In our step-by-step guide on launching any makeup business in Nigeria, I covered everything you’d need to start from scratch, including a free business plan template and equipment checklist. Now, I’ll show you how to market your makeup business to get more customers.
Every beauty business, including your makeup studio, needs customers to increase revenue and ultimately thrive. So, you must master effective strategies, such as using social media and attending local events, to acquire customers even as you strive to retain the existing ones.
If you’re a new freelance makeup artist or run a makeup studio, the following tips will help you get customers.
8 tips to market your makeup business
Tip 1: Take advantage of social media
Why should your makeup business bother about joining social media?
A huge part of marketing is meeting your target audience right where they are. And right now, it’s social media, as more people sign up daily.
According to a 2024 Datareportal survey, there were 5.04 billion active users across various social media platforms as of January 2024. Going by the Worldometer’s live global population of 8.1 billion people, well over half of the world is now on social media. In 2023, 266 million new users signed up on one platform or the other.
Most of your potential customers are on social media. With users spending more than two hours daily using social media, you have a unique opportunity to promote your business.
Get your business on social media and build a strong presence. In addition to being a powerful tool for marketing, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube are great ways to connect with potential and old customers.
Whatever platform you opt for, be consistent. Post regularly to stay on top of mind with your audience; at least once or twice a week is ideal. Ensure your content is engaging and visually appealing. Also, interact with your followers by responding to comments and questions quickly.
Tip 2: Set up an online booking system
Every makeup business should have a convenient way for customers to check for availability and book services anytime, anywhere. An appointment booking tool like Splice will make booking your makeup service seamless.
Attach the booking link across your marketing channels, including your social media profiles and website, for your customers to easily access.
Tip 3: Get a website
As a new business, you may lack the budget to build a website right now. However, ensure you get one as soon as you can afford it.
It’s common for businesses to think that a website is just an added expense with little upside. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Every 60 seconds, individuals worldwide, including your target audience, make 5.9 million searches on Google alone. That translates to about 8.5 billion searches daily. If your web page ranks top on Google search results, it’ll be clicked on two to three out of ten times. Every click is a potential customer.
Here’s how to get more makeup clients through your website:
- Invest in creating high-quality content optimised for the Google search engine, targeting what your ideal customers are searching for.
- Showcase your expertise and products online.
- Add your contact details and a link through which customers can book your services.
Tip 4: Put your makeup business on Google
Here’s why you need to list your makeup business on Google:
When potential customers search Google for a makeup studio, the search engine will immediately show them the top results on makeup studios near them. Now, imagine the potential clients you’d miss out on by not listing your business!
In the spirit of being where your customers are, list your business now. With Google accounting for 91.54% of the global search engine market, that’s where your makeup business should be.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to list your makeup business on Google Business Profile.
Tip 5: Invest in paid ads
In today’s competitive makeup market, knowing how to advertise makeup artist businesses can make all the difference.
Paid advertising is a quick way to reach new customers and increase revenue. Now, more than ever, it’s easier to get started.
To get the most out of your ad campaigns, you need to invest time and money targeting potential clients, adjusting the ads, and generally managing them. You can learn to do it yourself or hire an expert to handle it.
Common paid advertising examples include social media ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and search engine ads like Google Ads.
Tip 6: Offer first-time customers discounts
Everyone likes to get more for less. Your potential customers are no different.
Offer first-time customers special promotions and discounts. Among other things, the strategy can help tip the scale in your favour with customers who are still in the process of deciding between your makeup business and others.
Depending on your model, the discount can be ongoing or run for a set period, e.g., six months. Whatever you choose, Splice can help you automate the process so you and your team can focus on satisfying your customers. See the image below:
Tip 7: Reward existing customers for referrals
Ask your old customers to refer their loved ones and reward them for every successful referral. The reward, which serves as an incentive, can be a 20% discount on makeup products, a free makeup session, or 10% cashback.
People typically reach out to their friends, family, and more recently, online communities, for recommendations. Encouraging your customers to refer you will enable you to tap into this vast customer acquisition channel.
On your part, ensure you prioritise customer satisfaction and you’re excellent at what you do. Excellent businesses are easier to sell and satisfied customers make the best brand evangelists.
Utilise the Splice loyalty program feature to create and automate your referral-based loyalty program.
Related article: Customer Loyalty Programs In Nigeria: How To Build One And Why They Work
Tip 8: Engage with your local community
One effective way to market your makeup business is by getting involved in your local community. You can achieve this in several ways.
- Partner with complementary brands. Find other beauty brands, such as hair salons and nail studios, in your area; partner with them and offer discounts to new customers who book both services together.
- Work with other professionals. Event organisers and photographers, for example, often work with clients in constant need of makeup services. That puts them in the best position to refer you. In turn, you’ll do the same for them.
- Attend local events. Participating in events like trade fairs and expos is a great way to give publicity to your brand and get more clients.
Conclusion
After launching, the next step is mastering how to market your makeup business and get more clients because the survival of your business depends on it. This piece covers how to get more makeup clients in any makeup business, how to get clients as a freelance makeup artist, and ultimately, how to become a successful makeup artist in Nigeria.
Let Splice help you automate your business operations as you embark on your makeup business journey.
