A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed. Ansel Adams
Here is the audio version of this post. Thank you so much for listening.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, in today’s world, I would add video to that statement and boy, it is truer than ever in the social + digital world.
You see, we have all been given the opportunity, thanks to Insta, to tell and share stories in a way we never imagined possible. And that is what engages people, stories. And engagement leads to interest, and interest can lead to relationships, and relationships can lead to revenue. Ahhhhhh, yes. See how that works?
Here are 5 ways you can begin creating awesome on Instagram today!
1. Create a plan around how you will share your brand story.
What will it look like, feel like, sound like? What types of content will you share that helps tell your story. Who is your target market and what is of interest to them? How much time will you put towards building your community and content? All very important questions to ask.
2. Spend time on your “about” story.
Be sure your logo is clean and clear on your profile. This is a must. I want to know who you are and why I should follow you. Keep it real. We crave that.
3. Be mindful of the URL you use on your profile, as it’s the only way to “link out” on Instagram.
Ask yourself, “where do I want people to go?” And yes, this can change as often as you choose. And if you are posting anything asking me to go outside of Instagram, simply change the link. (and remember to change it back!)
4. Share other posts (#regram) only if it’s consistent with your brand.
While you may want to share all sorts of content, think first if it is consistent with your brand story. And always give credit for what you share, unless in the few instances where you do not know the origin of the post.
5. Engage, engage, engage.
This is the most important of the list. If you care, you will find time to engage. This means following people that matter to you and your brand, liking, commenting and sharing (if applicable) posts. Responding and replying. This is about relationships. Period. And relationships take time to build.
At the end of the day, it all comes back to caring, commitment, consistency and action. Now you simply need to choose to make a decision. I know, no magic pill, but you know you will always hear the truth from me.
Love + Awesomeness-
Nina
Want to see how others are creating awesome on Insta? Follow these passionate humans…
@sugarskulls
@marcrepublic
@larisadoll
@cassandraplatinum
@andrewdoeshair
@houseofpop
“A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.”
Seth Godin
Pictured: Erin + Carrie of The Hair Nerds, Josh XO and Douglas McCoy of The House of POp
Here is the audio version of this post. Thanks so much for listening. Enjoy.
As I write this post, I am preparing for the ISSE show, which is, if you don’t know, the kick-off of the annual hair show season for hairdressers. And it’s pretty awesome.
One of the most exciting parts of this weekend, is connecting with my tribe, offline. What is even more amazing to me, is that most of my tribe I have only met in the last 1 1/2 years. Ahhhhh, the power of the social web. Shared interests and empowering platforms such as Hairbrained, Facebook, Instagram and blogs like The Hair Nerds brought us together. And now, you cannot keep us apart.
So many people complain that social platforms are making us less connected, I say, it is what you make it. This goes for both our business and private lives. We can see these platforms as empowering connectors, or time sucks. The choice is ours.
Where the real magic happens, is when those online relationships go offline. Because in the end, we all crave good ol’ fashion face to face connection and a sense of belonging. There is nothing like a big, tight hug from someone you admire and respect. It just seems to make everything better.
If you are one who is not sold on social and how it can empower your business, I challenge you to take a step back and think about how you are using the Internet. Are you using it as a tool to build relationships? To engage and provide value? Because in the end, that is why we are here. To connect, to share, to love, to provide value and to serve.
I hope to see you online or on the road. And give you a big hug.
“Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible. Care more than others think wise.”
Howard Schultz, CEO Starbucks
Gordon & I probably talk about coffee, espresso and Starbucks way more than most people, but hey, when you love something so much, you feel compelled to share it with the world. Oh yea, it’s called customer loyalty, happiness and word of mouth. Sound familiar?
I felt compelled to write on this topic after an experience I had at “my Starbucks” last week. I call it my Starbucks as its my main spot I have been going to, nearly every day, for the last decade. Do you have a “my Starbucks”?
It’s All In A Name
They know my drink (talk about creature of habit), they know my name, they know my sister, my Mom and my brother. They even know when someone comes in and orders my drink, almost always asking, “Is this for Nina?” Talk about customer care. I have a bond with them, a relationship, a trust that is priceless.
Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone?
They know when I have not been in for a while, they know my business, my hours, when I have gotten a new tattoo. When I moved away from LA for over a year and came back in, they welcomed me home. They remembered me, and my drink, even after a year had passed. They missed me, and I felt it, in my heart.
Please Don’t Go
So last week, I made my daily visit to my happy place, where the baristas make me smile. One of my fave baristas told me he was moving to the East Coast for a new opportunity. My heart sank. I could not even believe that I would not be seeing his kind smile, genuine interest in how I was doing or enjoy the perfect Venti Black Ice Tea in a Trenta Cup Extra Ice Unsweetened drink he has made me thousands of times. I grabbed my drink, hugged him, wished him the best, told the gang to have a great day, and walked out the door. And cried. Yep, that actually happened.
So I began to think about other companies I do business with, and began to wonder if I would cry if one of the team members left, or worse yet, if the business closed down. I am not saying that having customers cry is a good thing, but what I am saying is if they do, it says a lot about the depth of your relationship with them and how much they care about your people and your business.
So now let’s talk about you. How much time and energy are you putting into building relationships with your clients, both online and off? Can they “feel” how much you care? Will they cry when you are gone? Some very important things to consider when evaluating your team, your systems and your customer care.
(shared with LOVE from your Starbucks loving passionista Nina)
PS: If you are ever in LA, be sure to visit the BEST Starbucks on the planet located at 7122 Beverly Blvd.
“Social Media isn’t a fad, it’s a fundamental shift in the way we communicate.”
Eric Qualman
Why the Social Web? Because just like your salons, its about people.
Today, “90% of consumers trust peer recommendations” (what we know as word of mouth, referrals and long considered the key in driving traffic and growing our business). And if the social web is “Word of Mouth on Steroids”, then we believe you will want to be there, in a authentic & meaningful way.
Competition for clients has never been greater – and social web provides individuals and businesses with powerful (and affordable) tools, platforms and programs that level the relationship & engagement playing field between very large companies, the very small (and all in-between).
As the social revolution continues and the reach grows exponentially, the social web is becoming increasingly “local”. Yelp, Foursquare, and now Facebook (even more so by way of Timeline) are leveraging their massive consumer reach to better serve the needs of consumers locally while helping small businesses tap into where most buying power lives -within a few miles of home -and your salon.
Said best by Jay Baer (Social Media Speaker, Author, and Coach) and we believe this to be true- “Focus on how to be social, not do social”.
Pictured: Erin + Carrie of The Hair Nerds, Josh XO and Douglas McCoy of The House of POp
