What did you invest in first?

[MissyJ]

What did you invest in when you first started getting paying clients?

I am mobile doing CND Shellac treatments & IBX, currently have only 15 colours & 25 glitters lol.

Would you recommend having more colours, so I have a gd variety for client to choose from then invest in flyers and price lists etc, or just get promoting regardless of how many colours I have?

Thanks xx

 

[caitlinx]

Definitely promoting 100%. You can have all the colours in the world but if you're not promoting and you don't have the flyers and the price lists etc then you won't get the clients. Once you build up a client base you can then invest in more colours and products.

As long as you have a basic colour range plus French you will be fine xx

 

[Trinity]

Once of the unwritten rules of being a Nail Technician is........you will never have the right colour that particular client wants....ever!

You could have 30 shades of pink BUT it still won't be the right one, then there are too many to chose from and they cant decide.

I'm with Caitlinx - as long as you have the basics (french, black, red, etc.) you can't really go wrong.

You can't use them if you don't have the clients to work on.

That said, don't just spend money on flyers unless you are sure they will work. The return rate on unsolicited mail is approx 2%, so for every 100 you drop it will tweek the interest of maybe 2 people, that's not to say those two people will book but they may access your social media/web page/etc.

 

[linzi]

As long as you have a well rounded collection, 15 colours is more than enough.

There will always be more colours to buy, and you can add glitters on top of the ones you already have to make them a bit different.

The hardest thing to do is pull the clients in. I work from my home-based salon so constantly have to fight against having no shop front to get noticed. I find that leaflet dropping works really quite well - I haven't seen any other salon leaflets come through the door since I've been here either, so its kinda an untapped market.

When you are designing your leaflets, I would advice you to make them VERY clear and easy to read - don't try to shove too much on there, have a link to your website and Facebook page to find out more. Also include at least a few really good quality - perfectly executed polish, well-lit and tack-sharp - pictures. It really draws the eye and elevates your brand from any others they might have seen.

Don't be afraid to sell yourself. I'm talking about really stating how awesome you are at what you do. Post pictures of your work regularly, change up content on your website/facebook page so that its fresh. Interact with your customers - don't just sell to them.
use any local Facebook groups. For example, we have a few groups for my town. And one of them has just allowed local businesses to advertise coming up to Christmas. Cue me writing an pitch and adding some pictures.

and finally, when you do order your leaflets', don't leave it up to your boyfriend. Do you have any idea how long it going to take to deliver 10k flyers?!

 

[MissyJ]

Thank you all so much for your responses. It has been a great help.
I have ordered some price lists, refer a friend cards, loyalty cards and also some gift vouchers incase anyone would like to purchase them for xmas presents. Will get some flyers made up too.

I Was worried about doing a flyer drop as I only really need about 3-4 clients a week to begin with until it picks up as I have another job & young children to work around.
So thank you Trinity for letting me know the 2% in 100. Makes it not so scary handing out so many.

I Just need to get my name out there, as most mobile techs by me charge £12-20 and I'm going to be £25.

Do you also ask people to put them up in shops? e.g. corner shop or chip shop etc?
Thank you xx

 

[MissyJ]

Also my Facebook is Krystals Beautique

https://www.facebook.com/krystalsbeautiq/

If anyone fancies a nosy, any feedback would really be appreciated. I've only just started it so need to build up a more client pictures. Thanks. Xx