Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Janice Smith on March 20, 2012 at 12:57pm

I closed my shop a few months ago and am working from home.  I have my regulars but need new clients.  I am considering using the door to door thing the Post Office now offers to market to this zip code and surrounding zip codes.  Has anyone used this?

Permalink Reply by Deborah Bonjouklian on March 20, 2012 at 3:04pm

Hi Rachel,  My business also started 2 years ago in my home.  I was completely new to this industry having made a career change and I had not worked outside of the home for several years so I started just with my friends.  Now, I see mostly referrals so I've grown even in this economy and without a storefront.  I did peer-to-peer marketing with a networking group for a year (BNI) and gained enough revenue to pay for my membership but I also came away with 2 regular clients so that was worth it for a year anyway.  This year I decided to try to learn how to use social media - it's cheap, effective and reaches out to everyone.  I also have two portable signs that I put in the front of my house when I have clients coming over - or on a nice day when people are out walking.  I've also gone door-to-door to the neighborhood businesses introducing myself and my business.  I will check out the Post Office idea because I do think people like to shop in their zip code and receive "real" mail once in awhile.  And lastly (sorry I'm going on and on!) I give everyone I think is even a remote possiblity as a client one of my cards and say "call me"!  Offering discounts to the people you do business with is also a way to get people in the door that first time.

Permalink Reply by Kirsten Kayser on March 20, 2012 at 3:54pm

Hello Rachel,

Were you working elsewhere previously and do you have any clientele or are you starting from scratch? It's always easier if you have a few clients already, and then like Deborah described, word of mouth is one of the best avenues of promotion. If you have to begin at ground zero, I would suggest trying to networking with some people; see if there's a hair salon or two nearby that don't offer the services you do. Invite the stylists/owner over for a complimentary service (just a mini-treatment is fine) so they can meet you, talk about what you offer, and give them cards to give out to their own clients. You'll want to make sure you have all your marketing materials in place so that you look professional from the start- business cards, brochures, client newsletters and a great website. You can also offer the stylists an incentive such as a $20 gift card to them for every 2/3 referrals they send you or whatever. The amount and what you're offering depends a lot on the area you live and the demographics. You can also ask them individually 'In exchange for sending me clients, what would you like in trade?'. One might like regular brow waxes, something that costs you very little; another might like a facial, another a body treatment. As long as they are sending you viable clients, you catch more flies with honey :) Do the best job you can do with each client, and remember, especially since it's in your home, to dress professionally and conduct yourself professionally. Be sure to post your wall certificates for continuing education or your affiliation with ASCP or professional esthetic organization so that clients realize even though you're in a home office setting, you are every bit as professional as someone renting office space.

Hope that helps a little!

Permalink Reply by Rachel P on April 3, 2012 at 1:28pm

Great suggestions. Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Tanya Eason on April 18, 2012 at 7:23pm

hi Rachel, i too am a home based esthetician. I have never advertised except by word of mouth, and flyers to personally hand out to friends of clients. Last October, I started using detox site specific body wraps as an add on treatment during facials. ( https://wrapsbytanya.myitworks.com ) My clients loved how easy they were to use but most of all the instant results of Firming, toning & tightening. This turned into them telling their friends and them wanting it too. I started doing wrap parties in my home and whoever would be willing to host one would get theirs free. The turn out was great. I made cash that night doing the wraps and I also let everyone know I was an esthetician who had great introductory facial prices.These wrap parties brought more business to my facial room. My most exciting wrap party was for the contestants of this years Ms America pageant.

Permalink Reply by Kirsten Kayser on April 19, 2012 at 11:13am

Rachel,

That's fantastic! I love your wrap party ideas and giving the hostess a free wrap! Keep the information coming! I bet the MS America pageant contestants was a neat experience!

Thanks for your input!

Kirsten

Permalink Reply by Jean-Paulo Yabut on April 19, 2012 at 3:11pm

Yes!!! Word-of-mouth; plus impressive website-we used Yahoo.com/Small Business, under $8/month; professional business cards-anyone you meet is a prospect client; Free Ads on Facebook, Yelp, Craigslist(but don't strongly recommend and be careful), Yahoo Local, Google, Bing, Mercantile, Dex, Yellow Page, and many more...most of all, prayer...daily asking provision from our great Provider. 

I continue to obtain over 50% of my new clients through Internet. I echo the comments of Deborah, Kristen and others. I also believe that "spend money in order to make money; he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."  Eye Do Lashes wish you well and never give up!

Permalink Reply by Kirsten Kayser on April 19, 2012 at 3:54pm

Yes, a beautiful website is a must! Not sure if you are all aware, but as a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals, you have access to a completely free website; you can customize it yourself, unlimited pages, pay-pal and on-line scheduling friendly, link to you-tube videos, and there are NO monthly or annual moderation fees, period. So it really is free! Feel free to compare it to what you're using or if you don't have one yet, now's a great time to start! www.ascpskincare.com- click on 'Career Development' and then Website. You can also find a number of examples of members websites!