Behind the scenes: How AI tools are improving back-of-house operations
Beauty operators see AI integrations growing significantly over the next two years in these three key areas:
Using AI-based sentiment analysis tools that can analyze customer feedback, reviews, and social media mentions could give insight on client satisfaction and specific areas for improvement in a measurable way. The easiest way for salons and spas to currently do this is through a social listening partner. But, as beauty industry technology gets more complex, generative AI tools may allow businesses to analyze previously unused data in context to get better ideas for how to improve the customer experience.
say they use sentiment analysis software to gauge guest feedback and/or social media comments and posts. Of those respondents, 17% say their sentiment analysis software has AI tools. Additionally, 32% of respondents said they plan to add AI sentiment analysis capabilities in the next two years.
Salon and spa owners and independent beauty professionals are often artists at heart. But they still need a better big-picture understanding of their businesses in order to scale, anticipate seasonal revenue and staffing levels, and run more efficiently.
Thirty-eight percent of respondents say they already use demand forecasting, inventory management, or supply chain management software. However, AI-powered analysis tools can help identify issues early – much faster than humans can sift through data – letting business owners anticipate surges in demand where they'll need more employees in their shops or spas or cash flow shortfalls where they'll need to plan in advance.
Thirty-five percent of beauty business owner respondents anticipate using AI tools to help manage their salons over the next two years. If they're successful, their stylists and specialists should waste fewer hours waiting for clients to come through the door.
already employ AI tools to enhance demand forecasting. However, another 29% of respondents plan to adopt AI solutions in this area in the next two years
The time you spend not helping clients can feel like lost time. That’s why 60% of salon and spa respondents say they’re using an optimized or personalized marketing app for their business. An additional 28% say the marketing app they use has AI tools. And 31% of respondents said they plan to make use of AI tools in their personalized marketing apps in the next two years.
Marketing software boosted by AI tools can analyze past customer behavior, better identify the best audiences for your messaging, recommend specific content that would work well for your business, and share ideas for promotions and discounts. The result: less time dreaming up promotions and more time with customers as your bookings fill up.
Pro tip: Save time by sending recurring automated emails to customers to welcome them to your business, wish them a happy birthday, or entice them to come back once they've lapsed with Square Marketing.
