Spa Website Design

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 Dynamic Websites, 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, SpaBoom Dynamic Websites • 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 »

The New York IECSC in April provided me an opportunity to visit a childhood friend, Joel Spolsky, at the world headquarters of Fog Creek Software.  While Joel struggled to color inside the lines in kindergarten, he has since become quite the technology blogosphere rock-star.  Joel is the host of the wildly popular Joel on Software blog, read by millions of programmers and software mavens across the globe, the cofounder of Fog Creek and one of Inc. Magazine's most popular columnists.

After a tour of the super cool Fog Creek Office, we chatted about our respective businesses.  Joel was interested in how spa and salon clients approached their business websites.  I explained that the spa industry is comprised of thousands of small to medium sized local businesses and are led by owners who are highly tuned to esthetics and wellness.  I also added that many spa businesses fall into a trap, thinking their website must be "over-the-top" to represent their brand.  Consequently, there are many pretty spa and salon websites out there that few people spend much time on.

Joel laughed at this and then pointed out that many web developers build websites to appeal to the ego of the business owner, rather than the needs of their customers.  Completed websites are often presented to clients in darkened and soundproofed rooms where a graphics-laden home page dramatically loads and "meaningful" music plays for effect.  After such indulgence, the client forks over the final installment of the design fee to the website developer.

Joel's comments illuminate one of the biggest challenges for small and medium sized businesses as they build their sites; consumers go to a website for information, to make a purchase, or to participate in a discussion.  They are long on expectations and short on time.  However, website developers often get paid by the complexity of the project. They are often more motivated to build a fancy website instead of an effective one.  Rather than giving visitors what they need, over-the-top graphics, music and "creative" navigation make getting information difficult and purchases a hassle.

Joel and I imagined a spa client looking for a spas phone number on their iPhone from the back of a New York City cab in traffic to tell the front desk that they will be late for an appointment.  The faster they get the information the more positive the experience for the user.  Imagine that same client looking for a nearby spa that does facials. The site that delivers the menu in the most user friendly way "wins."

Developing a consumer-centric website is one of the most important first steps in building a successful consumer brand name.  It is critical that your spa website deliver ease and convenience for existing and future clients and provide the information they need in a timely manner.

If you want to learn more about good web design, or argue with me about why music is critical to setting your brand image, join me for a SpaBoom webinar on July 8^th, entitled  "Get the Most out of Your Website." We will review the key features of a well-trafficked spa website and provide insights into spa consumers' online behaviors and needs.  To join, just click here.

Posted in General, Spa Website Design • Comment »

Read customer reviews of Terrace Retreat Salon and Day Spa and it becomes clear that their world revolves around the customer in a way that can’t be borrowed or replicated. They seamlessly eliminate barriers of time and space that often keep women from having their time to relax and find tranquility at the spa. They are a full service salon and day spa that can beautify literally from head to toe.

Terrace Retreat owner, Anne Marie Adams, has an innate entrepreneurial spirit; she is focused and hard working. Seth Gardenswartz, VP of Business Relations for SpaBoom, observes

Anne Marie’s standards are high and the level of service the Terrace Retreat staff achieves reminds me in a pure sense of the hospitality I experienced living in Dallas for three years. Reading customer reviews of the spa makes us want to get on a plane and visit for a spell.

Anne Marie started with SpaBoom in May 2006, which, by our measurement, makes her an early adopter. Terrace Retreat had an existing website that was attractive but wasn’t meeting business needs.

SpaBoom worked with Anne Marie while she developed a Dynamic website that ultimately gave her the functionality she needed to edit and appealingly reflect the day spa’s unique brand. Their spa business fully utilizes all the SpaBoom marketing tools to communicate and promote events via email to customers. Instant Gift Certificates (ICG) have become a powerful revenue generator; their IGC reviews tell the story best.

