How to Start a Beauty Business

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Starting a mobile, home or salon beauty business is an excellent opportunity to combine your love of beauty and wellness with a means of making money. Building your own beauty business provides numerous advantages, such as a flexible schedule, easy access to your exquisite treatments, and control over the general operations of your firm.

Starting a beauty business can be a lot of fun, but it’s also one of the most difficult stages, especially for new entrepreneurs. Equipping oneself with as much knowledge as possible can assist make beginning a business more manageable and, ideally, a smooth sailing experience for aspiring mobile beauty business entrepreneurs.

You may be enthusiastic about beauty, but do you understand its commercial side? If you aren’t, you should begin your trip by completing extensive market research to uncover hazards that will allow you to develop a more robust business plan. Before making a significant investment, not only of your hard-earned money, but also of your time and other resources, you must first analyse your rivals, target audience, and current beauty trends. After you’ve finished your study, you can finalise the services you’ll provide to clients. You can choose to specialise in a certain aspect of beauty, such as nails, haircare, or skincare, to mention a few.

It’s no secret that the beauty industry is booming. Valued at an estimated $532 billion and counting, it’s a market that any savvy entrepreneur would want to dip their toes in. As this industry evolves and grows, the competition grows with it. If you want your small business to stand out to consumers and remain profitable, you need to find your niche.

Your niche is your focus — your area of expertise. When starting a beauty business, you want to choose something you are passionate about and have some experience in. Choosing too large a niche will make it difficult to compete against larger corporations. Whether you’re developing products, marketing a service, or even vlogging, it’s best to choose one thing that you can specialize in.

Why start a beauty business?

When it comes to owning a business, a hair or beauty salon is a pretty safe bet – the beauty industry is valued at $532 billion per year. Beauty is also a steady business, often remaining unaffected during economic recessions.

But even if you have the skills, launching your own business can be a challenging process that requires patience and know-how. The cost of opening your own salon is around $62,000 for a basic setup, but it can go up to $500,000 or even more. No matter how much you invest in your new business, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure your salon’s success.

How much does it cost to open a beauty salon?.

Before mapping out your finances and securing funding, you’ll want to consider what, exactly, you need funding for. Here are some common salon setup costs for aspiring owners:

•           Licenses and permits: To open a salon, you’ll need a business license and any permits required in your area.

•           Premises: You’ll have to find a place to either rent or buy. If you choose to pay a monthly lease, you’ll likely have to provide a security deposit upfront.

•           Payroll: This involves salaries or wages for the employees you hire, and all the associated benefits you choose or need to offer.

•           Beauty Salon equipment: A salon requires a ton of equipment, like beauty supplies, sinks, chairs and beauty machines. You may also need a POS system, computer, business phone system and more.

•           Inventory: If you plan to sell cosmetics or other products, you’ll want to stock up on your inventory before opening.

•           Insurance: To legally cover your business, you’ll want to set aside money for a decent insurance plan.

These are just some of the many costs of opening a salon. Keep a checklist of possible salon expenses so you know what to account for when acquiring funding.

Can I get finance to start a beauty salon?

Salons are often seen as high-risk businesses, and many banks are hesitant to invest. However, there are many alternatives to traditional loans. Here are some popular financing options for salons.

Alternative lenders tend to be much more accessible (and immediate) than other sources of capital. If you need quick money, you might consider a term loan, asset-based loan, credit card or business line of credit.

Equipment financing.  You need a decent amount of equipment to run a salon, like chairs, sinks, machines and even reception fit out and computers. When you’re starting out, it can be difficult to afford all these purchases. With equipment financing, you’ll receive a loan to front these payments, so you can start off on the right foot without breaking the bank.

Rather than buying all-new equipment, consider leasing it to reduce the upfront cost. Some lenders also offer equipment financing, which uses the equipment as collateral; you would then make regular payments until the value of the equipment is repaid with interest.

How to market a beauty salon?

Marketing is an essential process for every business, but certain tactics work better for some businesses than others. When opening a local salon, you’ll want to focus on becoming a part of your community. Since you’re a brick-and-mortar business (i.e., you operate out of a physical location), building your local following is crucial for you to attract and retain loyal clients.

