So I was taking a shower and thinking about my press-ons business, and it hit me. I started reflecting on what's worked and what hasn't, and I realized there are a few things I wish I had known before I started. If my bestie told me she was thinking about starting a press-ons business, I'd give her these five tips to help her avoid some of the mistakes I made or have some knowledge so she can manage or navigate those situations and know how to move forward. And why not share them with you too?
If you are a press-on nail artist, there are some actions that you should avoid to guarantee the prosperity of your business. Even though it's impossible to avoid the complex process of establishing and running a business because it's necessary for development and learning, as someone who has been in the industry for two years, I want to share five things that I wish I had known when I started my press-ons business.
1. Don't spend all your money on nail supplies. Think marketing.
While having the latest and greatest nail supplies is important, saving money for marketing your business is equally important, if not more.
I understand that it can be difficult to navigate the overwhelming amount of nail products available with just a click of a button and quick delivery. The industry is constantly introducing new brands, products, and technology, making it seem like we need to have it all to have a successful business. However, this is not true. It is impossible to purchase every single item, and doing so will leave you broke with a surplus of inventory for a hobby rather than a business.
One of my mentors shared that 80% of my business budget should go to marketing and 20% to supplies. A few colors, embellishment items, essential gels, and brushes can get you so far, especially at the beginning. For the other 80%, you will need to invest in your website, ads (later on) apps. No matter how great your press-ons are, if nobody knows about them, you won't make any sales. So, be strategic about your spending and make sure you allocate enough funds for marketing.
When managing your finances, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. Whether you're looking to create a budget, save for a big purchase, or invest your money wisely, there are plenty of tools and tips out there to guide you. While pursuing your passion can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be challenging to balance the creative side of things with the practicalities of running a successful business. That's where a solid plan and actionable steps can make all the difference.
One resource you might want to explore is the Press on Portal. This platform is designed to help you save time, money, and energy while turning your dreams into reality. It offers a range of tools and resources to support you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey, from refining your idea to launching and marketing your press on nails. So, if you're feeling uncertain about how to turn your hobby into a business, I know, I was there too; just remember to take things one step at a time and seek the resources to help you get there.
2. Don't neglect your product pictures.
Like nail art, taking pictures is an art; you need to practice to find your style and attract your audience. Taking pictures of your press-ons is just as important as creating them.
In the beginning, I was concerned about needing an expensive camera to capture ideal Instagram photos. However, I didn't have the funds to purchase a professional camera, which I wouldn't know how to operate anyway, and would need to invest more time and money to set up and learn. But here's the thing - your phone works better, faster, and is much more affordable!
Yes, whatever phone you have it probably was a powerful camera that you already know how to use, it's easy to set up, and you can edit and upload pictures or videos directly from there. I cannot tell you how much time I wasted transferring files from hard drives to computers to apps, and it's just not worth the effort and energy—next, lighting. Seriously, taking advantage of natural light is the way to go - it can make your photos look amazing. I spent a lot on finding "the perfect light," Now, my brand is built on natural lighting pictures; that's all I use. And, if you want to get really fancy, you can add some everyday objects into your shots, like fabric, plates, or plants. Trust me, it's all about the aesthetic.
Do not worry if you're unfamiliar with product photography, as I was once in the same boat! However, I invested in courses and coaching to acquire the skills necessary to capture THE money shots. Fortunately, the Press on Portal has just launched a product photography masterclass that covers everything you need to know to elevate your press-on nail pictures.
3. Don't rely on social media only to promote your business.
While social media is a great tool to advertise your press-ons, it shouldn't be your only marketing strategy. Create a business plan and learn how to be strategic about your content. Growing your email list, for example, is a great way to reach potential customers and build a loyal following.
I asked Jerri, the owner of Dippy Cow Nails and The Press on Portal innovator, about ways to increase sales and attract more clients. She explained that achieving this requires a comprehensive approach, including content creation and promoting press-ons. She stressed the importance of creating an email list for the business. This is because an Instagram profile can vanish without warning, which has happened to many artists before. If this happens, what can you do? Having an email list is a valuable resource to rely on because it provides a way to connect with your audience that trusts and works with you for years.
Jerri recently discussed marketing strategies and how to safeguard your social media accounts in case they get deleted on a live call shared on The Press on Portal. These are important aspects of running a business, and being aware of them can help you be prepared instead of scared. If you're interested in learning more, give the call a listen.
4. Charge for your work.
Don't just randomly pick a number when pricing your press-ons. When it comes to pricing your press-ons, it's crucial to consider all the expenses involved. You'll need to factor in materials, printing, shipping, software, your time, and any education or skill-building you've invested in.
It might be tempting to just guess at the price, and guessing prices due to emotions like guilt or the pressure of making a sale is not the best approach. Instead, take a moment to write down all the costs associated with creating and selling your press-ons. Once you have a clear idea of what goes into making them, you can do the math to determine a fair price. To make things easier, you could use a pricing guide. These tools can help you figure out what others are charging for similar products and what customers are willing to pay. Armed with this information, you'll be better equipped to set a price that's fair to you and attractive to your potential customers.
Remember, a well-priced product is one that benefits everyone. You get paid fairly for your hard work, and your customers get quality products at a reasonable price. So, take the time to research and set a price that reflects the value of your press-on nails. It may require some extra effort, but it'll pay off in the long run. To start, here's a press-ons pricing workbook available and ready for you.
5. Education is key.
Set aside a little savings pot and put some money away for courses and education. It might hurt at the moment, but creating this habit of saving will benefit you in the long run. Thanks to technology, many professionals in the industry offer online courses that are accessible, affordable, and more personal for us to learn anything we need to know about anything! If you want to learn about press-ons, there is The Press ons Portal; if you want to learn marketing, there are a ton of social media gurus available; if you want to learn nail art or become certified with a brand, we can do it and thanks to online education.
By investing in your skills and training, you'll become a better press-on nail artist, meet other professionals in the industry, and create valuable relationships that can help you grow your business. Remember that these relationships are often more important than your personal friendships in terms of building your business. Investing in online education is definitely worth your time and money. It has been one of the best decisions I've made for my business. You never know what opportunities may arise from taking those courses or the people you meet there. If you haven't found a community, this is where you can find a community of people who share the same interests as you. A community is essential for a successful business; there's no way around it. Trust me, I tried.
So there, bestie, are five tips for starting a press-on business. I understand that you're highly motivated to turn your passion into a full-time job and achieve big dreams like earning six figures annually, being featured in a magazine, or working with celebrity clients, but these are only dreams without actionable steps to turn them into achievable goals. If you need help in any of the areas mentioned above, click the links to find specific resources of things I have used for my own business or crafted by professionals in the nail industry.
Thank you so much for joining me today, and as always, let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or send me a DM on Instagram. I would love to help! Lastly, you can sign up for my free newsletter to never miss out on the latest nail tea. Have a great rest of the week, and I'll catch you next time. Byeee!
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