A Reader Asked: If I Start my Own Aesthetics Business, How Do I Find Clients?
Great Ways To Find New Clients: Marketing Tips You Can Use
Finding new clients is something all professionals should be doing on a regular basis. Even if your schedule is full and you don’t feel as though you need new clients now, keep your eyes on the future. We live in a mobile society and people move. Other situations in life change as well, and clients who are very loyal to you now may, for reasons they cannot control, not be there for you in the future. With that in mind, marketing should always be at the forefront of the minds of all business professionals, including aestheticians.
Publicity Is The Key
It isn’t necessary to spend an arm and a leg on advertising to find new clients. Some of the best ways are the least expensive. Remember the old saying, “advertising is what you pay for and publicity is what you pray for.” But action taken to garner good publicity will always make your efforts stronger. Start with the clients you already have. Make sure they all know that you appreciate referrals. Encourage word of mouth promotions. Tell your clients that you appreciate their efforts by sending thank you notes to them whenever you see a referral. This will make them feel good and endear you to them even more, leading to more good word of mouth.
Speak For Your Supper
Make yourself available as a speaker. Call up non-profit organizations and let them know that you are available free of charge to speak to their group about the benefits of skin care. Follow up your phone call with a short note and you’ll be amazed at how many places take you up on your offer. Speaking to one group with twenty or more members and answering questions that the audience has, will establish you as an expert in their minds, and probably lead to more speaking engagements. Each speaking engagement, if you handle it properly and give out business cards, will lead to new clients.
Become A Media Star
Become available to local media. Call the local newspaper and ask to speak with the lifestyle section editor. Make sure that the editor knows that you are available as a source for any articles dealing with spas, skin care, hair removal, or any other aspect of aesthetics if they ever have the need. Being quoted in a newspaper article will increase your visibility and lead to increased business every time. The same is true for area magazines, radio and television shows, and even websites that are locally oriented. If you have a talent for writing, offer to prepare an advice column on skin care, or to write a one shot article on the rise in popularity of spas. Many times the editors will be glad to take you up on your offer.
There are many other ways to get your name out without spending a fortune. Try sending out a press release anytime anything significant happens in your business. If your company hires a new aesthetician or offers a new trendy spa treatment, the business page of the daily paper or the local business journal may print a short news story. And don’t forget business cards. Follow the three foot rule: if they are within three feet of you, give them a business card. Make sure that everyone you meet knows what you do for a living and how you can help them. Follow these tips and watch new clients beat a path to your door.
Looking for more promotion ideas for your Aesthetician business? Check out this previous post on Creative Advertising to Expand Clientele.
