TH E BU SI N E S S S O C IA L M E DIA T R E N DS
GETTING TO GRIPS In the first of a new series looking at the business side of social media platforms, we focus on Instagram, its new functionalities and how to make the most of them. WORDS HOLLIE EWERS
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nstagram not only allows users to showcase great work and highlight their services, it can also help create an online community to interact with clients directly. And the power of Instagram can’t be underestimated – in a poll commissioned by Facebook (see Resources), 76% of people in the UK said that Instagram helps them discover new products or services. So, here’s how you can use your account to its full potential.
Branding tool Think about Instagram as a branding platform. Often people will hear about you through word of mouth or via a search, so Instagram is a great platform to show what you and your brand are about. It can show what’s happening in the salon and the work being created. Let people experience what you do and get a feel for your business to see if it is the right choice for them.
Engage locally
JOHN HALLBERG Salon business coach and founder of thesalonbusiness.com
Think about smart ways to reach people locally. The most concrete example is using local hashtags (for example, locations). Also, engage with and leverage local events and businesses to put you in front of a larger local audience.
Clear goal Why is your business on Instagram? Is it about building your personal brand? Attracting new clients? Or both? Then plan how much time you want to invest in it. It shouldn’t be stressful, so only post when you feel you have something good to share that truly represents your brand and build up from that.
Customer service Don’t forget, Instagram can be a great tool when it comes to customer service. It allows interaction with both current and potential clients via comments and direct messaging, and it creates a communication channel via polls and Q&As in your stories.
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