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 IS STILL THE DIVA ON SOCIAL
In the glitzy life of salon social media, Instagram remains the reigning superstar-diva, with TikTok closely nipping away at her heels, but what’s really the key to unlocking her heart? The answer is visual storytelling. Before and after photos are your salon’s secret weapon, they’re the best tool for attracting new clients and maintaining inspiration for existing ones. Think of them as the biopic story of hair transformations – a visual journey from ordinary to extraordinary if you will.
Before and after pictures are not just about showcasing your skills, they tell a story of transformation, confidence, and yes, artistry. In 2024, make sure your Instagram feed is a gallery of these creations. Invest in high-quality photography, easily achieved with the latest smartphone, experiment with creative angles and let the visuals speak volumes about your salon’s incredible skills.
However, before and after photos are more than just eye candy; they build trust. When potential clients see real, tangible results, it establishes confidence in your salon’s capabilities. Use captions to tell the story behind each transformation – the client’s vision, the stylist’s expertise, and the journey to that stunning after capture. This transparency creates a connection that goes beyond the screen.
INSTAGRAM IS STILL THE DIVA ON SOCIAL
In the glitzy life of salon social media, Instagram remains the reigning superstar-diva, with TikTok closely nipping away at her heels, but what’s really the key to unlocking her heart? The answer is visual storytelling. Before and after photos are your salon’s secret weapon, they’re the best tool for attracting new clients and maintaining inspiration for existing ones. Think of them as the biopic story of hair transformations – a visual journey from ordinary to extraordinary if you will.
Before and after pictures are not just about showcasing your skills, they tell a story of transformation, confidence, and yes, artistry. In 2024, make sure your Instagram feed is a gallery of these creations. Invest in high-quality photography, easily achieved with the latest smartphone, experiment with creative angles and let the visuals speak volumes about your salon’s incredible skills.
However, before and after photos are more than just eye candy; they build trust. When potential clients see real, tangible results, it establishes confidence in your salon’s capabilities. Use captions to tell the story behind each transformation – the client’s vision, the stylist’s expertise, and the journey to that stunning after capture. This transparency creates a connection that goes beyond the screen.
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 NOT SO NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
In 2024, TikTok has secured its spot as the new frontier for creative expression. Unleash your salon’s creativity by creating short, engaging videos showcasing your stylists’ skills. From start to finish, document the transformation in a fun and entertaining way. TikTok loves trends, so hop on challenges, share beauty hacks, and let your salon dance into the hearts of a whole new audience. Yes, it’s a time consuming commitment, but oh so worth it as it can propel your salon’s talents to so many people. Biggest top tip when launching TikTok; put the structure in place to create a consistent flow of content. Build the habits with Instagram, and then move on to this explosive platform. Small steps, big wins!
THE NOT SO NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
In 2024, TikTok has secured its spot as the new frontier for creative expression. Unleash your salon’s creativity by creating short, engaging videos showcasing your stylists’ skills. From start to finish, document the transformation in a fun and entertaining way. TikTok loves trends, so hop on challenges, share beauty hacks, and let your salon dance into the hearts of a whole new audience. Yes, it’s a time consuming commitment, but oh so worth it as it can propel your salon’s talents to so many people. Biggest top tip when launching TikTok; put the structure in place to create a consistent flow of content. Build the habits with Instagram, and then move on to this explosive platform. Small steps, big wins!
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.
LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST: YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PAGE
In addition to bolstering your social media presence, consider your Google Business Page as the clandestine weapon that can elevate your salon’s online presence.
Most new clients will search for a new salon using the Google platform. They will either search based on geographic location, service they may be seeking, or highest reviews. This is the exclusive digital arena where your skills, salon ambiance, and client testimonials take centre stage, whilst being directly compared to your competition, making it the most powerful tool of all to grow your business. Don’t brush it to the side just because it’s not as trendy as the other platforms. This is your bread and butter platform.
Regular posting transcends just showcasing your latest creations; it’s about crafting a dynamic narrative for potential clients to immerse themselves in. Clients who are already looking for a reason to switch salons, and your page is giving them those reasons. It’s a captive audience, directly linked to business growth.
Share mesmerising transformations, unveil behind-the-scenes glimpses into salon life, and sprinkle in those cherished client testimonials. Salon Reviews play a massive role, designed to enhance your digital credibility. If you don’t have a salon software that helps you to generate reviews. I would encourage you to switch to one that does. It will be a game changer. Phorest is one that I know well, and would highly encourage you to take a look at. Keep in mind that any monthly investment pays for itself many, many times over.
Encourage clients to shower your page with love in the form of stars and kind words – the virtual confetti that amplifies your salon’s street cred. Let your images radiate; more is undoubtedly more! Treat your Google Business Page as a canvas, painting it with posts, reviews, and images that unequivocally declare, “We’re the trendiest hair haven in town!” Bear in mind that prospective clients are scrolling and they are looking for a change, and your goal is to captivate them with a page as striking as your blowout skills. Transform your Google page into a digital masterpiece, one post, review, and picture at a time!
LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST: YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PAGE
In addition to bolstering your social media presence, consider your Google Business Page as the clandestine weapon that can elevate your salon’s online presence.
Most new clients will search for a new salon using the Google platform. They will either search based on geographic location, service they may be seeking, or highest reviews. This is the exclusive digital arena where your skills, salon ambiance, and client testimonials take centre stage, whilst being directly compared to your competition, making it the most powerful tool of all to grow your business. Don’t brush it to the side just because it’s not as trendy as the other platforms. This is your bread and butter platform.
Regular posting transcends just showcasing your latest creations; it’s about crafting a dynamic narrative for potential clients to immerse themselves in. Clients who are already looking for a reason to switch salons, and your page is giving them those reasons. It’s a captive audience, directly linked to business growth.
Share mesmerising transformations, unveil behind-the-scenes glimpses into salon life, and sprinkle in those cherished client testimonials. Salon Reviews play a massive role, designed to enhance your digital credibility. If you don’t have a salon software that helps you to generate reviews. I would encourage you to switch to one that does. It will be a game changer. Phorest is one that I know well, and would highly encourage you to take a look at. Keep in mind that any monthly investment pays for itself many, many times over.
Encourage clients to shower your page with love in the form of stars and kind words – the virtual confetti that amplifies your salon’s street cred. Let your images radiate; more is undoubtedly more! Treat your Google Business Page as a canvas, painting it with posts, reviews, and images that unequivocally declare, “We’re the trendiest hair haven in town!” Bear in mind that prospective clients are scrolling and they are looking for a change, and your goal is to captivate them with a page as striking as your blowout skills. Transform your Google page into a digital masterpiece, one post, review, and picture at a time!
Jack works as a creative digital marketing manager for The Hair Movement and Kasho. As a successful freelance photographer and videographer, he is passionate about photography, specialising in hair and product, and creating premium content across both digital and print marketing formats. Working with several salons, helping to implement their digital marketing strategies, he is eager to share his experiences by contributing to the Kasho blog.
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