Years ago, social media marketing was totally unheard of. Facebook and Instagram started off as fun, alternative way to share photos and experiences. But as they gained more popularity, people quickly realized the untapped opportunities available online.
And it’s true. Social media is probably one of the greatest gifts to entrepreneurs. It’s free and you can reach hundreds (even thousands) of potential salon clients with a click of a button – if you know what to do. Luckily, we’ve taken the mystery out of social media marketing for hair salons with our latest salon business training!
Firstly, Facebook has the largest social network in the world, with over 2 billion users. Meanwhile, Instagram has reached over 700 million users this year. Among the many social media platforms available, these two provide the most efficient way to reach and engage current clients and potential customers.
Below are some useful tips on how you can leverage your salon’s social media pages to attract people to your business.
How to Effectively Use Social Media for Your Salon Business
1. Complete Your Profile
To many online users, your social media page is their first point of contact with your business – so be sure all the important information are there. Once you’ve created your Facebook and Instagram page, check to see if you have these on your profile pages:
a. Name, Address, Phone (NAP)
Having these three on your profile helps potential clients know more about your business. Aside from that, Google crawls these pieces of information to verify your business website, so make sure your social media NAP is consistent with your website and Google My Business page.
b. Photos
Photos provide a face to your business, so it’s important that you’re making a positive impression. Upload a professional photo of your salon and a cover picture to add more personality to your page.
c. About
The About section is the soul of your social media page. It’s often the first thing visitors check to see if your salon is worth their business.
d. Website URL
Don’t forget to add your salon website! Doing so helps boost your site’s ranking and verifies your business on Google. Take advantage of the gray verification badge offered by Facebook for businesses as well. This legitimizes your business and helps users discover your page easily in search results.
2. Know Your Target
As small business owners, knowing who your target audience is important as it will set the tone and overall personality of your social media page.
Consider the age bracket of your target audience when posting. Are they 18 – 29-year-olds? Posting fun, colorful hair colors is a great way to attract younger people. Tag those who you want to check out your post, and use relevant hashtags.
Or are they 30-49-year-olds trying to maintain a holistic lifestyle? Sharing articles that are helpful to them will keep them coming back to your page – which brings us to our next tip.
3. Provide Valuable Content
To attract potential clients, you need to give them a reason to keep following you. Does your page offer any value or benefit to them? You can do this by creating useful content, such as:
a. Inspirational Quotes
Everyone likes to see and hear motivational words before starting their day. Posting inspirational quotes will help increase your salon page engagement.
b. Ingredient Information
As holistic hair stylists, your prospective clients will be looking for a salon that offers products with safe and healthy ingredients. Sharing useful information about the ingredients used in each of the products you use and highlighting their benefits will help generate interest in your business.
c. Promotions/Discounts/Rewards
Everyone loves to get rewards. It’s classic human behavior. Promotions in the form of discounts and rewards will not only entice new customers to buy your products and services but it will also reinforce repeat behavior.
d. Transformation Pictures or Videos
Your social media page is an extension of your portfolio. Many clients who book online are often people who’ve seen a beautiful hair color on Instagram or Facebook. Share before-and-after pictures and videos to show potential clients what you and your team can do for their hair.
TIP: Take pictures with clean, uncluttered background. They often receive the most love on social media because they’re easy on the eyes and put the focus on the hair. Watermarks are great, but make sure they don’t take attention away from the work.
4. Post Regularly
To forge relationships with your clients and potential clients, you must be consistent in posting updates. This signals that you are up to date with the current trends and willing to interact with your community.
Facebook allows you to schedule posts ahead of time, and there are a number of Instagram schedulers available. Apps like Planoly, Hootsuite, Plann, and Later offer free basic plans that allow you to upload, schedule, and curate your posts ahead of time.
TIP: Facebook and Instagram business pages have built-in analytics that will tell you when your audience is online. Post during peak hours for maximum exposure.
5. Engage Your Audience
Many people like sharing their thoughts on social media. Use that to your advantage by creating conversations with your clients. Join and create Facebook groups. Ask questions that might interest them. Give away products that they might like and possibly, repost (free advertising!). And most importantly, respond to comments and inquiries. This sends a message that you value their voice. Doing these will not only boost your social media authority, but also help you build long-term relationships with clients.
