Whether you're a booth renter, brand new stylist trying to build your client list, or a spa owner, these are 4 easy-to-do steps to bring in business from Instagram. Taking just a few minutes to add these to a post or to update your profile could increase not only your engagement numbers but the number of customers making appointments.

1. Include a link to your appointment form: Think about it. If you see something on Instagram that you love (a delicious looking dessert, contour palette, or an outfit) you want to know how to get it, right? Potential clients will wonder the same thing if they see your work on Instagram. Make sure that you update your Instagram profile to include a link to your website form or appointment management system where someone can schedule an appointment. Pro tip: use a URL shortening tool like bitly to simplify a long URL. The website will also track how many people have clicked on the link so you know how many visitors you're getting from your Instagram account.
2. Take "branded" photos of your clients: This involves some pre-appointment work. Choose an area in your salon or spa where you can set up a photo backdrop. This could be a wall with your salon or spa sign on it or cover a supply door in luxe wrapping paper. Next, create or buy some props for your clients to pose with. The prop should include the name of your salon, the name of the stylist/barber/esthetician/MUA, and the name of the client (if you want to simplify it, just your business name works!) Now, when you take photos of clients, you'll be advertising your business.
3. Tag your clients: First, ask their permission to take the photos. Next, treat them like models. Take multiple photos of the end result and invite them to choose the photo or photos you post. Next, ask for their Instagram handle. Tag their handle in the comment of the post and tag them in the photo, this way their Instagram friends can see the photo if they look at their tagged photos. People trust the opinions of other people, especially people they know. 
4. Tag your business: It seems like a no-brainer, but tag your business in your photo and add the location. Now when the photo gets likes, comments, or sent as messages, viewers will know exactly where the work was done and, hopefully, will come by for a visit. Add your company hashtag too (if you have one!)

With just these 4 simple additions made to your account, you can take a simple social media account and turn it into a powerful business tool. According to a recent study, posts that include another handle gain 56% are engagement; you can add this handle by tagging your client. It goes on to show that posts with a location receive 79% more engagement; you do this by tagging your business. Imagine what can happen if you take these two steps every single time you post! Want to show us your work? Tag us @miladypro with #notlicensedtofail on Instagram.

Photo: Shutterstock | Nadir Keklik

See More:

Rethinking Service Tickets In 4 Steps

Shearious Question: Should I Run A Groupon Deal?