The most successful salons have a secret weapon: professional photo and video content that sells their expertise before clients ever walk through the door.
While many salon owners assume creating this content is time-consuming and complex, the truth is you only need one well-planned day to create months of stunning salon social media and website content that keeps new clients coming.
Watch the short!
And play the full Episode 30 of Marketing 100 – where salon business experts John and Kayle reveal how to plan and execute the perfect salon photo/video shoot….
Continue reading below for our complete guide to planning a successful media day, including shot lists, time management tips, and practical advice for getting the most value from your photography and video investment.
Professional Media Day Basics
A media day is a dedicated session where you bring in professional photographers and videographers to capture high-quality content of your salon, staff, and services.
This isn’t about quick smartphone shots. It’s about creating polished, professional assets that showcase your business at its absolute best.
Why Professional Photos and Videos Matter
Let’s be honest: in the beauty industry, aesthetics are everything. Your potential clients are making split-second decisions based on what they see online.
While daily Instagram stories and behind-the-scenes content have their place, professional media serves a different purpose. It’s your chance to make an unforgettable first impression.
Professional media helps you:
- Build instant trust with potential clients
- Showcase your space and services in the best light
- Create a consistent, professional brand image
- Stand out from competitors who rely on smartphone photos
Combined with effective social media for salons, professional photos and videos become powerful tools for attracting premium clients.
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Planning Your Media Day
Hiring Video Production Teams
- Look for photographers/videographers who understand beauty and glamour
- Review portfolios carefully – wedding photographers often excel at capturing beauty
- Choose someone who can do both photography and videography
- Ensure they align with your salon’s aesthetic
Salon Shoot Preparation
- Schedule on an off-day when you have full control of the space
- Brief your team in advance
- Ensure the salon is pristinely clean and well-lit
- Plan outfits and styling for consistency
Client Model Selection
- Reach out to clients with photogenic styles
- Consider compensating them for their time
- Choose people comfortable in front of the camera
- Plan a mix of services to showcase
Essential Shot List
Photography Must-Haves:
- Professional headshots of each team member
- Team photos (both posed and candid)
- Interior salon shots showing your space
- Service action shots
- Before and after transformation photos
- Product and retail displays
- Exterior shots of your salon
Video Must-Haves:
- Quick team member interviews
- Sizzle reel footage
- Service demonstrations
- Client consultations
- Natural team interactions
- Salon tour footage
- Treatment process clips
Content Distribution Strategy
Once you’ve created your professional content, combine it with an effective salon video marketing strategy across these platforms:
- Your website (especially the homepage and team pages)
- Social media profiles
- Google Business Profile
- Apple Business Connect
- YouTube channel
- Marketing materials
Professional Media Tips
Mix Content Types: Balance professional shots with authentic daily content. Your Instagram stories can be casual, while your website and permanent posts showcase professional work.
Get the Slo-Mo: Never underestimate the power of slow-motion video. When everything’s slowed down and people are smiling and the hair’s flying from the shears, it really adds prestige.
Create Multiple Formats: Get both horizontal and vertical versions of videos for different platforms.
Make It Fun: Turn your media day into a celebration of your salon and staff.
Balance Photos and Videos: Some platforms and uses work better with still photos, others with video. Plan for both.
Lighting Matters: Professional lighting makes both photos and videos look dramatically better. Ensure your team brings proper equipment.
Content Strategy Framework
Your media planning strategy should include two distinct types of content. Here’s how to plan for both:
Professional Brand Content
- Professionally shot photos and videos
- Consistent lighting and styling
- Used for website, advertising, and permanent social posts
- Focuses on client acquisition
- Creates first impressions and builds trust
Best Used For:
- Website homepage hero images
- Service menu photos
- Team profile pages
- Google Business Profile
- Facebook cover photos
- Instagram profile highlights
- Print marketing materials
- Paid advertising campaigns
Check out these top salon websites that effectively use professional photography and video for inspiration on where to showcase your professional content.
Daily Social Content
- Shot on smartphones
- Behind-the-scenes moments
- Instagram stories and reels
- Shows personality and daily life
- Maintains relationships with existing clients
Best Used For:
- Instagram Stories
- Quick process videos
- Team celebrations
- New product arrivals
- Daily hair transformations
- Client reactions
- Salon life moments
- Quick styling tips
Use both types strategically. Your professional media day content forms your brand foundation. It’s what potential clients see first when researching your salon.
Then, your daily content builds on this foundation, showing the authentic, day-to-day personality of your business that keeps clients engaged and coming back.
Media Production Timeline
Time Investment Breakdown
- 6-8 hours of shooting time
- Pre-shoot planning meeting with your team
- Time to brief participating clients
- Post-production review and content organization
Maximize this single day to create months (or even years) worth of professional content. While it might seem like a significant time investment, having a library of professional assets ready to use will actually save you time in the long run.
Salon Social Media Planning ROI
A professional media day requires an upfront investment, but it’s one that continues paying dividends. These assets typically remain valuable for 1-2 years, making them one of the most cost-effective marketing investments you can make in your salon.
Today potential clients are making decisions about your salon before they ever step through your doors. Professional media helps ensure they like what they see.
For more visual inspiration, check out our detailed salon photography tips to enhance your media day results.
P.S. For more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
