Communication Is Power:

Any relationship is two-way; it requires a give and take. Creating an open, engaging dialog with your clients gives them powerful information that they can use or pass on to friends and family. Utilizing these tools, making them available to customers, is great for your spa business because it helps build your spa community one loyal customer at a time.

• Email Campaigns
• Joy of Spa News
• SpaBoom Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Posted in General, Joy of Spa, Joy of Spa Gift Certificates, Joy of Spa News, Social Media, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • 1 Comment »

Existing and potential spa customers are online using “search” to find information on your spa. Understanding and implementing a successful SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy for your spa website is absolutely critical given today’s competitive and challenging business environment.

Many day spas and salons are also beginning to see the advantage of adding social media including blogs, Facebook and Twitter, to their marketing and online efforts. Early adoption to social media can enhance a spa website’s SEO by providing new, rich content and links to your website. Search engines are recognizing social content and rewarding businesses with increased visibility, which ultimately drives more traffic and revenue to these websites. Social media also gives your spa customers new ways to learn more about your spa business.

Read the article.

It is very important to be aware that you can maximize social media’s SEO value for your spa by ensuring that you incorporate keywords into your blogs, Facebook page and Twitter feeds. Add specific keywords to your blog titles, descriptions and anchor text. It is a simple way of reinforcing who you are, what differentiates you from other spas and builds visibility at the same time.

Read the article.

How you are using social media in your spa business?

SpaBoom would like to highlight your success stories and will do our best to answer any business questions you might have regarding SEO and Social media.

Posted in General, Social Media, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • 4 Comments »

Don’t give the competition the advantage, make sure your website is up, filled with relevant and helpful content and clear directions to your spa. Increasingly, spa customers are checking out your spa website before they ever pick up the phone. If they don’t like what they see they may move on to the next spa in their area.

A Dynamic website puts the spa business owner in control by allowing them to update and enhance their website on a moment's notice. A Dynamic website gives advantage to small and wily businesses, allowing them to do what large companies can’t – change and adapt quickly. More on Dynamic websites.

Email marketing saves money, time, the environment, and is truly a liberating tool for spa business owners. SpaBoom’s free Blissful Email Marketing can bring customer loyalty and revenue to the next level. Just make sure you are only talking to customers who want to hear from you. For help in bringing your spa’s email marketing campaigns to life, call SpaBoom at 800.940.0458 today.

Book-it at SpaBoom for Free. We love to say 'Free' and our new and ever-improving booking system will help you organize your client schedule and give customers what they want – a way to book their appointment online. SpaBoom will never stop evolving, and will continue to develop cutting-edge marketing tools to make your business better and spa clients happier. More on SpaBoom's online booking.

SEO. Search Engine Optimization is important for your website. It may feel like you’ve carefully planted a garden and must wait for the results. Trust us, it is worthwhile taking time to consistently optimize your website to see your search ranking improve over time. More on SEO. More on Google search.

Relevant and informative content on your spa website is vital. It doesn’t have to happen in one day it can evolve over time. Make sure you include your spa menu on your website, potential customers love it and it will improve your search ranking opportunities. More on website content.

Think about what makes your spa distinctive, unique and make sure you communicate that to clients online. Potential spa clients are online right now, looking for the perfect spa experience. The goal is to make each client’s spa experience special and it starts with your spa website.

Posted in Creating Customers, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »

Your spa website is your business. If it is not optimized it puts your business at a disadvantage and leaves plenty of room for spa competitors to race past your website to the highest rankings. The goal is to increase traffic to your spa website by improving its ranking on search results. To improve your spa website’s search result ranking you must regularly optimize it.

If you are new to the world of optimization go immediately to the Google SEO Starter Guide. It provides businesses with the basic information they need optimize their websites for increased traffic.

Content and keywords are like peas and carrots.

