Whether you’re planning to run your beauty business from a home-based space or you’re considering hiring out a venue, there are several steps to consider when opening your own salon.
From choosing your perfect location to securing your finances, and just as importantly, attracting your ideal clientele, let us take you through the steps to starting your own salon.
Step 1: Choosing Your Salon Location
When considering where to set up your business, there are several options you can choose from.
For instance, you could opt to set yourself up in your very own home salon. The benefits of operating your business out of your home go without saying: you can quite literally make the space your own, decorate it to your taste, and ensure that you and your clients feel comfortable, welcome and at ease during sessions. The best part? Operating out of your own home removes the need to commute elsewhere, saving you precious time and reducing your travel expenses.
On the other hand, some beauty business owners will choose to forgo the convenience of working from home in favour of the privacy and professionalism of working out of an established salon. If this is your preference, you can choose to rent a chair within an existing business or, alternatively, set up shop in a brand new storefront of your own. Keep in mind, however, if choosing to operate your business out of a rented venue, you may not have the same freedoms in terms of decorating your space.
But regardless of where your salon is located, the most important element to keep in mind is the ambience and atmosphere of the space. Whether you’re choosing to base your business within the comfort of your own home, or you’re hiring out a venue to host your clients, the key is to make your beauty space as enticing, welcoming and warm as possible. For ultimate cosiness, set the vibe with neutral tones, comfy furniture and soothing lighting and decor.
Step 2: Securing Your Finances
What’s a new business without financial capital behind it? Yes, if you want to start up your own beauty business, you’ll need to consider your finances. It’s a good idea to meet with a financial advisor to establish your goals and requirements, as well as an insurance expert to discuss business cover options.
Just as importantly, you’ll need to register your business with the tax office to ensure you’re paying your dues, as well as securing your business license. Understanding the legalities involved with owning and operating a business is essential, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the relevant industry regulations and compliance requirements.
Step 3: Attracting and Retaining New Clients
Just as a business’s success is reliant on having its finances in order, similarly, a successful business is nothing without its client base. In this sense, taking steps to secure a regular, loyal clientele is crucial for your beauty business to succeed.
But how do you go about doing this? The truth is, to attract customers, you need to put effort into your marketing. But in reality, having access to a huge marketing budget is not always realistic, especially when you are just setting up your business.
In the early stages, then, it’s a good idea to focus heavily on your social media presence. Building up your business’s profile on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok can help increase customer awareness of your brand and draw their attention to the services you offer. As your business starts to take off, you might also consider factoring some promotional ad spend into your budget. If you are considering paid ads, though, it may be worth engaging the services of advertising professionals or a digital marketing agency.
Of course, once you’ve attracted customers to your new business, another critical step is to retain them. It’s easier to keep existing customers than to source new ones, so treating your regulars like gold can help you establish a client base that stays consistent. Our advice? Consider establishing a loyalty program to keep your clients coming back. For example, you might like to offer a point system for discounts on future services or other loyalty bonuses.
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Starting your own business in the beauty space takes several steps.
As discussed today, you’ll first need to secure your salon location, whether that’s setting up your own shopfront, hiring a chair in an established venue, or operating your business out of the comfort of your own home.
Next, you must consider your finances, as well as familiarise yourself with all of the legalities, regulations, and business insurance requirements.
Lastly, you must take steps to attract your customer base, as well as keep them loyal to your business, to secure the longevity and success of your beauty business well into the future.
