Ingo Beauty Salons – The First Social Beauty Salon Directory

6 thoughts on “Ingo Beauty Salons – The First Social Beauty Salon Directory”

1. The animation played nicely. I do like what I see. I like the girlish purple and the swan in the logo, it does give me a female beauty salon feel. I browsed nail salons in St.Louis, MO. The process was easy. I especially loved that when you click on a salon, it gives you the address and a map. The deal search was easy to find, but I would have enjoyed looking up the deals while remaining a guest. It seemed that I had to login with Facebook, or join in another way in order to view the deals. I would maybe sign up for an account just so I could see the deals and add this link to my favorites to check out deals in my area. However, before joining I would like to see an example of the types of deals I can find. I don’t want to waste time signing up if it may not be worth my time. Like if the examples weren’t that special, such as “$2.00 off a perm” I wouldn’t care to spend time signing up. But, if the examples were decent, like $10 off a perm, or buy 1 get 1 free something, etc. I would be more inclined to sign up. Show an example or two of the types of deals I would gain access to viewing by signing up, as well as other benefits. Is there a forum? Coupon downloads? Etc. If I did join the site and enjoyed viewing the deals, I would most definitely share it with friends.

2. Thank you very much for your feedback MoGirl29!
   There is one thing that I notice straight away from your feedback – you didn’t really care about the directory aspect of the site… you mostly cared about the deal search. And that’s great – the deal search was a concept that was developed later on in an effort to “reward” the members that signed up – make the sign up more attractive. That is why some effort is required in order to view the deals.
   Then again, what is most interesting about your feedback is that you didn’t actually sign up to see the deals. Was that because you just weren’t interested in the deals at the moment, or was it due to the fact that you felt like it could potentially be a waste of time if the deals weren’t any good?
   In other words, did we “miss” MoGirl29’s sign up because she was not our “target group” or because we need to change the way the deal search operates? That could be presenting guest visitors with a sign up form right away, or offering some sample deals like you recommended.
   Also, did the Facebook Login help at all? All you have to do is click on that button and use your Facebook to login and access the deals. We decided to use that in order to allow visitors to get a quick preview – it does unlock all the deals, but like you said, if the deals are good (and they definitely are) you would sign up and bookmark it. Did you use that or not? If not, can you tell us why?
   Thanks again for the detailed feedback!
   Sarah P.

3. Visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/ – Do you like what you see? Do any specific links/buttons attract your interest? Does the intro animation play out nicely?
   I don’t see any intro animation here. I don’t see a button to start a video or watch a slideshow. I like the color choices on the landing page, it’s a relaxing, easy hue. I like how you can immediately click on a state without having to type it out. Small conveniences like that will actually work to keep potential clients for those few extra critical seconds while they make a decision. It’s a little thing, but a thing. There aren’t any links that really stand out in general here. The Facebook and Twitter icons look a bit odd submerged under the search bar at the top of the home page… It makes sense when you actually click on them, but otherwise it’s strange. The background design is appealing in that it doesn’t distract amnd at the same time better focuses the center of the page, where all the action is. I actually appreciate the whole color scheme.

   Try browsing to one of the States, choose a city, and then a type of salon. Is the process easy? Can it be improved?
   I went to my home state, and found my home town in the list. I like the map application, it’s convenient and sensible. the blank picture was a sore spot, maybe even something generic would substitute aside from the empty space. It was quite easy, though my city was already listed. The search bar was practically just as convenient, and I liked seeing all of my results in the map. It’s about as simple as it could be, and accessible for a first time user, so points there. If I see another Salon named “A Cut Above” I’m going to… sorry, thinking out loud.

   Try our deal search! Was it easy to find? If not, visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/deals/ – Did it yield good results for you? Any suggestions?
   I am adamantly against using Facebook to sign into websites. There is no reason for an app for any site to need access to my pictures and files and friend information, etc etc. I’ll never do it. If that had been your only sign in option, I would have left. Yes, it was simple to locate the link at the top of the screen. I would have liked to see solid examples of deals, so I know what I’m signing up for. Many sites sell the idea of a bargain, get your info and then disappoint. the generic and seemingly unrealistic claims of savings I could see gave me the impression that I would submit my info, get on a mailing list and be disappointed with the feature. I don’t expect to see a listing where businesses are giving me 75% off of services without a catch, whatever that may be. If I saw actual deals from verifiable places, I would be more tempted to give you my information.

