Becoming successful in the beauty industry is a constant process. You always have to be marketing, acquiring new clients to pay for your services, charging for your worth, working with clients you love, staying in your zone of genius (aka doing what you’re best at) and more.

It can quickly become overwhelming to try and manage everything you think you need to be doing at once. The hustle can become exhausting, and you might find yourself facing burn out, wondering what you’re supposed to do next.

Are you tired of the grind and frustrated by the results of your efforts? Is growing your business feeling more like a chore than a passion?

If so, this post is for you. We’re going to look at what social proof is and the most valuable ways you can start growing your business.

What Is Social Proof?

Social proof is what your customers say about your business online and in person. This means positive reviews, comments on your Instagram, word-of-mouth marketing and referrals. Social proof shows potential clients how amazing you are.

The problem is that most beauty professionals don’t know how to create social proof. They don’t know how to bridge the distance between creating an experience and encouraging clients to follow-through and help them build their brand.

Why Social Proof Is Essential to Your Business

Think about the last time you made a purchase. Whether you were looking for vacation packages or a product online, you did your research. You took time to weigh your options and see who spoke highly about each product or service.

Visibility played a huge role in what you saw and, ultimately, what company you chose. The same applies to your business.

In 2020, 87% of consumers reported reading online reviews for local businesses. That same year,94% said a positive review would influence them to use products or services.

So, what are your reviews telling people about your business?

They tell people whether your services are worth their money. Did you know that 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as friends and family? Among consumers between the ages of 18 and 34, 91% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

If your business has positive reviews, then you ultimately get more clients and sales.

What You’re Missing Out on Without Social Proof

A lack of social proof ultimately deprives you of the opportunity you deserve. It prevents you from reaching your dream clients, and it causes you to suffer even if you’re an amazing stylist who does a fantastic job.

Without social proof:

● You overspend on advertising for less results.

● You constantly need to track and test your marketing visibility to see if it’s working.

● You’re over-investing on marketing services that aren’t growing your business.

Social proof does go hand-in-hand with good marketing and advertising. But the real difference lies in the fact that while marketing promotes your services, social proof tells potential clients about you.

When someone is trying to decide whether you’re the right professional to go with, being able to read other people’s positive experiences with you can help them take action.

How to Build Social Proof

Optimize Your Website

You may have already heard about search engine optimization, (SEO), but if you haven’t, now is the time to learn. Your SEO will make or break the ability for potential clientele to discover you online.

When someone searches “hairstylists near me” or “massage therapist near me”, you want your name to show up. SEO is how you make that happen.

The more words you have written about you through reviews, the more likely you are to appear in search results. So, in addition to encouraging clients to leave reviews, you also need to ensure your website is using strong keywords for your target audience.

You also have to make sure your social media pages and website all look professional and sell your experience. The last thing you want is for someone to find you through a review but be put off by poor content or an outdated design.

Don’t Fear Negative Reviews

A lot of stylists will say, “I would ask for reviews, but I’m scared of getting a negative one”

Everyone faces some type of negative feedback in their career. You will probably get a negative review at some point, and it’s okay. Use it to move forward and learn.

What’s more, responding to a negative review helps show people that you listen and care about your clients’ experiences.

Ask For Positive Reviews

Whenever you finish working with a client, ask them to share their experience online. You can even give them a card with your branding thank gives thanks and includes links to your review sites.

It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let that hold you back. The most important thing to remember is that you are not just providing services; you’re building a life that you’re proud of. Going after what you want means casting fear aside and asking for what you deserve.

Plus, if you do your job with passion, people will love your work. They will be happy to give you positive reviews and help you grow. You have nothing to lose by asking.

Get Booked and Busy

If you’re tired of the same old marketing strategy and the same lackluster results, it’s time to make a change. The Booked and Busy Stylist is available now to a small group of students. If you sign up today, I can help you kickstart your business’ growth and transform your career.

You can also join a group coaching session on February 21st for even more insider tips on making it in the beauty industry as an entrepreneur.

Be sure to also join our community of like-minded beauty professionals. We’re all looking to grow and support each other on our journeys and throughout our careers.