Salon marketing requires technique and consistency. Here are some tips for marketing your salon:

•           List yourself in online directories. To show up in digital searches, you’ll have to make sure your business is listed in online directories.

•           Manage online reviews. Consumers tend to trust online ratings and reviews to vet local businesses. It’s important to address every review you receive.

•           Offer referral discounts. If an existing customer recruits another client to your salon, you should reward the recruiter with some sort of discount. This will encourage people to spread the word about your business.

•           Create loyalty incentives. Loyal customers deserve special treatment. To show your clients you appreciate them, create incentives like discounts, punch cards and special promotions.

•           Utilize social media. Connect with your community by following other small businesses in the area, engaging with your target market and sharing behind-the-scenes content (like before and after photos of clients’ treatments) to build your credibility and cultivate brand awareness.

What are the steps to starting a beauty salon?

1. Create a business plan.

Writing a business plan should be your first step when starting any business. It provides you with a clear objective, outlines how you will achieve that objective, and gives you a good idea of what you need to do to be successful.

 “A business plan makes sure you set up a metric for success and consider the financials before you invest huge amounts of time and money in a new beauty business.”

Make sure you have a good understanding of the existing beauty market in your area, including how large it is, if it is growing and the trends. This will help you to plan exactly how you will compete against other salons and clinics.

2. Research your local laws and regulations.

Laws and regulations vary by where you live and what type of salon you are opening. For example, a salon that strictly provides hair services will require different licenses from a salon that also offers facials, body sculpting or cosmetic tattoo.

3. Find a way to make your salon stand out.

Think about what makes your salon unique. Is it the services you offer? Your attentive staff? Your customized  treatments? Whatever it may be, try to make it a focal point of your identity and grow your business from there. In other words, find your niche. Growing your business in a niche market is much easier than trying to succeed in a large, general market.

A niche market gives you more security against failure and a chance to find out what works well (and what doesn’t) for your business by allowing you to interact more closely with your customers.

4. Talk to distributors.

To obtain products for your salon – such as chairs, mirrors, washing and drying stations, products, equipment and machines, and hygiene items – you will need to contact a distributor. You can find local, wholesale or national distributors with local agents.

When you begin your distributor search, remember to shop carefully and consider every prospect. Look at price points and the customer support (like advice or consulting) different distributors offer, and ask if they offer any deals or perks.

5. Develop a solid client base.

As a salon owner, you should place your clients and their experience at the top of your priority list. This will create return customers who, over time, will form a reliable customer base.

6. Choose the right location to open your salon.

Whether you buy a building or rent a retail space, your location is one of the biggest expenses of opening a salon, and there are many factors to consider when making this decision. It should be in a well-populated area and easily accessible by car or public transportation. Also make sure you are far enough away from competitors that offer the same services as your business.

7. Hire a designer.

If you have the financial means, hiring a designer to help you create your salon, spa or clinic can reduce stress and ensure an appealing, functional workspace. A designer can help you determine an overall look and feel that is consistent with the image you want to project.

“Working with a designer ensures you are maximizing your revenue potential for the space.

You should know the dimensions of each area before you shop for equipment or furniture.

8. Focus on your staff.

Your salon is only as good as the people you employ to help run it. Because beauty is such a personal industry, it is vital to retain a skilled, knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Taking the time to train your employees thoroughly will help your business run more smoothly and maintain a professional reputation.

9. Think about your clients.

As you start out, gather feedback from your clients about what they like and don’t like about your salon or treatments. Outline in your business plan how you intend to meet client’s needs and wants as much as possible and show your customers that you value and act on their input.

10. Charge what you’re worth.

It can be difficult to decide how much to charge for your services, particularly when you are just starting out with your own business. After you do some research and get a ballpark idea of what someone with your level of training could charge, you should carefully consider your own skills and training and determine a price based on that – considering what others in your area are charging.  It is always a good idea to avoid being the cheapest. Although this will win you some clients, they are not necessarily the ones you want.  Customers who shop for the lowest prices on treatments will not be loyal.  You are better to build a regular client base that appreciates your quality treatment and are happy to pay what you are worth. 

Getting the in Business Mindset

You should assess whether your financial condition permits you to leave your employment and take on new expenses before starting your own firm. Perhaps you should start your business as a side hustle from home and work your way up to quitting your day job once you’ve built up a client base.

