In an era where social media platforms have become increasingly integral to our daily lives, it's no surprise that new apps and features continuously emerge to enhance our virtual connections. One such innovation is "Threads," a new platform that has captured the attention of millions around the world. We can't say for sure if Threads is the new big thing, but one thing is certain – staying on top of the everchanging social media world is crucial for your salon business. Seamlessly integrated with Instagram, Threads offers a unique and personalized experience for sharing moments with your closest friends, or in the case of salon professionals, existing and potential clients!
Whether you're seeking a private space away from the noise or looking to strengthen existing relationships, this app has got you covered. In this blog post, we’re going to give you the 101 on Threads so you can effectively set your salon up for success on this platform!
Don’t have the time or energy to manage your salon’s social media?! We’ve got you covered, click HERE to learn more!
WHAT EXACTLY IS THREADS? You may or may not have heard of Threads, the newest social media platform in the game. It just launched on July 5th, 2023, so if you haven’t gotten into it yet, no sweat!
The first question we thought of when we heard about the new platform is what makes Threads stand out from the crowd of other social media platforms? Is it a worthwhile platform to consider incorporating in your salon’s social media marketing game plan? What features are intriguing and is it difficult to figure out?!
Since we had these questions, we knew salon professionals would as well, so we’re going to break it all down into bite sized chunks for you.
So what EXACTLY is Threads? Well, it's not your grandma's sewing circle (although we do love a good cross-stitch now and then). Instead, Threads is an innovative online space where salon owners and professionals can connect, showcase their talents, and build a thriving community. Threads is different than other social media platforms for a plethora of reasons, but here’s our summarized list:
1. Focused on conversations: Threads primarily focuses on facilitating private and group conversations between close friends or small groups, rather than broadcasting updates to a large number of followers. This feature allows you to create conversation threads with specific client groups to share important service or retail information that pertains to them. 2. Close Friends list: It allows users to create a separate list of close friends with whom they want to share their content exclusively. This feature helps users maintain privacy and control over who sees their posts. Again, this is great when it comes to client group organization and making sure that the right information is reaching the targeted audience. 3. Emphasis on photos and videos: Threads puts a strong emphasis on visual sharing, allowing users to instantly capture and share photos/videos within the app's camera interface. 4. Automatic status updates: Threads offers an automatic status update feature that lets your salon clients know what you're up to without having to manually post anything. It can automatically update your status based on your location, activity, or even battery level. 5. Integration with Instagram: As a subsidiary of Facebook (which owns Instagram), Threads seamlessly integrates with the photo-sharing platform by allowing users to view Stories posted by their close friends directly from the app. 6. Minimalistic design: The user interface of Threads is minimalistic compared to other social media platforms, focusing more on simple navigation and quick access to messaging features.
PROS AND CONS OF USING THREADS FOR SALON PROFESSIONALS Now let's get down to business! Here are the pros and cons of using Threads as part of your digital marketing strategy: Pros: 1. Niche Networking: Unlike other social media platforms that cater to every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there, Threads focuses solely on the beauty industry. It's like attending a networking event with only the most fabulous hairstylists, nail technicians, and estheticians in attendance. 2. Increased Visibility: With Threads' user-friendly interface, you can easily create captivating profiles for your salon or spa. Show off your unique style and attract potential clients who appreciate your artistry! Cons: 1. Limited Reach: While Threads boasts a vibrant community of salon enthusiasts, its user base may not be as extensive as other social media giants. So if you're looking for global domination overnight, you might need to explore additional platforms. 2. Learning Curve: As with any new platform, getting acquainted with all the bells and whistles may take some time initially. However, once you master the art of Threads, you'll be strutting your stuff like a pro! Like any other social media or digital marketing platform, it’s important to play around with Threads to make sure it is the right platform for what you are trying to achieve. Set goals for what you hope to accomplish with Threads and measure your growth to make sure it is a worthwhile investment of time for you as a salon owner.
