I opened my licensed, homebased business, Electric Cherry NailZ, in 2012. As a newbie in the nail industry, I wanted to get my business out there. I created a Facebook page, and I am always posting photos of my work and my nail studio. I also do random giveaways for my clients and fans of the page, which has helped promote my work and grow my business. I’ve gotten new clients and have made many new friends. With all the likes, sharing, and commenting, having a Facebook business page has really helped me promote what I love doing.

Trina Kison, Electric Cherry NailZ, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

I love the use of social media. I use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, Path, Yelp, and Vine. The great thing about some of these sites is that you can connect them together, so you are reaching a larger audience but not having to spend huge amounts of time to do it. I always keep up on what’s new in social media so that I don’t miss out on potential clients!

Ami Cooper, Paisley Nail Studio, Petaluma, Calif.

 

Social media is by far the best way to promote our salon. It is the quintessential word-of mouth promotional tool on steroids! Every time I post a photo, it gives people another opportunity to interact with my brand, even if the photo isn’t about nails or body waxing. For example, after a huge storm here in Philadelphia in early February, I posted the same pic to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter saying that we were open; we got three appointments from that alone! Business owners who are not using one of the big three (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) are missing the benefit of easy SEO placement and free promotion.

Onisha Claire, Koco Nail Salon, Philadelphia

The single most successful social media outlet I’ve used has been Yelp. I set up a monthly account allowance for pay-per click. I’ve gotten a good 40% of my clients from them and the rest has been Facebook or good old word of mouth. Social media is essential nowadays in business.

Rachael Waggoner, Dazzlin Digits 3D Nails,, Lakewood, Colo.

Next question: If you could change one thing about your work environment, what would it be? [Answers will be printed in the August 2014 issue.] Share your opinion on the topic by e-mailing your response by April 15 to tracy.rubert@bobit.com. Please include your name, salon, city and state, and a highresolution headshot with your response.

 Log onto www.nailsmag.com/crowdsourcing to see even more reader ideas for using social media.

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