Do you want to see your concept become a reality? Fantastic. We’ve put together a checklist of everything you’ll need to know about starting a business.

Which beauty businesses are the most profitable?

What are the most profitable beauty businesses? READ THE ARTICLE

Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening industry is a multi-million dollar industry, worth an estimated $12 billion in profit annually. It is no surprise that the popularity of teeth whitening services continues to increase due to their affordability and convenience. Teeth whitening businesses have multiple ways of making money because they don’t just provide the service but also sell products like toothpaste, mouthwash and other related items. With the right marketing strategy, pricing and promotions, a teeth whitening business can easily become profitable in no time.

The cost of treatment varies but is generally much more affordable than going through a dental practice. On average, a single session costs around $100-$300 depending on what type of service is chosen and how many sessions are required for optimal results.

The need for whiter teeth has become an important part of overall health and hygiene, with people wanting to look better in social situations as well as professional settings such as job interviews or client meetings.

Non-Invasive Body Sculpting

The body sculpting business has seen immense growth in recent years, with the industry worth estimated to be at $4 billion by 2024. This is due to the increased popularity of body sculpting treatments and procedures, including weight loss and rejuvenation. The cost of these treatments depends on the client’s desired results, but can range from a few hundred dollars for single sessions or thousands for longer term packages. As such, it is no wonder that businesses offering these services are seeing large profits in this growing field.

Non invasive body sculpting businesses are the latest trend in beauty, and the industry is worth billions. This new technology has become increasingly popular as it offers an alternative to surgical procedures with minimal discomfort and no downtime for recovery. There are many advantages to choosing non invasive body sculpting over surgery, including a lower treatment cost than traditional methods.

Businesses that offer non invasive body sculpting services stand to make a large profit from this lucrative industry. Due to its popularity, many companies have begun offering treatments such as laser liposuction, fat reduction and skin tightening at competitive prices. Customers can achieve results quickly without taking time off work or putting their bodies through the stress of surgery or general anaesthesia. The growing demand for these services means they can be highly profitable investments in areas such as medical aesthetics or beauty salons.

Body Toning HIEMT

The body toning HIEMT industry is one that has been steadily gaining in popularity over the last few years. This is not surprising given the high profit potential of the industry, as well as its growing presence in the beauty and wellness markets. According to recent studies, the body toning HIEMT industry is now worth an estimated $10 billion – a figure that continues to grow with each passing year.

For many businesses wanting to get involved in this lucrative field, body toning HIEMT treatments can be a great way to increase their profits. Not only are these treatments relatively inexpensive for customers compared to more traditional methods like surgery or liposuction, but they also offer quick and effective results that leave clients feeling confident about their bodies.

Due to the effectiveness of these treatments and their affordability, these businesses are able to generate large profits for their owners and investors.

Many individuals have found that with regular sessions, results can be seen quickly – from weight loss to improved muscle tone. Along with these visible results comes increased self-confidence, making these businesses highly sought after by those looking for an effective way to improve their physical appearance without breaking the bank.

Anti-Ageing Treatments

The anti-ageing clinic business is big business. The industry is estimated to be worth billions and rising, as profit margins grow with increased popularity of these cosmetic treatments. It’s no surprise that more and more clinics are popping up around the globe, offering a range of services from Botox to fillers and peels.

The costs for these treatments can vary depending on the procedure, but this hasn’t deterred people from undergoing them in order to look younger for longer. While some clinics may offer cheaper rates than others, customers are willing to pay for quality – meaning those investing in anti-ageing businesses need to ensure they provide top notch services if they want their venture to remain successful.

With its massive potential for profit, running an anti-ageing clinic could be a lucrative opportunity if you’re looking for a new business venture.

Companies that offer treatments such as facials, botox injections and laser skin resurfacing have seen a surge in revenue due to the demand for their services. Despite the high cost of these treatments, people are willing to pay for them as they believe it will help keep them looking younger and more youthful.

Businesses that specialize in anti-ageing clinics also generate substantial profits from offering various products such as lotions, creams and supplements that can supposedly slow down the natural ageing process.

