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The holiday rush is right around the corner.
While you might be shuttering at the thought, the good news is that this blog post will show you all of the ways you can use Yocale to help prepare for the busy holiday season (we’ll also cover some additional tips as well).
1. Block Time Off in Your Calendar
One of the first things you’ll likely want to do is block time off in your calendar for yourself and/or your providers.
This support article will show you how to block time off in your calendar.
2. Set an Alert on Your Online Booking Widget
Do you have reduced hours around the holidays or are you offering a special holiday promo? Set up an alert from your online booking widget so that when clients book online, you’ll easily be able to communicate with them.
To do this, go to the Booking Page from the top main menu. Next, Widget Settings > General Customization > Alert
Fun Fact: Did you know Yocale Pay users can now sell gift cards, launch loyalty programs or even make specific offers from the register like buy one get one free?!
Launch Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs with Yocale Pay Get Yocale Pay today
3. Add a Holiday-Specific Message to Your Appointment Confirmation Emails
You can also include a holiday-specific message in your appointment confirmation emails. Examples include holiday hours, a note to be mindful of the snow or anything else that is relevant around the holidays.
To add a holiday-specific message to your clients’ appointment confirmation emails, you can go to your email drop-down menu > Settings > Bookings > Add the following message to my clients’ appointment confirmation emails.
4. Create a Holiday-Themed Service Category
Did you know you can organize your services by category? Sometimes a little festive marketing spin can help create extra excitement. Examples include holiday makeup or facials, etc.
To do this, contact Yocale Support via live chat or email us with your new service category.
5. Update Your Google Business Profile Holiday Hours
Speaking of holiday hours, it’s good practice to make sure you update your Google Business Profile page to reflect these changes.
6. Think About Raising Your Prices
Generally speaking, most businesses should think about raising their prices every 12 to 18 months to offset the cost of inflation and/or service upgrades.
If you haven’t raised your prices in a while, you’re consistently booked at 80% to 90% over a two to three-month period or you’ve upgraded your services in some way, now is the time to think about raising your prices.
(If you’re a salon owner, here are the best practices for raising your prices without worry).
The holidays are a great time to do this when people are typically in the mood to spend more lavishly. Keep in mind that you’ll want to avoid raising prices in January when people tend to go into saving/budgeting mode.
7. Stock Up on Your Most Popular Products
With supply issues still taking effect, it’s a good idea to stock up on your most popular products in advance of the holiday rush to make sure that you have enough supply to see you through the holiday season.
Complete inventory management
8. Treat Your Loyal Clients
Check your clients’ estimated booking revenue in their client profiles, and treat your VIPs this year! It’s critical for relationship building.
9. Change the Picture on Your Receipts/Invoices to a Holiday Theme
Feeling extra festive this year? Change your receipt/invoice picture to a holiday theme!
From your email dropdown menu, go to Profile > Photos > Receipt Photo
10. Thank Your Staff
Thank your staff for their hard work this year. Consider scheduling a celebration event to show your appreciation or surprise them with holiday themed company merch.
Wrapping it Up
What else do you do to prepare your business for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!
Further Reading:
