How to Become a Successful Esthetician

 Sometimes, no matter how hard you work, it feels like your business is stuck. You aren’t booking many new clients, and that next step seems so far away.

Becoming an esthetician isn’t the same as being a successful one. Success isn’t something that just happens. You’ve got to work at it and be strategic.

We’ve gathered our favorite tips for leveling up your salon. A combination of skills and business practices will carry you from stuck to soaring!

Skills and tips that will lead to success in esthetics

If you’re already an esthetician, you’ve probably got an entrepreneurial mindset. With a skill set and certification, you only need a space to start your own business. Working in a salon or spa provides access to clients and learning opportunities.

But success isn’t something that happens overnight. These skills and tips provide a map for growth. Making that next big move might start today!

Being able to communicate effectively to clients

Communicating with clients is one of the most essential skills to develop. As a client-facing professional, your ability to make them feel comfortable and safe is priority number one.

Whatever system you’re using to book clients, plan to respond to inquiries within twenty-four hours. This helps new clients know that you take their needs seriously. Prioritize active listening both in person and through email. By restating the issue or concern they bring to you, you’re letting them know you’ve heard them.

Even when things get heated, and it’s inevitable, stay calm. Grace under pressure is a trait that clients are drawn to.

Set goals for yourself and your career

Creating a new business requires a game plan. Work on setting some SMART goals for yourself and your business. These are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. We like setting near-term and long-term goals, so there’s always a plan!

Near-term goals are things that you can achieve within a shorter period of time. That could be changing your scheduling software to something more efficient. Or mastering a skill you’ve already started working on. 

Long-term goals could be on the scale of years. You might have a five-year plan to open your shop or achieve a new certification in a complex modality. 

The best part about setting goals for yourself is that you can change them if they’re not serving you anymore! Remember, these are for your personal and professional growth.

No matter where you got your education, continue learning

Continuing education is one of the most effective ways to build your business. Getting out of esthetics school or a training program only provides the minimum required. Level up your skills by attending webinars and in-person training sessions to help hone your abilities. 

Specialization only comes through specific training. Providing a specific, hard-to-find service helps build your client base! So, as you grow, so does your business. 

Build a website that elevates your business

We see so many estheticians posting in community Facebook groups about their services. And while it might work for someone just starting, it’s not sustainable.

Designing a website for a first-time business is relatively easy through one of the many platforms. Squarespace is just one of the many small-business-friendly sites we’ve found. Elevate your business by providing your clients with all the information they need to understand your services and expertise.

You don’t need to be a web developer to create a site that reflects your business. Many branding agencies will work with business owners to create a beautiful website within your budget. The right one is informative and educational but also captures your brand identity!

Stay on top of your finances

Understanding your finances is the best way to grow your business. Choosing where to invest time and money requires knowing what’s happening with your funds. We recommend setting aside at least four hours weekly to manage administrative tasks. 

With this time, you can focus on balancing your books and seeing what’s working. You can also make a marketing plan, social media strategy, and promotions to keep your business growing!

Learn about retail services and sales 

Think of retail as passive income. The time you spend working directly with a client is the most important. But if you’ve got the right products in your space, anything they purchase on the way out is extra! You can carry everything from skin treatments to moisturizers and serums.

Careful planning of your retail services strategically provides the most value to your business and clients. Affiliating yourself with a brand or complimentary brands could bring in new clients. They’ll come to you when searching for their trusted product!

Be open to networking with as many people as you can

Networking is one of the fastest ways to grow your business. You're building a support system by connecting with other estheticians, either in person or online. Forums provide opportunities to get questions answered and feel camaraderie. But beware of using them to vent. It’s a small world!

Connecting with potential clients through community events and mixers can build your books, too. Tabling at markets or offering to teach a class on acne and skincare to high schoolers reaches clients where they are! 

Where to start in your career in esthetics

If you’re just getting started in the industry, you don’t have to go it alone. There are plenty of knowledgeable people willing to help you discover your passion!

Talk to people already in the industry

Finding a mentor in the industry is a great way to learn best practices. Their experiences and expertise can help fill in gaps in your knowledge. Choose someone whose business looks and operates like you’d want if you can.

Don’t limit yourself to only estheticians in your immediate area. Take full advantage of online opportunities to get the most out of your time.

Look for training programs and learning opportunities

Do one more thing during those four hours per week you’ve blocked off for running your business. 

Spend time looking for new training programs and learning opportunities that enhance your skills. When it comes to career advancement, building your skill set is vital. They also help you keep up with industry trends and innovations. Try to put one on your calendar every quarter!

Bosses in Beauty is here to help guide you to success in the world of esthetician work!

We created Bosses in Beauty after building a new business the hard way. Using our experience, we’ve developed courses to help you take things to the next level! Whether you’re just getting started or want to take a thriving salon even higher, we can help.

Check out Bosses in Beauty and see what value we can bring to you!