Tech for Techs

REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business

Your time is valuable as a nail professional, as you juggle the many tasks of the role, so finding ways to free up time in your schedule is important. Good news – technology can help. Here, I explore programmes and shortcuts, and feature advice from social media experts, to ensure you can focus your time on making your business operate efficiently.

Kamila Borowiec

Social Media Star suggestions

By Kamila Borowiec of @glamliciousnails, Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2024.

• Utilise online consultation forms – “Ask each client to fill out a detailed digital consultation form prior to their appointment,” Kamila recommends. “By doing so, you collect necessary information about their preferences and factors that may affect their service, allowing you to start working without a delay. As the information is stored digitally, you can also quickly refer to it when required.”

• Create a digital nail design catalogue – “I use illustration app, Procreate, to design a collection of nail styles to inspire clients who either haven’t sourced nail inspiration, or can’t decide on a look,” reveals Kamila. “This aids the decision-making process and reduces the time spent deliberating at the nail desk.”

Jessica White

Words of wisdom

By Jessica White of @jessicawhitenailartist, Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024.

• Use an online booking system – “Automated booking systems streamline the appointment scheduling process by allowing clients to book at their convenience,” shares Jessica, who uses the Timely platform. “This reduces time spent answering phone calls and messages. These systems can integrate with your calendar to prevent double bookings and often include features like deposit management and automated appointment reminders, to secure bookings and minimise no-shows.”

• Utilise mobile point of sale (POS) systems – “Mobile point of sale systems, such as Square, offer a convenient and flexible way to handle transactions, track sales and manage inventory from your smartphone or tablet,” says Jessica.

• Schedule social media content – “A strong social media presence is crucial for nail technicians to attract clients and showcase their work, but keeping up with posting schedules can be time-consuming,” notes Jessica. “Instagram and TikTok have in-app scheduling tools and Instagram and Facebook posts can be scheduled via Meta Business Suite. This means that when creativity strikes, you can upload and schedule content, maintaining a consistent online presence with ease.”

Hannah Clayton

Adept advice

By Hannah Clayton of @studiobyhannahbeth, Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024.

• Film everything – “From one nail treatment, you can create up to five Instagram Reels or TikTok videos. Film the removal, prep, colour application, top coat application and hydration of the nails and skin,” details Hannah. “When editing, split your video footage into these areas, adjust the speed and add trending audio.”

• Use an online booking system – “This will save hours of admin time,” comments Hannah, whose booking platform of choice is Fresha. “Clients may think they have the power with this, but the reality is, you do! Block a day off or book an early finish and clients will think you are fully booked – you don’t need to justify your time.”

• Generate a business email address – “I recommend creating an email address specifically for your business – especially if you want to start working with brands or connect with other businesses,” says Hannah. “This not only looks professional, but ensures you see important emails quickly.

An Instagram Reel by Hannah Clayton showcasing the hydration stage of a nail treatment.

Instagram.com/studiobyhannahbeth

Abi Markey

Social media tip

“I record a video of every nail design I create, so that I can make a short Instagram Reel. I also take photos of the style using a range of hand poses, clothing sleeves and props,” shares nail influencer, Abi Markey of @naileditbeauty. “This means I have a bank of content from one design to post on social media when needed.”

Time scheduling software

Research shows that time management technique, time blocking, which is also known as monotasking and time chunking, improves focus and productivity. The technique sees blocks of time set aside to complete specific tasks in order of priority, making to-do lists manageable and giving you more control. For example, you may set aside 30 minutes to reply to emails at a specific time each day, rather than checking notifications when they come through.

So, how can you effectively block out your time? There are a variety of apps dedicated to assisting professionals with time blocking. Here are some of my picks:

• Sunsama – www.sunsama.com & available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

• Clockify – www.clockify.me & available on the App Store and Google Play.

• SkedPal – www.skedpal.com & available on the App Store and Google Play.

• Clockwise – www.getclockwise.com

• TickTick – www.ticktick.com & available on the App Store and Google Play.

TickTick’s calendar view.

NEWS BYTE

Salon, spa and fitness software, Vagaro, has launched artificial intelligence-powered tool, Vagaro AI, to help business owners create clear and engaging communications. These include service and policy descriptions and marketing messaging, for which pros can choose from a list of tones, such as ‘professional’, ‘casual’ and ‘uplifting’, and adjust the length of text. “With Vagaro AI, our users can unlock new levels of efficiency and effectiveness in their client communication and business operations, helping them to achieve greater success and growth,” comments Vagaro founder & CEO, Fred Helou. Check out the tool at www.vagaro.com/en-gb/pro/business-ai

“I recommend creating an email address specifically for your business. This not only looks professional, but ensures you see important emails quickly.”