Turn Your Instagram Followers Into Bookings
In 2020, Instagram celebrated its 10th birthday. Whether you can’t imagine a time before it, or you still feel like you are getting used to it, there is no denying the impact Instagram has had on businesses. For an industry as visual as hair and beauty, Instagram is becoming an even more important tool.
According to 2021 Statistics from Hootsuite:
- 1 Billion people use Instagram every month
- 30 minutes is the average time users spend on Instagram each day
- 81% of people use Instagram to research products and services
- 50% of people have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing a product or service
- 200 million Instagram users visit at least one business profile daily
A thriving Instagram page makes a real difference offline too.
Instagram can give people a taste of your personality, or show them the behind-the-scenes, human element of your business. Instagram can be your portfolio. It gives you a space to entice potential clients with your brilliant work. It can connect you with your dream clients, create a sense of community around your brand, and keep your regulars updated and engaged.
Here are five guiding principles to put your best foot forward on Instagram:
- Strategize First
Think of your ‘why.’ What are you trying to accomplish for your salon on Instagram and, in fact, with each post? Clearly define your goals and brainstorm what kind of content you will need. Posting consistently is essential to keeping up engagement with your account.Once a day is ideal, but choose a level you can realistically maintain. A scheduling app or content calendar can be a big help with this.
- Know Your Audience
When thinking about what kinds of customers you would like to attract to your business, you may have a particular demographic in mind. It is then a good idea to understand how these people use technology and meet them where they are at. Research how your current followers use the app; what they post, and what other accounts they follow. Your business account insights can guide you as you go.
The majority of people on Instagram, tend to be in the 18-34 age group. For them (Gen Z and Millennials), your ability to be genuine and relatable is just as important as your skills and professionalism.
- The Right Content, The Right Time
Be choosy about photos that live on your grid. ‘Stories’ are an interaction tool. Use them for casual behind-the-scenes content, live updates and polls. Use ‘reels’ to showcase your services and entertain your followers in bite-sized videos. Use a tool like linkin.bio or linktree to direct people to your website for any long-form content.
Be sure to use your Instagram business account insights to learn when most of your followers are online to guide you when to post.
- Interact!
This is what Instagram is really designed for. Warmly respond to comments and DMs. React to your followers' posts. A loyal, engaged following is more important than a large one. You can even feature your clients glowing reviews on your Instagram.
Encourage followers to tag you and mention you in their stories. Instagram automatically alerts you when this happens and will prompt you to reshare.
- Take online bookings directly from your salon’s Instagram page with the ‘Book Now’ action button.
Phorest Salon Software now offers an integration with Instagram.
The process is seamless. With just a few taps, clients can book appointments at your salon without ever needing to leave the app. Now the next time one of your followers sees your salon on their daily scroll through Instagram and thinks to themselves, I really should make another appointment, they can.
This is also perfect for getting more bookings from new clients who have found your salon while browsing Instagram and might feel a bit shy about calling you directly. Either way, you give your customers the option to book during the crucial moment when you have their attention.
Be ready for every possible booking with Phorest
Your customers will naturally have different preferences for how they reach out to you. For some, it will be your website, while others will automatically go to social media. Phorest estimates that a least 30% of appointment bookings happen after your salon is closed. We want to make sure you are covered to take bookings from as many sources as possible--whenever and wherever your clients are online.
We know that if the booking process is smooth and readily available, the more likely someone is to follow through and make that appointment. The easier it is for them, the better it is for you. Luckily, the process is just as simple for you. Set yourself up with an Instagram ‘Book Now’ action button.
Our mission at Phorest is to help salon owners get their clients in more often, spending more, and generating referrals. Looking for a software partner that can do all that? We are over 7,500 salons strong, worldwide.
You can learn more about all we have to offer by visiting us online.
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