Why Instagram is great for your nail business

Theresa Cientanni, marketing expert and founder of My Social Salon, reveals why Instagram is great for your nail business.

Instagram is a big buzzword in the social media realm. The platform is growing fast and currently has over 800 million active users. It’s creative and it’s powerful – and it’s ideal for your nail business.

Communicating visually with your client is the essence of modern marketing – and of all the social media platforms to choose from, Instagram has my vote.

The good news is, if you have a nail business you have a number of nail styles passing through your hands each day, so simply take a picture of them and post on your account. The image is the focus of Instagram, so ensure the picture is a good one. Find an angle that works and stick with it, and find some good lighting.

Here are my two key observations of Instagram and how you can use it to create a buzz about your business:

Own it

• It’s a great idea to choose a theme and stick to it on Instagram to reflect consistency and identity. It might be that you only post pictures of the nails you do in a certain pose, or that you use the same filter, border or background for each snap. The POTO app is great for adding borders and text to pictures. Keep the text font the same, too and make your content exciting, visually stunning and recognisable.
• Use hashtags; searchable words associated with your image. You can use up to 30, so choose a mix, for example #nails, #rednails, #gelnails along with a hashtag specific to your business – one you use with every single snap. Put it first, too, so people start to recognise it. You all know #ShowScratch, don’t you?

Embrace the search button

• The search icon is your new best friend. It is how people discover your account, and if you are using appropriate hashtags with your pictures, Instagram will put your snap into the ‘Instaphere’ and pair you up with people searching your hashtags. If they like what they see, they might then follow you for more of the same.
• The search facility helps you to discover people. People useInstagram to find inspiration and ideas – so you can do the same and get some inspiration for your business. More importantly, you can use the tool to connect with other accounts.Instagram will pull up images it thinks you will like and you can comment, like and engage with these accounts. Get networking – don’t forget to be ‘social’.

Not on Instagram yet? Here’s a guide to getting started:

1. Download the Instagram app to your phone or tablet.
2. Choose an @name closest to your business name – try to keep it the same as your other social media names.
3. Complete your profile with a picture, bio, and website or Facebook page link.
4. Using the + button at the bottom of the screen, post images using relevant hashtags at least once a day. Tag brands you have used and they may share!
5. Follow brands and like-minded professionals.
6. Check your notifications and ensure you respond to any comments or messages.

Instagram is fun to use. It’s inspiring – people respond to images incredibly well, so get those cameras working and showcase your talent!

HOT PICK!

Instagram Stories is a relatively new feature that can be found at the top of the home page of your account. Using the + button on the top left of your screen, start your own story, which can be an image or live video. It lasts for just 24 hours and is a great way to document behind-the-scenes or live action. Giving people exclusive and exciting insights into your business will have them coming back for more!

Until next time,

Theresa