9 Marketing Tips for Cosmetology Students to Grow Your Clientele
Want to grow your business as a cosmetology student? These modern marketing tips will help you stand out, attract clients, and slay the competition!
If you’re a cosmetology student in Austin, it’s never too early to start building your personal brand. With the right strategies, you can create a strong presence both online and offline.
1. Create Professional Social Media Profiles
Separate your personal social media accounts from your professional ones. Your hairstyling business needs its own Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok profile to showcase your work. Keep your brand consistent by using the same username across all platforms.
Focus on making your profiles visually appealing, with a clear bio that includes a link to book appointments, your location, and services offered.
2. Post Before-and-After Reels to Showcase Your Skills
Instagram Reels are a powerful way to highlight your transformations. Take before-and-after videos of clients, friends, or family members when you color, cut, or style their hair. Add trending music, captions, and hashtags like #AustinHairStylist or #BeautySchoolInAustin to boost visibility.
Encourage your clients to tag you when they share photos or videos of their hair so your work reaches new audiences.
3. Claim Your Business on Yelp
Yelp is still an important tool for local businesses. Claim your free business listing, add professional photos, and include all your contact information. Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews and respond to feedback professionally. A strong Yelp presence can help you build credibility and attract clients searching for a beauty school near you or hairstylists in Austin.
4. Follow and Learn From Leading Hair Pros
Stay inspired by following top hair pros on Instagram and TikTok. Look to hairstyling legends like:
- Jen Atkin: Known for her celebrity clients like the Kardashians.
- Ted Gibson: Famous for styling Hollywood icons like Angelina Jolie.
- Aura Friedman: Lady Gaga’s hairstylist and a master of creative color.
- Mark Townsend: Creator of stunning red carpet looks.
Analyze their content for ideas and see how they engage with their followers.
5. Use Instagram Reels for Special Deals and Offers
Reels are perfect for sharing time-sensitive deals, promotions, or referral discounts. For example, post a quick video offering a discount on your services for the first five people who book an appointment. This creates urgency and encourages engagement.
6. Take Advantage of Avenue Five Institute’s Marketing Resources
At Avenue Five Institute, our cosmetology school in Austin provides students with access to an in-house photographer and marketing manager. These resources can help you create professional images and improve your marketing skills while still in school.
7. Build a Website That Highlights Your Expertise
Your social media profiles should direct people to your website, which acts as your digital portfolio. Include:
- A gallery of your work (styled hair, transformations, etc.)
- An ‘About Me’ section to share your journey and training.
- Contact information and booking links.
- Clear calls to action like “Book Your Appointment Today.”
8. Start a Blog to Boost Your Online Presence
Add a blog to your website to improve SEO and attract local clients. Write posts targeting keywords like “Austin wedding hair” or “beauty school near you.” Share tips, tutorials, and your personal experiences to connect with potential clients and fellow stylists.
9. Collaborate With Experienced Stylists
Networking with established stylists can help you gain exposure. Reach out to local hairdressers, especially those in the wedding or special event niche, and ask if you can assist them during busy weekends. This is a great way to meet potential clients and learn new techniques.
How to Make Beauty a Business
Success in the beauty industry requires more than just technical skills. Beauty school students must learn key aspects of running a business to ensure success in their future careers. Avenue Five Institute offers a unique Beauty as a Business (BaaB) program that equips students with modern business and marketing knowledge tailored to the beauty industry.
Social Media Marketing From Beauty as a Business
Through BaaB, students learn how to leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase their expertise and build an online community. The program covers key topics such as:
- Content Creation: How to create eye-catching posts, videos, and Reels.
- Branding: Establishing a consistent and professional online presence.
- Engagement: Building relationships with your audience through comments and messages.
- Analytics: Understanding metrics to measure success and refine strategies.
With these skills, students gain the confidence to attract clients and grow their businesses online.
Additional Skills From Beauty as a Business
The BaaB program goes beyond social media, providing essential tools for running a successful beauty business:
- Photography: Learn to take high-quality photos of your work, using proper lighting and editing tools.
- Website Development: Create a basic website to showcase your portfolio and accept bookings.
- Live Video Skills: Master the art of going live on Instagram and Facebook to connect with your audience in real-time.
- Google Business Profile: Build your reputation and attract clients through Google My Business.
By combining these skills with your technical training, you can confidently step into the beauty industry as a modern professional.
Ready to Start Your Cosmetology Journey?
If you’re considering a beauty school in Austin, Avenue Five Institute offers full-time and part-time programs tailored to your schedule. With a supportive community, modern resources, and innovative programs like Beauty as a Business, we’ll help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed.
