While you may be the queen of blow drying, the up-do oracle or the nail art expert, the one thing you don’t learn in beauty school is the art of being an independent stylist. Going it alone can be exciting and rewarding; however, you’ll typically be managing lots of different jobs at once. From booking appointments to marketing, these extra jobs will be up to you to master.

The good news is, there are specialist tools available that will help you to achieve your goals, manage your salon business effectively, and most importantly, make a profit.

  1. Marketing Your Business

One of the biggest obstacles for a new salon business is attracting new clients and creating a loyal following. Marketing may seem daunting at first, but by starting with small and effective wins, you can move onto more advanced marketing techniques later.

  • A simple Facebook or Instagram page can be perfect for showing off your latest creations and styles.
  • Printed materials in the form of flyers, business cards, and price menus will also help you to spread the word.
  • Think about the people who will visit your business — they’ll be looking for new services, will need reassurances that you can create the look they want and will need a clear idea of your prices and how to get in touch with you.
  1. Customer Management and Satisfaction

When you make it easy for potential and existing clients to book appointments online, they are more likely to do so.

  • Allow them to book 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to pay and tip seamlessly from their mobile phone, and you’ll have them lining up at your door.
  • Client and business management tools like StyleSeat put you in total control of your bookings and payments, and they help you to get discovered by those who matter.
  • What’s more, your clients will receive automated texts and reminders, which can dramatically reduce no-shows and increase repeat bookings.
  1. Managing Your Finances

Another challenge of running your own business is that you are responsible for keeping accurate records and paying your taxes. The last thing you want is an IRS officer knocking on your door with a demand for back taxes.

  • It pays to invest in accounting software that will manage your bookkeeping tasks for you.
  • It may also benefit you to hire an accountant to guide you through your first year.
  • You’ll learn how to manage your books and organize your paperwork, as well as how to get a clear understanding of the tax deductions and credits you are entitled to.
  1. Ordering Supplies and Equipment

You’ll need to make lots of purchases to keep your business going and your clients happy. From hair dye and salon chairs to acrylic powders and massage oils, whatever your business, you’ll need to keep your stock levels in check and your salon well-equipped. Keep a salon supply list to make you have everything you need.

  • Choose suppliers that allow you to order these items online, that offer fast and reliable delivery, and have apps and tools that make it a breeze to order supplies.
  • If you are finding it difficult to keep track of stock, a stock-taking app will allow you to keep an accurate inventory and provide reminders when your stocks are running low.

An Exciting and Rewarding Future Awaits

Once you’ve decided to run your own business, it’s time to put your plans into action. Just remember — you don’t have to do it on your own. With more salon tools and apps at your disposal than ever before, you’ll be able to attract clients, offer them the latest booking tools and keep them coming back to you time and time again. Every stylist and salon can take advantage of these tools to start, grow and expand their business.

Learn how StyleSeat makes it easy for clients to leave reviews here. 

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