Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager
You’ve probably heard the term search engine optimization (SEO), but do you really understand how it works? Don’t send out an SOS if you don’t get it; just follow the advice below and people will be finding you in no time.

The following info can help you better understand SEO, and in turn, boost your Web site traffic.

• SEO: What it is and why it isn’t dead.
• 5 essentials for SEO.
• The keys for the right keywords.

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA, the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager

If getting a friend request from the girl who used to torment you in high school or an update every time some goes to the grocery store isn’t your style, it doesn’t mean you still can’t take advantage of social media. While Facebook and Twitter all have their merits, they aren’t for everyone.  The strictly business social networking site LinkedIn can connect you with colleagues, businesses and even land you a job.

For spas and other businesses LinkedIn can be a very valuable tool for networking and keeping up with your current and prospective customers. Below you’ll find dos and don’ts for using this social media tool.

• There are apps for that (promoting your business).
• Nine no-nos for your business.
• Boost your profile.

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA, the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

Image via socialmedia.biz

Hello spa world, I’m Stephanie- your newest blogging sweetheart.

Even though I hail from the land of white picket fences (Greenwich, CT) – I’m no lacey Deb. I’m a tomboy turned beauty buff; a Division I athlete turned spa manager/publicist. Think of me as the MVP of SPAwesomeness.

I’ve been privileged to work behind closed curtains in the spa industry. I’ve got the inside scoop on products, treatments and trends. I promise to dish every juicy trick and tidbit so you’re a smarty pants spa-goer in no time.

Now that we’ve been formally introduced, I want to share my Number One Spa Secret:

Make friends with your favorite spa’s Receptionist! Here’s why:

• Many spas have 24-48 hour cancellation policies. If you cancel too late you could get charged 50% of the service you DIDN’T get. If the receptionist knows who you are, they are more likely to let a late cancellation slide the first time.

• If your technician gets sick/has an emergency when you’re scheduled for a service, it’s the receptionist’s job to take care of you. If she likes you, she’s more likely to call you first. This gives you first dibs when rescheduling. Better still, if you two are BFFs she might even move someone else’s appointment to accommodate you.

• Sometimes technicians run behind schedule. Before this happens, ask the receptionist to call your cell and give you a heads up. Because you’re already buds, she’s less likely to forget about you. This way you don’t have to hang around the waiting room and waste precious time.

Now that we are friends, use my secret tip to make new friends at the spa!

xo, Stephanie

Have YOU made money with Spa Week on Facebook? You may or may not remember, back in November we launched the first ever Facebook affiliate program, where anyone can make money by influencing their friends to buy Spa Week Gift Cards. You simply post a link on Facebook (or Twitter or wherever else), and if someone buys, a percentage goes directly into your PayPal account. We are thrilled to have been invited to speak at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness‘s Convergence panel during Social Media Week, tomorrow, about the app.

Our COO Laura Campbell is going to be doing a presentation on how it works, why it works and what we’ve learned. If you have any feedback, please comment below, as I’d love to pass any thoughts along to Laura before the big day. If you haven’t signed up yet, give it a whirl and start shakin’ your money maker HERE.

The registration for this panel is at capacity.

There’s something so deliciously satsifying about round numbers like 10,000 and 25,000. Especially when they correspond to your very own Twitter and Facebook followings on the horizon!

As we race to these huge milestones with you, we’re looking forward to the celebrations most of all:

ON TWITTER: We’re giving away three $50 Spa Gift Cards when we reach 10,000 followers.

To enter, Tweet:

Follow @SPAWEEK, they’re giving away 3 $50 Spa Week Gift Cards at 10,000 followers! RT to enter. http://ow.ly/3FObK

ON FACEBOOK: We’re giving away three $50 Spa Gift Cards when we reach 25,000 likes.

To enter, Write on our wall:

I like Spa Week. No, wait, I LOVE Spa Week! (This is my entry to win a $50 Spa Week Gift Card when this page reaches 25,000)

Winners will be chosen at random from the entries and announced on respective social media platforms. Please contact candace(at)spaweekmedia(dot)com within one week of announcements with your address and phone number to redeem your prize.