Embarking on the journey of starting a nail tech business in 2023 can be an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of launching your own successful nail tech business. From acquiring the essential skills to effectively promoting your services, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an experienced nail technician looking to venture out on your own or a complete beginner with a passion for nails, this guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you get started on the right path.
Acquiring the Essential Skills
Nail Technician Certification: Its Significance and How to Attain It
In order to become a nail technician, you need to complete an accredited training course so you can obtain insurance to work on real clients. During your nail technician course, you will also learn the necessary information and skills to be able to carry out treatments in a professional and safe manner. It is important to choose an accredited nail course as this means it has been deemed of a high enough quality to be educating nail professionals to a satisfactory standard. You can get your nail technician certification through a variety of training options. This may include attending a college course (NVT or VTCT qualifications), day nail courses or online nail courses. For more advice when it comes to choosing your training provider, check out our blog post here.
Continuing Education and Skill Enhancement
Once you have your nail technician certification, it is important to continue to build on your skills and keep learning, so you can be the best nail technician you can be. Invest your time and money into additional courses, practising as much as you can and absorbing new information available from industry leaders. By continuing to learn and develop your skills, you will be able to boost your income and grow your beauty business.
We offer a range of add-on courses here at Blossom Academy, including our best seller Perfect Prep and Builder Gel where you can learn how to create the perfect builder gel overlay and make them last.
Building a Portfolio and Showcasing Your Work
In order to attract clients for your beauty business, you need to build a portfolio and showcase your work in the best way. Make sure to have your own style and take high quality photographs of your work, using good lighting. Share your work via social media and/or create a website to show what you can do and the treatments you offer. Read more about marketing strategies to grow your beauty business here.
Establishing Your Business
Creating a Business Plan: Defining Your Specialisation and Target Market
Before you start offering treatments/services to real clients, it’s a good idea to sit down and think about where you want your business to go. What do you want to be known for? What will your USPs (Unique Selling Points) be? Then start to think about who your dream clients will be. What are their demographics? Their aspirations? Their desires? What are they doing in their spare time? This will all be really important when it comes to marketing your beauty business and attracting dream clients.
Registering Your Nail Tech Business: Licences and Permits
Depending on your country, you may need certain licences and permits in order to set up your beauty business. Make sure to check with your local council to see what information they need to know. You will also need to register as a sole trader (self employed) in order to pay taxes on your beauty business income.
Selecting an Appropriate Location and Setting Up Your Salon or Studio
Will you work from home? From a salon? Or will you be mobile? You need to think about where you will work from and weigh up the pros and cons for each one before making an informed decision. You will also need to consider overhead costs that come with each one as this will impact your pricing.
Nail Tech Equipment and Supplies: Vital Elements for a Beauty Business
In order to offer any treatments, you will need the necessary equipment and supplies! You can download our free equipment checklist here to get you started. Make sure to do your own research and choose the right brand for you.
Developing Your Services and Pricing
Nail Service Offerings: Choosing the Right Services for Your Target Market
Now you know who your target market is, you need to choose which services they will be looking for. Will you offer natural nail treatments? Nail enhancements? Gel and/or acrylic? Luxury style treatments? Pedicures? There are so many options to choose from! Try and do some market research by asking your clients or potential clients what they would prefer.
Pricing Strategies: Striking a Balance Between Profitability and Competitive Pricing
Getting your prices right can be a challenge at first but above all else, you need to make a profit! You have invested in your training and products, so now it’s time to turn it into a business.
Here’s some top tips for when it comes to setting your prices:
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- Don’t start too low – offer an introductory price for the first 10 people instead.
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- Don’t compare your prices to others in your area – base it on your own overheads and aspirations.
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- Experience does not = more skills and being able to charge more.
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- Your clients come to you for you and your work, not low prices.
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- Keep investing in you and your business/skills so you can keep increasing your prices
Specialisation and Differentiation: Standing Out in the Nail Tech Industry
In order to stand out in the nail tech industry, you need to be the highest quality standard of nail technician you can be. Although there are many nail technicians in the beauty industry, there are A LOT of women who have their nails done on a regular basis, so there is enough custom for everyone.