Over the years Terrace Retreat has established consistent marketing email communications with customers that combine great offers, steady communication and hard-fought loyalty to achieve roughly double the response rate of most day spas.

Terrace Retreat began using the SpaBoom scheduler in its infancy. It is an application that allows participating spas to book appointments online, making scheduling more efficient for spas and convenient for customers. Anne Marie has been with SpaBoom through all the scheduling application’s enhancements and has provided us with valuable feedback.

What is on Anne Marie’s mind right now?

She is now on Twitter and has more than the average followers. She started by following others on Twitter, to gain an understanding of how it works. Next on her agenda, she will tackle Facebook.

Posted in General, Spa Business Management, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • Comment »

Retention is the bedrock of any spa business. Challenging economic times have given spas the opportunity to refocus on retaining their best customers and realigning their business practices to meet their needs. Spas are reigning in many traditional marketing programs and putting money and effort into proven online retention tools.

Dynamic Website

A Dynamic Website is an effective retention tool because it is malleable, it allows spas to update and add information to their website instantly, without hiring a web designer or paying a firm to make each change. It puts the power in the spa’s hands and then gives them the tools to be effective with existing clients.

Spa clients are looking for information about your spa. They want it to be helpful and up-to-date. Nothing says, “we don’t care” more than a stale website with outdated information.

Email marketing

Email marketing is the advertising darling of spas right now because it is cost effective and very successful with existing clients. Your most loyal customers will want to hear from your spa so be sure your message is relevant and consistent with your brand. Email marketing is great for promotions but it is also important in the long term and will enhance your spa and your relationship with clients.

• Before you send your first email, optimize your email list by having each client double-opt-in to ensure that they want to receive emails from your spa.
• Once they give you permission, don’t inundate your spa clients with emails and offers. The goal is to send fewer emails but make the ones you do send relevant and enticing.
• SpaBoom’s email marketing template makes sending emails a breeze.
• Send emails with tempting promotional offers on a monthly basis and track the results.
• Email programs can be tracked and can have an obvious and speedy impact on spa sales.

SpaBoom Instant Gift Certificates

Instant Gift Certificates are more than a revenue generator for your spa; they are a fantastic retention tool. You are giving loyal clients the power to purchase from you instantaneously, painlessly and 24/7. Let them send you new and enthusiastic clients via gift giving and make it easy for them to do it.

Making the most of your online tools can have a concrete improvement on your business. It is an effective and profitable way of communicating, selling and extending your brand to your most important clients.

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • Comment »

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 »

Going to a spa is a distinctive event; it is someone’s special day. Delivering a quality experience for customers is a habit, formed and refined over time to meet high expectations. It also means taking risks by allowing the spa staff some leeway if it means creating an even better experience for an individual client.

So who is your customer? What is her profile? How did she come to choose your spa for her special day and what are her expectations?

Well, Sarah has been waiting for weeks for this day to come. Money is tight but it is her birthday and her husband knows that she deserves some special time to herself. She can’t wait to pass the spa threshold, remove all her bodily possessions and melt into a fluffy, soft robe.

She decided to spend a bit more than the gift certificate her husband purchased so she can book a spa package. It will be 2 hours of respite and tranquility to soothe her body mind and spirit. It has been a while since she had her last spa treatment so she is a little anxious but has read that this day spa has a wonderful reputation. The online reviews say that the spa is clean and tranquil, just what she wants. Many of the reviews recommend a specific masseuse so Sarah has requested that she have her.

Sarah spent quite a bit of time on the spa’s website. It was up-to-date and easy to navigate. The owner has a blog and Sarah really likes how this woman thinks about wellness. If she enjoys this spa experience she may purchase an Instant Gift Certificate for her sister’s birthday. She is thrilled that she can purchase the gift certificate online rather than going all the way down to the spa as it is a bit of a drive.

It is time to think like your client and take an honest appraisal of your spa and organization. Make sure your organization is living up to a special experience. Not being certain that your spa delivers quality to clients ensures that you are living in a world of how good we think we are, and that just won’t cut it for Sarah.