   Are you encouraged to sign up for an account? If not, why?
   Not now. As I explain in the next question and in the last one as well, it’s a little too early to tell how useful this is going to be, and its going to need content and work to create value for the user.

   Would you tell your friends about it?
   tough one… as it stands, this is somewhat of a glorified telephone book. you need content and specific/useful information about each salon. Offer deals only through your site. Have salons offer discounts from referrals through your site (you could have a printable coupon). You could even charge for this service. Flesh out the site a little, give the customer a resource with potential value.

   Any additional comments/feedback about the site – things you like or things we could improve upon would be greatly appreciated.
   
   The mission statement needs to be moved up to the top of the landing page, and in plain sight. It’s not good to have it completely out of view like that.
   You should let the salons write a blurb about their site on the search result page, or offer a ghostwriters services to do it for them. It should double as an advert as much as a map result, and the comments could enhance and back that up, or refute it. It’s also a chance for the salon to impress upon your users their uniqueness, services, deals, etc etc…
   I suppose the use of the site will depend on how big you can build a network of researchable vendors. Try to pack the site with specific info on each location and perhaps offer incentives to members to participate in rankings and reviewing… though that might lead to abuse, so you would have to keep compensation small – a gesture more than a wage.
   What about a blog? Beauty tips and the like. You have facebook users, they could like and spread your blog posts and get some new business drummed up.
   
   
   Hope This Helps
    
   -W-
   

4. Visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/ – Do you like what you see? Do any specific links/buttons attract your interest? Does the intro animation play out nicely

   I am a salon professional, so I was really excited to see what this website would bring to the table.  I really like the landing page, its very lively and the animation is nice.  I am immediately drawn to the part where you input the city that you are interested in and wait for your results.  The list of cities to the right is a little distracting, and honestly I think it takes a way from the esthetics of the page (pun intended).

   Try browsing to one of the States, choose a city, and then a type of salon. Is the process easy? Can it be improved?

   There were no results from my area, so I put my mothers zip code in from another state with a larger population and lots of results popped up. The process is fairly easy, but I would definitely utilize that big U.S. map that you have there.  Perhaps making it so you can click on your particular state and then find salons in your area… I believe that it would clean up the page, and make it even more presentable and easier to navigate.  Also on the results page for each salon, I would have a picture of the salon, their website and personal experiences from actual clients of each salon perhaps recommending a particular stylist or worker by name.  I think that this will really make your website stand out to the user as something more than a directory, but the ‘go to’ place for all the insider salon info.  I also think it would be a great place to showcase the work of the salons listed. Most people are visual, so this could really be a great platform for salons as well as clients.

   Try our deal search! Was it easy to find? If not, visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/deals/ – Did it yield good results for you? Any suggestions?

   The deal search yielded links that when clicked, if you didn’t log in you were not able to access.  This was a little frustrating for me.  I would rather at least have the option of viewing the deals, but not be able to get the deals until I actually signed in… I think it would give the user more of a lure to create a profile and log into the website.

   Are you encouraged to sign up for an account? If not, why?

   Not really.  I really need more, for example , more pictures, more video, more personal experiences, something that makes me want to linger on Ingo, and be a part of it.

   Would you tell your friends about it?

   Not yet, maybe in the future if drastic improvements are made… It is a great idea, and I believe with a little more time and effort, Ingo could be a great website worth telling my friends about!

   Any additional comments/feedback about the site – things you like or things we could improve upon would be greatly appreciated. 
   

   Please have someone proofread each page, there are grammatical errors that could really discredit your website and ruin the initial positive perception that the user has when reaching the landing page.

5.  
   Do you like what you see? Do any specific links/buttons attract your interest? Does the intro animation play out nicely?
    
   The site: font, colors, display are very pretty. Classy and Simple, easy to understand and not cluttered. What I noticed first is the state map and icon for deals and the simplicity of the list of states on the right hand side,as oppsed to clicking the map and being directed to another page with this same list.
    
