Now that we are in a new decade of the 2000s, the concept of new media or digital media is becoming mainstream. However, there are some who have yet to embrace it as a means of communication in their personal life and have gone all but kicking and screaming to use it in their professional lives. With either scenario the predisposing fear or lack of knowledge leads to an outcome of lack of use which ultimately leads to a lack of benefit that the medium has to offer.
Fortunately for you, cosmetology is a very visual industry and consumer oriented. It makes social channels the perfect medium for promoting and sharing your work and driving new clients to your establishment. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are great platforms to incorporate your marketing plans. For business reasons, a professional profile on LinkedIn is recommended. This social channel is invaluable for promotion within the industry, connecting with suppliers, becoming an educator, enacting legislation, or even working for your state board of cosmetology. You may want to one day leave the hands-on client service and work within the industry where you can make a positive impact.
Another reason to integrate social media is its inexpensive attraction. However, we know time is money and it will take time to implement your campaigns. In addition, if you choose, it can be a low fee usage for advertising or what is called boosting or promoting. Spending $10.00 to $50.00 is an example of budgeting for an advertising campaign. Depending on your goals, you will need to have a combination of traditional and digital marketing in your business plan.
Even though you may use these channels for business, keep in mind the operative word here is social. We’ll go more into depth about what to post later. Below are some of the more popular social channels. There are many, many more. Research on your own and discover what works for you.
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Snapchat
• YouTube
• Stumbled Upon
• Tumbler
• Vimeo
• WhatsApp
What devices are clients using to access this media?
• Smart phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Desktops
The most common content types you should consider for posting are:
• Videos
• Blog Posts
• Text
• Photos, GIFs, Emojis
• Sharing content of others
Other online uses include:
• Payment processing
• Shopping
• Webinars
• Chat with friends and family
• Share photos and videos
• Sell products and services
• Because Clients and prospects are online
• Create Awareness
• Promote Events
• Stylist or Nail Tech of the month
• Extend your brick and mortar real estate to digital real estate
Next month we will go deeper into posting, creating posts, choosing social channels and a few statistics. In the meantime, if you have any questions just respond to this email.
Blessings of Health, Happiness and Prosperity,
Audrey Wiggins
Founder & Course Developer
