Please note that this was a live recording and there are a few sound glitches here and there.

Today, we dive into The Meta Disconnect and how salon business owner can rethink their marketing strategies beyond social media. With a panel of industry experts including Ryan Power, Helen Ward, Theresa Foddering, and Sam Blake, we tackle the challenges posed by recent shifts in Meta's policies that could impact how we connect with clients. From the dangers of placing too much reliance on platforms we don't control, to the vital importance of building direct relationships with our clients through email lists and traditional marketing tactics, we explore a range of approaches that may bring better long term results. Each panelist brings their own perspective, emphasising the need for sustainable practices that keep our businesses thriving in a noisy marketplace. Join us as we discuss a variety of ideas and inspire you to take steps towards reimagining how you market your business on and offline.

The world of salon marketing is evolving, and in this live episode of Inspiring Salon Professionals, host Sue Davies and a panel of industry experts delve into the implications of the 'Meta Disconnect'—a phenomenon emerging from recent changes in social media platforms that could significantly affect how salons promote themselves. Featured on the panel are Ryan Power of Salonology, Helen Ward from The Hair & Beauty Directory, Theresa Foddering - The Naildresser, and Sam Blake - The Safer Salon Geek, who each bring their own individual perspectives to the conversation.

As the discussion unfolds, the panel addresses the challenges salon owners face in a landscape where social media's reliability is increasingly questioned. With recent policy shifts from Meta that have raised concerns about content moderation and the safety of marginalised voices, the experts emphasise the urgency for salons to rethink their marketing strategies. Ryan Power warns against the dangers of building a business solely on social media, likening it to walking a tightrope without a safety net. The panelists propose a multi-faceted approach to marketing that includes leveraging email communications, engaging with local communities, and exploring offline promotional avenues.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their current marketing practices and consider how they can diversify their outreach efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting authentically with clients and suggests practical steps such as collaborations with local businesses, using directories, and maximising the potential of a healthy website. By shifting the focus back to foundational marketing strategies, salon owners can ensure their businesses remain resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing digital landscape. This episode is a call to action for salon professionals to reclaim their marketing power beyond the confines of social media.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasises the need to diversify marketing strategies beyond social media to protect your salon's visibility and client connection.
• Panelists highlight that building a business solely on social media is risky due to potential platform changes and account issues.
• Utilising email marketing and direct communication methods can create a more secure and reliable client engagement strategy.
• The conversation stresses the importance of local networking and collaborations to enhance business visibility and client loyalty.
• Experts agree that traditional marketing methods, like leaflet drops, still hold value in attracting clients within your local area.
• The discussion touches on the need for salon professionals to understand and utilise platforms like Google Business to improve search visibility.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sue-davies.com
• jena.so
• salonology.uk
• thehairandbeauty.directory
• thenaildresser.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Jena
• Salonology
• Hair and Beauty Directory
• Safer Salon Geek
• The Naildresser
• The Salon Inspector