Marketing is a super valuable skill that everyone should know. For a Makeup Artist it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Marketing will set you apart from the rest. It’s more than just posting pretty pictures of your work on Instagram. With a little bit of work, creativity, and practice you can outshine the rest! These tips apply to everyone in every job but read closely for special tips for Make-up Artist. Here are 7 helpful tips to set you apart from the rest and none of them involve instagram! 

1. Positioning

   Regardless of what you are offering to the consumer you need to think about positioning. Everyone wants the newest and trendiest items or services. For example, there are thousands of mascaras on the market, but what made you want to try your current favorite? The positioning, that the mascara’s manufacturer told you that this product was going to do something amazing to your lashes. They positioned the product so that you would want it. There are most likely hundreds of mascaras that do the exact same thing as the one you’re currently loving but this company just positioned your favorite one better than the other ones on the market. You should position yourself and your services just the same way.

2. Targeting

This is a MUST for any business owner or person offering a service. Who is your target market? Think back to past clients or future clients you want to have. Are they male or female?  Are they married? Do they have kids? What’s their average income? Are they in the city? What ethnicity are they? What is their job? By defining who your target market is, you make it easier to market to them. I mean heck, you make it easier to find them. You know what hashtags to find clients under on Instagram. You know what Facebook groups to join. Defining your target market is one of the most important things you can do for your business. 

3. Offering

Offering is different from positioning. Offering is finding what makes you different from everyone else out there and making sure everyone knows what that is. What makes you different from everyone else? Is it experience, personality, creativity? Find what it is and make sure everyone knows what sets you apart from the rest!  You are offering that service to the consumer and that is what they will hire you for. 

4. Master your elevator pitch-

1. An elevator pitch is supposed to be a  quick “elevator ride” summary of whatever you are trying to sell. If your dream client were to walk into the same elevator as you, you have the whole ride roughly 20-30 seconds to sell them on your business. It is one of the simplest but most important things you can do.  Your pitch should be interesting and memorable. It should explain what makes your company, idea, or self unique. To create your elevator pitch 

   • Identify a goal- What do you want to achieve through your elevator pitch? Are you selling yourself, your company, your idea, or your services? In the end, after you’ve delivered your pitch what do you want to happen? 

   • Explain what you do- Start your pitch with a description of your topic. What is the problem you are trying to solve and how are you trying to help people? 

   • Communicate your Unique selling proposition- This should come after you explain what you do. 

   • Engage with Questions- Then ask an open-ended question. This should engage your audience. Get them involved in the conversation.  

   • Put it all together- Then put everything together into a 20-30 second conversation.

   • Practice- You know what they say “Practice makes perfect” Practice every opportunity you get. This way when you finally get your dream opportunity you are super ready. 

   If you need any more detail into creating your perfect elevator pitch check out this article! 

5. Network

Like any job, networking is super important. As a makeup artist, you should constantly be networking and talking to new people. Attend bridal shows, ask for customer referrals, make connections within your industry. Get your name out there and your work scene. I have found networking with other wedding professionals has been super important in me building relationships and my referral business. 

6. Build a portfolio

Speaking of your work. Make a portfolio! How are you supposed to book clients if they have no idea what your work looks like? Do make-up on yourself, on your friends and family, do make up for free. Make sure you have a wide range of looks and skin tones. Do it enough to create an amazing portfolio of work to show how capable you are. Clients love before and after images 

7. Create a Professional Website-

1. If you want to stand apart from the rest of your competition, you need to have a professional website. Instagram, Facebook or any other social media profile is great but many amateur makeup artists don’t really have a great looking site. Spend time and effort into building your site so that it can build credibility for you and put an A plus rating on your brand. 

Marketing is something that many beauty professionals struggle with because they are sometimes so consumed with the art of their craft. I know with following some of these tips listed above you will be able to clearly set yourself up for success and apart from the rest. I hope you enjoyed this read. Now go out and get that business!