SAY GOODBYE TO "BEAUTIFUL LASHES" CAPTIONS. Why You Should Automate Your Instagram Posts.

Alright, lash nerds, Cheryl here with some very real talk about running your lash biz: if you’re not automating your Instagram (and Facebook posts) you need to stop reading this article, go download a free app like Buffer or Later, and get on that shiz right now.

Or, actually, wait a second, read this article to figure out why, and THEN go do all that.

Basically, I just don’t want you to go another day without automating your Instagram posts. Let’s talk about why.

First of all, we all know that Instagram (and other social platforms like Facebook) is SO important for your lash biz. Tons of clients find us by Instagram. And even if they find us another way, like Google, they’ll probably pop over to our Instagram to get a sense of our work style. Clients want to make sure that we can actually do a good job and Instagram is basically proof of work!

So, yes, Instagram is totally necessary. You’ll need to have an amazing feed if you want to be booked out as a lash artist (or house your sample pics somewhere else like a website).

But, even though Instagram is important, you should absolutely, 100% NOT be posting every single day.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a POST going out every day… that’s important!

But if you are actually opening up your app, finding a photo, and writing a caption every single day, you’re doing it alllll wrong.

Think about your day as a lash artist: your appointments come late, one client wants a totally different or more extensive service than she initially booked, a walk-in shows up. When you’re trying to balance all of that, managing your Instagram is the last thing on your mind! If you’re trying to remember to post on IG every day, then chances are you’ll a.) forget to post and b.) your posts won’t be as solid as they could be if you actually had the time and space to think about them.

That’s where a scheduling software comes in! With an app like Later or Buffer, you can PRE-SCHEDULE your Instagram posts so they go out every single day… but you’re actually writing them all ahead of time!

Using a tool like Later is a serious business game-changer. You can plan MONTHS ahead of time. Here’s how I like to do this: 

1. Brainstorm what’s going to be on my feed.

I’ll write down upcoming promotions, discounts, deals, special holidays, etc., to make a loose plan.

2. Get the images set.

These days, I work with a graphic design team to create amazing images for my feed. But when it was just me, I’d sort through my smartphone pics or look at past client shoots to get the images I want on the days I want.

3. Write the captions.

Finally, my copywriter writes the captions to match the images. Again, these days, I work with a team to do this stuff, but once upon a time, I wrote them all myself!

Doing this work in batches REALLY speeds up your process! Set aside 1-2 hours once a week to get your feed set and scheduled for the next week. Then, posts will go live while you’re working, so you don’t even have to think about them! If you DO decide to pop open IG, it can be to respond to comments or DMs… not to try to be creative and come up with a witty post when your brain is fried from applying lashes all day.

I seriously hope you try out a scheduling software if you haven’t already! I believe it can be a true game changer in your business and for your peace of mind.

If you are using a social media posting tool, which one are you using? Tell me in the comments! I always love to hear what’s working for other biz owners.