Spa Website Design

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, SpaBoom System Events • Comment »

Skin Bliss Beauty of Health Day Spa, is an intimate and relaxing retreat in the heart of Albuquerque’s historic Old Town. Set in a beautiful adobe building, the space immediately settles the mind, blending old and new; it is a perfect setting for creative hair styling and innovative facials and body treatments. It is a place where clients can unwind, relax and enjoy the unique spa environment.

Skin Bliss has launched their new website using SpaBoom's integrated online marketing platform with fully integrated online marketing capability that generates revenue instantly. The spa’s new website includes easy management of their website content and graphics, email marketing, social media, SEO, online menus, branded Instant Gift Certificates, and special events, all within a single login.

The new Skin Bliss website blends the unique qualities of historic location and modern mindset, a design that appeals to the eye and motivates online consumers to take a longer look. They strive to provide spa services that can be tailored to each client’s specific needs and requests. Skin Bliss offers a wide range of services including facials, massage, body treatments, waxing, hair styling, nail treatments and spray tans.

The Skin Bliss website is now integrated, to streamline their entire marketing process. It means the day spa can put more focus and attention on their clients and running the spa. The new website also empowers online visitors with valuable, relevant information about the spa and previews the exceptional experience Skin Bliss offers to clients.

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • Comment »

Building integrated, comprehensive websites for spas is a cornerstone of SpaBoom's business. Without fail, successful spas consistently use their websites to communicate their point of difference, why they stand out in the marketplace. These spas understand that having the best facility, employees and customer service philosophy isn’t enough; they must clearly communicate why they do things differently and why that is important.

In Corbett Barr’s Think Traffic blog post, The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition, he brilliantly communicates just how you can change the game in your favor by harnessing the power of a unique selling proposition (USP). His recommendations are actionable and informative. I encourage you to read his entire blog post and discover its insight.

What is Unique Selling Proposition?

I like to think of your overall USP as your reason for being. Think about it from your customer’s point of view. With tens or hundreds of potential options out there, you have to answer the question, “why should I buy from you?” Or, “why should I read your blog, when there are millions of other blogs I could be reading?
–Corbett Barr

It is Not About Being the Best:

When you’re small, it’s hard to compete on product or content quality alone. You need to change the conversation. Instead of screaming “hey, look at me, I have great stuff too,” you want to confidently say, “hey, I’m all about X, we do things differently. If you’re into X, we’re the only place you can get it.”
–Corbett Bar

Promotion is only a Small Part of Marketing:

Building a high-traffic website or successful business starts with your point of view. It begins with your thesis, how do you see the world, how you care for and help your customers, and extends through to your content, products, customer interactions and then finally to your promotion. –Corbett Barr

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Business Management, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »

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 • 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 »

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 • 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 »

Instant Gift Certificates alone are not enough anymore. Your full online marketing suite must comprise a perpetually up-to-date website, revenue generation, social media, email marketing and online booking.

Join us for a Webinar on Wednesday, July 7th, as Janell demonstrates the tools you need to be effective in the highly competitive modern marketing environment.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar Seat Now!

Title: The New SpaBoom — Your Online Marketing Edge
Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm EDT

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design, SpaBoom New Features, SpaBoom Webinars • 4 Comments »

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 »

During my years at design school the modern design principle, "form follows function" was systematically drilled into our heads as a reminder that shape should be primarily driven by its purpose.

Never has that concept been more applicable than within the context of SpaBoom’s Dynamic Web Design Philosophy. Good web design balances the complexities of consumer-centric functionality and the experiential and creative expression of the spa owner. When synergy happens it produces amazing results, dynamic websites that drive traffic and revenue.

Waves Salon’s physical location epitomizes a modern design philosophy. The approach to the salon’s threshold grants an instant and crystal-clear view of the owner’s creative expression and contemporary design aesthetic. It is that clarity that drives the SpaBoom implementation staff to articulate the salon owners' vision for their Dynamic Website.

Information gathered in the initial implementation phase is critical to an effective website design result. Waves Salon's success was driven by a few targeted questions asked and paired with very direct and precise answers.

• Waves Salon provided SpaBoom with a list of websites that met their aesthetic and design standards. Universally, the list consisted of successful and industry respected spas and salons and all expressed a modern and contemporary aesthetic.
• Waves Salon communicated specific details they wanted to convey in the website and that facilitated the team’s delivery of an effective and experiential website.
• Photography was a key element within Waves Salon’s successful website design process. The photos were taken by a professional and served to aesthetically express the salon and transport online traffic right to their doorstep. Ultimately the photos drove the design and established a dominant spot within the website.

The SpaBoom staff drew upon these key elements to design the Waves Salon website. It is a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing design that serves its purpose to enhance the salon’s brand, drive online gift sales and deliver new clients to their physical location.

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • Comment »

At SpaBoom we spend a great deal of time looking for ways to create effective Dynamic Websites for spas that are also visually appealing and sophisticated.