Cosmetic Tattoo

Cosmetic tattoo businesses are on the rise and with good reason. This industry is worth an estimated $6 billion dollars worldwide, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. The popularity of this body modification has grown exponentially over the last decade due to advances in technology and consumer demand for treatments that offer lasting results.

The cost for a cosmetic tattoo treatment can vary greatly depending on the service provided, but many customers report that their overall cost savings justifies the initial expense. As more people seek out these services, businesses will continue to benefit from increased profits as well as customer loyalty. For those looking to invest in a profitable business venture with staying power, now is an ideal time to become involved in the world of cosmetic tattoos.

This popularity can be attributed to the cost effective nature of the treatments and their lasting results. Many people are choosing it as a viable alternative to expensive makeup products that often require frequent reapplication throughout the day.

Cosmetic tattoos can range from permanent lip liner and eyeliner, eyebrow reconstruction, freckles, beauty marks and semi-permanent fillers such as lip blush or eyelash enhancements. The treatment prices vary depending on the type of work being done but generally start at around $250 to $1000 per session with a minimum of two sessions required by most professional technicians.

Lash Extensions

Treatments for lash extension services vary in cost depending on the length, amount and type of lashes applied; however, it is typically an investment that customers are willing to make as it can last up to four weeks with proper care. Furthermore, many clients opt for regular maintenance appointments in order to keep their look fresh and natural throughout the entire duration of their treatment. This creates a steady income stream for businesses offering such services.

Lash extension businesses have become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the fact that they provide a beautiful and long-lasting way for people to enhance their natural beauty. Not only are these treatments now commonly offered in salons and spas, but the industry is also worth an estimated $1.98 billion globally. This signifies just how profitable this business model can be, with many people spending a large sum of money on lash extensions each year.

Treatment costs vary depending on the type of lash extensions being applied as well as the location where they are getting done. The most popular option currently is mink eyelash extensions, which can cost between $150-$400 per application, depending on their desired length and fullness. Additionally, clients may need to come back every four weeks or so for touch-ups if they want to maintain their look over time.

Want to start a mobile beauty business?

A mobile beauty business can be a great way to get started without spending a lot on start-up capital. You will still need equipment, insurance and a number of other considerations before getting started but it could make your beauty business dream reality faster!

Please enjoy this video on starting your own mobile beauty business.

Get Trained

Learning beauty skills can be done in a variety of ways. You can attend an academy, get on-the-job training if you’re lucky, or take an online course.

Before investing in equipment or academy instruction, online classes might be a cost-effective way to see what goes into a beauty treatment. Why don’t you have a look at some of the fantastic courses available at Your Beauty Courses while you’re here? We even provide free beauty lessons, so you can get started right away.

We would also like to offer you a 50% discount on your first course even if it is already on sale so you can get into beauty sooner.

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What next?

It’s easy to come up with a list of roadblocks that stand in the way of starting your business. Creating a list of opportunities that are right in front of you is often more difficult. If the idea of beginning a business with no money makes you nervous, take a moment to consider what you can live without right now.

What are the most important aspects of your company? When you’ve only perfected three things for your new store, do you really need a sleek, custom-designed website? Instead, you might create a Facebook page to advertise your local business. Would it make more sense for you to use Canva to create your own marketing materials? Would you be willing to trade your services for someone else’s?

To say there are multiple free resources available on the internet would be an understatement. Make a list of everything you’ll need for your firm, and then look for free alternatives on the internet. It may take some time, and you may need to learn some new digital skills, but you’ll save money when you need it most.

Bounce Ideas

When it comes to starting a business, there are so many factors to consider that it can be overwhelming. But you’ve got this! To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should begin by being prepared. Use the internet, make lists, do the math, and talk to your pals. From time management to family and finances, you must have studied every facet of how establishing a business would influence you.

GET A BUSINESS PLAN

Are your finances ready?

Taking money out of your savings account isn’t ideal, to be sure. Nonetheless, it’s a rather typical habit among business owners. Be honest with yourself while creating your company plan regarding how much money you’ll spend and how much money you’ll likely make. Then, be honest with yourself about how long it will take you to make a profit. It usually takes at least six months for any money to start rolling in. Set a goal of saving at least six months’ worth of living expenses so you can focus on your new venture.

