5 minute read
Emerging Technologies Impacting Your Salon’s Branding
By Sarah Garner, Digital Bloom
Let’s be real. 2023’s seeing major technological advancements rapidly evolving and unfolding before our eyes. There’s emerging technologies shakin’ up every industry imaginable, and our beautiful salon spaces are no different.
Your branding plays a vital role in bringing in (and retaining) your clients, and these cutting-edge technologies are influential to the continued growth of your business.
From immersive experiences powered by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to personalised recommendations driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots, the future of salon branding is being shaped by an array of innovative tools.
Instead of staying stagnant with a case of the old ‘fear of the unknown’, let’s explore just a snippet of how some of these emerging technologies out there right now are making a significant impact on your salon’s branding, the future of engaging with your customers, and how to continue to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace.
It’s kinda like unfolding the petals on a tightly closed flower bud. Once we open it, magically beautiful colours, textures, and scent awaits.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are transforming the way customers experience salon services.
Through AR and VR applications, your clients can now immerse themselves in a virtual salon environment, enabling them to visualise and try on various hairstyles, makeup looks, and nail designs before committing to a particular service.
The difference between AR and VR?
AR allows for virtual try-on experiences, where customers can see themselves with different hair colours, styles, or even experiment with different cosmetic products.
Whilst VR takes it a step further by creating a completely immersive virtual environment where customers can explore and interact with different salon settings.
These technologies not only enhance your overall customer experience, but also empower your clients to make informed and empowered decisions and feel more confident about their choices.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Chatbots. With AI, your business can provide personalised recommendations tailored to each of your individual client’s preferences, helping them discover the perfect hair, makeup, or nail styles. Virtual consultations powered by AI enable clients to receive expert advice remotely, improving convenience and accessibility. Similarly, to your virtual Zoom consults, AI allows you to step up your game to become effortless and ultra-connected on autopilot.
AI-powered chatbots streamline your biz operations by handling customer enquiries, appointment scheduling, and even providing real-time updates on promotions or services. Enhancing your client engagement and happiness, but also helping you to keep consistent in your brand’s overall experience.
Haptic Technology.
You can take the sensory experience to the next level by using haptic feedback devices during treatments such as massages or facials. Haptic technology utilises vibrations, forces, or motions to simulate the sense of touch, enabling your clients to feel realistic sensations during their appointment.
This technology adds an extra layer of engagement and realism to your service, allowing clients to feel more connected and present during their treatment. By incorporating haptic feedback devices, your brand can elevate the overall sensory experience, providing a unique and memorable service that sets them apart from traditional approaches.
Personalisation and Customisation.
With the rapid advancements in technology, your branding now has an incredible opportunity to shift towards providing personalised and customised experiences for customers. By harnessing the power of data analytics, you can gather information about your client’s preferences, past services, and even personal details to create tailored experiences. From personalised recommendations for hairstyles, colours, and products to customised treatment plans based on individual needs, technology enables your business to deliver highly personalised services that cater to each customer’s unique tastes and requirements.
We all know, a high-level customisation as part of your service not only enhances the customer experience but also builds a strong emotional connection between your client and your brand. 360-Degree Video.
360-degree video technology (think Google Maps/Google My Business) is a powerful tool that enables your brand to offer an immersive and interactive experience with past, present, and future clients. By capturing the entire surrounding environment, this technology allows customers to explore a physical space’s ambiance, services, and styling techniques from every angle.
With 360-degree videos, your salon can provide virtual tours that transport clients into your physical space, giving them a realistic preview of what to expect. Additionally, you can showcase behind-the-scenes footage, offering glimpses into the creative process and the expertise of your team members.
Sustainability and Green Technologies.
SN: Not to be confused with doing things because it’s ‘trendy’. Always ask yourself before making a decision like this, “does this choice align with my brand and personal values?”. Because if it does, then great, and if it doesn’t (no shade), authenticity will always win first and foremost, meaning, your clients and audience (and team members) will know you’re doing something because it’s trendy.
From eco-friendly products and packaging to energy-efficient salon equipment, many businesses are making conscious choices to reduce their ecological footprint. By incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, such as using organic and cruelty-free products or implementing recycling and waste reduction initiatives, salons showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility.
By embracing sustainable practices (as long as they truly align with your brand and personal values), your brand not only contributes to a healthier planet but also strengthens your brand reputation, demonstrating their dedication to social and environmental causes.
Staying ahead of these technological advancements allows you to create compelling brand experiences that resonate with the tech-savvy, digitally oriented clientele of today and tomorrow.
Sarah Garner is the Founder and Creative Director of Digital Bloom, an industry-specific branding boutique dedicated to making your growing hair, beauty, or wellness business turn heads for all the right reasons.
