If you roll your eyes when people say ‘There’s an app for that’ throw your hands up now as that even applies to Facebook. Just like on your mobile phone, you can install applications on your Facebook page to increase the ways you interact with your audience. These applications range from free to paid and help you attract, engage and even sell to your social community.
Informational Applications
These applications are things like adding a service menu to your Facebook page so prospective clients can see what you have to offer and your prices. A lot of businesses will also add product lists, event calendars, location finders and/or a team list with bios. These applications stay on your Facebook page indefinitely, but you’ll likely want to update the information and the design occasionally to make sure it’s up-to-date and accurate.
Engagement Applications
Other types of application are designed to solicit interactions with your fans, such as quizzes, top 5 posts, questions, voting apps, etc. These apps are great for getting users to like, comment, share and otherwise engage with your content. This engagement signifies a step beyond just mere interest, but a willingness to critically consider the conversation and your offerings. This is why so many social media experts are always on their soap boxes about engagement – it’s one step closer to a client!
Competition Applications
Applications that host promotions and competitions are the most common and also the most effective in converting fans to clients. These applications are more dynamic and you can truly utilize them to promote your business offerings and any campaigns you have running in the salon. For example, you can get users to nominate someone for a makeover and your Facebook fans would vote to decide the winner. Or, you could do a flash sale for gift cards where the first 200 would get a special discount. Or, you could do an advent calendar leading up to Christmas. Or, you could do a simple coupon that people have to like your page to unlock. The options are endless, but the purpose is the same – get users to like your page, engage in the conversation and visit you in the salon.
Applications can be found offered by many different companies, including linkup marketing. These applications can be custom designed to suit your brand and your needs so first understand what you’d like to achieve and chances are, there’s an app for that.
Author Bio: Valorie Reavis
Social Marketer, foodie, closet geekA marketing professional who has focused primarily on the hair and beauty business for of the past decade, Valorie now runs linkup marketing, a digital marketing agency for the hair and beauty professional. Valorie works to engage clients in the marketing process and help them successfully engage with their clients and community. Energetic and passionate about the industry, Valorie focuses on blending traditional and digital media in order to bring salons closer to their clients.
