Picture sharing sites steal the lead in social networking

Pinterest has vaulted over Twitter to become the third most-used social network in the States, while Instagram has picked up speed to become the fastest growing network worldwide proving image-based social channels are what clients want, says digital marketing specialist Valorie Reavis of Linkup Marketing. Reviewing two new reports out this month by digital analysts the Pew Research Center and Global WebIndex, Valorie welcomed the continued shift to visual communications. “Image-based networking is fantastic for the hair and beauty industry as it’s all about how we look, but salons need to get more enthusiastic about photographing everything they do,” said Valorie. “And they must get used to watermarking any collection images so when they are repined, it is still obvious where the photo comes from. It’s like an advert that could be shared around the world.” Valorie also pointed to the arrival of a relatively new site salons should consider. “Weheartit is the newest social network to bedazzle all those disenchanted former Facebook users. WeHeartIt might have crept up on us, keeping a low profile since its launch two years ago, but it has still managed to amass more than 25 million users. And here’s what to love about it: most of them are young women aged 24 and under; image-obsessed, often high-spending 24-year-olds who prioritise hair and beauty like no other demographic.” Those salon owners or managers with the time, energy and willingness to embrace this emerging social network will also find content for their other networks, with a plethora of messages that would enrich any salon Facebook page. Conveniently, there is a link to share. And being active on WeHeartIt might not even require that much input from a salon, merely a heart button installed on your own site and a gallery of beautiful images all subtly watermarked with a logo or a website address. But there is a catch, adds Valorie. The majority of WeHeartIt fans – around 80% – interact with the site via their phones, so salons need to embrace mobile-friendly web technology or risk being bypassed by this highly active group. And that might be a big mistake. With recent investment to the tune of $8 million and a brand new CEO in post, WeHeartIt looks as if it will continue to attract new users at the same phenomenal rate it has been achieving so far – millions every month.