How to Find the Best Salon Software for Small Businesses: Features to Consider

Running a small salon comes with unique challenges—from juggling client bookings to managing day-to-day operations, marketing, and payments. Salon owners need tools that can streamline these processes, save time, and help grow their businesses. That’s where salon software comes in.

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

TL;DR: Quick Summary on Salon Software for Small Businesses

• Why Software is Essential: Small salons need software to overcome challenges like limited staff and tight budgets. Software reduces time spent on admin, boosts client retention via reminders and loyalty programs, and provides data insights for revenue growth.
• 9 Key Feature Priorities: When choosing software, prioritize Online Booking (24/7 access), Appointment Management (real-time calendar, automated reminders), POS Integration (secure payments, tipping), and Marketing Tools (campaigns, loyalty programs).
• Booksy Biz Advantage: Booksy is a top choice because it is specifically designed for small beauty and wellness businesses. It offers all-in-one functionality (booking, POS, marketing, reporting) at affordable pricing, ensuring ease of use and mobile accessibility.
• Top Alternatives: Alternatives range from free core systems (Fresha, Square Appointments for solo users) to versatile platforms (Vagaro) and tools focused on retention (Phorest).
• Goal: The right software transforms the business from being constantly overwhelmed to efficiently run, allowing the owner to focus on client experience.

Why Small Salons Need the Right Software

Small salons face specific challenges like limited staff, managing busy schedules, and growing their client base on a tight budget. Salon software solves these challenges by:

• Streamlining operations: It reduces the time spent on administrative tasks like booking appointments and handling payments.
• Boosting client retention: Tools like reminders, loyalty programs, and marketing campaigns help keep clients coming back.
• Enabling business growth: Insights from reports and analytics help salon owners make smarter decisions to boost revenue.

For small salons, choosing the right software can be the difference between running an efficient business and constantly feeling overwhelmed.

Key Features to Look for in Salon Software for Small Businesses

Whenever you’re looking for the best salon software for small businesses, prioritize the following features to ensure it meets your needs:

1. Online Booking

Clients want the convenience of booking appointments anytime, anywhere. An online booking system allows them to schedule services via a mobile app or website, ensuring your salon is always open for business—even outside working hours.

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

2. Appointment Management

Managing appointments efficiently is essential for avoiding double booking or no-shows. Look for software with real-time calendar updates, rescheduling options, and automated reminders.

• With Booksy: The software syncs your schedule in real time and sends automated reminders to clients, reducing no-shows and keeping your calendar organized.

3. 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, credit card payments, and invoicing.

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

4. Marketing Tools

To grow your business, you’ll need tools to promote services, run loyalty programs, and send targeted campaigns. Automated marketing features can save time while keeping your salon top of mind for clients.

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

5. Client Management

Client retention is key for small businesses. Your software should store client profiles, including service history, preferences, and contact details, to personalize their experience.

• With Booksy: Track client history, preferences, and notes in one place to provide exceptional service every time.

6. Reporting and Analytics

Data insights can help you understand your salon’s performance. Look for software that provides reports on revenue, client trends, and appointment history.

• With Booksy: Gain access to detailed performance reports to make smarter business decisions.

7. Mobile App Accessibility

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

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

8. Ease of Use

Complicated software can slow down your operations. Choose a solution that’s intuitive and easy to use, with minimal onboarding time for you and your staff.

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

9. Customer Support

When technical issues arise, reliable customer support can save the day. 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

Here are 10 salon software options for small businesses, highlighting their features, pros, and considerations.

1. Booksy Biz

• 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, grow 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 expensive for small salons.

3. Fresha

• Features: Online booking, client management, and inventory tracking.
• Pros: No subscription fees, only pay for card transactions.
• Cons: Limited marketing features compared to other platforms.

4. Square Appointments

• Features: Free online booking for solo stylists, and payment processing.
• Pros: Affordable option for solo professionals.
• Cons: Lacks advanced features for growing salons.

5. GlossGenius

• Features: Appointment booking, payment tools, and stylish interface.
• Pros: User-friendly and visually appealing for solo entrepreneurs.
• Cons: Limited features for team-based salons.

6. Phorest

• Features: Loyalty programs, marketing tools, and online booking.
• Pros: Focus on client retention.
• Cons: Pricing may not suit smaller salons.

7. Timely

• Features: Scheduling, staff management, and reminders.
• Pros: Clean design and straightforward interface.
• Cons: Fewer marketing tools compared to competitors.

8. Zenoti

• Features: Enterprise-level tools for multi-location businesses.
• Pros: Great for large teams or chains.
• Cons: Overpriced and too complex for small salons.

9. Salon Iris

• Features: Appointment booking, payroll, and client management.
• Pros: Comprehensive tools for salons and spas.
• Cons: Steep learning curve for new users.

10. Simple Salon

• Features: Basic booking and reminders.
• Pros: Budget-friendly option.
• Cons: Outdated interface and limited features.

Why Booksy Biz is the Best Choice for Small Salons

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

Here’s why Booksy is ideal for small salons:

• Affordable pricing for small business budgets.
• A mobile-friendly app for on-the-go management.
• All-in-one functionality, eliminating the need for multiple tools.

Conclusion

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

With its powerful features and focus on small business success, Booksy is a standout solution that helps salon owners save time, grow revenue, and delight clients. Ready to streamline your salon operations? Try Booksy today and see the difference it makes for your business!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What specific challenges does salon software help small businesses overcome?

Salon software helps small businesses overcome challenges like limited staff, managing busy schedules, and growing their client base on a tight budget by streamlining operations and enabling business growth.

What are the four most crucial features a small salon should prioritize when selecting software?

The four most crucial features are Online Booking (for 24/7 client access), Appointment Management (to reduce no-shows), POS Integration (for smooth payments and tipping), and Marketing Tools (for targeted campaigns and loyalty programs).

How does Booksy help small salons manage appointments and client retention?

Booksy helps by syncing the schedule in real-time, sending automated reminders to reduce no-shows, and tracking client history and preferences in one place to provide exceptional service.

Why is mobile app accessibility important for a small salon owner?

As small salon owners are always on the go, a mobile app allows them to manage bookings, payments, and client information from anywhere, giving them full control of their business.

What feature is essential for a small salon owner who needs to make data-driven decisions?

The essential feature is Reporting and Analytics. Software providing reports on revenue, client trends, and appointment history helps owners make smarter decisions to boost revenue.

What makes Booksy a standout solution specifically for small salons and beauty businesses?

Booksy stands out because it is designed with small businesses in mind, combining all the essential tools (booking, POS, marketing) into an all-in-one, mobile-friendly platform at an affordable price.