Do you want advice on how to fast-track your cosmetology business? If so, first things first: build your clientele so you can consistently grow the career of your dreams.
You’ve Got the Experience; Now You Need Clients
After months of training, you’ve finally passed the cosmetologist or esthetician state board exam. As exciting as that is, keep in mind that one of the most important aspects of being in the beauty industry is knowing how to build your clientele. If you’re just starting, chances are your friends and family are your main returning customers, which is great! However, in addition to the support of your loved ones, you need to promote yourself as an experienced beauty professional who can enhance anyone’s look after their very first visit and leave them looking forward to the next.
Existing clients may stop by for service regularly, but eventually, you’ll be ready to step up your game. High-quality salons are busy from open until close because they’ve made a name for themselves. If you’re new at a hair salon or day spa or renting a booth, having a large client base will help you thrive in the industry.
What Are the Best Ways To Build Your Clientele?
Walk-ins and random appointments may keep you busy for a while, but your regular customers are your bread and butter. They bring you the most business, and they’re reliable. Here are some tips to help you build life-long client-stylist relationships.
Master Your Craft in Your Free Time
If you go to a stylist who does an excellent job with your hair, or an esthetician who made your skin look and feel rejuvenated, you’re probably going to go back to them instead of finding someone else. Clients are more likely to return if they’re blown away by your capabilities. Whether you have a mannequin head similar to the ones at a beauty school or a few friends who don’t mind you trying new styles and treatments on their hair and skin, practice as often as you can.
If you recently got your cosmetologist or esthetician license, you’re still learning, and that’s okay. It’s important to hone your skills after work hours rather than taking shots in the dark and being unsure of yourself with a paying client. When you prove your expertise and professionalism, people will happily come back again and again.
Prioritize Excellent Customer Service
When customers have a five-star experience at your booth or salon, it leaves a lasting impression. Provide customers with exceptional service every time they come and do business with you. Make sure you’re ready for them when they arrive at their appointment. Be polite, professional, and personable with your clients. Lastly, make sure they’re 100% satisfied with the final result before leaving the salon. When you show clients you value their business, it makes them look forward to coming back.
Practice Professionalism
As a beauty professional, your job is both fun and rewarding. However, it’s still important to maintain a high level of professionalism, especially while serving clients. Refrain from behavior that may be seen as disrespectful, like gossiping with fellow employees, taking non-business-related phone calls with friends and family, and having inappropriate conversations.
Be sure to follow all rules and protocols, so clients know they’re at a respectable, legitimate establishment. For example, it’s best to display your cosmetology license in plain sight. You could also set out business cards, so customers know how to reach you to discuss other questions, comments, and concerns.
Take Advantage of Social Media
When you become a professional hairstylist, use your social media pages to your advantage. Once you find and friend people in your target audience, upload your ‘before and after’ pictures of clients’ hair transformations—with their consent, of course.
Posting tutorials, TikTok videos, and sharing or reposting other stylists’ work are different ways to help your page gain more traction. Remember to use hairstylist hashtags and tell people how to get in touch with you to book an appointment. Before you know it, you’ll have several new clients just from a few carefully crafted posts.
Offer Rewards for Customers
Nothing keeps customers coming back like incentives. Rewarding their loyalty and giving them discounts for referrals are great ways to make clients return time and again. Develop a program that keeps track of their visits and counts down until they earn half off their next service. You may also take money off their total bill every time one of their referrals comes in. Rewards and referrals are some of the quickest ways to build your clientele.
Build Your Brand as a Beauty Expert
Like many other products and services that consumers buy, you are more likely to attract new clientele if you have your own brand. Think about the skills and services you perform well and the target markets you want to reach. Do you specialize in blondes? Maybe you’re great at color correction. You could if you’re an esthetician, maybe you specialize in waxing brows. Some estheticians may be excellent in applying facials and making the skin glow.
Whatever it may be, make that your personal brand and make sure people know you are the go-to stylist or esthetician for that type of service! Creating business cards can also help boost your brand awareness and salon marketing. Hand them out to your clients; it will help you build your clientele.
Sell Your Clients Professional Products
Salon and spa clients love when you recommend professional products to them. If a client tells you about a concern they have, or you notice something while working on them, recommend a product that might be good for them to use. This gives you a professional appeal, and the client will likely love their new product, too!
Sell Your Clients Professional Products
Salon and spa clients love when you recommend professional products to them. If a client tells you about a concern they have, or you notice something while working on them, recommend a product that might be good for them to use. This gives you a professional appeal, and the client will likely love their new product, too!
If You Bring Your Talents to Brillare, We’re In Your Corner for Life
Growing your beauty business is a part of growing as a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. Once you earn your certification from Brillare Beauty Institute, we look forward to watching you succeed and helping you reach new heights as you become a force within the industry. If you’re still dreaming of becoming a trained cosmetologist or esthetician, we encourage you to schedule a tour of either of our Tennessee campuses.