What about business structure?

You must decide whether you will operate as a lone trader, partnership, trust, or corporation. Each structure has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, as well as tax reporting obligations, so it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a skilled financial consultant or civil lawyer. Set up a partnership structure and agreement if you’re going into business with a friend.

You name it

Every country has its own website where you can apply for registration by filling out your personal information. It’s critical to conduct a trademark check to ensure that your company name isn’t too similar to another’s, or you risk facing legal issues. While you’re at it, secure your company’s website names and social media usernames.

GET A BRANDING PLANNER

Create a website and social channels

Any business must have an internet and social media presence. Although this may be a chore best left to the professionals, there are numerous DIY website builders to select from, including Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, and WordPress.

If you need help setting up your website or social media, there are some inexpensive choices available, such as Fiverr or Upwork, which can set things up for you for a modest charge. GET A SOCIAL MEDIA PLANNER

Funding yourself without finance

Using your own money is the greatest method to start a business, but this isn’t always possible. It’s sometimes preferable to get started producing money right away.

You can always start with a scaled-down version of your dream salon if you want to avoid finance but don’t have all the funds you need to start the perfect salon. Go mobile or clean out the spare room at home. People like the “come to you” beauty option since it eliminates the need for a physical location and all of the associated expenses.

Begin by purchasing the treatments you can afford and work your way up from there. Whatever you decide ….Just start!

Your Social Media Account

We all live in a world that is dominated by social media. Social networking is a method for people to stay in touch with their friends, family, and favourite businesses and brands. It is critical for salons to have social media accounts in this digital age. Unfortunately, having an account isn’t enough; target clients and potential clients must desire to visit and follow the page. Many salon owners struggle to encourage their consumers to engage with their social media accounts and glance at them. It must be interactive, informative, fascinating, and fun for customers and new customers to look at the page. Here are five strategies for increasing traffic to your salon’s social media pages.

Tips to Social Media traffic

Contest and Give-aways. People enjoy winning prizes and receiving free cosmetics. For example, provide someone who likes/follows your page a free add-on treatment or a beauty product in exchange for reposting the competition rules. This will help you acquire visibility to potential clients by increasing traffic and attracting new visitors to your page.
Offering discounts on items or services in exchange for group deals is a great method to convert visitors into followers.

After the customers have received their treatment, ask whether you can take images of them and tag them on social media. Make sure you get a signed photo release. GET SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Some customers are ecstatic when they receive a discount on beauty items or services. Others are intrigued by freebies! Offering exclusive promotions and discounts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter may be a fantastic method to entice customers and future customers to like and follow the salon’s page.

Discounts should be used with caution, as you don’t want your clients to expect a discount every time they visit you. This isn’t a very profitable scenario. Discounts and sales should be used sparingly; you want it to feel like a treat, not a right.

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You’re probably aware that several of the most popular social networking platforms, such as Instagram, only allow you to have one link. So, what are your options? You want to highlight your most popular links, but they aren’t visible on the mobile version of your website. There is a way out. You’ve surely noticed some people’s pages contain a link that leads to a beautifully designed website with links and even video.

It’s a straightforward application that not only builds the ideal links page, but also allows you to track analytics to see how people engage with it.

We have done a deal with Biolink Creator so you can get unlimited free Biolink tools for your business.


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To a salon or clinic, word of mouth is everything, therefore encouraging consumers to share, retweet, or mention your salon in a post is crucial. People use social media as a reference; if they see others post a few products, services, locations, or events, that firm or destination gains credibility. So, if your customers share, retweet, or tag the salon in a post, give them something unique. The more people who know about your salon, the better.

Showcase your salon’s exceptional team, and consumers will flock not only to the page, but also to the doors. Post photographs of the before and after. People are astounded at the metamorphosis that occurs from the beginning to the end. This demonstrates to customers your salon’s distinct skill set and breadth of talent.

You can also use videos to promote your salon’s talent. People are always trying to figure out how to accomplish the latest trends, so demonstrate it to them. How-to videos are a fantastic method to attract new consumers to your salon’s website and have your material spread.

Tags/Hashtags are essential for social media presence. Using hashtags and geotags is one of the most effective strategies to increase traffic. Hashtags are a way for individuals to find things on social media that they are interested in. They’ll be able to find you thanks to geotags. Combining the two will help you attract locals to your salon or clinic.

