Business
Socially Inclined – Social Media Alternatives to TikTok
Mar
Social media marketing has become a vital part of the business of many companies, and salons are no different. While traditional marketing practices are still effective today, businesses who have an active presence on the major platforms can greatly expand their reach much more quickly. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are wonderful places to share the work that you do in the form of before-and-after posts, share promotions and specials, and can reach broad audiences through likes, shares, and reposts.
In 2020 however the government pushed to ban TikTok, which had become an immensely popular platform and remains so to this day. While the ban sat on the backburner for a while the United States Supreme Court ruled in late 2024 that the ban would be upheld. This looked like the end for the platform until a presidential executive order postponed the effective date of the ban to allow the app’s owner, ByteDance, time to sell the app to another company. For now the app will remain in service until the new deadline of April 3rd, at which point the fate of TikTok is unclear. Losing such a popular platform could make reaching clients and broader audiences difficult, but other popular alternatives still exist and are still viable.
Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media networks. With an estimated 193.5 million US users on the platform its potential reach is nearly limitless. Posting before-and-after images and videos and engaging with clients, it remains a great way to market your business and reach new potential clients.
Instagram offers a simpler interface, focusing more on flash and imagery. Using Instagram photos and reels is a great way to promote your salon, build a community of loyal and potential clients, and drive sales. Collaborating with your clients and influencers can go a long way to spreading the word and marketing your business. Instagram as a whole is a great way to quickly show off your work, spread word of promotions, and to communicate with your audience.
“X” (Twitter)
X, formerly Twitter, sits between Facebook and Instagram in structure with its posting format. Its ease of use can make posting images and promotions easy, though its algorithms may make discovery difficult. It remains a powerful tool to connect with your target audience, boost awareness of your salon, engage with clients, and spread the word. Much like with Instagram, following influencers and collaborating with them can help spread the word and earn you followers.
Marketing through social media can greatly expand the reach of your business. It is a cost-effective marketing strategy and can be use to build recognition of your personal brand and build client loyalty. By collaborating with influencers who might live in your area you could push your business even further. It never hurts to ask a client if they would like to have their glow-up shared with the world; some may even love the attention. Though the fate of TikTok may still be up in the air, other tried and true platforms still exist and are still incredibly effective.
