Vagaro Blog

Get Outside and Bond on Family Health and Fitness Day

Kyle Martin / Sep 25, 2020

Family Health and Fitness Day was created by the Health and Information Resource Center in 1996 to encourage families to bond through physical activity. Children develop certain habits by watching their parent or guardian. When someone older than them sets an example of healthy diet and exercise routines, they’re more likely to follow suit. According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, only one in three children is physically active daily. Chances are, that’s because less than 5% of adults get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day. On September 26, make it a priority to get outside with your family and get in the habit of working up a sweat to connect!

See How Vagaro Businesses Use TikTok to Get More Followers!

Allie Marini / Sep 23, 2020

Without question, 2020’s breakout social media platform has been TikTok, which has helped people all over the world connect and handle the indoor COVID blues! TikTok is a great way for small businesses to build a following and attract new clients overnight, just by letting their unique personality shine. There’s no set formula for how to make a TikTok video that gets views, but it’s easy to learn what works from top creators. Here’s how some Vagaro businesses are using TikTok to build a following that they can then migrate to other social platforms and attract new customers!

“Innergize” with Meditation – Here’s How to Get Started

Allie Marini / Sep 23, 2020

Innergize Day falls on the day after the Autumnal Equinox and is observed as an opportunity to relax and revitalize. One of the easiest ways to quiet all the extra “brain chatter” and reconnect with your inner self is meditation. If you’re ready to get “innergized,” here’s how to get started with meditation!

Vagaro Spotlight: Women-Owned Businesses

Allie Marini / Sep 22, 2020

The beauty and fitness industries have always been a place where women have found empowerment and the ability to be their own boss. 2020 has challenged these small business owners, but we are confident in their ability to overcome. To get the story, we went straight to the source: you! Here’s what five women-owned businesses had to say about navigating business ownership during a pandemic.

Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health on World Gratitude Day

Kyle Martin / Sep 21, 2020

September 21 is recognized as World Gratitude Day. As we become more self-aware as a society, we’re gaining a better appreciation for mental health and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Practicing acts of gratitude is a simple and effective way to enhance one’s quality of life. We all experience daily stress and anxiety to some extent and the pandemic hasn’t made it any easier, so finding moments to show gratitude is crucial. This year, be mindful of how you and your family can celebrate healthier living. Here are three ways you can start practicing gratitude to improve your well-being today.

Dance Your Way to Healthy Living for National Dance Day!

Allie Marini / Sep 18, 2020

National Dance Day 2020, observed on the third Saturday in September, encourages Americans of every age and ability to incorporate dance into their lives. The physical, mental, and social health benefits of dancing are well-documented. Here are a few of the greatest health benefits of dance, and some easy ways to get you movin’ and groovin’ this year!

Keep Your Skills Sharp or Start a New Career with Online Education

Allie Marini / Sep 15, 2020

National Online Learning Day, observed on September 15, honors America’s online learning communities – which is especially important in 2020! This national day originated to celebrate the accessibility, personalization, and convenience of online learning. This year, COVID-19 has prompted many schools – to take the classroom online, expanding the horizon of possibility. Here’s how beauty and fitness professionals can go online to renew, expand, and keep their skill set up to date.

How to Spread Positivity on National Encouragement Day

Kyle Martin / Sep 11, 2020

Staying motivated during the extended social distancing of COVID-19 is challenging, and your customers can always use a little extra encouragement. This is especially true when it comes to working out! While both you and your clients’ daily and weekly routines may be thrown out of sync, reestablishing the goals and activities they enjoy can help restore their motivation levels. Let’s explore some ways you can help your customers feel a renewed sense of purpose on National Encouragement Day!

What Every Salon Owner Needs to Know About Insurance for House Calls

Allie Marini / Sep 11, 2020

Like any other industry, salons need to make sure their businesses are protected against claims with the right kind of insurance. Even with a loyal customer base and a staff of stylists committed to professional service following all the rules – it’s life, and accidents can happen. An accident shouldn’t cost you your livelihood, and when you’re working outside of the salon, your risk increases because of variables you can’t control. If your state allows you to work in an open-air salon, mobile salon, or to make salon house calls – here’s what you need to know about protecting your business!

How to Build Client Trust In a COVID-19 World

Allie Marini / Sep 11, 2020

Since the beginning of the pandemic, beauty professionals and their customers have learned to adapt swiftly in an ever-changing world. It’s transformed not just how beauty businesses operate, but how customers engage with those businesses. Despite new safety measures, many salons and spas are discovering that the greatest obstacle they face is customer anxiety. Once you’ve adapted your workflow for the COVID world – how do you build customer trust?

Behind the Scenes of Your Offsite Salon – Tips for Owners

Allie Marini / Sep 11, 2020

Making salon house calls sounds simple, but there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes for the business owner. Keeping house calls and offsite services profitable depends on a combination of business expertise and scheduling savvy. Here’s our list of tips of how to make it happen!

Want 1k New Followers? How to Effectively Market Your TikToks & Reels

Allie Marini / Sep 10, 2020

Marketing sounds simple: give your customers what they want – easy, right? For most small business owners, figuring this out is an ongoing challenge. Luckily, social media helps demystify what customers want by giving you a direct window into their online habits. Let’s explore how to use TikTok and Instagram Reels to attract a quality audience that makes a positive impact on your business!

Get More Views on TikTok or Instagram Reels with These Pro Tips!

