Standing out to potential clients as a hair or beauty business can feel like a challenge. While we all feel we’re offering exceptional services and keeping our clients happy, gaining recognition through awards can take your salon to another level. Entering and winning awards doesn’t just give you bragging rights – it may bring real benefits that help your business thrive and grow faster. In this article I’ll be sharing why creating an award-winning salon and entering awards should be on any business’ to-do list.
1. Building Trust and Confidence
Winning or even being shortlisted for awards shows others that your business is recognised for its quality, professionalism, and standards. This kind of recognition helps potential clients feel confident in choosing your business and reinforces to existing clients that they’re in the best place. It’s a way of saying, “We’re tried, tested, and trusted.”
For example, if your salon is recognised for its excellent client experience or specialisms, it reassures clients that they’re in safe hands. In our businesses trust is everything and this kind of endorsement can make all the difference when a client is scrolling Google or social media.
2. Boosting Team Spirit
Awards aren’t just a win for the salon – they’re a celebration of your team’s hard work. When your team see their efforts being acknowledged, it can really lift their spirits and encourage them to keep doing their best. Don’t forget you can also enter your team for individual awards which can really help with their own development.
Preparing for awards can also create a positive atmosphere. Reflecting on what you’ve achieved together and setting new goals inspires everyone to aim higher. It’s a chance to bond as a team and work towards something exciting.
3. Getting Noticed and Attracting New Clients
Being known as an award-winning salon is a great way to catch people’s attention. It’s a sign that you’re one of the best in the business, and that can draw in clients who might not have discovered you otherwise. Awards often come with media coverage, giving your salon extra publicity without the extra cost.
Showcasing your awards on your website, social media, and in your salon helps build trust with potential clients. It’s like a badge of honour that tells people, “You’ll get something special here.”
4. Strengthening Your Brand
Awards help highlight what makes your salon unique. Whether it’s exceptional service, innovative treatments, or being environmentally friendly, awards shine a spotlight on your strengths. This makes it easier for people to see why they should choose your salon over others. For example, if your salon wins an award for sustainability, it’s a great way to connect with eco-conscious clients. It shows that your values align with theirs, making your salon more appealing.
5. Making Valuable Connections
Entering awards and attending ceremonies gives you the chance to meet other professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders. These connections can lead to new opportunities, whether it’s partnerships, collaborations, or simply sharing ideas. Being part of the awards process also keeps you up to date with what’s happening in the industry. Learning from other successful salons can inspire new ideas and help you stay ahead of the curve.
6. Helping Your Business Grow
An award-winning reputation can increase demand for your services, bringing in more clients and boosting your income. People are often happy to pay a little more for a service that’s been recognised for its quality. Awards also help attract talented professionals who want to work for the best. Building a strong, skilled team ensures your salon continues to deliver amazing results, which keeps clients coming back.`
Why Entering Awards is Beneficial
Even if you don’t win, the process of entering awards has its own rewards. Here’s why:
1. Reflecting on Your Successes
Putting together an awards application makes you take a step back and look at everything you’ve achieved. It’s a chance to recognise your strengths and think about what you want to improve. This can help you set clear goals for the future.
2. Inspiring New Ideas
To stand out, you need to show what makes your salon special. This encourages you to think creatively and come up with new ways to improve your services and operations.
3. Building Team Connections
Getting your team involved in the awards process brings everyone together. It’s a shared goal that helps strengthen relationships and creates a sense of pride in what you’ve achieved.
4. Developing Resilience
Even if you don’t win this time, entering awards is a learning experience. It helps you see where you can grow and motivates you to keep trying. That determination to improve will always pay off in the long run.
Choosing a Reputable Award Scheme
Not all awards are created equal, so it’s important to ensure you’re entering a reputable and trusted scheme. Some awards charge entry fees, and while this isn’t always a bad sign, it doesn’t guarantee the quality of the competition either. Here are a few things to consider:
- Judging Process: Find out if the awards are judged by industry experts or specialists in the category you’re entering. This ensures the process is fair and that the recognition truly reflects your expertise.
- Popularity Contests: Be cautious of awards that rely solely on social media votes or popularity. While engaging with your audience is valuable, these schemes may not always reflect the quality of your salon’s work.
- Reputation of the Organisers: Research the organisation behind the awards. Look for testimonials, previous winners, and the overall credibility of the event.
- Clarity of Criteria: A good award scheme will clearly outline what they’re looking for and how entries will be assessed. This transparency helps you decide if it’s worth your time and effort.
By choosing the right awards to enter, you’ll ensure your hard work is judged fairly and that any recognition you receive is truly meaningful.
How The Salon Inspector™️ Can Help You Prepare
Preparing for an award entry can feel overwhelming, but that’s where The Salon Inspector™️ comes in. My services are designed to ensure your salon shines both online and offline, giving you the best chance of success. Here’s how I can support you:
- Polishing Your Online Presence: We’ll review your website, social media, and booking systems to ensure they’re professional, engaging, and reflective of your salon’s strengths.
- Enhancing the Client Journey: From first impressions to follow-ups, we’ll help you refine every touchpoint to make your salon stand out.
- Identifying Key Strengths: Our audit highlights what makes your salon unique, helping you craft a compelling award entry that truly represents your business.
- Providing Constructive Feedback: With an honest and expert eye, we’ll identify areas for improvement, giving you actionable insights to elevate your salon.
Working with The Salon Inspector™️ ensures you’re putting your best foot forward and presenting a salon that’s ready to impress judges and clients alike.
Tips for Entering Awards
To give yourself the best chance of success, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Awards: Focus on awards that match your salon’s strengths and values. Whether it’s for creativity, client care, or sustainability, pick categories where you can shine.
- Tell Your Story: Use your application to share your journey, values, and what makes your salon special. Be honest and let your passion come through.
- Provide Proof: Back up your claims with evidence, like client reviews, before-and-after photos, or measurable results.
- Involve Your Team: Get everyone involved in the process, from brainstorming ideas to gathering evidence. Their input will make your application stronger and more meaningful.
Creating an award-winning salon isn’t just about the trophy and winning. It’s about celebrating your achievements, inspiring your team, and showing the world what you’re capable of. The benefits – from building trust with clients to boosting your business – make entering awards a fantastic way to grow and improve. With The Salon Inspector™️ by your side, you’ll be ready to put your best foot forward and let your salon’s brilliance shine for all to see.
This blog is written by Sue Davies who hosts the Inspiring Salon Professionals Podcast, is founder and owner of The Salon Inspector™️ you can find find more information about her mentorship and consultancy through Inspiring Business Excellence here.
