We can pretty much all agree that Facebook is a quick, low-cost way to reach local clients. Less clear is how to prioritize our time spent on the platform. “Use it every day — but wisely,” advises Phil Evans, managing director of Salon Guru (www.salonguru.net). Here are his 10 tips for making the most of Facebook as a salon marketing tool.

1. Like and watch other salons that use Facebook well and copy their ideas.

2. Post your key offers to Facebook every day and use great images at the right size (1200 x 627 pixels) with a title, text, and a link to your website.

3. Ask all your staff (and your friends) to like and share at least once a week — and check that they do.

4. Some posts can be social news and style images, but make sure at least half your posts are selling services and offers.

5. Once a week pay to boost a post (spend about $15), targeting local Facebook users only.

6. Plan a targeted Facebook advertisement. You can select gender, age range, and distance from the salon. You can even target nail techs for recruitment.

7. Always run short campaigns at a low daily spend until you know what works.

8. Check how well your posts and advertisements are working by looking at reach (how many users saw it) and clicks.

9. Try to link to offers on your website where clients claim a deal or download a voucher, so you can see the numbers and also gather more client info.

10. Make a to-do list that includes these items and other practices that have worked for you in the past. Check items off every week to keep yourself on track.

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