Some ways you can stand out are:
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- Provide personalised services – go above and beyond for your clients, to give them the best experience and want to keep coming back time and time again. Take time with consultations to provide a bespoke service.
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- Add luxury elements – such as hot and cold drinks, luxury products, add-on treatments and a beautiful environment.
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- Keep learning – make sure you’re up to date with the latest products and techniques.
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- Remember, nobody else is YOU and that’s your superpower!
Marketing and Promotion
Establishing a Brand Identity: Logo, Colours, and Branding Elements
Start by creating a moodboard with your brand inspiration to use when creating your brand identity. Work with a designer to bring your ideas to life! Use your brand identity consistently across your business and remember to show the face behind the brand too.
Building a Professional Website and Online Presence
Build a website so clients can find you on Google – make sure it includes everything your clients need to know such as photos of your work, services, prices, where to find you, policies and how to book. Set up your social media profiles on your chosen platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Check out our social media, business and photography online course for more advice when it comes to optimising your profiles and attracting your dream clients.
Utilising Social Media to Reach Your Target Audience
Social media can be a really powerful tool when it comes to promoting your beauty business and reaching your target audience. Make sure to get your profiles set up and start posting consistent content to show people your work, your salon, any USPs and the brands you use. You could also post transformations and behind the scenes style content. Remember, you want to answer a problem your target audience has, so show them they can get beautiful, strong nails when they come to you!
Networking and Collaborations: Forming Partnerships with Other Local Businesses
Connecting and forming partnerships with other local businesses can also be a really impactful marketing tool as they may not be direct competitors, but they have a similar target audience to you who could become potential clients. Try to attend local networking events or meet ups and connect on social media. The more people who know about you and your business, the more they can recommend you to people who are looking for your services.
Managing Operations and Customer Relations
As you get into the general running of your beauty business, you will start to create standard operating procedures. Make sure you are fulfilling your responsibility as a seller by having a set Terms of Business to set out your policies and expectations. This will not only help your clients to understand what is expected when they visit, it will also protect you and your business. Ensure you have a complaints policy in your Terms of Service and maintain a good level of communication for customer relations. All our course manuals come with a Terms of Service template for you to use in your beauty business.
Appointment Scheduling and Management Tools
Using an online booking system can really help with appointment scheduling, reminders and management. Some of our favourite tools are Fresha, Timely and Ovatu. Alternatively, you could use a paper or phone diary.
Hygiene and Sanitation Practices: Ensuring a Safe Environment
As a beauty industry professional, it is essential to provide a safe and hygienic environment for your clients. You will also need to have insurance in place to protect you, your client and business – get a personalised quote from PolicyBee here. Ensure you are following hygiene practices to avoid cross-contamination between clients and using disposable products where possible.
Providing Excellent Customer Service: Cultivating Client Relationships and Retention
Your clients will keep coming back to you for the amazing work you do and excellent customer service. Offering a personalised and bespoke service for each client where you really get to know their unique requirements will help with this. You can also add extras within your salon such as candles, music, drinks and add-on massages or scrubs. It’s all about providing a memorable and relaxing experience to retain clients.
Handling Complaints and Challenging Situations
When running a business, you may come across situations where you need to handle complaints or deal with more challenging times. The best way to handle complaints is to listen to why your client is dissatisfied, apologise and take on the feedback so it doesn’t happen again. If you have a challenging situation arise, make sure to stay calm and listen, don’t react straight away and take further advice if you need to.
Starting a nail tech business in 2023 requires a blend of technical skills, business acumen, and marketing expertise. By following the comprehensive guide outlined in this blog post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to launch your business successfully. Remember, perseverance and a passion for nails are key ingredients for long-term success. So, get ready to embark on this exciting journey and make your mark in the thriving nail tech industry of 2023 and beyond. Take the first step and train with Blossom Academy today! Online and in person ABT accredited courses available.
