When I first started doing hair, social media wasn’t even part of the conversation. Back then, I was hustling old-school: handing out business cards at the mall, at the bar, and pretty much everywhere I went to build my clientele. Fast forward to now, and social media isn’t just a “nice-to-have” for stylists—it’s an absolute necessity.
Over the past several years, I’ve invested significant time, energy, and resources into mastering the ever-changing world of online branding and marketing. Social Media has not only become a top tool for attracting new clients, but it’s also been a platform to showcase my work, connect with others in the industry, and establish my expertise as a hairstylist, coach, and educator.
Here are the top strategies I’ve implemented (and refined!) to grow my business through social media. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips can help you leverage social media to attract your dream clients and elevate your brand.
Nail Your Visual Brand
Your profile layout and aesthetic matter—big time. Your Instagram posts are often the first impression potential clients get of your business, so it’s worth putting thought into. Whether you’re showcasing beautiful hair transformations, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, or educating your audience, consistency is key.
What’s great about visual branding is that it doesn’t have to stay the same forever. Trends evolve, and so can your style. Follow industry leaders and influencers for inspiration on layouts, color schemes, and photography angles. Just make sure that whatever you choose aligns with your brand and feels authentic to you.
Master Smart Hashtagging
Hashtags can be your best friend—or your worst enemy—depending on how you use them. To make them work for you, start with a formula:
What is the service or content? (#BalayageSpecialist, #LivedInColor, #LuxurySalon)
Where are you located? (#BaltimoreStylist, #DMVHairArtist, #RosecombSalon)
What industry tags can expand your reach? (#ModernSalon, #BehindTheChair, #WellaProfessionals)
Avoid hashtags that have nothing to do with your post. Instagram does shadow-ban accounts if they can't make sense of what your post is about (trust me, I learned this the hard way!).
Keep it intentional and don’t overdo it. Sticking to around 5 well-targeted hashtags helps keep your audience on your page instead of pulling them away to endless rabbit holes. And it also helps the algorithm know who you are and what you're posting to push your content to the right people.
Repurpose & Cross-Promote Your Content
Think of your social media platforms as pieces of a puzzle—they all work together to create a full picture of your brand. Promote your Instagram stories in your feed captions, share your blog posts or YouTube videos in your Facebook posts, and use your TikTok content to drive traffic to your website.
Cross-promoting keeps your audience engaged across multiple platforms and gives them a reason to follow you everywhere. Just remember to make each platform feel unique. For example, your Instagram might be more visual, while YouTube could be your space for tutorials and in-depth content.
Utilize Strategic Photo Tagging
If you’re newer to social media or looking to boost visibility, photo tagging can help you beat the algorithm. Tag up to 20 accounts per post strategically:
Industry brands you use (e.g., Wella, R+Co).
Repost accounts that showcase stylists (e.g., Modern Salon, SalonCentric).
Local influencers, bloggers, or potential collaborators.
Clients (with their permission, of course!) and friends.
Not only does tagging increase the chance of your content being shared, but it also gets your work in front of new audiences.
Engage Authentically
Social media isn’t just about posting content; it’s about being social. Interact with your audience by liking, commenting, and answering DMs. Commenting on others’ posts (especially in your industry or local community) boosts your visibility and shows you’re an active participant in the space.
Bonus: Meaningful interactions build trust and relationships. People are more likely to book with someone who feels approachable and engaged.
Stay Adaptable & Invest in Learning
The social media landscape is always evolving, and staying adaptable is critical. I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of branding, and I’m still refining my approach. Whether it’s through trial and error, attending workshops, or investing in coaching, the key is to stay curious and open to growth.
If you’re a stylist or salon professional feeling overwhelmed by the constant changes in social media, I can help! Through my marketing and graphic design services, I offer personalized social media strategies, websites, and more tailored to your goals. From defining your brand to creating scroll-stopping content, I’ll work with you to make the internet work for you.
Social media has given me the flexibility to connect with clients and grow my business without ever leaving my home (other than to get to the salon, of course). It’s an incredible tool—when you know how to use it to your advantage. Ready to take your social game to the next level? Let’s get started!
Comments