BOOSTING SUCCESS: THE POWER OF POSITIVE GOOGLE REVIEWS

Hey salon owners! If you’re active on hairdressing forums, you’ve probably seen the buzz and increased chatter about sure ways to fill appointment slots whilst optimising spending on Meta ads, especially Instagram and Facebook. While these platforms are key, don’t sleep on another powerhouse: Google.

Why Google Should Be Your Go-To Platform

For local salons, Google is a game-changer. It’s easier, cheaper, and incredibly effective once you get the ball rolling. A major reason for this is Google Reviews.

The Impact of Reviews

In 2024, reviews are everything. They’re an organic and powerful way to attract new clients and build your salon’s reputation. People rely heavily on reviews when choosing a new salon, so having a strong presence on Google is crucial.

Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Claim Your Business: Head over to Google My Business and claim your salon. If it’s not listed, you can create a new profile easily.

2. Complete Your Profile: Fill out all the necessary details—salon name, address, phone number, and business hours. Accuracy is key!

3. Add Photos: Upload high-quality pics of your salon. Showcase the interior, exterior, and some action shots of your stylists at work. This helps potential clients get a feel for your vibe.

4. Encourage Reviews: Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on your Google profile. This is where investing in the right salon software really pays off. Software like Phorest will automatically prompt your clients to leave a review after their appointments. Additionally, you can add a review link on your website and even put up a small sign in your salon with review instructions.

5. Respond to Reviews: Engage with reviewers. Thank them for positive feedback and professionally address any negative reviews. This shows you value customer feedback and are dedicated to excellent service.

6. Use Google Posts: Share updates, promotions, and events using the Google Posts feature. This keeps your profile active and engaging.

7. Add a Google review plugin: By adding this to your website Google reviews can easily be accessed by all potential clients directly on your website. 

8. Add a Book Online button: Some salon systems, like Phorest, allow for direct booking straight from your Google Business profile. This provides a smooth and effortless way for existing, but primarily new, clients to book their appointments with you. The fewer barriers, the better!

STAY RELEVANT WITH DIGITAL MARKETING

Love it or hate it, one tool has become indispensable for salon businesses: social media. The virtual realm is now just as essential as the utilities that keep the lights on in your salon. In this article we’ll explore why, in 2024, social media is not just an optional extra, but actually a crucial tool for attracting new clients, staying up-to-date and relevant, and for positioning your salon and the team within it at the forefront of choice for both existing and new clients.

Gone are the days where social media was simply seen as an option for hairdressers, as something that could be dipped in-and-out of as you pleased. In today’s world, it has become as important as any other part of what you do. Serving as the virtual window into your identity as a professional, showcasing not just what you do but what sets you apart from every other salon and every other stylist. It’s a way to attract the type of clientele and work that you want to be doing: what you put out into the universe is what you’ll get back.

I’ll attempt to debunk the stigma of social media and highlight its essential role, whilst attempting to not only address the elephant in the room, but get rid of it: the fear of social media. 

It’s time to reframe the entire conversation and recognise social media for what it actually is. This starts with a major shift from viewing social media as a mere platform for social interaction, to understanding the role it has as a powerful marketing tool, one which actively contributes to attracting new clients in not only a creative way, but a very cost effective one too. When you hear any mention of “social media”, what you’re really hearing is “digital marketing”. So simply see it for what it is, it’s your megaphone to every one of your clients, new and existing. 

INSTAGRAM STORIES: BEHIND THE SCENSE

While your feed tells the polished story, your Instagram Stories provide a backstage pass to the team and process behind the magic. Use Stories to document the transformation process, share behind-the-scenes snippets, and let your followers and audience get to know the faces behind the scissors and colour creations. Highlight the intricate details, the laughter, and the moments that make each interaction, creation and transformation a special experience.

THE POWER OF ENGAGEMENT: CONNECT, CONNECT, CONNECT!

Unlock the true power of social media by transforming it into a vibrant community hub rather than just a platform to display your work. Elevate your connection with your audience by actively participating in discussions, encouraging interaction through comments, posing intriguing questions, and conducting engaging polls. Foster a genuine dialogue that establishes a sense of belonging, making your followers an integral part of the exclusive salon family. Cultivate a community where every voice is heard and valued. As your audience becomes more immersed in this interactive experience, the likelihood of them evolving into devoted clients skyrockets.

KEEP AN EYE ELSEWHERE

Stay ahead of the curve by keeping a watchful eye on your local competition. Learn from their strategies, but don’t just replicate—strive to surpass by injecting your own unique salon identity into every aspect. Be a trendsetter, not a follower. Additionally, venture beyond your immediate industry circles and follow diverse accounts for a constant flow of inspiration. Let social media be a wellspring of creative ideas that propel your salon to new heights. Embrace the spirit of innovation, and watch your online presence flourish.

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