Want to know why your salon’s social media isn’t blowing up? Spoiler: It’s probably your videos. But don’t sweat it – I’ve got the inside scoop from a pro videographer that’ll change everything. Three simple hacks, zero fancy equipment needed. Ready to turn those scrollers into loyal clients?
Hit play for the short…
– and watch the full video of episode 12 of our Marketing 100 series.
The Power of Video Marketing for Salon Growth
Before we dive into the hacks, let’s talk about why video is so crucial for marketing your salon:
Algorithms love it: Instagram videos outperform static images, generating 21.2% higher engagement rates (InBeat). This trend reflects the growing preference for video content across social media platforms.
Trust builder: Video content on social media effectively attracts new customers, with 93% of businesses reporting client acquisition through this method. (Animoto).
Versatile: Whether you’re showcasing hair transformations or explaining massage techniques, video works for every type of salon or spa service.
Video is especially powerful for businesses that offer visual transformations, like hair or nail salons. But even if you’re a massage therapist or offer services where the results aren’t as visually apparent, video is still an excellent tool for educating and explaining your services.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
Here’s our pro videographer Ian’s top 3 video hacks for stellar social media:
1. Master Lighting and Framing for Pro-Level Salon Videos
You don’t need fancy equipment to create professional-looking videos. Focus on these two key elements:
Lighting:
- Good lighting instantly elevates the quality of your video.
- Use natural light from a window or invest in an affordable ring light.
- Don’t be afraid of a cloudy day! Clouds are nature’s softbox.
Framing:
- Fill the frame with your subject (you or the service you’re showcasing).
- Avoid too much empty space above or around the subject.
Pro tip: Tidy up your background. A messy backdrop can be incredibly distracting. Ian mentions:
If you have a crumpled up piece of paper behind you, people are gonna stare at that crumpled up piece of paper. They’re not gonna look at you at all.
2. Steady Shots Made Simple
Shaky video is a big no-no. Here’s how to keep things steady:
- Invest in a simple tripod or monopod for your phone or camera.
- Try a flexible Gorillapod that can attach to various surfaces.
- My personal starter setup: I use a Gorillapod with a phone mount – it’s affordable and versatile.
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3. Crystal Clear Audio Tips for Impactful Content
Here’s a truth from Ian: “The highest quality video is going to look like sh*t if it sounds like sh*t.”
Invest in a good microphone:
- Lavalier (clip-on) mics are great for on-camera instruction, especially if you’re moving around.
- Shotgun mics (like the one I use) are perfect for capturing clear audio in various settings, as long as the mic is directly pointed at the person you want to hear.
- Budget-friendly option: You can find decent phone-compatible mics for $20-$30.
Budget-Friendly Video Gear for Salons
You don’t need expensive gear to get started. Here’s what I used when I first began creating video content:
- A flexible Gorillapod tripod
- A simple phone mount with a clamp
- A basic shotgun microphone that plugs into your phone
This setup cost less than $100 and was all I needed to create engaging content for social media.
Confidence Boosters for On-Camera Salon Professionals
Feeling nervous about being on camera? I’ve been there! Here are some tips that helped me:
- Focus on your message, not your performance.
- Imagine you’re talking to one ideal client, not a large audience.
- Practice, practice, practice! It gets easier with time.
One trick some people use is to put a picture of their ideal client on the camera to remind themselves who they’re talking to. While I don’t do this personally, it can be a helpful technique to stay focused and make your message more relevant.
The Results? A Thriving Salon Social Media Presence
By implementing these video hacks, you’ll:
- Increase engagement on your social media posts
- Attract more potential clients
- Build trust and showcase your expertise
- Stand out from your competition
Businesses using video marketing grow revenue 49% faster than non-users (Socialpilot).
As Ian pointed out, creating great video content is a skill that you build by doing. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement with each video you create. Your unique personality is what will make your salon shine online.
Next, watch the video on salon photography tips with Ian.
Stay tuned for 88 more game-changing tips in Marketing 100: our top 100 Marketing Ideas series.
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all 100 marketing tips.
