The Check-In Newsletter – Jan 21, 2026: Streamlining operations

As your team settles into the groove of 2026, businesses are shifting from plans to progress — and now’s the perfect time to make your operations work a little smarter. Small changes in how work gets done can add up to big wins. This edition brings resources to help you streamline, stay aligned, and drive revenue early in the year.

Discover ready-to-use two-way SMS templates made for salons, spas, and medspas. Cut down on no-shows, keep conversations flowing, and give clients the quick, personal responses they expect, all while automating your messaging behind the scenes.

Explore SMS message templates

Staff utilization plays a major role in profitability. When your team is on the clock, filling their schedules keeps your business's revenue and momentum strong.

Quiz: On average, which business type has the highest staff utilization rate? 

A) Nail salons
B) Barbershops
C) Massage spas
D) Medspas

Think you know the answer? Scroll down to find out!

How gift cards can fuel post-holiday growth for salons, spas, medspas, barbershops, and fitness studios 
Maximize revenue and turn first-time visitors into loyal regulars with our cross-industry playbook. Explore practical, proven strategies to boost retention and keep gift cards redeeming well beyond the holiday rush.

Get the scoop

Discover how salon inventory software takes the guesswork out of stock management. Cut waste, prevent last-minute shortages, and boost profits with real-time tracking.

Inventory management

Leverage end-of-month campaign opportunities to help drive your medspa towards its annual goals. Explore January medspa marketing that turns resolutions into routines and long-term care.

Medspa marketing ideas

End the month strong with January spa marketing ideas focused on fresh beginnings, intentional self-care, and long-lasting results.
Spa marketing insights

It is not too late to drive end-of-month bookings with January marketing ideas tailored to barbershop businesses. 

Barbershop campaign ideas

January 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day, an extra-sweet opportunity to create a compelling booking incentive. Consider hosting a hot chocolate bar in your business or partnering with a local café to spark excitement and drive appointments during one of the coldest months of the year.
Want more timely tips, ideas, and inspiration? 

View the Q1 2026 marketing calendar

A) Nail salons have the highest staff utilization rate (69%), followed by salons (67%), membership-based spas (64%), barbershops (62%), and medspas (47%). 
Reducing no-show appointments and automating waitlist management can be effective starting points for building higher staff utilization.

Source: 2025 Beauty and Wellness Benchmark Report, Zenoti, 2025

That's all for today, but we will check back with more updates and growth insights in just two weeks!