Dear Salon Pros:
Are you up to date on the hottest Instagram marketing techniques?
As a professional with a strong online presence, you probably already know that Instagram for hair salons is FUN and EASY.
But with over 700 million users, Instagram has had to update its platform to improve the user experience.
This means it all comes down to user engagement, which is perfect for you because you are ALL ABOUT engaging with your clients.
You CAN keep your love of hair and your salon business alive using Instagram. To support you, Salon Plaza put together these top Instagram marketing techniques to help make 2018 your best year yet.
Let’s get started!
Technique #1: Create Your Instagram Story
In a nutshell, Instagram Stories let you directly and indirectly tell the story of what you offer. It allows you to create a filter over videos and photos, draw and add text, reply to posts included in a Story, and respond to comments. Almost identical to the SnapChat Story, Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours and can be a spur of the moment way to connect with your followers.
Instagram Stories are also easy to share to other social media platforms. Instagram allows you to save your Stories to an archive AND post to Facebook.
Technique #2 : Create Instagram Carousel Posts
If you’re looking for a more user-friendly way to promote specific content, then create a single carousel post. This Instagram marketing technique lets you upload up to 10 photos or videos into one post that followers can then swipe through. Carousel posts are great for promoting new products or changes to your salon. Be sure to include videos in your Carousel. In general, videos on Instagram draw in more engagement. The more engaged you are with your followers, the more likely your content will be seen.
Technique #3: Build Client Relationships with Hashtags
Your number of followers do not equal your number of clients. If you want results then focus on engaging with and understanding the audience you have NOW. A surefire way to engage with your clients is to get them involved in your strategy. Clients always have an opinion about their hair in and out of the salon. Why not encourage them to post their own before and after photos using the specific hashtag you’ve created?
But first you’ve got to know the rules…
In 2018 Instagram updated its hashtag rules. Users can now follow specific Instagram hashtags rather than having to deep-dive into the newsfeed in hopes of finding specific content. Be sure to change up your hashtags with every post. If you copy and paste the same hashtags into every new post, then Instagram might see your content as spam and make your post less visible.
Be sure to include hashtags in the body of your post not the comments. If you post your hashtags in the comments, they will no longer show up in search results and if you’re a stylist on Instagram, you want to be SEEN! Instagram allows you to post up to 30 hashtags with each post. For effective results, its best to maintain a balance of popular and original hashtags. This will help you be discovered by users and leave them wanting to know more about you.
Technique #4: Offer Incentives
Don’t be afraid to offer your followers what you’ve got! Another Instagram marketing technique is to offer an incentive. Offering an incentive is a great way to promote sales, products, and seasonal specials. Contests are another excellent way to engage your clients through Instagram. Contests allow clients to be creative while giving them chance to offer feedback. They show that you value their input and have something to offer beyond scheduled appointments.
Check out this Salon Plaza Member! Rachelle Rodriguez is on Instagram
Technique #5: Use Your Time Well
Devote time each week to interact on Instagram. Even better, if you post when most of your followers are online, then Instagram will make your post more visible. Remember to always know your audience and what makes YOU unique. If you know what makes you unique, then you will have no trouble coming up with original content to post on Instagram.
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