Allie Marini / Sep 10, 2020

Are you ready for your business to catch the attention of a wider audience? Using TikTok and Instagram Reels can be a good place to start, but you may be unfamiliar with these platforms. No worries, we’re here to help! Getting started with TikTok and Instagram Reels isn’t as difficult as you might think. We’ll show you how to create an eye-catching profile and share insider tips to capture your client’s interest!

Thinking About TikTok or Instagram Reels for Your Business? Read This First!

Allie Marini / Sep 03, 2020

Two of the hottest social media platforms right now are TikTok and its newly released competitor, Instagram Reels. Let’s look at what these platforms are, who uses them, how they stack up, and how they can attract new customers to your business!

An Industry Endures: Open-Air Haircuts, A Century Apart

Allie Marini / Sep 03, 2020

Just over 100 years ago, the Spanish Flu event of 1918-1920 was the deadliest pandemic ever recorded in history. The pandemic affected over 25% of the US population, with more documented deaths worldwide than in World War I. People covered their faces, wearing masks to slow transmission of the disease. State and local governments banned public gatherings, and enacted social distancing measures by shutting down spaces like churches, schools, and movie theatres. Many close-contact businesses, such as barbershops, even moved their services outside to reduce the spread of infection.

Hair Stylist, Jessica LaSalle, Goes in Depth About Vagaro’s COVID-Clean Features

Kristen Chadwick / Aug 31, 2020

In this personal interview, we’re talking to hair stylist Jessica LaSalle, a studio suite owner in Loveland, CO. She shares how Vagaro’s COVID-Clean features helps streamline the check-in and checkout processes, and offers a safer way of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Waxologie’s Michelle Shoemaker Talks About Vagaro’s COVID-Clean Features

Kristen Chadwick / Aug 25, 2020

In this personal interview, we’re talking to Michelle Shoemaker, owner of Waxologie LLC in Raleigh NC. She shares how Vagaro’s COVID-19 Ready features played a central role in establishing protocols and practices to keep her clients safe when reopening her business after ten weeks of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Provide a Great Salon Experience While Working Offsite

Allie Marini / Aug 14, 2020

After securing permits and licensing to provide salon house calls and mobile services, it’s time to design the salon experience for offsite clients. How will you make your house call clients feel pampered outside of the salon setting? Follow these steps and check out these resources to create a relaxing at-home experience for your clients!

Going Mobile? Here’s How to Make a Winning Business Plan!

Allie Marini / Aug 13, 2020

If you are licensed in a state where the cosmetology and barbering state board allows mobile salons and concierge services like house calls, you may be ready to add offsites to your service menu. After all—customers live in a world where everything from take-out and groceries to a ride to the airport can be delivered to their home with just a few clicks! But now that you’ve decided to go mobile, what are you going to offer your clients? For your mobile salon to take off, you’ll need a dedicated business plan. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered everything you need to tackle in a few handy checklists!

Thinking About Salon House Calls? Here’s What You Need to Know

Allie Marini / Aug 11, 2020

For professionals in states that have recently phased salon and barbering services into the official reopening, there are many new regulations and guidelines to navigate. For many stylists, there’s a question of whether they can – or even want to – go back into the salon. Providing concierge services (house calls and offsite services) is a way that stylists can provide a convenient option to customers and get back to business. If you’re thinking about adding house calls to your list of services, here’s everything you’ll need to consider!

We Asked—You Answered! Here’s What Vagaro Businesses Have to Say About Outdoor Services

Allie Marini / Jul 31, 2020

As we adapt our professional lives under the shadow of COVID-19, many states have adjusted professional licensing requirements to include exemptions for working outdoors, offsite, or in mobile salons. This allows stylists more ways to work—but how practical are they? We decided to come straight to the people who know the profession best: our Vagaro businesses! Here’s what professionals just like you have to say about working offsite, outdoors, or from a mobile salon.

8 Live Stream Classes and Services to Combat Fatigue

Kristen Chadwick / Jul 30, 2020

Are you exhausted by social distancing? Burned out from too many Zoom calls? For most of 2020, COVID-19 has drastically changed lifestyles around the globe, keeping us distant from our friends, family, and our old routines. The result is a global fatigue with “the new normal.” After what seems like a lifetime, we’re still staying home as often as we can and missing our daily activities. The world has never experienced a pandemic of this magnitude in recent history, so it’s completely normal if you find yourself in a funk – you’re not alone! If you’re feeling more anxious, irritable, unmotivated, or more stressed than usual- this post is for you as you may be experiencing Coronavirus Fatigue.

Spa Owner, James Jackowski, Goes in Depth About Vagaro’s COVID-Clean Features

Kristen Chadwick / Jul 22, 2020

In this personal interview, James Jackowski, owner of Revive Massage Therapy and Spa in Chicago. IL, talks about how Vagaro’s COVID-Ready features helped ease his customer’s anxiety, and some helpful tips on communicating with client’s about the reopening process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ways to Celebrate National Tattoo Day – Even If You Can’t Get a Tattoo

Kristen Chadwick / Jul 15, 2020

National Tattoo Day is usually commemorated by adding another piece of art to the collection. This year, we’ll have to get a little creative with how we celebrate! Regardless if you can get a tattoo or not, this day will not go unnoticed! Here’s how to celebrate the day in 2020:

A Conversation with Wellness Studio Co-Owner Blythe Potter About Reopening

Carina King / Jul 01, 2020

Vagaro gets personal with Blythe Potter, co-owner of Bargersville Wellness in Bargersville, IN, to talk about the safety measures her business has implemented since reopening, how text marketing helped her business stay in contact with clients during closure, and the importance of letting staff choose when to come back.

