Shannon Leehr of STX Salon and Spa Management Software gave a talk about the importance of getting more socially active. The bottom line: more likes = better business.

“Social media is not a fad,” says Leehr. Fifty percent of the world population is under 30, so it literally pays to be social savvy. The good news is you don’t have to be the one who runs your salon’s social media. Anyone from a loyal client (whom you can compensate by offering free manicures or pedicures) to a member of your staff can run your social media profiles. It can even be a group effort.

Leehr recommends having a website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter at the very least. Leehr referenced a study that showed that more people visit Facebook in a day than they do Google. Since 23% of Facebook users log in five times a day, it’s a good idea to focus on Facebook when it comes to diversifying content. Because clients are 78% likely to trust a peer recommendation rather than an ad, it’s important to encourage recommendations, check-ins, and promotional offers via Facebook.

There are many ways to promote your salon’s social activity. Leehr recommends printing social media sites on the bottom of receipts, writing to social media headquarters to request decals for windows or mirrors, and simply talking to your client. If your salon partners with local businesses or participates in charity events, don’t forget to post about these activities on social media so that others can cross-promote as well.

Leehr made the following recommendations for posting on your salon’s Facebook:

> Use 30 words or less

>Respond to posts from others

>Have fun, be playful

>Don’t post about employees leaving

>Don’t bash other businesses or your competitors

>Don’t post personal information (keep your personal and professional pages separate)

>Don’t write out numbers, use numerals

>Include your salon’s phone number in posts about making appointments

>Don’t use too many hashtags

These are just a few of the basic principles Leehr touched on in her talk. “Sell your clients on social media the way you would sell them on a product,” she says. Think of social media as your best strategy for reaching new people and getting them to come into your salon. Signing up for these accounts is absolutely free, and the  waterfall effect of having people follow you back and recommend you is a priceless payoff. After you have finished every service, take a picture and post it to your accounts to show what you can do. These platforms can add a personal touch to your business and allow you to interact with your clients before and after their visit.

You can view Leehr’s full presentation here.

— Beth