How Having These 3 Things On Your Website Can Help Enforce Boundaries With Your Clients
Many people become estheticians, hairstylists, or some other beauty industry professional because they love people and they are givers. Setting boundaries can feel awkward and even “mean” sometimes but I promise you, you will end up resentful and burnt out. By having these three things on your website, you can preemptively set those expectations for your clients.
“Policies” or “Etiquette” page
If you don’t have set policies written down or outlined it leaves you having to deal with every unsavory situation instead of simply being able to fall back on your rules. Of course, at the end of the day, you can use your discretion but at least it takes off some of the pressure in that very moment.
The key to an effective policies page is to be specific and make it easily accessible. On the contact page on top or under your “Book Now” button you should have a sentence that says “Please read our policies before booking.” If people blow past that you can also include a link to your policies page in your confirmation text or email that reads, “Thank you for booking an appointment with ____ on _____. Make sure to read through our spa policies and fill out your client intake form before coming in. We look forward to seeing you!” You can do the same thing in your reminder texts and emails as well. This gives the client three separate and trackable opportunities to read through the policies. That way if they break any of your “rules”, you can kindly remind them.
Now as far as what to include on your policies page, here are some of the most common clauses:
Cancellations
Late Shows & No Shows
Pet & Kids
Service & Product Refunds
2. Online Booking
By this point having online booking should be a no-brainer. Instead of endless back and forth texts and calls from clients, you can now simply say, “Please book on my website!” A lot of online booking platforms provide other really helpful automations like a confirmation text, a reminder text, you can even set up a follow-up text after a service has been completed. Online booking really serves as an extra employee.
3. Pricing
For whatever reason I still see it! Some esthetician who has decided to not include pricing on their website. Including prices provides transparency and also sets a boundary. You should never have to deal with a haggler if your prices for your services and all your add-on’s are clearly listed on your website.
Some estheticians choose to have one flat price for a 60-minute facial where they can include everything your skin needs within that 60 minutes. I think this is a simple and clever way to price your services but please make sure you are charging enough!
As difficult as setting boundaries can be, allow your website to be a tool to help remind clients of them. By being clear, concise, and repetitive you can greatly reduce the number of uncomfortable encounters you’ll have in your spa or salon.
