6 Steps to Building Great Clientele
Are you new to the lash industry and struggling to get clientele? Like any other lash artist, it's the beginning of your career that's the most overwhelming. Building a career and great clientele takes time and persistence. If you're driven and focused, it is a good sign you're on your way to a successful business.
Here are 6 simple steps you can follow to build your career as a lash artist.
1. Social Media- Social media is the biggest networking platform right now. Many artists are able to showcase their talent and marketing abilities to network with potential clients. Whether using Instagram or Facebook, your work has to be discoverable. All social media platforms have the ability to use hashtags. Using hashtags is a sure way to get you into the public eye. You just have to know how to use them. For example, hashtagging your expertise and your location is a great place to start for local potential clients. (ex: # lashes, #lashboss #raleighlashes). The exciting thing about Instagram is that you're able to find and follow accounts based off of hashtags alone. Instagram will notify you when you have liked more than one photo with the same hashtag, so essentially, giving you networking abilities by narrowing your search. You can also create a user-friendly website or hire someone to manage your social media sites for consistency and branding. Clients love that.
2. Public Network- Although social media is the #1 marketing tool. Clients want to see you at work. Posting videos of your work or a work in progress will let people know that you are real and it shows your quality of service. You can also attend local events. Many lash and beauty events offer networking abilities with other beauty gurus or influencers. Potential clients are everywhere so be sure to bring business cards and your fire when speaking about your business. Who knows, you may even be able to collab with another beauty guru and swap services as you promote each other's business.
3. Never be Afraid to Market Yourself- When starting a business, you don't usually have a team to help you build at first. Marketing has to be a passion of yours before anyone else because you ultimately have to live with the day to day aspects of the business. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Search for local businesses and places to drop off your cards in hopes that people will call or check you out on social media. Many businesses even start off passing out flyers before they start accepting clients in order to build up their clientele first.
4. Gifts/ Discounts- Who doesn't love free, discounted things? If you already have some sort of clientele that sees you faithfully, there is a good chance that the client will love to receive a discount. Offering a 10%-20% off discount for referrals is a good way to promote your business. That regular client is intently waiting to pay less than they have been paying; raving about how great your business is will not be a problem. Especially if they can get a percentage off or even get it for FREE. Another great idea is to throw little social get-togethers in your city. If you just moved to a new location you're not too familiar with, throw a free social event like brunches and get-togethers. Who doesn't love free food, beverages, and great conversation? Location is also an important factor in gaining new clientele. Relocating to a place that's flourishing and has a need for your business can be a great advantage to you and your career.
5. Keep Clients Happy- The quality of your work speaks for itself. Be open to feedback from your clients. Ask them if they liked the service and what you can do to make their experience more enjoyable. Some clients have specific requests so they can be comfortable; the last thing you want to do is be is in the way of their comfortable lifestyle. It may be a great idea to stir up a conversation that evokes the client to talk about their likes and dislikes. Remember to be a great listener and pick up on any special requests or ideas.
6. Reviews & Relationships- Ok, you have the clientele now, but what can you do to maintain and even gain more clientele? Ask your clients to leave a review of the service they received. Reviews seem unimportant but it is the #1 thing a company needs to strive outside of marketing. When potential clients are looking for a good service, they look at the reviews first. They're interested in knowing if you provide great quality work, if you have a peaceful atmosphere, if you are relational and if you're good at solving problems. Although positive comments are intriguing, being in the beauty industry doesn't guarantee that you will please 100% of the people 100% of the time. In fact, you may be able to please most people most times but there will be someone that is not 100% satisfied with your services. These particular clients may leave negative reviews for your business. Try resolving those by responding to the inconvenienced client, apologizing and offering a free fix or a discount off of their next service. That goes a long way. The upset client will more than likely modify their review or even delete it, which makes you look great to potential clients. Lastly, don't be afraid to get a little personal with each client. They want to feel like you are their friend, not just their beautician.
All of these are great ways to promote your business and obtain the clientele you are looking for. If you are persistent with these small steps. you're on your way to building a successful career. See you at the top!