A Conversation with Nail Salon Manager Nina Le About Reopening

Kristen Chadwick / Jul 01, 2020

Vagaro gets personal with Nina Le, manager of Modern Nails Boutique Salon, in Charlotte, NC, to talk about how the owner Lauren Tran planned the reopening of her nail salon after two months of closure, the difficulties they faced securing loans, and advice on keeping an open-mind while reopening.

PPE—But Make It Fashion!

Allie Marini / Jun 30, 2020

According to experts, it seems like protective face masks and cloth face coverings are here to stay for a while. But it doesn’t have to be a drag! By wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), we all do our part to take care of our loved ones, friends, coworkers, and communities safer by helping to flatten the curve. Here are some of our favorite tips for making the most of the mask!

Take Extra Precaution with Vagaro’s COVID-Ready Features

Kristen Chadwick / Jun 30, 2020

Reopening your business in the current COVID world can feel nerve-racking and uneasy for you and your clients. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the anxious energy with a few nifty tools! Here’s how you can become a COVID-Clean Business and ease everyone’s minds with Vagaro’s latest COVID-Ready features.

A Conversation with Hairstylist T.J. Rosbeck About Reopening

Kristen Chadwick / Jun 29, 2020

Vagaro gets personal with T.J. Rosbeck, owner of Stylist4u247, LLC in Milwaukee, WI, to talk about how he planned the re-opening of his suite after 8 weeks of closure, what his schedule looked like once he re-opened, and some advice on how to handle the first few weeks back.

A Conversation with Lash Artist Kim Trentham About Reopening

Allie Marini / Jun 25, 2020

Vagaro gets personal with Kim Trentham, lash artist at Glitter KC Lash Studio, MO, to talk about how her business prepared for their re-opening, above and beyond sanitation measures at the spa, and insight for other lash artists waiting to get back into what they love doing the most.

Celebrating International Yoga Day Differently in 2020

Kristen Chadwick / Jun 19, 2020

International Yoga Day will be a little different this year for yogis and yoga instructors alike. While you may not be able to go to your beloved studio for a hot yoga session to stretch the stress away, that doesn’t mean this year’s holiday is cancelled! Celebrate International Yoga Day the virtual way with live stream classes or take it to the outdoors with friends so you won’t have to miss out on the festivities!

Need Father’s Day Ideas? Live Streams & Grooming Gifts for Dad

Allie Marini / Jun 18, 2020

Does the dad in your life have more neckties than he can wear in a lifetime and more coffee mugs than he knows what to do with? It’s easy to fall into a Father’s Day gift-giving rut and this year is one that we’re all sure to remember because it’s making us all think outside of the box! While we may still need to maintain a safe 6-foot social distance, there are ways to spend quality time together. So, put down the BBQ set and power tools, and take a look at this list instead!

How to Ease Customer Anxiety After Reopening

Allie Marini / Jun 11, 2020

You’re ready for reopening—but are your customers? You’ve put in a lot of hard work and thought to make it safe to reopen and to get your staff ready for your new way of working. But even with every protection in place, some of your customers may not be ready to come in just yet. Here’s how to welcome skittish customers back and put their minds at ease when they’re in your business.

Enter Vagaro’s Pay Desk Photo Contest!

Kat Vu / Jun 10, 2020

Has your business purchased Vagaro’s new Pay Desk? If you have, you’re eligible to enter to win a Vagaro subscription discount of up to $85 credited to your active Vagaro account—and show off your new setup to your customers!

Welcome Back to Work! Mapping Out Your New Business Floor Plan

Allie Marini / Jun 09, 2020

In a post-coronavirus workplace, things are going to look very different! Now it’s time to take the next step towards reopening—creating a new layout to make sure your business space is set up for safe social distancing and has a controlled traffic pattern. Changing up the floor plan of your business may sound overwhelming, but it’s easier than you might think—here’s how to get started!

Eco-conscious Beauty: Willow & Wolfe Salon

Allie Marini / Jun 05, 2020

June 5 is observed as World Environment Day. The goal of this holiday is to get people, businesses, and law makers engaged in a global conversation about environmental issues. This year’s theme is centered on biodiversity.

How to Safely Schedule for Salon and Spa After a COVID-19 Closure

Allie Marini / Jun 03, 2020

Great news—your state has set a date for your salon or spa to reopen! There are a lot of changes to navigate, and one of the biggest is how you schedule appointments. For the beauty industry, time management is always important, but even more so after your reopening. Not only will you need to figure out how many staff and clients can safely be in your business at once, but you’ll need to figure out how to build in buffer times for disinfection. Let’s look at some easy ways for you to create a schedule that works for your employees and clients, while protecting their health!

Welcome Staff Back for Reopening: What Employers Need to Know

Allie Marini / Jun 01, 2020

This article includes:
• Getting employees acclimated to a new work layout
• How to introduce new sanitation and hygiene protocols to staff
• Addressing changes to scheduling and operational hours
• The paperwork you need to update before welcoming staff back
• How to help improve morale after an extended furlough

Reopening Your Gym? Here’s What You Need to Know About Keeping It Clean!

