Upgrade Your Barbershop’s Social Media with These Tips

Like it or not, creating content and regularly appearing on social media is fast becoming part of a barber's job. According to Tom Smith, evo’s International Creative Colour Director, social media is not only your online portfolio, but your direct line to your potential clients. “Social media is your strongest (free) advertising and marketing tool. It can enable you to live out a career without a ceiling and give you access to an international barbering community and endless opportunities.”

It's also important to determine who your audience is – clients or industry. “I always advise choosing one - I don’t believe you can effectively appeal to your peers and your customers in the same messaging,” Tom explains. “Think about your career goals and choose your niche; accordingly, if your goal is becoming fully booked then focus more on client friendly language and your local community. If you want to educate and travel with a brand, building your profile as an expert and sharing insight with your peers will rapidly put you on the radar for potential opportunities. Remember your goal can change and it’s OK to rethink your strategy over time.”

Here, Josh O'Meara-Patel, Owner and Director at Barber.josh.op, shares how he uses social media to help build a client base.

Tom’s Top Tips for Taking your Social Media to The Next Level

1. Ascertain your ‘why’. When you’re clear on why you’re participating in social media you can make more intentional choices. Use this to determine one key profile/character all your content is addressing. You can even visualise a single ideal client of business and imagine all your content is designed to please them.

2. Schedule time to create and post content, and make sure it’s consistent, whatever frequency you choose.

3. Collaborate with peers who you admire where possible. You’ll gain new experiences and gain access to each other’s existing audience which can boost growth rapidly.

4. If you stock any brands on your shop, or use a particular brand’s tools, ask them what content they look for – and if it aligns with your own goals, then create content in line with that. They will hopefully repost and that will get you out to a larger audience.