How to Find the Best Salon Software for Small Businesses: Features to Consider (UK Edition)

Running a small salon in the UK comes with its own set of challenges—from managing client bookings to handling the day-to-day bits and bobs, marketing, and payments. Salon owners need salon software solutions that can make these processes smoother, save time, and help their businesses grow. That’s where salon software for small business comes in handy.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you on what to look for in the best salon software for small business, highlighting the key features that really make a difference. Plus, we’ll introduce you to 10 popular best salon software options, with Booksy leading the way as a top choice for small salons and beauty businesses.

Why Small Salons in the UK Need the Right Software

Small salons in the UK face particular challenges like having a smaller team, managing busy calendars, and growing their client base while keeping an eye on the pennies. A Salon software tackles these challenges by:

• Making operations smoother: It cuts down on the time spent on admin tasks like booking appointments and dealing with payments.
• Boosting client loyalty: Tools such as reminders, loyalty schemes, and marketing campaigns help keep clients coming back for more.
• Enabling business growth: Insights from reports and analytics help salon owners make smarter decisions to increase takings.

For small salons, choosing the right best salon booking system can be the difference between running an efficient business and constantly feeling swamped.

Key Features to Look for in A Salon Software for Small Businesses

When you're on the lookout for the best salon software for small business, make sure you prioritise the following features to ensure it ticks all your boxes:

Online Booking

Clients want the convenience of booking appointments anytime, anywhere. An online booking system lets them schedule their appointments via a mobile app or website, meaning your salon is always open for business—even when you’re not physically there.

• With Booksy: Clients can book appointments through the Booksy app or website, making the process seamless and easy.

Appointment Management

Managing appointments efficiently is crucial for avoiding double bookings or no-shows. Look for software with real-time calendar updates, options to reschedule, and automated reminders.

• With Booksy: The software keeps your schedule bang up to date in real time and sends automated reminders to clients, reducing no-shows and keeping your diary organised.

Point-of-Sale (POS) Integration

An integrated payment system simplifies the checkout process by allowing clients to pay securely through the app. Look for features like tipping, card payments, and invoicing.

• With Booksy: Clients can make payments and add tips directly in the app, saving time and ensuring a smooth transaction.

Marketing Tools

To grow your business, you’ll need tools to promote your services, run loyalty schemes, and send targeted campaigns. Automated marketing features can save you time while keeping your salon at the forefront of clients' minds.

• With Booksy: Send out promotions, run email or SMS campaigns, and set up loyalty programmes to keep your clients engaged.

Client Management

Keeping clients coming back is key for small businesses. Your software should store client profiles, including their service history, preferences, and contact details, so you can personalise their experience.

• With Booksy: Keep track of client history, preferences, and notes all in one place to provide top-notch service every time.

Reporting and Analytics

Data insights can help you understand how your salon is performing. Look for software that provides reports on takings, client trends, and appointment history.

• With Booksy: Get access to detailed performance reports to help you make smarter business decisions.

Mobile App Accessibility

As a small salon owner, you’re often on the go. A mobile app allows you to manage bookings, payments, and client information from anywhere.

• With Booksy: The app gives you complete control of your business, whether you’re at the salon or working remotely.

Ease of Use

Complicated software can slow things down. Choose a solution that’s intuitive and easy to get the hang of, with minimal time needed to get you and your staff up to speed.

• With Booksy: Its user-friendly design ensures a smooth onboarding process and ease of use for everyone.

Customer Support

When technical hiccups occur, reliable customer support can be a lifesaver. Choose software with accessible and responsive support teams.

• With Booksy: Enjoy top-rated customer support that’s there when you need it.

Top 10 Salon Software Solutions for Small Businesses in the UK

Here are 10 salon software solutions for small businesses in the UK, highlighting their features, pros, and things to consider.

1. Booksy

• Features: Online booking, appointment management, POS integration, marketing tools, reporting, mobile app, and client management.
• Why It Stands Out: Booksy is designed specifically with small businesses in mind. It combines all the essential tools needed to streamline operations, increase revenue, and enhance the client experience.
• Best For: Hair salons, nail salons, tanning salons, barbershops, and spas.

2. Vagaro

• Features: Appointment scheduling, marketing, and payroll management.
• Pros: Versatile platform for salons, spas, and fitness studios.
• Cons: Higher pricing tiers might be a bit steep for very small salons.

3. Treatwell

• Features: Online booking marketplace, appointment management, and basic reporting.
• Pros: Strong marketplace presence can attract new clients.
• Cons: Primarily a booking platform, may lack deeper management features. Can be commission-based.

4. Fresha

• Features: Online booking, client management, and inventory tracking.
• Pros: No subscription fees, you only pay for card transactions.
• Cons: Marketing features are more basic compared to some other platforms.

5. Trafft

• Features: Appointment booking, service management, and invoicing.
• Pros: Growing in popularity, offers a good range of features.
• Cons: Newer to the market, so may have fewer integrations than established players.

6. Zolmi

• Features: Online booking, appointment management, and marketing tools.
• Pros: Specifically designed for hair and beauty salons.
• Cons: May have a smaller user base compared to larger platforms.

7. Phorest

• Features: Loyalty programmes, marketing tools, and online booking.
• Pros: Strong focus on client retention.
• Cons: Pricing might not be the most affordable salon software option for the smallest businesses.

8. Mindbody

• Features: Comprehensive tools for wellness businesses, including booking, marketing, and staff management.
• Pros: Feature-rich platform suitable for various types of salons.
• Cons: Can be quite comprehensive and potentially overwhelming for very small teams.

9. Square Appointments

• Features: Free online booking for solo stylists, and payment processing.
• Pros: A good affordable salon software option, especially for individual professionals already using Square.
• Cons: May lack some of the more advanced features needed for growing salons with multiple staff.

10. SalonIQ

• Features: Strong marketing tools, online booking, client retention features, and team management.
• Pros: UK-based with a focus on marketing and client loyalty.
• Cons: Might be a slightly higher investment than some of the more basic options.

Why Booksy is a Top Choice for Small Salons in the UK

Booksy is built with small businesses in mind, offering a comprehensive platform that simplifies salon management while helping you grow. From online booking and automated reminders to robust marketing tools, Booksy helps salon owners focus on what they do best—providing excellent client experiences.

Here’s why Booksy is a great choice for small salons:

• Affordable salon software pricing plans to suit small business budgets.
• A user-friendly mobile app for managing your business on the go.
• All-in-one functionality, meaning you don’t need to juggle multiple different tools.

Conclusion

Choosing the best salon software for small salons can really change the way you run your business. Look for features like online booking, appointment management, marketing tools, and reporting to make your operations smoother and drive growth.

With its powerful features and focus on helping small businesses succeed, Booksy is a standout solution that helps salon owners save time, increase takings, and keep clients happy. Ready to streamline your salon operations? Give Booksy a go today and see the difference it can make for your business!