Allie Marini / May 26, 2020

This article includes:

• What fitness center owners need to know about disinfection

• How to disinfect your fitness equipment without ruining it

• The top 4 EPA-approved disinfectants best-suited for the fitness industry

• Your new 5-Step Disinfection plan

• Additional resources to get your staff certified and ready to reopen safely

A Conversation with Spa Owner Dee Suarez-Diaz About Reopening

Allie Marini / May 26, 2020

Vagaro gets personal with Dee Suarez-Diaz, owner of ReNuew Wellness Spa in Woodbridge, VA, to talk about what her business has been doing during the closure to earn income, stay in touch with customers, update ReNuew’s service menu, and prepare for their future re-opening.

Reopening Soon? Safeguard Your Business with a Liability Waiver!

Allie Marini / May 21, 2020

This article contains:
• What a hold harmless liability waiver is

• How a liability waiver protects your business

• What signing a liability waiver acknowledges

• How to know if your liability waiver is strong enough

• The essential information every liability waiver must cover

• How Vagaro Forms make liability waivers easy to send, receive, and file

Get Your Salon Ready for a Clean Reopening

Allie Marini / May 20, 2020

EPA-Approved Disinfectants & Safety Certifications This article includes: The differences between hygiene, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing A quick rundown of the top 4 EPA-approved disinfectants for use in the… View Post

Come Back in Style – Free Reopening Social Media Templates

Allie Marini / May 19, 2020

If your state has reopened, or is preparing to reopen for business, you’re ready to let your customers know you’re back in business! Getting ready to reopen takes a lot of work—and we’re here to help lighten the load. Vagaro’s Design team has created a bundle of social media templates to use on your social pages and keep your followers up to date about the details of your reopening! Includes free PDF download bundle of ready to use social media graphics.

How Do You Set a Price for Live Stream Classes and Services?

Allie Marini / May 14, 2020

• How perceived value influences your pricing

• Pricing models: high volume/low cost vs. low volume/ high cost

• Factors that contribute to your price point

• How to price live stream memberships

The Future of Your Salon is Virtual—and Personal!

Allie Marini / May 14, 2020

This article covers:

Set your business up for future success with a digital salon

What services & products to offer online as well as in-store

Why your temporary solution should be a permanent fixture

Bright ideas to make your new digital salon a smash hit!

Help Stressed-Out Clients with Online Massage Classes

Patricia Cornet / May 14, 2020

COVID-19 is causing widespread fear and anxiety throughout the world, so you’ve got a natural audience starving for ways to de-stress and unwind. Why not take your professional skills online and help everyone relax by teaching online massage classes? You’ve got the skills and preparation to teach massage techniques and help clients ease aches and pains; all you need is the technology to connect with them remotely.

Start Building Your Online Skin Care Lessons

Kristen Chadwick / May 14, 2020

In this article you’ll learn how to:

Get a jump start streaming your skin care lessons

Build a virtual skin care routine for your clients

Create follow-up courses for more in-depth topics

Use your online store to compliment your live stream

Involve your male clientele in some self-pampering

Use Live Streaming to Help Clients with High-Maintenance Hair

Maria Duffey / May 13, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn about:

Reasons why braids need a break

Remote-control hair extension removals

Root touch-up tutorials for clients with relaxed hair

Banning box color with comradery

Why now is the time to embrace natural hair

Clever ideas for product kits

Connect with Clients Through Your Virtual Nail Salon

Kristen Chadwick / May 12, 2020

Now is the time to build a new source of revenue with your very own virtual nail salon! If you find it to be a hit with your clientele, you can build a permanent library of your virtual offerings to complement your in-store offerings. Here are some ways your nail salon can utilize Vagaro’s live streaming integration to maintain a cash flow, even after your business re-opens to the public.

How to Use Live Streaming to Help Clients Manage Their Hair at Home

Maria Duffey / May 11, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

• Prevent the trend of bad boredom bangs

• Help clients hide their new growth without turning to boxed hair color

• Teach your clients braid techniques to manage their own hair

• Cater to your male clients’ grooming needs

• Create custom hair styling live streams using marketing tools and forms

Reset & Rise Up: Your Salon Reopening Guide

Allie Marini / May 08, 2020

Whenever your business re-opens, it’ll be anything but business as usual. Not only are you opening your doors for the first time after an extended hiatus, but you’ll be ushering in your “new normal.” Whether this lasts a few months or indefinitely, it’s important to hit the ground running. That’s why Vagaro has created a comprehensive to do list that sets your business up for a successful re-opening. Our guide covers scheduling, staff management, sanitation protocols, social distancing strategies and more.

Upgrade Your Live Stream with These Video Production Tips

Vagaro Video Team / May 07, 2020

This article includes:
• How to improve the video quality of your live stream with tips to help polish your film quality before, during, and after the event

• Pre-production suggestions, including location scouting, shot lists, and scripting

• Production tips, including call sheets, lighting, multi-camera equipment and apps, sound, dry runs, and live production

• How to make post-production edits to give viewers watching the recorded session the best experience possible

Celebrate Mother’s Day Safely with These Creative Live Streams

Allie Marini / May 05, 2020

It’s safe to say that Mother’s Day 2020 won’t be quite how anyone pictured it. Whether you’re sheltering in place with Mom—or wishing you were—there are still ways to show your appreciation, practice gratitude, and celebrate your unique bond. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite upcoming live streams from the Marketplace, but there’s plenty more to choose from, so browse to your heart’s content.

