Here at Evoke Brands and Style Sync, we simply love Instagram. In fact, we’re not ashamed to say we might be bordering on obsessed with the uber-cool, visual medium. (I know, please don’t judge – but you CAN follow us at “StyleSync!”)

As one of the newer platforms in the social landscape, there are many hidden tools within Instagram you might not be using…but that’s about to change! With the newest update (the addition of Instagram desktop profiles), the platform is no doubt getting much easier to use.

Instagram is the perfect social tool for your salon or personal brand if you’re all about showcasing the visual side of your work. At Style Sync, we define the Instagram persona as “The Exhibitionist”. “She takes tremendous pride in interpreting culture (and she’s really good at it).  She sees beauty all around her and attempts to capture it in its natural state. Her online self is an extension of her true talents and she showcases that by letting her work and imagery do the talking.

If that ‘persona’ defines you – perhaps you can call yourself the #FotoHef - or photo boss. So, let’s get started with my top tips to master Instagram and let your photos shine:

1. Get Filtered

If you want to use the awesome Instagram filter, but you don't want to push it out to your network yet, there is a simple solution for iPhone users. Go to your iPhone settings and put your phone into the 'airplane' setting. This allows you to use the filter and save your image to your photo stream without publishing on your profile!

2.  Lux it up

Wonder how some people's pictures are so much clearer than yours? Try tapping the 'lux' button located all the way on the left under your filters. This will optimize the lighting and sharpen any blurriness in your photos!

3. Focus In

Play around with the 'raindrop' tool. This allows you to select different focal points for your photo!

4. Hashtag Topics

Using hashtags on your images will allow you, and your clients to engage in a 'photo conversation.' Then search for your hashtag to find all of your clients/staff who are participating in the conversation! 

Use these four Instagram tips to stay ahead of the game or stop over to www.StyleSync.me where we just released our StyleSync Instagram Guidebook!

As always, feel free to contact me at: kehlers@evokebrands.com with any questions or comments.

About www.StyleSync.me:

Style Sync is an on-line social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed specifically for salon owners and stylists to help them magnify their image and multiply their results.

Style Sync, a division of Evoke Brand Strategies, is an on-line, subscription based social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed to help individual stylists and salon owners turn social media prowess into more clients and more money for your salon.

About www.EvokeBrands.com:

At Evoke Brand Strategies we develop digital, social and mobile strategies for salon professional, beauty, hospitality and entertainment brands. As branding and public relations veterans, yet early adopters of all things digital, we understand the importance of creating measurable, buzz-worthy campaigns that generate bottom-line results.