The Rise of Employee-Generated Content (EGC) & how to get your Team Creating Social Media Content that works!

By Belinda Haigh, Founder & Director of Social Standards

In the fast-paced world of social media, one of the biggest trends making waves is Employee-Generated Content (EGC)—and it is something salon owners cannot afford to ignore. If you are relying solely on professional photos or curated brand content, you are missing a huge opportunity to connect with your audience in a more authentic, and engaging way.

EGC is content created by your team—your stylists, apprentices, and front desk staff— giving a behind-the-scenes look at your salon. EGC could include Day In The Life (DITL), simple educational hair tutorials, Stylist product recommendations, or fun moments from a busy Saturday shift. This type of content not only highlights your salon’s personality but also builds trust with potential clients. After all, people want to see people and what your stylists are up to behind the scenes!

Why Employee-Generated Content is a GameChanger

1. Authenticity Wins – Clients love real, unpolished content. Perfectly curated grids are being replaced by more raw and relatable posts.

2. Boosts Engagement – When your team posts, their followers (potential clients!) engage, helping to organically grow your salon’s reach.

3. Strengthens Team Culture – Involving your stylists in content creation makes them feel more invested in the salon’s success.

4. Saves You Time – No need to create every single piece of content yourself—your team can help fill the gaps.

How to Get Your Team on Board

Many salon owners struggle with getting their team involved in social media. The truth is most hairdressers love creating content—but they just need a little guidance. Here is how to set them up for success:

1. Make Content Creation Easy & Fun

Not every stylist is a natural in front of the camera, and that is okay. Encourage Stylists to capture quick clips of their work rather than talking to camera videos which can end up looking awkward. Voiceovers over processstyle content is another uncomplicated way to build stylist profiles and trust with potential clients without Stylists having to show their faces in footage.

2. Set Clear Guidelines (Without Killing Creativity)

To ensure content aligns with your salon’s brand, provide a simple content brief. This does not have to be complicated—just a few pointers like using natural lighting, key services to focus on, and getting both wide and close-up shots of the process. Consider creating a content cheat sheet with inspiration and best practices so your team always knows what kind of content works best.

3. Incentivise Participation

Make content creation rewarding! Ideas to boost involvement could include filming fun team content all together, or in pairs. Offer small rewards like free products, a late start or early finish, free coffee for the week, or cash bonuses.

4. Lead by Example

If you want your team to create content, you need to be involved too! Show them how easy it is by filming quick videos yourself and making it part of the salon’s culture.

Social media is evolving, and salons that embrace Employee-Generated Content will stand out from the competition. By making it easy, fun, and rewarding for your team, you will build a more engaged audience, attract new clients, and create a salon brand that feels real and relatable.

So, hand your stylists a phone, encourage them to capture their work, and watch your social media presence transform. The best content is not always the most polished—it is the most authentic.

Do you want to save time, stay consistent, and attract new clients through your salon’s social media? Say goodbye to the guesswork and let our expert team support your salon’s growth.

Book a free 30-minute chat with Belinda by scanning the QR code below. Limited spots are available.

@socialstandardsau Socialstandards.com.au