Get insured

If you’re going into business you are going to need insurance public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and workers’ compensation are “incredibly essential” and companies should throw in director and officer insurance, too.

Seek expert advice from a financial consultant or a reputable accountant on the best way to structure your assets.

Set up accounting and booking systems

There are a number of excellent salon booking systems available, some of which are free or free to test. Check out all of the charges before committing; switching over if it becomes too pricey can be extremely tough.

When it comes to record-keeping, every business has legal and tax requirements, and it pays to get it right the first time.

You can go the traditional route and hire an accountant, or you can use one of the many commercial small-business accounting software packages available, such as Intuit QuickBooks Online, MYOB, or Xero.

Do you need an Accountant?

  • Are you able to handle your accounts on your own or do you require the services of a professional?
  • Do you require assistance in forming an entity?
  • Are you aware of your company’s tax implications?
  • I would advise you to hire a professional accountant since he or she will be able to maximise your tax savings while also handling all of the time-consuming and difficult work for you.
  • Whenever possible, go to someone who has been recommended to you.

What about banking?

You don’t need a business bank account if you’re a sole trader, but it’s a good idea to have one anyhow. You don’t have to pore through your account every month to maintain track of business costs.

If you run your business as a partnership, corporation, or trust, you’ll need a separate bank account for tax purposes.

Understand your legal responsibilities and obligations under fair trading law. To learn more about labelling and packing standards, inventory management and systems, warehousing and distribution, warranties and refunds, consumer law compliance, and payments and invoicing, go to the appropriate government website in your city/state.

You may need to set up a business entity and or register a business name and apply for a business number. check with the government website in your state/country to ensure you are starting and operating your business legally.

What about staff?

If you have employees (or plan to hire them in the future), you should familiarise yourself with the awards you’re paying under and make sure you have contracts in place that spell out your (and their) rights and duties. This is something you should discuss with your accountant.

Finding beauty suppliers

Do you require items or equipment? It’s as simple as typing “manufacturer,” “wholesale,” or “supply” into Google to find sources, but make sure you do your homework beforehand.

Shop around; you want quality, but you also need to be able to afford it, or you won’t be able to make any money. If you can locate companies that offer private labels, you will be able to expand your company’s social media profile. Clients enjoy posting images of themselves using their new and favourite goods on social media.

First of all, let’s decide on what your need:

Decide what treatments you want to offer

  • What skills do you have or can you quickly learn?
  • What types of therapies do you prefer?
  • Do you prefer machine-assisted or hand-assisted treatments?
  • What therapies will generate the greatest revenue each treatment?
  • What services are offered by salons and home therapists in your area?
  • What kind of customers do you wish to attract?
  • What kind of treatment options do you want to provide?
  • How much equipment do you think you’ll need and how much money do you have to spend?

Research Equipment

What do you need in terms of equipment for the treatments you intend to provide? You want to be sure that the equipment you acquire and the services you provide will bring you the most profit.

  • How much room do you have available?
  • How much money do you have to spend?
  • Which device provides the most value for money?
  • How much manual labour is required, and what does the machine accomplish?
  • Do you prefer brand new or do you prefer second hand?
  • Is a moveable couch something you want or not? If not, do you prefer a static or an electric couch?

Choose what products you want to use

  • Do you wish to appeal to a specific demographic, such as vegans, organics, or anti-aging?
  • Do you want your own brand (private label) on the products?
  • If you choose a professional product, what is the minimum opening order?
  • What kinds of products do you think your target market might be interested in?
  • Are you planning to sell as well as use the products?
  • Do you want to provide many product lines?
  • How much emphasis will you place on product retailing?
  • What kind of products do your therapies necessitate?


Purchase sufficient supplies

Aside from your equipment and materials, you’ll need a lot of towels, masks, gloves, and sheets for your sofa, as well as slippers and gowns if you’re undergoing any treatments.

Price your treatments

Clients rarely shop for beauty treatments only on the basis of pricing. Many clients would believe that your services are inferior if you price them too low. We’ve discovered that pricing in the middle of your area’s price range is the most desirable.

