Hardware-Software Best Practices
If you are new to a cloud-based environment like SalonTarget®, familiarize yourself with these practices to insure your computers run correctly and safely!
Staying Secure
Use your computer for SalonTarget® only. Going to “unfriendly” sites could infect your machine with Malware, Adware, Spyware or a Virus.
For your protection SalonTarget does not provide specific fields for you to store Credit Cards (financial information), Drivers License Numbers or Social Security Numbers. Per our Terms and Conditions, this information should not be stored anywhere, including in any note field in SalonTarget. It is highly recommended that all employees having access to SalonTarget are aware of this policy.
Only owners should have access to Modify Roles, Manage Passwords and Login Device authorization.
All roles should have an Auto Logout Time of greater than “0”. “0” means never logout. Set this under the Role.
Use Two-Step Device Authorization (Login Devices) at your salon!
Use difficult to guess passwords and protect your passwords. NOTE: If an employee leaves or is terminated, change their password under the Access tab in their Profile and remove their email address to prevent unwanted access.
Your computers should have current operating systems with updates, current Chrome browser and be modern enough to support SalonTarget® (Windows 8-10 or greater, Windows 7 is no longer supported, Mac OS-X 8 or greater, iOS 12 and Android 8).
Your monitors should be standard widescreen monitors (minimum 1,200 px wide. 1,600 px wide recommended)
Upgrade to the newest printer software version and it’s drivers (TSP Printer drivers found here)(Dymo Drivers found here)
Be sure you have adequate internet speed (average 8 mbps upload and 10 mbps download) Click here to immediately run a speed test. It takes about 30 secs, just wait.
Make sure your computer is protected with anti-virus software and all necessary security “patches” and updates, and that you know what you need to do, if anything, to keep them current. Anti-virus software usually has an auto-update feature keeping your virus protection current.
Make sure your wires (USB, Power Cords, Ethernet) are securely connected.
Clean the computers. Carefully vacuum the fan area. Keep the machines dust free and cool.
Don’t suffocate the computers, they need air to circulate around them. Do not put anything on or against them. Be sure they are not in a small closed space.
If possible use this computer for SalonTarget® only. Going to “unfriendly” sites could infect your machine with Malware, Spyware or a Virus.
Streaming content like music or videos can slow your computer down.
Use difficult to guess passwords and protect your passwords. Should an employee leave or be terminated, be sure to remove or change passwords where needed to prevent unwanted access.
Don’t install or download unknown or unsolicited programs to your computer.
Be very careful when using download managers or helpers. They may make downloading files quicker and easier, but they can also download malware in the background. Again only use this computer for SalonTarget® if possible.
If you have to use this computer for email do not open an e-mail attachment if you are not absolutely sure what it contains.
Never click a non-SalonTarget® pop-up. These are usually spyware. No matter how normal a pop-up may appear, close non-SalonTarget® pop-ups right away.
Beware of phishing schemes, these are spoofed e-mails and fraudulent websites made to trick users into giving up personal data such as credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, etc.
Targeted Email Best Practices
Sending Email – CAN-SPAM POLICY
If you are going to send email marketing, you must understand the CAN-SPAM Act.
The CAN-SPAM Act applies to any email message where the primary purpose is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a product or service, including email that promotes a commercial website.
This does not include confirmations, email receipts, reminders, etc, which are considered transactional emails.
TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CAN-SPAM ACT, YOU MUST DO YOUR PART.
DO NOT SEND YOUR CLIENTS MORE THAN TWO MARKETING EMAILS A MONTH, DO NOT SEND EMAIL TO THOSE THAT HAVE OPTED OUT AND NEVER SHARE YOUR CLIENT’S EMAIL ADDRESS WITH ANY PARTY OR YOU MAY VIOLATE THE CAN-SPAM ACT.
Here are some things you can do so your business-related emails are legally compliant:
Send your email to permission-based lists only.
Provide a way for your list subscribers to opt out permanently. SalonTarget® provides a link in the email for this.
If a client opts out, do not opt them back in. This is your responsibility as a salon owner.
Keep your opt-out process simple and don’t charge money or ask for additional information to opt out. SalonTarget® provides a link in the email for this.
Don’t pay people or give them incentives to forward your e-mails. This is your responsibility as a salon owner.
Make sure your email includes your physical address. SalonTarget® adds this to your emails.
Don’t mislead your audience with your From line or email address. SalonTarget® takes care of this.
Make sure your email Subject line is honest about the content of the email. This is your responsibility as a salon owner.
Make sure your email clearly states that the email is a solicitation (advertisement) unless you have affirmative consent to send to your clients. This is your responsibility as a salon owner.
Don’t give, sell or otherwise transfer your client’s e-mail addresses to any other party for any reason. This is your responsibility as a salon owner.
We suggest you take five minutes and have a look at the CAN-SPAM Act by clicking this link: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business
