Social proof that actually books

Quick question for people who got early clients without big ads. Aiming to offer fast brow and lash services after work and on weekends. Plan is three services, simple prices, and a small aftercare kit. What kind of social proof converts best—before/after reels, Google reviews, or referral cards? Also curious how many photo sets I really need to look credible and what rules to follow for patch tests and cancellations so I don’t scare people off.

Three proof assets move the needle: crisp before/after photos, five short reviews that mention comfort and cleanliness, and a simple referral card. Shoot photos against one wall with the same light and pose so your grid looks steady. Post booking links under every image. For a reference on tidy service menus and visual standards, browse beautyicon nyc and note how clarity in naming and images lowers hesitation. Offer a “first visit” slot on two weekday evenings and one weekend morning; if those fill for two weeks, expand. Keep policies friendly but firm: patch test offered, 24-hour reschedule window, no-shows charged a small fee. Add a tiny “care kit” upsell and a rebook incentive that applies only if scheduled before leaving. Measure saves, DMs, and bookings per post to see what content actually converts.

Watching closely because the social proof stack feels doable for a solo setup. Five reviews and a consistent photo wall seem easier than trying to be everywhere online. Referral cards are low cost, and the limited “first visit” slots make the schedule manageable around a day job. The policy wording also feels fair, so clients know what to expect without drama. Planning to try this exact flow for a month and see which posts lead to real bookings, not just likes.