In today’s digital age, social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook have become essential for businesses and freelancers in the hair, barbering, and beauty industry to showcase their talent, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately thrive.
Among these platforms, Instagram allows industry professionals and salon owners to captivate their target audience visually through static imagery or Instagram Reels.
With its ever-evolving features and functionalities, Instagram offers a unique opportunity for businesses to grow their online presence. One of the coveted badges of authenticity and credibility on this platform is the blue verification tick, indicating that an account has been verified.
However, the process of obtaining that verification may need some extra thought, and it often leads to the question: should you pay to verify your hair/beauty/barbering page on Instagram?
In this blog post, we delve into the pros and cons of paying for Instagram verification, helping you decide whether investing in this sought-after recognition is worth it.
What does being Meta-verified mean?
Let’s start with what ‘Meta’ means in this context. Meta Platforms, formerly named Facebook, is an American company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other products and services. Being ‘Meta verified’ means you are officially verified via a blue tick or badge on Facebook and/or Instagram.
Instagram, in particular, uses the blue verification tick as a symbol to indicate that an account is authentic and belongs to a notable public figure, celebrity, brand, or business. This verification badge helps users identify legitimate accounts and distinguishes them from fan accounts or imitations.
Can my salon become Meta-verified? Who qualifies to be Meta-verified?
The verification process on Instagram involves submitting a request that evaluates your account based on various criteria, such as authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability.
With Meta Verified, you can get verification with a government ID. Becoming Meta Verified is currently available in select regions for people 18 years or older in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
How much is it to become Meta-verified?
In the United Kingdom, Meta verification is an ongoing monthly subscription payment.
- For Mobile/Desktop Web (Facebook only), it is £9.99 per month
- For iOS, it is £11.99 per month
- For Android – £11.99 per month
You cannot use one Meta Verified subscription for both Instagram and Facebook; you have to buy them separately.
Related: How to Use TikTok & Instagram as Part of your salon marketing strategy
Is being Meta-verified on Instagram worth it to salons?
As with anything, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of paying to become verified.
Let’s take a look at some of them below…
What are the pros of being Meta-verified?
- With a verified badge, you can help your community know it’s the real you to securely establish your account’s authenticity.
- You can get protection from impersonation with proactive account monitoring and secure your account.
- You can get exclusive stickers on Facebook, Instagram Stories, and Facebook and Instagram Reels.
- You are eligible to get help when you need it from a real person on common account issues that matter to you.
What are the cons of being Meta-verified?
- You may not want the commitment of a financial outgoing each month. You will lose your verification if you do not meet the monthly subscription payment. If you keep losing and reinstating your verification, it may look strange or untrustworthy to your audience.
- You may find it adds no added benefit to your business as you already have an engaged audience and community, and your current strategy is working well.
- Verification can sometimes create a sense of complacency or contentment. Your salon business may feel less motivated to engage actively with your audience or work on improving your services since you already have the verified status. It’s essential to continuously strive for improvement and remain responsive to your customers’ needs.
- When your salon business is verified, people may have higher expectations of your brand. They might expect a certain level of quality, professionalism, and service. Failing to meet these expectations could lead to disappointment and negative reviews.
You may also enjoy: Social media hacks to boost your salon business.
How to get your salon business Meta verified in 2023
Your Instagram profile must meet these minimum eligibility requirements:
- Be a public or private profile associated with your full name, align with naming standards, and have a profile picture that includes your face.
- Have two-factor authorisation enabled, which may be completed after payment.
- You must meet minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history.
- Have a government-issued ID matching your profile’s name and profile photo.
- The account has to meet Meta’s Terms of Service and Community Standards.
Your Facebook profile must meet these minimum eligibility requirements:
- Be a public or private profile associated with your full name that aligns with our name standards and a profile picture that includes your face and matches your government-issued ID.
- Your account must meet minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history.
- Have two-factor authentication enabled.
- The account has to meet Meta’s Terms of Service and Community Standards.
We recommend: Salon social media tips for nailing your Instagram strategy.
The decision of whether to pay to verify your hair or beauty salon’s page on Instagram is down to personal preference. While the blue verification tick can enhance your credibility and visibility on the platform, it is also essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks.
Investing in building an authentic and engaged audience, creating high-quality content, and implementing effective marketing strategies can often yield long-term benefits without needing paid verification.
Ultimately, assessing your salon business’s specific goals, resources, and priorities is crucial before making a decision. Remember, Instagram verification should not be seen as the sole measure of success but as one of many tools that can contribute to your overall digital presence and business growth in the competitive world of hair and beauty.
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