If you’re a salon owner, you’re likely bursting with entrepreneurial spirit, but there’s a lot of competition out there. Putting your brand front and center ahead of your peers takes a little work and creativity, but fortunately with the powerful force known as social media, it’s easier than ever to spread the word about all of the amazing work you do.
Whether you’ve grown up in the social media age or are dipping your toes into platforms like Instagram and TikTok for the first time, there are tips and tricks that will work for everyone. You don’t have to be a tech whiz or famous influencer to reap the medium’s benefits.
So, with that in mind, we have cultivated some top tips to build more robust salon content for social media and leverage it to grow your clientele. Here are the social media tips for salon owners you need to know.
1. SCOPE OUT THE COMPETITION
If you want to get the most traction from your brand, you need to know what sets you apart from the pack. Is it your attention to detail? Your infectious personality that makes each customer feel special? How about a technique you use that’s pretty unique to your salon?
The best way to find your hook is to look at what the competition is doing. For example, if other salons in your area do not specialize in a certain type of service (or achieve your incredible results), that is an easy way to stand out.
Be sure to look at other salon’s social media pages and online reviews. In some cases, your competitors may be lagging in their online presence, which means that you can get noticed that much faster. Find out what customers are saying and asking for to give you an idea of what to focus on in your business.
2. USE VIDEOS, NOT JUST PHOTOS
While salon Instagram marketing used to only be for pictures, now it is easier than ever to incorporate video clips. Thanks to Instagram Stories and Reels, you can show off various parts of your salon experience.
Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words, but a 10 - or 15 - second video speaks volumes more. Show some behind-the-scenes footage of you in action at the salon. Maybe even offer a fun tip or two about how to maintain a look in between appointments, like how to extend the life of hair color or fill in brows. Video content is always more engaging, so use it as much as possible.
3. BE A TRENDSETTER, NOT A FOLLOWER
If you only have a few dozen followers on your social media sites, you may be wondering how you can start any trends. However, you do not need to become the next Guy Tang to make a splash on social media.
Instead, find a unique marketing pitch and start making that your “thing.” Perhaps you donate haircuts to people in need. Maybe you specialize in funky hairstyles that no one else does. Once you find your niche, start promoting it regularly. Even better, create your own hashtag. From there, encourage customers to use the hashtag and spread the word.
Set up a corner of your salon as a DIY photo booth for clients to snap pics in front of after their service to encourage them to post on their own social media accounts. All you really need for this is an uncluttered area and a flattering lighting setup.
4. MAKE MARKETING YOURSELF WITH SOCIAL MEDIA A PRIORITY
As a business owner, it is hard to find time to do marketing. However, consistency and engagement are crucial if you want to build an audience online. Whether it is one hour a day or more, make sure that you pay attention to your feeds and react accordingly.
With Salon Lofts, it has never been easier to create a space that is all your own. Salon Lofts offers exclusive Social Media classes and business coaching to all of our Loft Owners. Click below to get started and see how to take your beauty business to the next level. Learn More
