AHFrancis Blog, Lash News
A Step-by-Step Guide to building your own Lash/Beauty business!
How do you start a new lash business? How do you get & retain clients?
There are so many things you need to consider when starting a new lash business as we mentioned below:
What is going to make you stand out from the competition?
At KG Lash Supplies we suggest you market research in your area:
- Check out other salons
- Check out their prices, offers & what brands they are using
- Check out what lash treatments they are offering
- Do they offer only lash extensions or do they offer lash lifts & brow lamination?
- Being trained in all of the above can make a huge difference as not one treatment suits everyone offering alternatives can increase your client base!
There are a few things that we would recommend you look into before starting on this journey…
- Investing in professional training with a branded accredited lash/beauty company
- Also check that the training academy you choose offers ongoing support, this is so important as you will need this, from time to time
- Research beauty & lash brands read reviews on products, CST & training
- Where are you planning to run your business
- Are you aiming to be a mobile therapist, one-man band & set up in your home, or setting up a salon & employing staff?
- Making this choice is tough & needs a lot of considerations ie: Costs, staffing, location, client base, renting terms leases, etc.
- Commitment is important as taking on too much too soon can be overwhelming!
- Starting smaller & growing organically is the best way.
- Make sure you get all of your case studies signed off & you get fully insured before offering treatments!
The Importance of Business Marketing…
Business Branding
- Brand recognition helps people identify your business & associate it with you & your treatments/products etc.
- Having a unique logo will set your business apart from competitors in the market where your clients can easily recognize you from other branded competitors
- Professional branding will add value to your business & build trust with your clients
- Define your target audience: understanding the demographics of the audience you are trying to reach
- Define your brand’s ethos: think about your brand’s values, messages & journey
- Create a unique identity: Choose a logo, & brand color guidelines that are creative & memorable
- Build a strong online presence: Promote your company/brand through social media
- Focus on professionalism & quality: Ensure that your products/treatments & manage your clients expectations
- Protecting your business brand: You can protect your business brand by registering your unique trademark/brand/logo
- Create a business profile on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok
- Create regular content & engage with your audience
- Use your social media to promote your lash/beauty business
- Use social media to advertise from time to time
- Create a blog to connect with your audience & increase your SEO rankings
- Create reels, videos, posts & Live stream to showcase your treatments
- Ask your clients to tag you & your business in their social media posts
- Use email marketing for example: Mailchimp to engage with your audience/contacts & share what’s new with you etc.
- Use email marketing to encourage existing clients to recommend you to their friends & family by offering them an incentive
- Optimize your website with relevant keywords to help people find you in search results
- Create a Google My Business account to control how your business appears in Google search results
- Create a loyalty scheme to encourage existing clients & attract new ones
- Collaborate with local influencers
- Register for free business listings in local online directories
- Feature in the local newspaper, do an editorial about you & your business
Keeping informed & staying ahead of the game will keep your lash business fresh & engaging on your social media.
Gaining new followers & keeping them is hard!
Engagement is challenging, that’s why we recommend setting time aside to create content.
Remember taking before & after images, create engaging videos, or if you’re feeling brave why not live stream to your audience?
Research & purchase only the highest-quality lash supplies!
Choosing a Professional Lash Brand…
This can be quite challenging as there are so many lash brands on the market!
Some professional lash suppliers offer sample-size lash glues & lashes & even smaller starter kits.
The best thing is not to overload yourself & feel pressured!
A good lash supplier will talk you through what basics you will need to get you going.
Buying lots of different lashes can be confusing when you first start!
Hints & Tips
Never buy more than one bottle of lash glue as all consumables have a shelf life once opened (please check individual lash suppliers’ recommendations & guidelines)
Any professional lash supplier will have all the information you will need with shelf life dates & storage details on their websites.
Always read the information provided to ensure you are purchasing the right level of lash glue for your experience.
Purchasing a fast-set speed lash glue (FASTLASH or EXTREME LASH) as a newbie lash tech is not recommended!
These lash glues may be a little too fast to set & this is not what we @kglashsupplies recommend as it can damage your confidence!
Using our KG Lash Supplies MASTERLASH is the lash glue we recommend to start with as it has a medium set speed.
Choosing the correct lash glue will make your lash retention better as you will be bonding the lash extensions to natural lashes correctly.
Longer-lasting lash extensions are every lash tech’s dream!
Using isolation lash tweezers & carefully isolating the client’s natural lashes also improves lash retention & prevents stickies!
Choosing the right lashes can be overwhelming in the beginning, what to choose:
It’s so hard to choose! Your lash training provider will advise the best place to start depending on what lash techniques you have trained in.
Always check in when ordering with your lash supplier on their website/online shop, or phone before placing your order as they will help you not make costly mistakes!
At KG Lash Supplies we are always at the end of the phone to support & advise you.
Incentives & First Impressions Recap…
- When you first start your business offering “ A sprat to catch a mackerel’ is a saying that comes to mind!
- Why not offer a discounted brow wax & tint with every set of lash extensions?
- A discounted brow lamination with every lash-lift?
- Introductory offers like discounts work & can increase clients.
- Make sure you don’t go too cheap as it is hard to put the prices up!
- Building your client base slowly & organically is the best way to build any business.
- Ask your clients to review you (give them a link to your website or Google page to make it easier for them) offer them an incentive to recommend a friend or family member & your clients will LOVE THIS!
- Make sure your website or landing page makes a good first impression!
- Join networking groups in your area.
- Join Facebook & Instagram groups in your area.
- Create an event & invite your clients & their friends.
- Network with local Gyms, Schools, local Shops & Businesses that will work well with your lash beauty business.
- Remember you are only as good as your last treatment!
- Clients are your best form of advertising as they are a walking talking advert for you & your business!
Being consistent is KEY here are a few tips below:
- Always doing the best you can do!
- Listen to your client’s needs
- Manage their expectations as best you can
- Always being professional
- Create a lovely experience
- Offer a loyalty scheme
- Offer a referral reward
- Offer excellent customer service always
- Keep your loyal clients engaged by sending them unique bespoke promotions & helpful tips via social media groups & email newsletters
- This will help keep you & your business present with your clients! They LOVE to be kept in the know
- Have price lists on your website etc.
- Print flyers of treatments & prices
- Consistent branding
- Remembering Birthdays & memorable dates relating to your clients!