Must-Have Automations To Stand Out From Your Competition
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down the behind the scenes systems that make a stylist feel impossible to replace. If you have big ideas for your client experience but never have the time or consistency to follow through, this episode shows how to automate the parts that matter most so your business feels high touch without being high effort.
Hunter walks through four key points in the client journey where simple automations can dramatically improve response time, reduce no shows, increase retention, and create a category of one experience clients talk about. You will hear practical ways to reduce DM back and forth, speed up quoting, create a pre visit experience that builds trust before they even arrive, and follow up after appointments in a way that feels personal while still being scalable.
Key Takeaways:
💬 DM systems that book faster
Instead of manually rewriting the same responses, set up saved replies and simple automations so clients can get answers quickly and you can keep conversations moving toward booking. Response time is a competitive advantage, and this helps you win without living in your inbox.
📝 A new client form that eliminates the endless back and forth
Hunter explains how to use a new client request form as a service, not a barrier. It collects everything you need in one place so you can quote accurately and move clients into booking without a slow question by question DM thread.
📩 Pre visit onboarding that makes you feel premium
There is a quiet window between booking and the appointment that most stylists ignore. A salon welcome guide or short email sequence can answer common questions, reduce cancellations, and help clients arrive confident and excited, without you doing anything manually each time.
💌 Post visit follow up that increases retention
Automated follow ups can include aftercare notes, product recommendations, and the exact timing for when they should rebook. You can also trigger reminder messages when they are due, which is especially helpful for lower maintenance clients who do not naturally stay on a consistent schedule.
📆 The 7 day check in that saves relationships
A simple check in a week after the service gives clients a clear opening to share concerns directly with you instead of silently disappearing or venting elsewhere. It is one of the easiest ways to keep new clients in your chair.
Why You Should Listen:
If you want to stand out from your competition but you do not want to sacrifice your evenings, weekends, or mental bandwidth to do it, this episode gives you a clear automation roadmap. You will leave knowing which parts of your client experience to systematize first, how to make it feel personal, and how to create a polished, above average experience that supports higher pricing and long term loyalty.
Let's connect on Instagram!
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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down the behind the scenes systems that make a stylist feel impossible to replace. If you have big ideas for your client experience but never have the time or consistency to follow through, this episode shows how to automate the parts that matter most so your business feels high touch without being high effort. Hunter walks through four key points in the client journey where simple automations can dramatically improve response time, reduce no shows, increase retention, and create a category of one experience clients talk about. You will hear practical ways to reduce DM back and forth, speed up quoting, create a pre visit experience that builds trust before they even arrive, and follow up after appointments in a way that feels personal while still being scalable. Key Takeaways: 💬 DM systems that book faster Instead of manually rewriting the same responses, set up saved replies and simple automations so clients can get answers quickly and you can keep conversations moving toward booking. Response time is a competitive advantage, and this helps you win without living in your inbox. 📝 A new client form that eliminates the endless back and forth Hunter explains how to use a new client request form as a service, not a barrier. It collects everything you need in one place so you can quote accurately and move clients into booking without a slow question by question DM thread. 📩 Pre visit onboarding that makes you feel premium There is a quiet window between booking and the appointment that most stylists ignore. A salon welcome guide or short email sequence can answer common questions, reduce cancellations, and help clients arrive confident and excited, without you doing anything manually each time. 💌 Post visit follow up that increases retention Automated follow ups can include aftercare notes, product recommendations, and the exact timing for when they should rebook. You can also trigger reminder messages when they are due, which is especially helpful for lower maintenance clients who do not naturally stay on a consistent schedule. 📆 The 7 day check in that saves relationships A simple check in a week after the service gives clients a clear opening to share concerns directly with you instead of silently disappearing or venting elsewhere. It is one of the easiest ways to keep new clients in your chair. Why You Should Listen: If you want to stand out from your competition but you do not want to sacrifice your evenings, weekends, or mental bandwidth to do it, this episode gives you a clear automation roadmap. You will leave knowing which parts of your client experience to systematize first, how to make it feel personal, and how to create a polished, above average experience that supports higher pricing and long term loyalty. Let's connect on Instagram!