Clients have a higher perceived value in sales and treatment packages than in a low starting price.

  • Clients always love freebies and gifts so save some room in your budget for treats!
  • What is the going rate for at your competitors?
  • How much should you charge per hour/treatment to break even?
  • Will the treatments you’ve chosen pay you a decent hourly fee for your time?
  • Do you want to start expanding your customer by offering special introductory prices?

Create a Treatment Menu

A printed A4 sheet from your home printer won’t cut it if you want your treatment menu to look professional and inviting. There are a many online print companies where you can design your menu and get prints at low prices.

What design and colours are most appropriate for your company?

  • What kind of design do you want? Is it better to make a simple DL flyer or a folding brochure?
  • What is the maximum number of treatments you wish to provide on the menu?
  • Do you want to focus on one or a few treatments, or do you want to offer a wide range of services?

Create a marketing strategy

Whether you have a large budget or are on a shoestring budget, make sure to communicate your “why” with the world and engage with people on social media. Using keywords appropriate to your target demographic and SEO tactics to increase your Google ranking, you can attract customers to your site by creating content through a blog.

When you’re ready to go public, look for DIY public relations kits or use a service like Handle Your Own PR to help you.

  • How much money and time do you have to spend on marketing?
  • What kinds of advertisements do you prefer to see?
  • What kinds of advertisements would bring in the most customers?
  • What kind of advertising would you use to attract the clientele you’re looking for? Leaflet drops, local stores, local papers, local publications, local newsletters, and word of mouth are some of the methods used.
  • Remember that word-of-mouth advertising is frequently the most effective type of marketing, so try drumming up business with friends and neighbours and let them do the talking.
  • Set up a ‘referral scheme’, for example, and offer rewards. If an existing client refers a new client, the old client receives a 10% discount on their next treatment.

Opening offers/sales

It may be beneficial to attract customers with opening deals in order to get them through the door. You can either provide a monetary discount (specified amounts or percentages) or a complementary treatment with any or all treatments (for example, a complimentary back massage with every facial booked).

This can also assist you in promoting remedies that you prefer or are knowledgeable about.

What about a premises?

If you want to open a physical location, you’ll need to determine whether to purchase a commercial property, equipment, or sign a commercial lease. However, obtain professional advice from accountants and solicitors before signing anything.

They’ll know what’s ideal for your company as well as the tax ramifications of each alternative. Don’t forget to arrange a fantastic launch party now that you’re up and running!

Do you want to work from home?

Before you spend any money on establishing your business, you must first determine whether it is fit for a home-based beauty therapy business. You need to consider the following:

  • Do you have a separate entrance to your treatment room or easy access to it?
  • Is the space suitable for the therapies you intend to provide?
  • Is there a bathroom available?
  • Is there parking available for your customers?
  • Is there any security or gates that make it difficult for your clients to get in?
  • What are the rules of your local government?

Are you going to rent/buy a premises?

  • Is a full-service salon required, or can you hire a room in an existing clinic?
  • What are your responsibilities in terms of rent? Do you have to pay any rates or other expenses for your stay?
  • How much would the premises cost you per month, including all expenses?
  • How do your outgoings fit into your financial plan?
  • How many treatments are required to cover the costs?
  • How much of your weekly income will be spent on rent?
  • Will you be able to pay your rent and make a livelihood if you don’t have enough customers?

What about the phone?

  • Do you want to utilise your existing land line for both business and home, or do you want to set up a second land line for business, or just use a mobile line for business?
  • It’s probably better to keep your personal and professional lives separate, and you’ll need an answering service regardless, as you won’t be able to take calls while in treatment.
  • While in treatments, make sure your phone/phone/answer phone is turned to “silent” and, ideally, keep it outside the room entirely.

Contact your local council

Find out what actions you need to take to work from home or open a salon by contacting your local government.

The council’s approval will be contingent on a variety of factors, including parking, salon setup, and even special neighbourhood restrictions.

The majority of the criteria are related to health and safety (see below). After you’ve finished the job, the council will do another inspection, and if they’re satisfied, you can start administering treatments.

Decide your opening hours

Do you want to stay open late? Do you wish to open on Saturdays and Sundays? What kind of customers do you hope to attract, and when will they be able to visit you?