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

Your website should generate revenue, not drain cash out of your spa! Learn how to activate the transactional capabilities of your website before Mother's Day, and beyond!

SpaBoom, SpaFinder and SpaBooker will explain how to use online tools to reach new clients and build sales in the weeks leading to Mother's Day.

Title: Transactional Value of Your Website

Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

This webinar is FREE to all SpaBoom clients, so be sure to join in and learn!

How do I join? Click HERE to reserve your Webinar seat now! Space is limited.

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

Posted in General, Spa Gift Certificates, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design, SpaBooker, SpaFinder • Comment »

Every day spas communicate their promise to clients by their collective action. The consistency of all those actions conveys who and what your business represents. Any discrepancy between what is communicated and the actual spa experience will create doubt and diminish trust with clients.

Read the full article.

A spa’s website is a direct reflection of its promise. A spa that promotes a dedication to pampering and customer service but maintains a website that is difficult to navigate, requires multiple steps to make reservations or gift purchases and contains outdated information is corroding its message.

Actions speak louder than words. Is your spa living up to its promise?

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

Sheila Wysocki is the hardworking and successful owner of The Spa of Cool Springs, in Franklin, Tennessee. She has watched her revenue grow instantly using Instant Gift Certificates and by working with SpaBoom to build a Dynamic website for her spa business.

Sheila revealed that when she first saw the SpaBoom booth at a show she walked past it several times. "I was intimidated by it, it was too overwhelming," says Sheila.

But when Sheila finally met our sales team she intuitively sensed that SpaBoom’s online Instant Gift Certificate platform would be a revenue generator for her spa business. She was not computer savvy at the time but said that,

When Sheila decided to build a new website for her spa, The Spa of Cool Springs, she wanted it to be simple for clients and a revenue generator for her business. She looked all over and settled on a SpaBoom Dynamic website. Building her website was the first step.

"Building a Dynamic website for a client is an ongoing relationship. We care about our customers and want them to succeed in their spa business", says Janell Loving, SpaBoom project manager. "Sheila knows everyone here and we love to hear from her when she has a question."

Like all great entrepreneurs Sheila has taken time to learn about growing her online spa business. For her, building her new website was fun and exciting. She can update content, optimize her website and keep her customers informed with accurate and up-to-date information. "Many times, spa owners are not computer savvy and they need help. But it is amazing how much we can learn over time," says Sheila. She works hard to make sure every Cool Springs spa client hears about the spa website. Clients are directed to the website to make purchases when its not convenient to come into the spa.

Sheila is now using the SpaBoom email-marketing tool. She worked with the SpaBoom team to upload her list and to get ready for action. Sheila really appreciates that every time she has a problem she can call and know that she will be helped. "Teaching SpaBoom website customers to use the email-marketing tools is critical. If we can help them understand how to use the tools they will see their online gift revenue grow," says Stephany Toman, SpaBoom's Director of Marketing.

Sheila’s advice to spa owners?

Posted in General, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design • 1 Comment »

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 »

Americans will spend $1.5 Billion on Mother's Day spa gifts this year. Savvy operators are scooping up an increasing portion of this revenue by using cost effective internet marketing.

SpaFinder, SpaBoom and SpaBooker are jointly hosting this first in a series of three webinars that will explain how to use online tools to reach new clients and build sales in the months leading up to Mother's Day.

Title: Positioning Your Spa Online: Presented by SpaFinder, SpaBoom and SpaBooker

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST

This webinar is FREE to all SpaBoom clients, so be sure to join in and learn!

How do I join? Click HERE to reserve your Webinar seat now! Space is limited.

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

Posted in Creating Customers, General, Spa Marketing, Spa Website Design, SpaBooker, SpaFinder • 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 »

It is inspiring to watch SpaBoom customers use their Dynamic Websites to full advantage to their spa business. Businesses are customizing, updating and refining their information-rich websites, transferring the energy of their imagination to the industry, and it is paying off.

