Coronavirus: Practical steps for your nail business you can implement today

Multi award-winning mobile nailist, Metta Francis, shares a number of practical steps you can implement to reduce the impact of coronavirus on your nail business…

Over the last few days, I have spoken to many nail/beauty professionals and business owners who are all feeling rather unsettled. Clients are cancelling appointments, events are being postponed, essential supplied are out of stock and some are self isolating, This is leaving many people feeling anxious and stressed.

While these are difficult times, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the impact of the coronavirus on your business.

• Communicate with your clients. Reassure your clients and keep them updated with a coronavirus update via your normal channel of communication – email, blog, text, social media, etc. If you’re still working, put their mind at ease by reiterating your high levels of hygiene but also set clear guidelines for anyone coming to see you. What should they expect of you (sanitising, disinfecting as standard, etc.)? What do you expect of them (for example, anyone showing signs of illness or that has recently travelled to a high risk area to rearrange their appointment)? Also, be sure to link clients to official sources for relevant information.
• Offer gift cards/vouchers. Due to social distancing and self isolation, you may find business becomes quiet and clients begin to cancel their appointments. This can be concerning but it is understandable in the current climate. To help with cash flow, why not offer a special discounted rate on gift cards or vouchers that can be used for future appointments. This will help bring in some income for now.
• Retail products for at-home use. With less clients booking a professional service, this is a great opportunity to retail products to clients can continue to maintain their nails at home. Look at retailing hand wash, hand sanitiser and moisturiser (very much needed now due to the increase in hand washing!) and nail specific items, such as at-home gel polish removal kits, cuticle oils and balms, cuticle treatments, and hand/foot masks. You can even put together special packages or gift baskets – don’t forget, Mother’s Day is coming up and this could also be a perfect present!
• Stay present. Less bookings doesn’t mean your clients have completely forgotten about you. They’re most likely too busy thinking about what they need to do to keep themselves safe. Stay present on social media so you’re still subconsciously on everyone’s mind – film short videos of your salon or mobile set-up, give an insight into your kit, as well as any new nail colours or glitters you have! Take lots of beautiful swatches, create designs on your own nails, create tutorials and keep everyone updated on you and your business. You can be the sunshine that they need on their feed!
• Work on business. Use any downtime to focus on the business and tick off all the tasks you’ve not had time to do. Look for the accountant you’ve been meaning to hire, file your expenses, set up or work on your website, or revamp your Facebook and Instagram pages. This could be a great opportunity to recharge and review your business.
• Take some time out. Unless you’re self isolating, don’t forget to go outside and enjoy Mother Nature. Be it for five minutes to look up at the sky, a short walk on your break or simply to get outside of your salon or workplace and clear your head.

I hope you found these tips helpful. We’ll all get through this together!

I’d love to know how you’re dealing with the coronavirus in your business. You can connect with me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

www.nailsbymets.com