After beauty school, it’s off to the real world. Now all you need to do is figure out how you’re going to attract clients into your salon.
You’re fresh out of cosmetology school and ready to start styling hair at a professional level, but how are you going to get people in the door? For new hair stylists, building a clientele list is usually one of the biggest concerns. Sure, family and friends will come and pay a visit, but you can’t rely on them to be the primary clients you serve.
In order to establish yourself as a hair salon professional, you need to build a strong, diverse customer base. But how exactly do you build that from scratch?
How Professional Cosmetologists Build Clientele
Working in a salon is like being in charge of your own company. You need to have the right resources, effective marketing, and a strong business plan in order to get people into your chair. It takes a lot of time, effort, and careful planning but the results are well worth it.
If you really want to boost your cosmetology business, make sure that you are following these four crucial steps:
Market Yourself, Market Yourself, Market Yourself
When you start working in a salon, you are basically a little fish in a big pond. You may be a talented hair stylist, but that doesn’t guarantee that your chair is going to be filled with clients. That’s why you need to build your personal brand right away. Handing out cards and posting pictures and videos on your social media pages that show off your skills can help you gain exposure quickly.
When you do start getting more clients, don’t take your foot off the gas. Maintain professionalism and contagious enthusiasm. Customers take notice of things like charisma and a can-do attitude. These are crucial marketing tools that draw customers
Keep Your Salon Area in Pristine Condition
First impressions always matter. Imagine walking into a salon for the first time to see a cluttered workspace and smell a smoke-filled aroma. Chances are that you won’t gain a lot of loyal customers. A dirty salon can say a lot about who you are as a professional. If you are not regularly cleaning your workspace, then don’t be surprised if customers get the impression that you are lazy and unhygienic.
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
In the beauty industry, a customer’s happiness is everything, so you should make an attempt to over-deliver in every area. Always welcome the customers with a warm greeting and don’t ever keep them waiting long. Make your customers feel like they are getting VIP treatment and if there are any discounts or promotions to offer, make sure they know all about it. Your goal isn’t to just earn a tip; it’s to build a trustworthy relationship with your customers.
Ask for Referrals
Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tactic there is. When customers receive exceptional service, they are much more likely to brag about it to their friends, family, and peers. Satisfied customers are going to be the driving force behind your success. Make sure to supply them with business cards and politely ask them to send friends your way. If you provide a high-quality experience and explain that you are working on building your clientele, then you may be surprised at how much business you’ll rake in later on.
Kick Your Cosmetology Career Off RIght—Contact the Brillare Beauty Institute
If you’re ready to turn your creativity and passion into a sustainable career, then contact the experts at Brillare Beauty Institute today. By scheduling a free consultation with one of Tennessee’s sharpest beauty professionals, you’ll be on your way to starting your own cosmetology business in no time.