Measuring the Success of Your Live Stream

Allie Marini / Apr 27, 2020

• What successful live streams have in common & how to see if yours measures up

• How to measure your live stream success with data collected from customer touch points: open rate, click-through rate, registrations, and attendees

• How to follow up with participants & gather valuable viewer feedback

• How to shape future live streams & create a successful, ongoing series

Get Your Business BARBICIDE® Certified to Prepare for Re-opening

Allie Marini / Apr 23, 2020

Many businesses are beginning to prepare for re-opening. Because information is constantly evolving, one thing that seems certain is that as states begin to roll out re-opening plans, it won’t be business as usual. Which is why many salons, spas, and fitness centers are using this time to plan out how they’ll strengthen or improve their practices to keep staff and customers as safe as possible.

Boost Your Live Stream Audience Using Social Media 

Allie Marini / Apr 21, 2020

This article includes:
• How social media helps you attract new local and global customers to your live video events
• The social media platforms where you should be posting
• How to create the right post for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok
• Easy pre- and post- event social media strategies to attract viewers to your live stream

Generate Income and Limit Contact with Curbside and In-Store Pickup

Maria Duffey / Apr 17, 2020

For businesses affected by a COVID-19 closure or shelter in place order, curbside pickup for online sales is an additional way to earn income and maintain customer connections from a safe social distance. Click… View Post

It’s Time to Market Your Live Stream!

Allie Marini / Apr 16, 2020

This article includes: How to market to your local and global live stream audiences The digital listings you need to update with your live video options Easy ways to create… View Post

Everything You Need for a Successful Live Stream: Tools & Devices

Allie Marini / Apr 13, 2020

This article includes:
• Easy ways to get the best lighting for your live stream
• How to achieve high-quality audio for your streaming session
• Filming composition tips to make your live stream look polished & professional
• How to optimize your live stream by testing your live streaming tools, choosing a peak time to stream, and following-up with audience
• Links to recommended live streaming equipment to help you easily create a top-notch live stream

So, You Want to Start Live Streaming? Here’s What You Need to Know

Allie Marini / Apr 10, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn:
• Why you should live stream your services
• How existing customers are the foundation of your live stream audience
• Ways to expand your live stream audience outside of your local area
• Creative ideas for live streaming to help your business earn money

Help Clients Get a Good Workout at Home with Live Stream Sessions

Maria Duffey / Apr 07, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn about:
• Common household items that can replace gym equipment
• How your clients can combine fitness time with family time
• What you can do to keep your clients motivated and accountable
• How to maintain human connection by adding fun to at-home routines
• Why safety still matters

#StayInsideShopOnline

Allie Marini / Apr 01, 2020

Download a free social media template bundle to share with customers to participate in Vagaro’s #StayInsideShopOnline social media campaign. ZIP file bundle contains 30+ unique social media templates.

Boost Your Immunity & Stay Healthy with These Tips

Maria Duffey / Mar 24, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn about:
• How you can improve your immune health by lowering your stress
• How to boost immunity with a good night’s sleep
• Alcohol’s effect on the immune system
• How to use exercise as medicine
• Why you should focus on more than Zinc & Vitamin C
• How you can recognize & help prevent the spread of misinformation

COVID-19 Resources for Small Business

Allie Marini / Mar 20, 2020

We know it’s hard for you right now. We’re in the middle of an unprecedented situation in this industry and that can feel overwhelming. But we know that you’re strong, and… View Post

Ease your COVID-19 Anxiety with These Expert Tips

Allie Marini / Mar 20, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn about:
• The negative effects of anxiety & stress on your body
• How giving yourself a designated “worry time” can reduce your overall anxiety
• Why taking a “social media break” is good for your mental health
• What watching a kitten video does for your mental well-being
• Simple indoor breathing & grounding techniques

How to Keep Business Revenue Up During COVID-19

Allie Marini / Mar 18, 2020

This article includes:
• Ways to use email marketing to communicate with clients
• A customizable email template to use when providing updates about changes to your normal business operations
• How to use your online cart to maintain an income stream by remotely selling discounted gift certificates, memberships, packages, & products
• A letter from our CEO, detailing Vagaro’s plan to help you through this challenge

Worried About Coronavirus? The Owner’s Guide to Reducing Health Risks at Work

Allie Marini / Mar 16, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn about:
• How to minimize risk for viral infections, airborne pathogens, & bloodborne diseases by maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards in your salon
• Recommended sanitation products
• The checklist for salon and spa hygiene & sanitation (Download as a PDF)
• Safe, effective sanitation tips
• How to communicate your shop sanitation practices with clients –including email & text templates
• Additional resources for running a safe, hygienic, sanitary business

5 Lessons We Can Learn from Wellness Barbie

Allie Marini / Mar 09, 2020

It’s the 21st century, and Barbie’s been re-inventing herself! March 9 is National Barbie Day 2020. Wow – look at her now! Since her official debut in 1959, Barbie’s held over 200 careers, constantly inspiring children to dream big. She’s been everything from a doctor to a paratrooper, a business executive and a paleontologist—all that in just 60 years!

An Equal World is an Enabled World

Allie Marini / Mar 08, 2020

March 8th is International Women’s Day. This year, the theme is focused on equality! Today Vagaro celebrates the incredible women who make our industry awesome and who strive to build a gender equal world.