We have taken the stand that Flash, a multimedia software used to add video and animated graphics to a web page, can affect the consumer’s user experience, expose them to viruses and inhibit Google’s ability to accurately read content embedded within Flash. After all, the consumer's capacity to easily and effectively navigate a website is paramount to a spa's success –- a bad navigation experience is a deal breaker. Any specific variable that may cause your spa website to slow down or diminish the experience is better left to web designers building a site for your spa competition.

It turns out we are not the only company concerned about utilizing Flash technology. In a recent New York Times article, Nick Bilton reports that Apple is looking at this issue as well.

Apple has argued that the Flash technology is too slow and unduly taxes laptops and netbooks. The company also has concerns over Flash’s vulnerability to viruses and other malware, as well as the way Flash-based content can voraciously consume battery life. –Nick Bilton, New York Times.

Read the article.

What does this mean for your business?

It is a critical reminder; companies that put their customers first will have an advantage in the marketplace. A spa website that is quick, consumer friendly and easy to navigate has taken the first important step in building online traffic for their spa. Dynamic Websites allow your spa brand to shine through the clutter and put your consumers right where they belong, in your spa.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »

Grappling with personal existentialism is a worthy and inevitable holiday undertaking, to reflect on the quality of past decisions, both business and personal, as time sets its sights on a New Year. As that New Year, fresh and untarnished, looms in front of us, it is critical to set a deliberate course for business success in 2010.

Trying to predict next year's economic temperature is nearly impossible, independent businesses rarely rely on leading economic indicators because they often don’t apply in their town or state. Many spas have spent the past year unloading overhead and streamlining business practices, which puts them in a position to take advantage of any possible recovery.

There are concrete steps to take to ensure your spa is ready, regardless of what the New Year brings to your business.

Update Your Spa Website.
Your spa website is the very first thing many new customers see even before they enter your spa. The website speaks for you, represents your brand and the trust you have built with clients. It is extremely important that your website be up-to-date, easy to navigate and expresses the look and feel of your spa in a true and simple way. Give your customers the information they need to find your location easily and provide valid contact information.

Create a Healthy Work Environment.
Your spa may have cut back on extras but you can still make sure your spa is a great place to work. That means you create a professional, clean and harmonious environment for your staff that consistently enhances their well being. A great work environment, that is pleasant to come to every day, can compensate for a great deal in lean times.

Create unconventional employee benefits.
Many spas have had to cut back on the number of employees they staff, which implies that you have retained the best and brightest. Let great employees know that you appreciate their hard work and encourage them to continue to work hard.

It is very important to stress that while you are a lean staff now that will change as the economy improves and will create an opportunity for staff development. Loyal, hard working employees can be rewarded with new responsibilities and benefits as the spa adds staff in the future.

Implement creative employee benefits that are less costly but directly improve staff work life. It can be as simple as recognizing hard work and rewarding staff for excellence in customer service. Surprise and delight your staff with rewards that will create more work/life balance for them individually. In addition, empower your staff, let them make decisions that will improve revenue and have a side benefit of improving their feeling of control.

Get to know your clients.
Set the bar high and show the spa staff exactly how you want them to interact with clients. Employees might not be able to do it 'just like you' but they will take your lead and see that it is important to you. Let the spa staff know that they should take an active role in communication and make an effort to know clients, new and old. If a new customer feels comfortable in your spa they are much more likely to rebook and come back for more treatments.

The ultimate goal is to engage your staff and provide them with a satisfying work environment. Getting the spa in shape and retaining the best spa talent during difficult economic times will ensure that your spa will come out of it stronger, wiser and better able to beat the competition.

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

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 »

On display in a Paris storefront window sits the most breathtaking, resplendent 5” python platform shoes. Yes, they would take a significant bite out of any budget but they dazzle and flash in your mind as you imagine walking them down the Boulevard. The sting of reality that will suddenly clamp down hard is designed to remind you that logical needs must be met, despite the desire and captivation of those barely plausible stilts.

Building an e-commerce website for your spa is one of the most important decisions you will make for your business and your head must be wrapped in the needs of the business rather than the opportunity to dazzle and Flash.

Stand out by designing a website that meets the needs of your customers and builds revenue for your business. It all starts by asking yourself what you really need from a spa website. Unraveling your wants from your needs will give you the insight to build an effective website and put you in control to drive your spa business toward success.

