Podium

Podium is a messaging and lead tool for local businesses. It brings texts, web chat, social messages and review requests into one shared inbox, so the front desk sees every conversation in one place instead of on several phones.

Salons and spas use it to answer booking questions by text, send review requests after appointments, collect payments by text link and send promotions to opted-in clients. Its AI features draft or send replies to common questions and follow up on new inquiries.

It suits businesses that get a lot of inquiries by text and web chat and want them handled by a team. Check how it connects to your booking software, how consent for marketing texts is recorded, and what the AI is allowed to send without a person approving it.