the_information_nexus/smma/maria_nails.md

Perfect! Let’s design a deterministic, step-by-step system for a new manicurist (let’s call her Maria) who wants to automate bookings, payments, and client follow-ups—with zero upfront cost.

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💅 Maria’s Nail Tech Workflow (100% Free)

Her Needs:

1. Book clients without back-and-forth texts.
2. Accept payments in advance (no no-shows).
3. Send intake forms (allergies, nail shape preferences).
4. Follow up for reviews/rebookings.

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🔧 Maria’s Tech Stack

Tool	Why She Needs It
Google Sites	Mobile-friendly booking page (no website needed).
Bitly	QR code for her business card/salon mirror.
Calendly Free	Clients self-book appointments (syncs to her phone calendar).
Stripe Payment Links	Take credit card deposits ($0.25 per payout).
Google Forms	Client intake form (allergies, nail inspo pics).
Gmail Templates	Pre-written emails (confirmations, aftercare, reviews).
Trello Free	Track client status (e.g., Booked → Paid → Completed → Follow-Up).
Zapier Free	Connect tools (e.g., Calendly → Trello auto-updates).

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📌 Step 1: Maria’s Booking Setup (15 mins)

1. Create a Google Site:

   • Title: “Book Your Nail Appointment with Maria”
   • Sections:
     • “Services & Prices” (e.g., Gel Manicure – $45).
     • “Book Now” (embed Calendly widget).
     • “Pay Deposit” (Stripe Payment Link for $10 deposit).
   • Publish → Copy URL.

2. Generate QR Code:

   • Shorten the Google Sites URL with Bitly → Download QR.
   • Print on:
     • Business cards (“Scan to book!”).
     • Mirror decal at her salon station.

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📌 Step 2: Client Journey (Zero Work for Maria)

1. Client Scans QR → Lands on Maria’s site → Books slot on Calendly.
2. Stripe Payment Link (in Calendly confirmation email) → Client pays $10 deposit.
3. Zapier Automations:
   • New Calendly Booking → Creates Trello card (“Booked – [Client Name]”).
   • Stripe Payment → Moves card to “Paid” list in Trello.
   • 24h Before Appointment → Sends Google Form intake (allergies, nail shape).

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📌 Step 3: Appointment Day

• Maria checks Trello: All “Paid” clients are confirmed.
• Post-Appointment:
  1. Uploads nail photos to Google Drive folder (shared with client).
  2. Moves Trello card to “Completed”.
  3. Zapier auto-sends aftercare email (Gmail template) + review link.

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📌 Step 4: Follow-Up (Auto-Pilot)

• Trello “Follow-Up” List: Clients due for a rebook (e.g., 3 weeks later).
• Zapier: Sends “Your next nail refresh?” email (with Calendly link).

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🚨 Edge Cases Solved

Problem	Fix
No-shows	$10 deposit via Stripe.
Allergies	Google Form blocks high-risk bookings.
Client forgets aftercare	Auto-email with nail care tips.
Maria forgets follow-ups	Trello due dates + Zapier reminders.

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💡 Maria’s Scaling Upgrades

• At 50+ clients/month:
  • Upgrade to Calendly Premium ($8/mo) for multiple event types (e.g., fills vs. full sets).
  • Replace Trello with Airtable ($20/mo) for client history (e.g., “Last nail color: OPI Bubble Bath”).

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🎯 Why This Works for Maria

1. No tech skills needed: All tools are drag-and-drop.
2. No missed payments: Deposits required upfront.
3. Clients feel pampered: Automated but personalized (e.g., intake forms, photo galleries).

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📢 Maria’s Client Script

“Scan here to book! You’ll pick your time, pay a $10 deposit, and fill out a quick form so I can prep for your visit. Everything else is automated—you’ll even get nail care tips after!”

Want me to tweak this for another specific persona (e.g., personal trainer, massage therapist)?