Business

Are Facebook contests a good way to get my name out there?

April 26, 2014 | Bookmark +

I’m a new tech trying to get my name out there. I have seen a couple of nail techs offer contests on Facebook, such as “like and share and you could win a free manicure.” What do you think?

Answer

It is actually very difficult to run these contests because so many users have their profiles blocked so businesses cannot see their information. Also, you are not going to run a successful contest unless you already have a decent following. In my opinion, the best option for getting more likes on Facebook is to start with promoting your page to your clients — on your website, cards, etc. Make sure you also get your friends and family to like you. Take photos of the nails you do and tell the client you will post them on Facebook (don’t tag them in it). Once you get a few followers, you can start “boosting” posts. Choose to boost them to your fans plus their friends. They will see your post in their feed and hopefully you will start seeing more likes. Then when you boost another post, you’ll have an exponentially larger audience. Make sure you are boosting something that includes a picture — people love to see nail art, new polish lines, etc. You don’t have to spend a ton of money — just $20-$30 per boost — and you can boost one post a week or every 10 days or so, then less often as you reach more followers.
My salon has seen great results with Facebook reaching potential new clients and also nurturing relationships with current clients. We have clients come in all the time asking for specific nail art or a color they saw on our Facebook page. After being open only three months, we had over 200 fans (95% local).  

— Sally Parks, Plum Natural Nail Spa (www.plumspaaustin.com), Austin, Texas

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How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?

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As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?

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What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?

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Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.

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Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits?

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