Motivate Staff & Net More Sales: Flat Rate vs. Tiered Commissions

Allie Marini / Feb 25, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn:
• What commission-based pay is
• The difference between flat-rate and tiered commissions
• Real-world examples of flat rate vs. commission for services and products
• How commission provides more control over services, sales, and payroll
• About using commissions to motivate staff and bring in more sales
• How Vagaro makes is easy to customize flat-rate or tiered commissions
• Additional resources to help you

401(k) Retirement Plans for Employees of Small Businesses

Allie Marini / Feb 24, 2020

Learn how Vagaro’s partnership with Gusto can help salon, spa, fitness, and wellness small business get a competitive edge through retirement savings benefits! Here’s how hairdressers, barbers, nail techs, spa and fitness professionals can start planning for a comfortable retirement, without stressing about the future. Gusto and Vagaro make it happen. Try Gusto free for 3 months when you sign up through Vagaro!

Why Is Human Resources Important for Small Businesses?

Allie Marini / Feb 17, 2020

HR helps small businesses perform better, scale up, and reach their goals. With effective HR resources available, your business will see improved employee performance and an increase in loyalty and commitment. Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of you—learn how HR is the key!

Enter Vagaro’s Selfie Station Contest!

Allie Marini / Feb 12, 2020

Has your business created the perfect spot to snap a selfie? Do your customers love taking candid shots for social media every time they visit? Want to win a Vagaro Tablet Stand and EMV Chip Card Reader? If you answered YES — read on to find out how your business selfie station can win Vagaro’s Selfie Station Contest!

Make More February Cash with a Galentine’s Day Deal They’ll Love!

Allie Marini / Feb 10, 2020

In this article, you’ll learn:
• The origin of Galentine’s Day
• How a Valentine/Galentine Daily Deal can bring you extra cash in February
• Easy steps to create, post, market, and boost your Galentine’s Deal
• Bonus Galentine’s Day 2020 marketing tips

Choosing the Right Payroll Services for Your Business Needs

Allie Marini / Feb 10, 2020

Payroll is one of the most complicated aspects of owning and running your own small business. It’s also the area where small business owners tend to make errors that can be costly and difficult to resolve. Learn how the answers to 5 simple payroll questions can solve your payroll headaches and help your business thrive!

Leading Her Forward: Get Involved with National Girls & Women in Sports Day!

Allie Marini / Feb 05, 2020

96% of female CEOs participated in sports when they were younger! Read on to learn how getting more girls involved in individual or organized sports today can bring more equity to the boardroom tomorrow! In this article, you’ll learn about:
• National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) and its origins
• The top 3 life benefits of early involvement with sports on women
• 3 easy ways for your fitness center, coaching, or personal training business to get involved with #NGWSD
• Additional resources to learn more about #NGWSD & how your fitness business can make a positive impact on girls in your community
• How Vagaro can help your fitness business #LeadHerForward

6 Ways Gusto and Vagaro Make Payroll Processing Easier

Allie Marini / Feb 03, 2020

To make sure your small business is successful, you’ve got to have a solid payroll processing software. For beauty, fitness, and wellness small businesses, payroll processing software has to manage everything from time card calculations to payroll processing and everything in-between. Learn how Vagaro’s new integration with Gusto payroll software can help small business owners process payroll more easily and efficiently.

Keep Your Business Safe from Cybercrime with Vagaro’s Data Security Best Practices

Adam Zachs / Jan 28, 2020

Data Privacy Day 2020 is an opportunity for SMB owners to learn more about how to safeguard business and customer data from cybercrime. In this special contribution from Vagaro’s Director of Privacy and Compliance, Adam Zachs, CIPP/US, J.D., you’ll learn about the types of cybercrime, Data Privacy Day, why data security is a smart business practice, STOP. THINK. CONNECT. ™ best practices for data security, and easy ways to protect your business and personal online data. Includes links to additional resources to help you learn more about data privacy.

The 5 Most Effective Ways to Keep Your Personal Training Clients Motivated

Allie Marini / Jan 21, 2020

Motivation is the most important part of keeping your personal training clients accountable to their fitness goals. But it’s also the most challenging obstacle you’ll encounter in your career as a personal trainer. In this Vagaro 6-minute read, you’ll learn about goal-setting, adding fun to your training sessions, the benefits of group fitness sessions, rewarding your clients, and positive communication.

Breaking Up (With Clients) Is Hard to Do

Allie Marini / Jan 14, 2020

One of the toughest crossroads you’ll ever face in your career as a beauty professional is the decision to end a relationship with a client. In this post, you’ll learn how to identify problem clients who cost you money, as well as how to professionally end a business relationship without burning any bridges. Includes template and checklist to help service professionals end a business relationship the right way.

Nine 5-Minute Marketing Tips for Valentine’s Day with Vagaro

Allie Marini / Jan 06, 2020

Learn how to use Vagaro automated marketing tools like promo codes for discounted electronic gift certificates, Daily Deals, text marketing, becoming a featured Vagaro Marketplace business and optimizing your online store to book more clients and make more sales this Valentine’s Day!

Email and Text Marketing: Which is Better for Your Campaign?

Allie Marini / Jan 02, 2020

With Vagaro, email marketing and text marketing come together in one, easy-to-use system that gives you all the tools you need to market smart. Here are the respective benefits and disadvantages of text and email marketing, and how to know which platform is best suited to your message to get the most return on your investment.