THREADS BENEFITS & BEST PRACTICES
There are many benefits to utilizing Threads as a business tool for your salon/spa business, but in our opinion, recruitment (both new clients AND staff) is the most beneficial. Here’s why and how:
1. Attracting New Clients: Utilize Threads to showcase your portfolio, share before-and-after transformations, and engage with potential clients in search of their next beauty destination. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words (and potentially countless new clients)! 2. Recruiting Talented Professionals: Looking for fresh talent to join your team? Threads provides an excellent platform to highlight job openings, display testimonials from satisfied employees, and allure experienced professionals seeking greener pastures. We've got more advice up our sleeves when it comes to best practices to utilizing Threads effectively: 1. Optimize Your Profile: Don't forget to sprinkle those SEO magic words throughout your profile description—think "blonde specialist" or "full service salon in your area" This will help potential clients find you easily!
For more on SEO, give this blog post a read! Or if you can't be bothered, we've got you. Hit this link to learn about our S.O.S. SEO solutions!
2. Engage! Engage! Engage!: Be active within the Threads community by participating in discussions, commenting on other professionals' work, and sharing valuable insights. The more you interact, the better your chances of building relationships that lead to referrals. 3. Exclusive Offers: Use Threads as a platform to announce special promotions or discounts exclusively available to its members. Everyone loves feeling special and it’s a great way to get new guests into your salon. So there you have it - the lowdown on Threads and how it can boost your salon or spa business. Embrace this unraveled secret weapon and weave together success one thread at a time! Now, we’re going to give you a step-by-step guide on how to get started on Threads!
Google Business Profile is another incredible digital marketing platform that many salon professionals aren’t yet utilizing, click HERE to learn about how to get started!
HOW TO GET YOUR SALON ACCOUNT SET UP ON THREADS
Step 1: Take a Deep Breath Creating an account can be as nerve-wracking as trying to color correct black box dyed hair. But fear not! We're here to make it painless. So, take a deep breath and remember that this is just the first step towards expanding your salon empire. Step 2: Gather Your Salon Superpowers Before diving into Threads like a stylist diving into a fresh haircut, gather all the essential information about your salon business. Think of it as preparing for an epic makeover session. You'll need details like your salon's name (hopefully something catchy), address, contact info, and any special services or promotions you want to highlight. Step 3: Fill out the Basics Now that you have everything at hand (pun intended), head over to the Threads website or app and click on that delightful "Create Account" button. It's time to unleash those nimble fingers! Threads will ask for some basics about your business—nothing too invasive, we promise! It's like answering questions from a curious client during a hair wash – easy peasy. Just provide accurate information about your salon's name, location, phone number, email address; basically anything someone would need to find and contact you. Step 4: Polish Up with Details Once the basic info is out of the way, it's time for some fancy details. This is where you can really showcase what makes your salon stand out from the crowd—just like adding that final spritz of finishing spray to set a style. Provide a brief description of your salon, its unique selling points, and any special services or promotions you want to highlight. Step 5: Unleash Your Visual Creativity They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let's give those potential clients something jaw-droppingly beautiful to look at! Upload high-quality images showcasing your salon's swanky interiors, talented stylists, and satisfied customers rocking their fresh looks. Remember, this isn't just about haircuts; it's about creating an experience that leaves people looking and feeling fabulous. Step 6: The Final Touches Now that the bulk of the work is done, it's time for some finishing touches. Double-check all the information you've entered to make sure it's accurate – no one wants to end up with blue hair after asking for highlights! Review your uploaded images to ensure they are stunning enough to make even the most skeptical client weak at the knees. Step 7: Hit That Publish Button & Celebrate! Congratulations, salon-savvy friend! You've completed all the steps and now have an account on Threads. Time to pop open that bottle of champagne (or fizzy water if you prefer) and celebrate this milestone!
CONCLUSON Remember, don't get too caught up in perfecting every tiny detail from the get-go. Building an online presence takes time and evolves over time—just like growing out a bad haircut. Focus on getting the essentials right first and trust that as you gain more experience using Threads, you'll find new ways to wow your potential clients.
For even more digital marketing goodness, check out our YouTube Marketing Academy as well as all the resources and support we have for you here on our website
‘Til next time,
Your Team At Salon S.O.S