The beauty industry is all about networking, client relationships, and sharing your work. That’s why social media has become so popular for this field of work. Social media is a great tool for beauty professionals as it’s a fun and easy way to showcase your portfolio, and build a client base. With so many trends, platforms, and content out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. So, here are 6 tips to build your own social media presence!

1. Find Your Target Audience

Before you can create your social media accounts, you need to understand who your audience is. Your target audience will shape the kind of content you post, what trends to join, and even what platforms you should use. Potential audiences for a beauty brand could be other cosmetologists, young women looking for affordable ways to care for their hair, or middle-aged moms who need a trustworthy hairstylist.

Your audience will also differ depending on what you like to post, create, or what skills you have. Do you only share affordable tips and tricks? Are you trying to build a client base? Do you have professional pictures of before and afters? Find your audience by finding your niche; what sets you apart from other beauty professionals?

2. Know What Platforms to Utilize

Once you have an understanding of who your audience is, you can narrow down what social platform to use. Each platform can help you in different ways, so you need to decide what’s most beneficial to you. We recommend starting with 2-3 platforms to start, that way you can stay on top of posting, interacting, and not become overwhelmed. Some potential platforms are:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• YouTube

And while it’s not necessarily a social media platform, having your own website or online portfolio may also be beneficial to you. Here you can save examples of your work that anyone can see from any browser, and if your brand grows, a URL with your name can set you apart from other professionals.

3. Regularly Share Content

When social media began, it was important to post as much as possible to build a good base of interactions. However, current social trends show that posting too much can annoy followers and feel overwhelming. The sweet spot of posting around 3-4 times a week for individuals.

Your social media metrics can help you identify the best times and content to post. If you’re having trouble finding content to share and want more insight into what’s popular, search via social media hashtags, follow popular trends, and overall, post what feels fun and natural to you!

Use Apps to Make Posting Easier

Posting on a schedule can seem overwhelming, so use scheduling apps to help you out! Later, Meta Business Suite, and Hootsuite can connect to your social media networks and allow you to cross-post across different social networks and schedule content. This removes the need to login to multiple websites. Most major social media networks, including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are compatible with these applications. Many of these scheduling apps have also started including TikTok.

4. Post Positive and Engaging Content

What kind of content should you be posting, you may ask? Good question! Some potential things to include on your feed are:

• Your Work: Most importantly, you should be sharing examples of your work. Typically, before and after photos/reels work best for this.
• Tips & Tricks: People like to know how to care for themselves in between salon visits. Share some tips to keep up their hair/skin/nails/etc. when they’re unable to visit the salon. Some examples could be how to care for your skin in the winter, how to protect your hair in the summer, or how to create an easy winged-eyeliner look.
• Favorite/Affordable Products: If clients are coming to you, chances are they trust what products you use. Remember to share your favorites, and if possible, affordable options! If things are more expensive, show your clients why they’re worth it.
• Client Spotlights: Clients like to feel valued! Spotlight them with pictures of them after the salon to show your appreciation!
• Whatever Feels Natural: Remember, your followers want an authentic you! Post what you like to post, and just be real!

Whatever you choose to post, be sure to make it positive and engaging. Creating engaging content means taking a fresh approach to the types of things you share with your audience. Don’t be afraid to share your achievements, or add engaging facts about your personal life, like hobbies or pets. After all, social media is about connecting with individuals first! Create content that your followers can comment on, react to, and enjoy seeing. Be positive in your interactions, and remember to be appreciative of clients and followers.

5. Stay Consistent

An important tip is to keep your branding, voice, image, and tone consistent across all platforms. Followers want to know they’re following the same person/business on different platforms, and not be confused by different content and voice. Your branding can shape your followers’ perceptions of you; make sure it’s the same across every social platform you use.

Finding the tone of voice that works best for your brand may take some trial and error, but there are personal branding guides you can use to determine the best fit for you. Use a marketing personas template if you’re stuck on how to talk to your audience. 

6. Build Your Community – Join Groups and Follow Accounts!

Facebook offers plenty of opportunities to join and create groups focused on specific industries or topics. Just use the search bar on each network to find groups that are linked to your specific area of expertise. Then you’ll be able to share your insights and build authority around your personal brand. Follow and interact with other beauty professional accounts to build your community. This can help you network yourself, make friends, and generate ideas of what to post–just make sure to give credit if you’re following someone else’s trend. Interacting with your community is a great way to grow your audience!

Get Started with Broken Arrow!

One of the first steps to becoming a beauty professional is to enroll in the right school for you. Broken Arrow Beauty College offers programs in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering and more so you can do what you’re passionate about. If you’re ready to chase your dreams, contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour!