If I was a hairdresser or make-up artist

Lets face it, they're everywhere. Hairdressers and make-up artists frequent every nook and cranny of every shopping mall, and even more frequent are the home operations being run by those that want a little extra cash.

But how do you turn your passion from purely competing in a sea of competition, to an in-demand, boutique provider? You use the power of the Social.

Here’s how:

Firsty, you'll need a website. Now, it's not often that I'd recommend you get a flash website, because flash is like a blank page to Google, it won't read it. If you can, get a hybrid flash/HTML site so that you can get the best of both worlds. Flash is only good for setting yourself apart from others in a highly competitive industry.
Get a blog built. If possible, have one built into your website, or use the free ones on the internet (Wordpress, Blogger, Tumblr and Posterous are all pretty good!)
Social Media-ise yourself: Here's where your customers are. Get a Twitter account, a Facebook account, MySpace, LinkedIn, Bebo... Anything you can get your hands on, get one.
Get a Flickr and a YouTube account.
Now, what you need to do is to kit your website out. Portfolio of your work, detailed information, specialities, testimonials, and don't forget, HEAPS of images (and videos if possible).

Once your site is sitting pretty, take a moment to lay out a blogging plan, and do it daily. Blog about different hair styles, what's in fashion, your opinions of celebrity trends... anything that the public will want to read. It's important NOT to try and say how good you are, you're merely giving away entertaining and interesting information. Always put a link to your home page at the end of each blog.

Use every Social Media account to talk about your new daily blog posts. It might be tempting to send them straight to your home page, but trust me, you'll scare them all off this way. Sending everyone to your blog is a less 'salesy' and more unthreatening way that new customers can get to know you. Use your Social Media accounts often and respond to every comment or question that same day.

Finally, shoot everything. Video tape yourself cutting a client's hair, and talk your way through it. Post that video to YouTube and include a link to your site. Take as many photos as your memory stick in your camera will let you and upload everything to Flickr with descriptions and links to your website. This way, you're getting everyone searching for particular styles through Google.

We can help get you on the right track: Contact us here at www.strongmandigital.com.au.

Until Next Time,

Tomer Garzberg

http://ping.fm/DKqyA