Being your own boss is something that many workers dream of. As a beautician, taking the plunge to open your own business from the comfort of your home may have felt like a huge risk. You may worry about how to attract loyal customers whilst keeping the costs down to maximise profit.
Here are some tips to help you grow your business and make it as successful as possible.
Social media
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to reach potential customers is through social media. Rather than using a personal account, create a brand new one just for your business. This way, you can start creating your brand and identity so that people can recognise you.
Start by uploading pictures of your work. One of the best ways to showcase your skills is to post before and after pictures so potential clients can see how good you are. Remember to ask your clientβs permission before uploading them onto social media.
You can also use social media to run promotions and discounts as well as your regular prices. This prevents people from being put off if they cannot budget for your appointment before booking.
Services
The beauty industry is a crowded market. The sector as a whole is expected to reach a value of Β£12.96 billion in 2024. This highlights just how many businesses there are in the space.
Your business needs to stand out in the local area. If you can, do some research into the services that are offered in the immediate area of your business. You may find that there is a gap in the market for something that you can provide.
If not, you could consider training in a new specialism to add another revenue stream. For example, taking a tanning course can be a great way to attract clients looking for a healthy glow before a holiday or prom season.
Promotions
Promotions are a great way to entice new customers. Some clients may see it as a bit of a risk paying full price for service with someone, they are unfamiliar with. By offering a discount people can try out your service and skills and see if they like the results.
You can also lean into the social media side of things and offer free services or discounted treatments to people who interact with your post. This way, loyal customers stand a chance at winning too, which will help to keep them as returning clients.
Reviews
Reviews are a huge part of having a successful business. Whether it is by word of mouth, social media or on a dedicated review site such as Trustpilot, potential clients do pay attention to reviews.
Some social media platforms do allow you to turn off reviews, but this may make you seem untrustworthy, and people may not want to risk having a service they arenβt happy with.
Try not to obsess over any reviews that arenβt five stars though. As long as the majority are glowing then customers will still walk through your doors.