LaToya Kelly compares StyleSeat and Acuity Scheduling for hairstylists. StyleSeat is better for brand building and client acquisition, but Acuity Scheduling offers advanced controls like client blocking, automatic calendar sync, and customizable deposits per service. Switch to Acuity when you're ready to manage your own operations.
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For stylists who are trying to build their brand, I do recommend StyleSeat. StyleSeat promotes for you. StyleSeat gets you clients in, and I used StyleSeat for years. I personally don't use it anymore, and I still have a page out there, but you can't even book on it. And honestly, since I'm traveling and my appointments are limited, I might as well shut it down because I don't need the exposure of it. But StyleSeat, to me, the reason why I initially got off of StyleSeat and went to Acuity Scheduling is because StyleSeat doesn't have the additional options I need. So for instance, on my Acuity scheduling, I can block clients from booking. Don't we all love that idea? I can block clients from booking. I can sync it automatically to my iCloud calendar or my Google Gmail calendar. So for my website, you cannot book an appointment without paying a deposit. I can determine for each and every install service if it's going to be a 25% deposit, if it's going to be a 50% deposit, if it's going to be a $100 deposit. So I love that, the fact that I really control everything that's going on on my booking site. Um, I have different calendars, so I can have a specific calendar for Kansas City clients. I have another calendar for St. Louis clients. Then I have a whole separate client for frontal installs. So, and then I have another consultation calendar. So there's just so many options that I need that I can actually do. Um, it's just like Styleseat. It does give you your revenue report. Um, it does not send you an email as to how you're doing as far as, um, building you. And that's again one of the things that I think Styleseat is good for. It's good for building up your business. It's good for showing you where you are this month compared to where you were last month. So StyleSea is really good for growing a business. Once you're at a level where you're handling the things yourself, or you don't need to know, hey, you made $50 less this month, you know that you went out of town for 3 weeks, you know, or whatever. Like, you just, you just don't need all of those options as far as like it managing your business for you. When you're ready to manage your own business, or you have an accountant of your own, or you have an assistant of your own, you know, like you don't need it to do all of that. I have an option to customize every single email that goes out, so if you're doing this particular sew-in, I can customize it. My favorite thing about QG Scheduling is I have a forum, so when you book an appointment with me, it automatically gives you, you're aware that you have to wash your hair before you come, yes. You're aware that if you are more than 15 minutes late, you will have to reschedule, yes. Yes. You are aware that deposits are non-refundable? Yes. You know, like these are things that I can set clear to where there's no miscommunication or misunderstanding when you come. That is so much for someone who is used to working back to back. Some of my clients have things to do after their appointments and I hate being the one that puts them behind, so I would rather it be my fault than another client's fault and it be out of my control. If it's in my control, you know, I can offer them, here's use your deposit back, you know, don't worry, something, whatever. I can do something, but there's nothing I can do if my client is what's putting me behind. And honestly, it's just a very big inconvenience. But so hopefully you all enjoyed this video. This video was a lot of information about things that you have asked for in my comments. So I do read your comments. Make sure you keep them coming. Keep sharing my videos and keep supporting my channel. I do appreciate it so much. I will see you in the next video.