6 Reasons to Add Text Marketing to Your Marketing Plan

Allie Marini / Dec 26, 2019

The average smart phone users checks their messages up to 85 times every day! If you’re a small business owner trying to figure out how to make text marketing work for your salon, spa, wellness studio or fitness center, read on to learn 6 big benefits of adding Vagaro’s text marketing to your marketing plan.

Vagaro & Gusto Launch Payroll Services for Small Business

Allie Marini / Dec 23, 2019

Payroll for small business can be a headache, especially for small business owners in beauty, fitness, and wellness. Learn how easy it is to set up payroll for small business when you use Vagaro’s new integration with Gusto payroll processing. Payday is better when you’ve got the right software system by your side!

How to Prepare Your Salon Clients for Annual Price Increases—And Stay Busier Than Ever

Allie Marini / Dec 20, 2019

Many stylists and salon professionals are hesitant to raise prices, fearing that their client base will disappear with a price increase. But small, regular price increases let stylists, barbers and salon professionals stay on top of finances and avoid racking up debt. Learn how a salon price raise can help your salon without impacting your client base. Includes tips for prepping clients for a price raise and templates for email, text, and social media marketing.

Get More Clicks with Email and Text Marketing

Allie Marini / Dec 19, 2019

Text marketing is a strong complement to your email marketing, embracing the technology your clients love most. Learn how to use text marketing to deliver your promotions and campaigns quickly, easily, and conveniently.

Get More Engagement from Customers with Vagaro Gift Certificates!

Allie Marini / Dec 19, 2019

Many small business owners overlook the marketing potential and customer retention capabilities of the “small but mighty” gift certificate. Read on to discover Vagaro’s top tips to increase engagement—and conversions! —with digital gift certificates.

Five Ways to Beat the January Salon Sales Slowdown

Allie Marini / Dec 18, 2019

After the busy winter holiday season is over, salons and spas become positively quiet in January, causing unnecessary stress for small business owners. Here are Vagaro’s top seven ways to use the downtime to your advantage, keep your sales and finances steady, and get ready for business to pick back up again when Valentine’s Day rolls around!

The Ultimate January Fitness Industry Survival Guide for Business Owners

Allie Marini / Dec 17, 2019

For fitness small businesses, January is the most important month, with a 30% increase in sign-ups. But studies show that over 50% of January sign-ups cancel their memberships in less than 5 months. In this post, Vagaro will show you how to attract your fitness center’s ideal customers and boost member retention throughout the year.

Top 10 Text Marketing Best Practices Your Business Needs

Allie Marini / Dec 12, 2019

It’s impossible to deny the benefits of text marketing—but many small business owners aren’t quite sure how to get started, or how to tailor their marketing messages for text. Read on to learn Vagaro’s top ten best practices for text marketing that’ll help your business start texting like a pro!

SMS Marketing and Text Messaging Tips for Small Business

Allie Marini / Dec 06, 2019

With a 45% response rate, text marketing helps make sure you’ve filled every chair for the holidays! Learn how to use Vagaro’s text marketing to make sure your busiest time of year is also your most profitable!

SMS Text Marketing Best Practices: US Federal & Industry Regulation

Allie Marini / Dec 05, 2019

Before adding text messaging to your marketing strategy read this review of the US laws and regulations for text marketing. Make sure your text marketing program complies with and operates within the defined parameters of federal and industry regulations and learn how Vagaro’s automation makes it easy to get started.

How to Make Cyber Monday 2019 a Success for Small Businesses

Allie Marini / Nov 25, 2019

Here are some easy ways your beauty, fitness, or wellness small business can get some of the online action during the busiest retail weekend of the year and boost your earnings with Cyber Monday 2019 deals!

Top 10 Ways to Get More Business on Small Business Saturday 2019

Allie Marini / Nov 22, 2019

Here are the top 10 ways your beauty, fitness, or wellness small business can market smart to increase earnings during the busiest retail weekend of the year and attract more customers with Small Business Saturday 2019 sales, deals, and discounts!

8 Tips to Attract Customers for Black Friday 2019

Allie Marini / Nov 22, 2019

Here are some easy ways your beauty, fitness, or wellness small business can prepare for a spike in activity during the busiest retail weekend of the year and boost your earnings with Black Friday 2019 deals and discounts!

Cater to Your Customers with a Branded App

Allie Marini / Nov 20, 2019

One of the greatest benefits of a branded app is that it puts all your business’s most important information at the customer’s fingertips—and then opens the door to your shop on their home screen.

Website Vs. Branded App: Which Is Better for Beauty and Fitness Businesses?

Allie Marini / Nov 13, 2019

To gain new customers and retain them, your beauty or fitness business needs to be accessible from mobile devices. Here’s how Vagaro’s responsive websites and branded apps can help set you apart from the competition!

Hosting Happy Hour at Your Salon: What You Need to Know

Allie Marini / Nov 12, 2019

November 12 is designated as National Happy Hour Day 2019. Happy hours are a great way to turn a salon event idea into an easy-to-organize after-hours occasion your customers won’t… View Post

Becoming a Brand Ambassador: Everything You Need to Know

Allie Marini / Nov 12, 2019

In today’s digital landscape, social media is leading the wave of future marketing. The rise of social media puts power in the hands of individuals in a way that’s never… View Post

The Ugly Truth About Stress—And How You Can Help

Allie Marini / Nov 06, 2019

The first Wednesday in November is designated as National Stress Awareness Day. On this day, the goal is to identify stress factors in your life, and create a realistic, actionable plan to reduce or deal with these stressors. Learn how to help treat clients who are managing chronic stress with spa and wellness treatments designed with the end-goal of stress-reduction.