The content (copy) on your spa website is extremely important. What you write, the words you use and where you use them is one factor that dictates your search ranking. When Google looks at your website it crawls the content with an eye for the words used. Website content that is well written with rich spa language that continues to develop and improve will see a positive change in rank over time. SpaBoom Dynamic Websites are designed specifically for easy content updates. If you can use Word you can update a SpaBoom website and add pages, it's that easy.

Linking.

It is very important for websites to link to your spa website. A relevant link (industry specific) tells Google that you are important, which can improve a website’s ranking over time. For more information on linking, check out this linking 101 article.

The power of social networking.

It is impossible for businesses to effectively manage their website ranking if they don’t address the new online social mediums. There are many outlets from which to choose, each with their own set of advantages. Perhaps the best approach is to look at the different options and find one that fits your business best. Once you have tackled one, there will be opportunities to branch out.

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube Search Engine Optimization

The time invested optimizing your website is valuable and it will pay off but not immediately. Don’t expect quick results, instead think long-term and the keep in mind the tangible pay-off it will provide your business.

Posted in General, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 1 Comment »

Spelling errors on websites shine like a beacon to my eyes — its almost like a curse or a superpower — they just jump out at me and I take notice.  Some slip by, but even if my eyes were perfect I would love to find an easy way to check the websites that I use frequently or even the ones to which I contribute.  Good spelling can even help your SEO — if your spa is in Albuquerque and you always end up with "Alburqueque," that could hurt your search results.

After a thorough web search, I found just one company that performed shockingly well after a few tests with some sample websites.  Spellr is out of Australia but it doesn't seem to affect their success.  They offer a free account for small websites (5 scans monthly) or premium subscriptions if you manage more content or would like to automate your reports, etc.

I'm not even at the best part, yet — all of their services, including full detailed reports and the whole enchilada, is FREE until 2/25.

Sign up for an account (you only need an email and a name — no billing info), scan your own website, and be amazed at the little errors it finds.  Their interface is so simple I'm still amazed — click on the misspelled word image and it will whip you directly into a screenshot of your website with that word highlighted.  How to best use this with your website?  Just login to your website editing tool in one browser window and open Spellr in another window, then fix as you go.  Or, download your website's report for later use.

Ok,  if I gush any more you'll think I work for them.  It is just a delight to find excellent services out there, and I hope you agree.

Posted in Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »


Social networking online seems to be exploding: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Digg, and so on. But are these sites useful for acquiring more business for your Salon or Spa? The answer is — Yes! When used properly, it is something that can gain your business some attention.

For the most part, these social networking sites should be viewed as complementary to your website. By taking advantage of these tools you can assert your company's presence online and reach more potential customers, business partners and employees.

Here are some benefits salons & spas stand to gain by using social networking sites:

• Effective communication with existing clients
• Business promotion before a large audience
• Employee recruitment
• Cost effective marketing and
• Last, but definitely not least, is the value of social networking sites to search engine optimization. The more sites that include your name and link back to your web site or blog, the higher your profile rises in search engines, where more and more of your customers are likely to find you.

So, you may be asking how does this all work? There are a several ways you can use social networking websites. Here is one: Websites like LinkedIn allow you to update your contacts and services that your business offers. By posting regular updates about your business you can generate more leads and clients. You can also promote any event and notify your audiences about recent happenings within your company.

Now, a word of caution, while attempting to establish a good online relationship you need to be pretty careful about your manners. People do not really like to be bombarded with sales pitches. Rather they prefer to be engaged in a relevant conversation that holds some value for them. Just like with other forms of marketing the trick to being effective is to never let people know you are marketing!


With almost 10 years experience in new business start-ups and transformations, Ana Loiselle-Donahue is a specialist in finding new sources of revenue and growth for companies of all sizes. She founded theSECRET in 2004 to help businesses flourish through creative — and powerful — new solutions; including brand development, strategic financial planning and employee training. Mrs. Loiselle-Donahue can be reached at 866-288-7353 or at www.TheSecretConsultant.com
Check out her blog.

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • 11 Comments »