   Try browsing to one of the States, choose a city, and then a type of salon. Is the process easy? Can it be improved?
   I searched Colorado Springs,Co as I have recently been there. I like the different options eg. Nail Salon vs. Hair Salon. I selected the Day Spa option. I like seeing the address and phone number provided as well as a map & directions provided.
   I am on budget as most people these days are, it would be great to see a link to the salon website listing services and prices. It is understandable that some salons do not have websites,in this case, I think a great idea might be to have someone research the salonsand request prices for popular or services. Eg. Manicures, Shampoo & Style. I assume this might require permisson from each individual salon without a website.
    
   Try our deal search! Was it easy to find? If not, visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/deals/ – Did it yield good results for you? Any suggestions?
    
   Pro: I enjoy having the Try our deals tab right where I could see it. Con: First thing I see is please sign up to start searching deals. So many companies these days want customers to sign up. Personally I just end up deleting most of these or forwarding them to spam if it is a place I don’t go to often.
   The sign up should be optional and for customers who travel often or want updates on new salons in their area. Otherwise I would prefer to see deals and new salons whenever I have the time and money available to do so at my leisure. Also the more details link on this page does not give more details. I click, nothing happens.
    
    Are you encouraged to sign up for an account? If not, why?

   Once again I prefer my inbox not to be littered with advertising.

   Any additional comments/feedback about the site – things you like or things we could improve upon would be greatly appreciated.
    
   1. This is just a general question,why is there an Edit/Delete Button on each salon page? I find it odd anyone can just change the info as they please. I prefer solid facts, I want to know about a salon before I go there so I don’t waste time and gas. The Representative Link is sufficient for an update for each salon.
   2. I also did a search on NY,NY where I live. There is no option for Queens,NY and there are many hair salons in the area. Maybe some research into local yellow pages can help solve this issue.
   3. The search bar at the top of the page wasn’t very helpful for my specific search of 11385, which is in queens, NY. The only thing that came up were 2 barber shops.
    
   Otherwise I like the site I think it is very helpful and pretty in design just needs a couple tweeks, hope my information was helpful.

    

6. Do you like what you see? Do any specific links/buttons attract your interest? Does the intro animation play out nicely?
   The layout of the homepage, and the colors are a wonderful choice. Attractive to us females, with a girly touch! The animation was smooth and flowing..well done!
   Try browsing to one of the States, choose a city, and then a type of salon. Is the process easy? Can it be improved?

   Yes, the process of browsing states/cities itself is very easy..self explanatory- even a new internet user can figure it out. That’s a great asset to have on a website that offers the option of searching in a specific  location.
   Try our deal search! Was it easy to find? If not, visit https://www.ingobeautysalons.com/deals/ – Did it yield good results for you? Any suggestions?

   The deal search…yes, it was very easy to find no matter what page I was on. But the results…thumbs down. I first searched for TANNING deals within 25 miles of my zip- nothing. So I broadened the search to 50 miles- still nothing. I was sure there had to be HAIR deals within 25 miles of my zip- But I was wrong. Finally I found only 1 hair deal within 50 miles from my zip.
   When the deal page listed, my eyes immediate scrolled in the middle of the page for the deal, and nothing…then I saw it listed as a banner on the left side of the page…not so easy to spot. It would be better if the results would show right in the center of a page, as I believe most users eyes automatically direct to the center, not reading left to right, unless it is an article.

   Are you encouraged to sign up for an account? If not, why?

   I am not encouraged to sign up for an account at this time, unfortunately. There was only 7 cities in the state of Virginia, where I reside that was available to display a deal. And with the cost of gas, it wouldn’t be financially beneficial for me to travel 50 miles for a hair cut/color- unless maybe it was free.

   Would you tell your friends about it?

   At this time, no I wouldn’t tell anyone about the web site. But if localities expand, and deals were listed within at least 15 or 20 miles from every zip, then yes, I’d be happy to share your site.
   
   Any additional comments/feedback about the site – things you like or things we could improve upon would be greatly appreciated.

   Overall, great layout, great idea, wonderful selection of colors and animation. I love the little tips and articles, and the ability to contact and communicate with salon owners/reps.
   I do strongly feel the need for expansion and many more listings on this web site. Once that gets going, I’m sure you’re going to be very successful with this site. Best of luck!

   Read more: https://startuplift.com/ingo-beauty-salons-the-first-social-beauty-salon-directory/#ixzz1q9aom2pI

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