Music in your business may not seem important, but it offers a surprising wealth of benefits. That includes both clients and staff. Whether you are just starting up or are looking at providing music for the first time, we explore why you should be playing music and how best to go about it.
Music in your business creates a warm welcome
Imagine an environment where clients wait in stone cold silence, to then have a silent treatment or exercise. Uncomfortable, slow and tense are all words that come to mind… but it doesn’t have to be that way. Music in the business creates a much warmer environment. In fact, according to a survey by VisionWorks, 84% of clients think that music makes a salon more welcoming. This is because music releases dopamine in the brain, which makes us feel happy and rewarded. 60% of stylists agree that playing music actually increases the likelihood of clients returning, as a result!
Music exemplifies your brand
Any music in your business will be an extension of your brand. That means it has the benefit of conveying who you are and what your aims are at any given point. Not convinced? Consider a salon titled ‘Hip Hop and Chop’, who is funky, colourful and ultimately aiming to attract young adult clientele. They will want music to reflect the majority of their clients’ tastes, meaning they will likely go for a mix of hip hop and popular music in the here and now.
Music relieves client stress
Many businesses, such as salons and spas, use music to help clients de-stress. It does this by covering some of the environmental noises, such as from equipment, or by using specific genres of music in certain areas. If the business has a waiting area, then it may be worth considering calmer, softer music to soften any stress from wait times. Meanwhile, a gym or health club may opt for something more fast-paced in the exercise areas to keep clients in the mood to workout.
Music in your business motivates staff
Did you know that staff can be motivated by music in your business? According to a survey by Spotify, 61% of respondents stated they listen to music at work to boost happiness. 90% of these also said they perform better when they are listening to music. Just make sure the music isn’t too distracting!
Dr. Anneli Haake, music evaluation consultant and researcher, confirms that as “Music seems to fulfil a range of important functions for employees, including providing relief from stress, improving concentration… [and] can help employees to engage in work tasks through blocking out distracting noise [around them].” So, why not see what your staff are into and put together a motivating playlist!
Music can boost retail sales
It’s true! Relaxing music, in particular, is said to slow clients down and take a look at their surroundings. The combination of relaxing music in the waiting area and a solid retail display will likely lead to an increased interest in the items on offer. 90% of stylists agree that playing the right music can be beneficial to their business.
No matter what music you choose to play, make sure you have a suitable licence. Phonographic Performance Limited’s (PPL) TheMusicLicence will cover the business to play music from the radio, downloads or TV, bringing life to the waiting, reception and treatment rooms. There are other options available too, such as Cloud Cover Music to cover the streaming of music, and Soundtrack Your Brand that partners with Spotify to cover any custom playlists.
To find out more on the importance of audio, read our blog on music in the salon.