Seeing Red: Tips, Tricks, & Formulas for National Redhead Day

Allie Marini / Nov 05, 2019

Professional colorists know that a natural (or flamboyant!) red can be one of the most difficult colors to achieve, because of the color’s natural tendency to fade quickly. For National Redhead Day, here are tips for selecting the right red for your clients and resources to formulate the right red for every head!

In a Sales Slump? 5 Steps to Get Back to Business!

Allie Marini / Nov 05, 2019

Even the greatest business can experience a sales slump. Not to worry: there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. After all, no sales slump lasts forever. Here are some simple tips to keep your mind clear during a sales slump and prepare yourself to get back in business.

Take the Leap! – What You Need to Know About Switching to a Beauty, Fitness, or Wellness Career!

Allie Marini / Nov 04, 2019

The first Monday in November is National Job Action Day, a day set aside to recognize and empower workers who dream of having a career they love. If on Job Action Day you find yourself at a crossroads of career purpose, dreaming of a vocation where you feel empowered and inspired every day, learn how Vagaro can help you start your new career in beauty, fitness, or wellness.

15 Million Reasons to Upgrade to EMV Compliant Hardware

Allie Marini / Nov 04, 2019

According to research, there are over 15 million outdated pieces of POS equipment processing credit card transactions every day! Is your business one of the 15 million at-risk for credit card fraud? Here’s how to protect your business, your customers, and your time by making the shift to EMV chip card compliant POS hardware!

Minimize Chargebacks & “Friendly Fraud” with Vagaro!

Allie Marini / Oct 31, 2019

Learn how Vagaro’s cancellation/no-show policies, EMV chip card readers and digital automation minimizes chargebacks and creates a “paper trail” to help fight back against “friendly fraud.”

Get Featured on Vagaro to Build Brand Awareness

Allie Marini / Oct 29, 2019

In the modern world of digitally-driven marketing, it’s vital for businesses to have reliable, trustworthy branding in order to thrive and stay competitive. Here’s how getting featured on the Vagaro Marketplace can help your business grow by helping you increase your brand awareness.

Use Deposits to Nip Cancellations and No-Shows in the Bud!

Allie Marini / Oct 24, 2019

Every day, service professionals navigate the delicate balance between the client’s need for flexibility and their business’s need for security. Deposits are a way to help curtail no-shows and last-minute cancellations, secure partial payment for services booked in advance, and avoid uncomfortable client situations.

Calling All Monsters! What You Need to Know to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist

Allie Marini / Oct 23, 2019

If you’re a makeup artist interested in branching to become a certified special effects (SFX) makeup artist, learn more about the training and requirements and how Vagaro can help you be successful in your new career.

Attract Your Ideal Clients with Get Featured

Allie Marini / Oct 22, 2019

Transform your business from ordinary to extraordinary! Getting featured on the Vagaro Marketplace helps your business strengthen its customer base, boost client retention and loyalty, and sustain profits by targeting your ideal clients.

Give Client Relationships More Depth with Form and SOAP Notes File Uploads

Allie Marini / Oct 17, 2019

Get to Know Your Customers Day is a business holiday, observed on the third Thursday of each quarter (January, April, July, and October.) Learn how Vagaro Drive’s new form and SOAP notes file upload can help you get to know your clients on a deeper level and give them the VIP treatment with every visit!

8 Reasons to Join a Chamber of Commerce

Allie Marini / Oct 16, 2019

Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day is observed annually on the third Wednesday in October, so it’s an opportune time to review the benefits of chamber of commerce membership and how they can amplify the effectiveness of your Vagaro marketing tools.

Love the Skin You’re In – National Aesthetician’s Day

Allie Marini / Oct 15, 2019

Did you know that your skin is the body’s largest organ? The average adult has around 8 pounds and 22 feet of skin, which acts as a waterproof insulating shield… View Post

Trick or Treat! 10 Fun Facts About Halloween

Allie Marini / Oct 15, 2019

What do you get if you divide the circumference of a Jack-o’-Lantern by its diameter? Pumpkin π! —John Evans It’s everyone’s favorite orange-and-black holiday! It’s the time of year where… View Post

Get Featured, Get Attention—Get Booked!

Allie Marini / Oct 15, 2019

Getting Featured on Vagaro is a simple step the business owner can take to promote new client discovery, build a solid online presence, and bring in more new customers. Here’s how to maximize your Get Featured listing!

5 Kicks to Set Goals and Get Out of a Rut

Allie Marini / Oct 14, 2019

The second Monday in October is designated as National Kick Butt Day—and it’s not just for fitness! Here are five ways for you to take inventory (literally and figuratively) of your business, consider your goals, and create an action plan to “kick butt!”

Candy Corn Manicure: A Step-By-Step Tutorial

Allie Marini / Oct 11, 2019

Candy corn has been around for nearly 150 years and is Halloween’s most instantly recognizable confection. In this Vagaro post, we’ll show you how to give yourself a “BOO-tiful” Halloween look with this step-by-step tutorial for a candy corn manicure!

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