Is your studio growing to the point where your staff is struggling to make it through the week? It might be time to go digital or level up with a more powerful studio management software to meet your business’s growing needs. Read on to recognize the telltale signs and learn what you should be looking out for in potential new studio management software to streamline daily operations and take the stress off you and your staff.
Running a busy studio can be extremely rewarding. Yet, we’re sure there are times you feel pretty overwhelmed.
You might be a great artist, love chatting to clients, but find it hard to manage your schedule. Or maybe you’re a whiz at keeping your appointment book up to date, but you struggle to navigate between answering calls, attending to walk-ins, or can’t quite sort out pesky staffing problems.
Believe it or not, your day-to-day can become a lot simpler by going digital. No longer using pen and paper? Then it could be time to switch to more reliable software that meets your studio’s needs. Read on to learn what questions you should be asking and which features you should be looking out for to steer your business back on the road to success.
Do You Need New Studio Management Software?
Switching to a different studio management software solution is an important decision. It might not be something you are ready to do today, but postponing the inevitable will only harm your studio in the long run.
Believe it or not, your day-to-day can become a lot simpler by going digital. No longer using pen and paper? Then it could be time to switch to a more reliable software that meets your studio’s needs.
Whenever you find a quiet moment, take some time to reflect on your current situation and where you would like to make changes. Here are some useful questions to ask yourself before considering a move:
→ 1. Are booking challenges causing me to miss out on new or returning clients?
→ 2. Am I spending too much time multi-tasking when my studio management software could be lightening my daily load?
→ 3. Does my current system lack basic features that would remove stress from daily activities?
→ 4. Is time spent on admin tasks draining my staff—and my budget?
→ 5. Has business growth slowed recently?
→ 6. Could I offer clients and staff a more positive experience?
If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of these questions, we strongly suggest you take a look at shaking up your current studio management system, whether that’s going digital or finding a more powerful solution that keeps up with your specific needs.
Keeping an Open Mind About Studio Management Software Possibilities
When thinking about the different studio management software options on the market, your long-term goal should be making your daily operations run more smoothly. This will ensure you are more present for clients and staff, everyone feels less stressed, and you can focus on making your business a success.
That said, it’s only human for you to be nervous about switching things up. We’ve identified the 5 most common studio owner concerns, as well as some good reasons why making the change could still be in your favor. Read on for peace of mind.
When thinking about the different studio management software options on the market, your long-term goal should be making your daily operations run more smoothly.
Concern #1: How long will it take to switch to different studio management software?
We’d be lying if we said you could switch your software overnight. However, a good software provider won’t leave you high and dry. Instead, they’ll walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect based on your unique circumstances. If you decide to adopt the new software, they’ll also offer dedicated training to get you and your staff up to speed on the new system, as well as customer support for any questions that may arise.
Concern #2: What if my staff are reluctant to use a studio management system they’re unfamiliar with?
People are afraid of the unknown and learning a new system while doing a full-time job can seem daunting. It’s important to recognize and validate your staff’s fears. Let them know you understand their concerns and remind them you will learn the new system together, while focusing on the outcome: less stress and admin means time back for everyone and a more energized workplace.
Concern #3: Will my important data be safe if I switch to new studio management software?
It’s normal to worry about losing access to sensitive and important data that you rely on to run your business, such as sales records, employee history, and client details. Find peace of mind in the fact that professional software providers migrate tons of data every day and know what they are doing. Make sure to ask about any downtime before committing to a change so you and your staff know exactly what to expect.
Concern #4: Will new studio management software really meet my needs?
Modern cloud-based solutions are designed with studio owners and artists in mind, so they really should be more than capable of smoothing out your day-to-day operations. See our section below on What Features Could New Studio Management Software Offer? for the key features we think all studio owners need to achieve a truly streamlined experience for both customers and staff.
Concern #5: Will changing to new studio management software be expensive?
Different solutions cost different prices, so it pays to shop around. It might be worth investing a little more in the beginning if you can slash costs in the long run. Try our 14-day free trial to see if by switching you could potentially cut overhead costs and reduce admin tasks, freeing you up to focus on perfecting the customer experience.
What Features Could New Studio Management Software Offer?
It goes without saying that no two software solutions are identical. Then again, your studio is unlike any other studio, too. We’ve compiled a list of the top features to watch out for that we think would improve your daily operations, improve the customer experience, and boost staff morale.
☑️ Easy-to-use appointment booking and scheduling tools
To remove the drama and make the process pain-free for customers and staff
☑️ Automated appointment confirmations and reminders
To put more money in your pocket and reduce no-shows and late cancelations with timely messages
☑️ Simple check-in and check-out
To keep your clients happy and more likely to rebook
☑️ Quick access to client profiles
To see important info about allergies, health issues, and more at a glance
☑️ Pain-free inventory management
To keep all your favorite products on hand
☑️ Seamless online and in-person payment deposits
To position your business as a modern studio that offers clients ease and flexibility
☑️ One and two-way texting
To connect with clients quickly and easily, if needed
☑️ Robust client reporting
To track trends and areas where you can accelerate business growth
☑️ Convenient, easy access
Look for a software solution that lets you check in on your business anywhere, anytime, whether from a computer, tablet, or your mobile device.
Looking to Your Studio’s Future Success
Still unsure if you need new studio management software? That’s ok! Our free Guide to Studio Management Software takes a closer look at how to find the solution that works best for your needs. Additionally, you can start a free 14-day trial with DaySmart Body Art at any time to get a feel for our software and test out or studio-tailored features.
