Are you trying to establish yourself in the salon industry as either a new stylist or business owner? If so, you will want to keep reading as we will be sharing must-know techniques that help you establish credibility.
Why is it important to establish credibility as an emerging stylist and create a presence? Well, prospective clients are always looking for a stylist who has a proven track record, which makes them easier to trust. Hair is an extremely personal thing to so many people, which makes it understandable why someone would go to great lengths to find a stylist they feel comfortable with.
No matter where you are on your journey as a stylist, these techniques will help you secure your position as a thought leader and an expert in your industry, which will bring you endless clients and make your work more fulfilling. If you want to learn how to build clientele, these techniques will also provide more insight.
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How to Position Yourself as an Expert Stylist
Here are the ways you can make a name for yourself, create a presence and a brand and establish credibility as a new business owner or stylist.
Create a Strong Social Media Presence
The first step in creating your brand and establishing yourself should be getting your social media platforms together. As a stylist or new business owner, it’s important to be present on these major platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok and Twitter. Here are some steps to take on social media to build your brand.
Determine a Username and Use the Same One on All Platforms – It’s important to have a username that is easy to find, describes you and your expertise perfectly and is the same across all platforms. As a hairstylist, you will want to include your first and last name and maybe words like “stylist, hair” in your username. When you are creating your username, make sure it has little to no extra characters. You want to be able to tell someone your username in passing and have them be able to remember it and easily find it. It’s hard to remember something like @cassie_does_ha1r_.
Upload Content Regularly – A strong social media is currency these days. As a stylist or business owner, you can skyrocket your reputation and bookings by gaining a following on social media. But to get people to your page, you will need to consistently create content. Try creating a posting schedule where you upload content every day for a few weeks. It’s also important to make sure your content looks professional. Try using a social media ring light to enhance the lighting for your photos and videos. If you stick to this strategy, you will see your following start to grow.
Use Relevant Hashtags – In order to get people on social media to see your content, you will need to use relevant hashtags that can help you target your audience. Use hashtags that have to do with hair, styling, your location and any kinds of hair trends you may be showing.
Use Business Cards to Stay Connected
Part of being a professional and establishing credibility is having things like a business card that show you’re a professional and give your clients and prospects a way to stay connected and engaged with you. This is also a great way to point your clients to your social media accounts, which will make you look more reputable — especially if you have been working on your digital presence.
Create Content That Positions You as a Thought Leader
With the power of the Internet at their hands, stylists have the opportunity to create such a large presence and following online — beyond just being an influencer. By creating content that talks about trendy hair and beauty topics, you can stand to build credibility and boost your client list. Here are types of content you should leverage on your website and social media platforms.
Videos – Take videos of your work in the salon to show off your skill. You can also add voice overs to this video to share educational info for other stylists or share insight for clients that you can later post to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. If there are any emerging hair trends that you have mastered, make a video demonstrating on a client. These videos get so many views, boost your following and, most importantly, get you clients.
Photos – Always photograph your finished work on your clients. You can request that your salon creates space for a photo wall or you can find a spot in your salon that has a neutral background and great lighting so you can capture photos to post on social media and your website.
Blog Posts – One way you can get prospective clients to find your website and, ultimately, book with you is by writing and publishing informational blog posts. If you make sure these blog posts are search engine optimized (SEO), this will help your blog post get seen by more people who are most likely to book with you. You can write about trending haircuts and styles, new coloring techniques and a bunch of other relevant topics.
Upgrade Your Supplies
One way to boost your expert status is to make sure you always have the highest quality salon supplies in your station.
Offer Expertise in Articles and Video Interviews
Are your local news stations looking for an expert to give advice or explain a new hair trend — the answer is yes! Believe it or not, your local media is always looking to fill their segments with reports on the latest trends, featuring local talent (you). Reach out to your favorite local TV station and ask them about any opportunities. You can also offer your advice and expertise to reporters looking for sources on the latest hair trends. Have these journalists link back to your social media accounts or website in the digital article.
Engage with Your Community
Go to networking events and introduce yourself to local businesses. Making connections within your community and beyond will serve you well as people begin to mention your name and send clients your way.
Get Out and Teach
Are you an expert on a trendy or new coloring technique? Or are you passionate about new, cutting edge salon equipment? If so, there are many opportunities to teach other stylists or business owners about these techniques and new equipment. This will help you expand your brand, further positioning you as an expert in the industry.
You’re ready to reach expert status! Implement these approaches into the way you do business and watch your client list grow and your presence reach new heights.