Building a strong social media presence for your salon isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work and a clear plan of action. But it’s worth it – once your followers are engaged (you’ll be hearing that magic ‘E’ word a lot whenever we’re talking about social media) and happy seeing your name pop up in their feed, the benefits to your business can be huge.
Whether you’re brand new to social media or just looking for tips to improve, here are the 7 things salon customers want to see online, so you can attract new clients (and then keep them coming back again and again).
1. Show your personality
Building an online profile really doesn’t have to be all business. In fact, it really shouldn’t be. People use social media to connect with each other – there’s no reason that wouldn’t include your salon.
Show off your what makes you unique. Did something fun with your staff? Share the snaps! Got thoughts about a new trend in your beauty space? Let the people know. You’re the expert – they love hearing what you think. Features like Instagram Stories are a really great way to show off some creativity too.
2. Educate
Speaking of expertise, who doesn’t love some insider knowledge? Educational posts are a great way to engage your audience in a really natural way.
Try making some step-by-step guides about the latest trends, or teach them how to pull off new beauty techniques, and you’ll have people lining up for your content. (For bonus points, you can use video to your advantage. More on that below.)
3. Encourage two-way conversation
Transparency and consistency are the words of the day, here. Customers love to see an active profile that lets them know you’re more than just a business.
Talk publicly to your clients. Got a lovely review from a regular? Share it with your followers and thank them. Like and reply to comments that come in. Keeping that interactive, two-way communication going strong is something social media has going for it over any other channel, so it’s well worth investing the time.
4. Share promos and giveaways
This one isn’t going to come as a shock – customers absolutely love a deal.
Eagle-eyed customers are always on the lookout for great value, so make sure you’re shouting about yours – especially if they can get themselves some value by interacting with your post. Share promotions or special offers with them if they engage with your post.
5. Build community
As we mentioned earlier, it’s all about keeping that communication open – and not just between you and your customers.
By promoting conversation between your clients (when you talk about a new trend, for example) you end up with a loyal base of interested users who come back time and again to take part in group discussion – it really puts the ‘social’ in social media.
6. Experiment with video
Maybe not for the faint of heart, but video content is always a strong performer when it comes to getting your followers invested in your salon. It’s up to you what you want to share: those classic how-to guides, tours of your workspace, time lapses of treatments – it all looks good when recorded.
You don’t need to be an editing whiz either – both Facebook and Instagram have some basic tools for making nice videos. Then, when you feel like you’re ready, you can take the biggest leap – live video.
7. Make booking easy
Your online profile is the quickest way to the heart of your business, and that should go for booking you online, too. In the modern world, the importance of putting as few barriers in the way of your customers being able to make a booking as possible, the better.
Engaged customers want to book with you. You just have to give them the opportunity.
With Treatwell, you can put your own ‘Book Now’ widget on your Facebook or on Instagram with Instant Experiences (it’s really easy), and your customers can book you straight from your page – any time, any place. Or your website. Or Google. Even when you’re closed. It’s easier for you and a better experience for them.
