Thriving Stylist Podcast Episode #429

What is Working on Instagram Marketing Right Now

Host: Britt Seva
Date: March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Britt Seva delivers an up-to-date, tactical overview of what's actually working for hairstylists and salon owners on Instagram in 2026. With insights pulled from recent in-depth work with over 3,000 stylists—including masterclasses, business boot camps, and direct analysis of social accounts—Britt moves beyond vanity metrics and viral trends to share what Instagram actions directly increase bookings and grow a client base right now. Her approach is strategic, client-centered, and rooted in clarity around business goals: making more money, serving more ideal clients, and building a thriving, sustainable career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining Success: Results Over Vanity Metrics

• Britt redefines success on Instagram: “If it’s not making you money, it’s not working for your business.” (03:17)
• Likes, follower counts, and going viral provide a dopamine hit, but are largely irrelevant if they don’t result in bookings or revenue.

2. Current Challenges Stylists Face

• Many stylists are burnt out or following outdated Instagram strategies.
• Overcomplicating content with little return is common, but Britt stresses that “what is actually working on Instagram right now is so ultra simple.” (07:40)

3. Instagram’s Role in the Marketing Funnel

• Instagram is an “interest level platform”—it is for people merely interested, not necessarily ready to book.
• Most followers won’t be clients, but are potential clients; the goal is to move them down the funnel.

4. Feed vs. Stories: Purpose & Audience

• “Your feed is for new clients. Stories are for existing clients.” (10:25)
• Feed content should build trust and confidence for people who don’t know you. Stories can be casual, humorous, or for inside jokes relevant to current clients.

5. The Value of Consistency

• “Boring is what makes you rich. Clients just want consistency.” (12:30)
• Fun, personal content belongs on a separate, personal Instagram account—not your professional account.

6. What Clients Want to See on Instagram (From Actual Client Discussions)

• Key things clients look for: Skill, professionalism, cleanliness, style/vibe, proximity/logistics, and evidence that the stylist “knows what they’re doing.”
• Britt prompts reflection: “Does [your content] show that you’re skilled, professional, clean, have a style or vibe, and that you know what you’re doing?” (16:42)

7. Common Mistakes: Chasing Viral Trends

• Chasing validation and viral posts (especially with borrowed TikTok trends or comedy styles) attracts peers, not new clients.
• “If your goal is to entertain your peers, that’s fine. If your goal is to actually make more money, probably not a great idea.” (22:40)

8. TikTok vs. Instagram Mindsets

• Users approach TikTok for entertainment, “brain candy,” and rabbit holes.
• Instagram is more about networking, business-building, and connecting with clients—it’s not the place for TikTok-style viral antics.

9. Trending Audio & Comedy Reels

• Trending audio “pushes initial distribution of your content, but if the content doesn’t perform at a high rate, within minutes, any meaningful impact is eliminated.” (29:20)
• 70% of users have sound off—it's not a make-or-break factor.

10. High-Value Engagement vs. Cheap Engagement

• Meaningful comments, DMs, and shares matter; likes are “cheap.”
• Analyze who is engaging with your posts—are they potential or current clients, or just other stylists or friends?

Britt’s Tactical Instagram Success Blueprint

1. Assess What Already Works

• Audit your feed: Who is engaging? Are you booking clients from posts? Are clients bringing in your posts for inspiration?
• Focus on posting more of what generates meaningful engagement or direct DMs about booking.

2. Prioritize Content Quality & Consistency

• Post 3-4 times per week (minimum). More is better, but not at the expense of quality.
• Consistency fosters trust and attracts new clients by signaling business stability.

3. Content Guidelines for Feed Posts

• Include details on the service performed, not just finished looks. Don’t use stylist jargon—explain in client-friendly language what was done.
• Be clear about pricing and value. “It’s okay to talk about price. They’re going to figure it out. It doesn’t have to be so mysterious.” (41:55)
• Before & after transformations are “incredibly impactful right now.”
• Regularly show yourself as the stylist—clients want to see the human they’ll be working with. “Showing yourself is critical.” (45:10)
• Ensure your last 16 posts reflect your best, most relevant content, since that’s what most prospective clients see when exploring your grid.

4. Optimize Your Profile & Link in Bio

• Your bio should sell you and immediately spell out what you offer.
• The link in bio should be a “softer transition”—not just a “Book Now” button. Include a “meet me” page, portfolio, or other info to build trust before the booking jump.
• With consumer behaviors shifting, trust now needs to be built before a client ever enters your chair.

5. Understand the Purpose Behind Your Posting

• If you don’t want to grow or fill your books, post whatever you want. But if demand-building is your goal, follow the framework.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Results vs. Vanity:

  "If it’s not making you money, it’s not working for your business." — Britt Seva (03:17)

• On Social Posting Purpose:

  “Your feed is for people who have never met you before. It’s a trust builder. It’s a confidence builder. Stories is where you can put that kind of funny, jokey stuff… that would go to the story.” (10:25)

• On Consistency:

  “Boring is what makes you rich.” (12:30)

• On Comedy Instagram Trends:

  “If your goal is to entertain your peers, that’s fine. If your goal is to actually make more money, probably not a great idea.” (22:40)

• On Quality Over Quantity:

  "Quality matters over quantity… If you can post seven [times a week], even better… but it can’t be half-assed post. It has to be real good stuff." (36:12)

• On Being Seen:

  "Showing yourself is critical...clients should be able to see who you are on Instagram before they book an appointment." (45:10)

• On Profile Links:

  “If you create a more of a transitional experience, a softer landing, you will ultimately get more money... transitioning a guest into trust and then the opportunity to build a relationship with them that will build the wealth that you're seeking.” (54:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:17 — Why vanity metrics don't matter; money and bookings are what count
• 10:25 — Feed vs. Stories: strategic breakdown
• 12:30 — Why "boring is what makes you rich" in marketing
• 16:42 — What clients are actually looking for on stylist Instagrams
• 22:40 — How comedy/trendy content often undermines business goals
• 29:20 — What trending audio and memes actually do for your reach
• 36:12 — How often to post, and why content quality beats quantity
• 41:55 — Why talking pricing and process in posts matters
• 45:10 — Building trust by showing yourself, not just your work
• 54:28 — Optimizing profile links to build trust before asking for bookings

Actionable Takeaways

• Audit your Instagram for actual client attraction, not just engagement from peers.
• Post 3–4 high-quality, client-focused feed posts per week, emphasizing before/afters and explanatory captions.
• Clearly display your value, process, and pricing in client-friendly language.
• Always show your face, creating an emotional and professional connection.
• Use your profile and bio to build trust before asking people to book.
• Use Stories for fun and current client touches; keep the Feed curated for potential clients.

In Britt’s words:
“If you have additional questions, you can always hit me up in the DMs on Instagram... So much love, Happy business building!” (56:40)