Reflecting on 30 years of innovation
A new chapter: Going global
mylocalsalon Launch Day
A smartphone in every hand
Can you believe there was a time when phones were just… phones? By 2010, that was ancient history. Smartphones quickly became essential, and with that, we saw a huge opportunity to change how salons connected with their clients.
In 2015, we launched the Shortcuts Guest App, a tool that transformed a smartphone into the ultimate salon sidekick – managing bookings, loyalty programs, and promotions with just a tap or swipe. Whether it was a salon owner in bustling London or a hairstylist in quaint Byron Bay, this app helped them manage everything from the palm of their hand. That was the kind of magic we wanted to bring to their lives.
Engaging a digital citizen
As the world went digital, we realised how social media could connect not just friends but businesses with their customers. Salons were no longer just places to get a haircut – they became online brands. We helped salon owners navigate the new world of digital marketing, showing them how to make the most of online reviews and social media interactions.
In response to these changing times, we supercharged our system with powerful, easy-to-use online marketing tools. With built-in campaigns like ‘Welcome new guest,’ ‘It’s time to see you again,’ and ‘Referral thank you,’ salons could keep the conversation going and make every client feel connected and valued. These tools made it easier than ever to engage with clients and strengthen relationships, ensuring every client felt special.
Evolving with the times
But our journey didn’t stop there. Shortcuts has constantly evolved, always staying ahead of the changing needs of salons. By the 2010s, we were doing much more than just handling bookings – our platform was helping salons manage everything from sales and staffing to stock control and marketing. Each feature was designed to be simple, powerful, and focused on making your salon stand out. We weren’t just keeping up with the industry; we were raising the bar, helping you grow your business and strengthen client relationships.
Looking back on those years, UK salon owner Steve Hilliard reflects, “From initially catching my attention with its promise to reduce no-shows, what has kept me loyal for over 20 years is the way Shortcuts continues to evolve, always staying a few steps ahead of industry needs. They’ve not only helped my salons thrive but have also elevated the way we all do business in this industry.”
Steve’s story shows how Shortcuts helped salon owners not just keep up with all the changes but actually thrive. It’s been a journey of growing together, laying the foundation for even more exciting innovations in the future.
Celebrating the journey together
Every step of this 30-year journey has taught us something valuable, thanks to the stories and feedback from everyone who’s joined us along the way. From a spark of an idea in a busy salon to becoming a trusted name in salon software, Shortcuts has come a long way.
As we look to the future, we’re excited about the new technologies on the horizon and how they’ll continue to make managing your salon even easier. We invite you to continue this journey with us as we explore new ways to empower your business and enhance your life.
Let’s keep growing and thriving together!
Take control of your salon’s today
Ready to enhance your salon’s operations? Contact us today to discover how our latest advancements can streamline your workflows, boost your marketing, and elevate your client experiences. Schedule a free demo or consultation to see the impact firsthand.
Here’s to the past 30 years of innovation – and to many more decades of creating magic together!
