Creating an Engaging Instagram for your Salon
Posted: April 16, 2018 - By Elizabeth VelezAs a hair stylist, your Instagram page has become the new portfolio. Now you’re not just showing prospective employers you’re cutting and dying skills, you’re also showing prospective clients what you can do.
In a world that is over saturated with competition, it’s important for your career to create an engaging Instagram account so your audience not only likes your work and shares it with others, but likes you as well.
Keeping your audience engaged is a science, so here are some tips to help you get started.
Go live with Instagram stories
As of November 2017, Instagram Stories amassed 300 million daily active users.* This is all the proof needed to know people are watching, and that viewership has only grown. When you’re doing an edgy hair dye, or even cutting a classic medium bob, have someone hold your phone for a live Instagram story.
Take note on what type of content gets more viewers, and at what time. If you’re receiving good attendance for those unicorn hair dye jobs, consider announcing that you’re going live ahead of time. More people may tune in, including your peers who have been meaning to learn that new, trendy skill. And remember – people can tune in even after you’ve gone live. The story will stay on your page, and at the top of their feed, for 24 hours.
Respond to comments
Comments from your audience are one of the best forms of engagement. It’s great to hear opinions from like-minded individuals, or receive praises from prospective clients who love your work! Having said that no comment should go unresponded to, even if the response is a simple ‘thank you.’ That follower took a couple of minutes of out of their day to show you true appreciation, so it has to be reciprocated.
Also, you’ll probably notice the more you respond, the more comments you’ll receive. People love to experience that kind of connection on social media.
Create shareable posts
Memes are a good example of a post that followers often tag a friend in, or send to a friend via direct message. This is because those posts are relatable, and that has to be part of your secret engagement sauce. The more your posts are shared, the more your following will grow.
Mix in some posts that are comedic to your industry, or life in general. You can also try inspirational quotes, or a fun boomerang. It doesn’t always have to be hair related, but you can keep your posts industry-only to have a consistent theme to your content.
Tag brands for the exposure
As a stylist you’re using top name brands on your client’s hair, so let those brands know! Tagging a brand in your Instagram post will expose your work to them, and introduce your followers to the products you’re using. If your post is worthy of sharing, the brand may re-post it on their Instagram. Learn their official hashtags as well to further expose your work and your Instagram to a larger audience. This will help grow your following, and give you credibility as a stylist.
Having an engaging Instagram account is a daily task. The more time and effort you give to your account, the more engagement you’ll receive. Some influencers post 2-3 times a day to stay top-of-mind in their follower’s feed, but do what works for you. And remember – have fun with it!
*http://mediakix.com/2017/11/how-many-people-use-instagram-stories/