SpaBoom Dynamic Websites are recognized as a perfect fit for the industry given their intuitive hierarchy. Their internal architecture provides spas with a pure and logical format from which to build a Dynamic Website. The result? Sites that are easily navigable and which make Instant Gift purchases a snap.

FRESH

Consumers like updated websites. They want to find and see information they need quickly and are irritated by left over Christmas or Valentine's promotions as the calendar creeps past March toward Mother's Day.

The beauty of a SpaBoom Dynamic Website is that it is always fresh. Promotions and content can be easily updated on the spot without extra costs.

CONTROL

Why would any business want to rely on an external source to update their static website? It requires a request followed by an acknowledgment of the request and then schedules, projects, completions and finally a bill for the work.

I’ve got a better image. Early morning with a steaming coffee, a chocolate, gooey croissant thing and a computer beckoning for a website update in quiet solitude or a great café with WIFI. It is a better and wonderfully messy image in my mind.

ZERO

That is in “zero technical skills are required” to update a SpaBoom Dynamic Website. Granted you need to be able to use Word or something close to it. And true, it always helps to be technically savvy or to know someone who has those skills. Keep SpaBoom technical support in your back pocket, they come in handy to answer questions and troubleshoot.

SOARING REVENUE

SpaBoom Dynamic Websites are designed to help your spa increase its revenue. Just adding Instant Gift Certificate functionality to your website may increase average gift giving by nearly 30%.

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Coy is cute, but not when it comes to your spa's website. If it's been awhile since you performed a very simple test — the test of visibility — on your site, now is a great time to do that. Oh, and it's best to have someone else perform the search. That way you can get a real world experience, the results of which which will help you embrace, or possibly adjust, your website's 'net visibility.

Have a friend find your business online and watch what happens.

Don’t give them your URL; just ask them to do it organically so you can observe their process. Do they use Google, Yahoo or MSN to conduct the search? How is your URL ranked in the search results? Are you even ranked?

If you like what you see it will reinforce all the effort you have made thus far so keep it up. If you were surprised and not in a good way, it is time to reevaluate your website and get it in shape to help your business thrive.

This is an easy way to give you insight regarding how customers search for your services and website.

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A website with a large derriere may seem like a strange metaphor, but weight is relative. If you're carrying the right weight, you may look toned and fit. If you're not toned and fit but are at a low weight, you might still look larger than you'd like. It's a sad truth, and one that keeps us either vigilant or in the dumpers at any given point.

Where am I going with this? Your website's content might be robust but not fit, fit in this case meaning well written incorporating good keywords.

How to Increase Traffic Using Keywords Wisely

When developing or updating website content using the 3-4 keywords that result in the biggest impact from organic searches makes sense. But be aware, every other savvy spa in your area will be using the same keywords on their website.

Take the upper hand by incorporating additional keywords in content to attract a more specific customer looking for specific services. Creating precise content that describes your services in detail can bring in customers who are ready to make a purchase or set up an appointment. Why? Because these customers are looking for something specific and are much more likely to purchase if you have what they are looking for in spa services.

When describing your spa services, catch the customer’s eye with a great title and then provide a thorough picture of the service. If you offer unique and specialized spa services or you are a one-stop shop for the body, make sure the website accurately outlines each feature and backs it up by communicating the immediate and long-term benefits of the services.

Each time your website is indexed, every word you use can act as a keyword so craft your message carefully. Use action words in web content whenever possible, it will have a positive impact on website traffic. Think about it through the eyes of a customer. When conducting a natural search what action words might customers use to describe the spa services they are looking for? It is important to construct content that gives the customer an energetic and dynamic image of your spa services.

Leverage website content by being specific and assertive when describing your spa services. It is much easier to gain a client if you have exactly what they want.

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