Whether you are setting up your business for the first time or are already well established, it is crucial to know that obtaining and retaining clients is one of the keys to success in your career. You may be asking yourself, “How does an esthetician go about mastering the art of marketing and client retention?”. Consider these five tips we have for you that will steer you in the direction of better business.
- Set Up an Online Portfolio/Profile
When looking into your business, the typical client will want to see results, not just read about them. After all, it is your business to beautify and create desired looks/results. Show off your work with pictures and videos that you can post online. A practical way to start is by working on family members and friends. Ask to service them and get their permission to take a before and after picture of your work. This will give you some images to use in your portfolio to show potential clients what you have to offer.
- Networking
Networking is the best way to spread the word about your business. First network within the esthetics and beauty industry. Join professional organizations, social media groups, and be sure to positively interact with other estheticians and spas. Second, network within your community and already established contacts. For example, it may be in your best interest to leave your business cards in stores in your community and/or ask you to leave flyers of your services where you are able! If you are just starting your business, do not refrain from telling any and every person you can about it! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to spread news.
- Focus on Reviews
Make it a point to offer every happy customer the opportunity to write a review about their experience with your business. An effective way to do so is to put a sign or flyer in your workspace with a link/QR to your social media pages, google page, website, and anywhere where the customer can say something positive.
However, with the opportunity for a positive review also comes the opportunity for a potentially negative review. Monitor your reviews to ensure that you deal with anything negative, immediately. Address all negative comments with apologies and room for improvement. Reviews go a long way!
- Set Up a Loyalty Program
Your goal is not only to gain clients but to retain clients as well. A way to do so is by earning their loyalty. A loyalty program provides them with small rewards when they repeatedly come back for your services. For example, on their tenth visit, you could offer your client a sample kit of travel-sized beauty products or maybe they get 5 percent off every visit only if they join the program. A loyalty program does more than create repeating clients, too. You can create contacts out of your clients and collect their contact information when they sign up. This way it is easy to send them newsletters and specials which they can share with their own contacts.
- Follow-up After Visits
Another way to gain and retain your clientele is to do follow-up after their visits. For instance, maybe you check in to see how a new product works for them, or how they are enjoying a certain service they received. Also, you might want to send them a thank you email with a discount for their next visit or a product when they return.
It takes time to get established in any new business. The better you market yourself, the faster you’ll see success as an esthetician.
Let nyib Help You!
At the New York Institute of Beauty, we set our students up with the proper education and training they need to succeed as a licensed esthetician. Not only that, but we also continue our support for postgraduates with job offers and services to help our graduates get started in their careers. If you have been thinking about joining the esthetics or beauty industry, inquire about anyone of our esthetics, advanced esthetics, or beauty courses. Call us Monday-Friday 631.582.4737 or email info@nyib.edu.