An e-commerce spa website needs:

• Simple and logical navigation. Consumers are experienced in quickly finding what they need online. If the process is even slightly slow or challenging to navigate they will move on to a website that is straightforward. Make sure online customers can find what they need on your spa website right from the homepage including gift certificate purchases, appointment booking and spa treatment menus.
• Focus on what’s being sold. Don’t overwhelm online customers with Flash and dazzling graphics. The idea is to keep their attention and make it easy to take action by making a purchase or booking an appointment so any distraction from that goal is diminishing the websites effectiveness.
• Simple to update and add content. This means you need to be in control and keep the ability to update the website yourself. It will give you the flexibility to improve and refine your website to better meet customers needs over time. Adding content on a regular basis can improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which makes it easier for customers to find you online.
• Streamline your business. Build a website with the capacity to book reservations and purchase online. It will free up your front desk and allow them to focus on the customers currently in the spa. If you really want to watch your rebooking rate go up, move phone reservations away from the front desk entirely and use online booking to manage the process.
• Combine email/transactional capabilities. Imagine having built-in email marketing tools that allow you to email current clients and give them the ability to make a purchase right from the email. Email marketing is one of the most effective and least costly communication tools available today.
• An e-commerce website must be reasonably priced. Be wary of web developers who tell you they can build a website for a few thousand dollars. Guaranteed, it will take a year or more to design, build and go live with your website. Each revision will result in additional charges and once the website goes live no one in the organization will be able to manage it. Changes and updates to the website will be completed by the original developer who will bill you more each month.

  Reality often stings, but if you catch its drift in time it can save you from making a terrible mistake. Next time you check out your competitor's dazzling website, take notice of the Flash and pizzazz and feel confident that online customers won’t be waiting to watch the show download. They have moved on to a better, more effective website, yours.

Don't let the prospect of building a website with the attributes we've mentioned intimidate you. SpaBoom's Dynamic Websites deliver all of these, with ease, beauty and within budget.

Posted in General, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Online Booking • 6 Comments »

A Dynamic Website to Build a Spa’s Brand

One of the most challenging tasks facing an entrepreneur is defining and refining a unique vision for their business. Sometimes the description doesn’t come without a wrenching, hard fought process that ekes out something less than desired.

Valerie Walton, owner of Urban Escape Massage and Bodywork is an exception because she knows exactly how she wants clients to feel when they enter her new spa. The new spa website perfectly reflects Valerie’s vision because she so clearly understands what she wants to communicate. That came through in early meetings with the SpaBoom dynamic website staff.

It is an amazing experience to work with someone like Valerie, seeing her clear vision come to life is a fantastic experience for me as well, says SpaBoom's Janell Loving.

Urban Escape Massage and Bodywork is founded on the philosophy that incorporating consistent massage and spa treatments into her clients' lives will positively impact and enhance their lifelong wellness. Valerie’s goal is to help her clients, no matter the age, incorporate consistent massage for improved health and also provide them with a sanctuary of tranquility and relaxation.

Valerie needed a flexible website for her new spa to increase visibility and build her spa brand. First SpaBoom worked with Valerie to develop and bring the Urban Escape Massage and Bodywork logo to life. Once it was complete, Valerie developed content for the website that reflects the experience she wants clients to have during their treatments. Her ability to generate revenue through online gift certificates and to utilize SpaBoom’s online booking tools also gives Valerie’s online customers more control.

SpaBoom continues to work with Valerie to refine her spa website to ensure she utilizes all of the SpaBoom marketing tools. The SpaBoom staff identified four areas where they might provide Valerie with continued guidance to help her improve website traffic and increase revenue for her business:

• Show Valerie how to add treatment specials to her SpaBoom Dynamic website.
• Leverage her client email list and utilize the SpaBoom email-marketing tool.
• Improve search results by optimizing her website. This would include adding relevant content and links and by incorporating spa keywords to existing content.
• Turn on the SpaBoom blog feature allowing Valerie to add content, utilize spa keywords and build her spa brand. She can post relevant articles and provide valuable information to her clients about massage and bodywork.

Posted in Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design, SpaBoom Online Booking • Comment »

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 »

Listen.

Your customers will tell you what they are interested in day in and out and you can write about those topics. Remember, a blog post or a Facebook post doesn’t need to be long. I am often encouraged to deliver just a nugget of good information and then leave it alone; it is being true to the “less is more” theory.

Find your “spa” voice.

We all have a way of communicating information, through storytelling or writing product reviews, even acting as a resource about a particular spa specialty. It is important to know how you best communicate with others and then be true to that mode of communication. You will come off as honest, sincere and it will reflect your spa and its brand most clearly.

Use Spa words and use them correctly.

I am still learning the most appropriate terms within the spa and salon industry; thankfully you are an honest crowd and correct me when I mess up. I do my best to sock all that learning into my brain, thinking that through the content failures I am actually making my writing more accurate and fitting for the spa industry.

Using spa terminology that is correct for your business will also help your spa web site’s search ranking.

Talk up your specialties.

Whatever makes your spa special, whether it be a philosophical bent, unique spa treatments or an unusual spa environment, will differentiate your spa in your corner of the world and create opportunities to improve your online search ranking. The special nuances of your spa business are very important online and need to be communicated in order for consumers out there to find what you have to offer. If your spa menu includes “hard-to-find” spa treatments or retail products make sure it is highlighted on your spa website.

Once you take the time to write about spa make sure you are using it to your greatest advantage. Post it on your Facebook and Twitter page and let the discussion begin. It will be worth all the work you put into it.

Posted in Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • 2 Comments »