Start your content creation journey with these 7 ideas today.

7 Simple Ideas to Boost Engagement Today

Let’s keep it simple and start with the basics. You don’t need to create the most cinematic sequences if you’re just getting started. That level of creativity and detail will come naturally as you gain more experience and confidence. For now, focus on getting comfortable with the process before investing in more gear.

If you’re a barber, your #1 goal is always to attract more clients.

The only gear I’d recommend right off the bat is a tripod for your phone. Something like this—either one that clips onto a mirror or a standing tripod—will do the job.

Here are 7 content ideas to get you started:

1. Before & After: This could be a reel, carousel, or in-feed post.

2. Process Video: Show the transformation in action.

3. Finished Photo or Video Carousel with Breakdown: Highlight the final look with a detailed breakdown.

4. Consultation Videos: Give viewers a peek into your client consultations.

5. Consultation + Ending Video: Combine the consultation with the final result.

6. Compilation of Day or Week Haircuts: Showcase your work over a set period.

7. Day Vlog / Station Set Up / Station Clean Up: Take your audience behind the scenes of your daily routine.

Here’s how I’d approach each one:

Before & After

- Before and After Reel: This is a great opportunity to show the "before" with a spin or even a brief explanation of what you’re planning to do. Keep in mind that one haircut doesn’t always need to be in just one video; you could show different sections, which helps extend your content’s lifespan by breaking it into pieces. Generally, this can be two clips edited back to back—one as the "before" and one as the "after." This approach tends to work better than photos because videos are more engaging.

- Before and After Carousel: If you don’t want to make it a reel, you can do a carousel slide instead. This keeps people on your post longer than a single image post. Adding multiple images or videos adds value for your audience. I recommend using video, cutting it to fit carousel dimensions, and starting with what you’re working with, followed by the process, and finishing with the final look. Keep it concise with around three slides: an intro, a middle process, and an after shot, with an explanation of what you did.

- In-feed Post: Here, you can do a simple post—a singular shot of the finished look or a video. Add a music overlay or just a caption. This is more of a portfolio-building piece, and while it’s common among those who don’t produce a lot of content, it’s not the only thing that will help your page grow. You’ll need to branch out into videos to truly engage your audience.

Process Video

- Music Overlay: These are fun because you get to use trending audio, which is an easy way to start before diving into original content with copyright-free music libraries. These allow your videos to live anywhere without worrying about copyright issues. For a process video, record each haircut’s main sections—beginning with untouched hair, the first snips, trimming the sides, and so on. Keep each segment around 2-3 seconds to maintain the video’s pace, unless it’s something particularly satisfying like an edge-up, which can be longer. This keeps the energy in your video flowing without the need for voiceover, perfect if you’re not yet comfortable speaking on camera.

- Voiceover: This is the same type of video but with added voiceover. Instead of just using music, you explain the process, detailing each step. Some people prefer instructional content, so this can be a great way to teach and engage with your audience. It helps build your credibility as an educator/content creator, allowing viewers to learn from you, which could lead to them wanting more of your content.

Finished Photo or Video Carousel with Breakdown

Photo carousels are great for allowing people to swipe through with explanations on the photos. I recommend keeping short, highlighted text on each slide to explain what’s happening. I’ve always enjoyed creating video carousels as well, with a voiceover on each video slide explaining the process. I find that people enjoy saving these guides. I also like to finish off with a caption that provides as much value as possible to support my slides.

Consultation Videos

These have become very popular lately. Essentially, it’s just you sitting down with a client, either for the first time or as a returning customer, and conducting a live consultation. Depending on your comfort level, you can edit it, but if you’re good at it, people like seeing it in real time. Capturing how you ask questions, what the client is looking for, and posting it can resonate with potential clients who might identify with the style or hair type discussed. It also showcases the experience you provide, which can be a big selling point, potentially bringing clients from far away.

Consultation + Finished Look

Similar to the consultation video, but now you add the finished look at the end. Go through the consultation process, show the before clip, and then end with the final result clip.

Compilation of Day or Week Haircuts

This can be really fun, especially if you work at a high-traffic barbershop. Capture the before and after of each client, and compile them into a reel at the end of the day. If some clients prefer not to be filmed, just compile those who agree. Keeping it around 15-30 seconds is ideal for these types of reels.

Day Vlog / Station Set Up / Station Clean Up

These can be a bit harder to do but are great once you get comfortable. Document your day: setting up your station, cleaning your tools/station, working with clients, sweeping up hair between cuts—essentially, just document everything. Turn it into a 25-45 second reel, showing what your day is like. You can use a music overlay or add voiceover.

Hashtags and Geotag

Another great feature often overlooked is geotagging. If you’re looking to build clientele, geotagging your location on each post enhances visibility by 85% locally. When people search within their area, you’re more likely to appear because of the tag, versus just hashtags. I’d still use 3-5 hashtags that are relevant to your post. For example, if you’re in Los Angeles, you could use #LosAngelesBarber or #LABarber. Keep it related to your location and profession, but don’t overdo it, as it can come off as spammy.

By starting with these ideas, I’m confident you’ll notice a difference in your content. The more you create, the better you’ll get. Just like learning to perfect a fade, content creation gets easier with practice. These are some solid ideas that you can use today.

I hope you have an awesome week ahead trying out these new ideas. Remember, it’s the little wins that build your confidence and keep you going. Once you see traction, you’ll be inspired to keep pushing forward—just like I was.

Sof!