Here’s how one nail tech gained over 60K followers on YouTube
By Scratch Staff | 27 August 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
In just a few years, nail artist Natalie Mugridge has amassed over 30,000 Instagram followers – and a whopping 60,800 fans on YouTube. So what’s the secret to her social media success? Here, Scratch gets the lowdown…
“I posted my first YouTube video on 28 September 2017, the same month I completed an L&P acrylic sculpting course. I had planned to work on clients but my anxiety got the better of me.
“I was so new to the nail world, so saw the video platform as an opportunity for others to learn along with me. It was a great way for me to practice my newfound skills without the anxiety of working on clients, but I’ll admit that my early videos were pretty amateur! I have learned so much since then but I still like to keep my videos simple and straightforward.”
What do nail techs need to consider when starting a YouTube channel?
“Make sure you are able to upload consistently. Don’t post a few times one week then nothing for a few weeks. Spread the posts out and post the same day each week so people know when to expect new content. Being organised will help you a lot!”
What content gets the most views?
“I’m never sure how well a video is going to perform. Sometimes, I’m convinced I’ve created a set of nails everyone will want to see and it turns out to be a flop and vice versa!”
How would you describe the content of your channel?
“Light hearted, fun and arty – with a pinch of silliness. I don’t like to take things too seriously; it keeps viewers engaged.”
What are your top tips for creating great video content?
“You don’t need expensive equipment, but if you are going to spend money – spend it on good lighting and make sure you are in shot! People need to be able to see what you are doing.”
What challenges have you faced when creating videos?
“Sometimes I won’t have everything ready for the day I should be uploading so I panic in the morning to try to get something filmed for the evening. Create a bulk of work for any eventualities such as sickness or holiday; this way you will still have content to schedule so can remain consistent.
“I also have a partner, two boys, two dogs, and I help my dad out with his business so I can be very busy. I am fortunate that my kids are pretty good and let me work when I need to.”
How long does each video take & what equipment do you use to record/edit?
“This depends on the design I’m creating. It can take me a few hours from starting the nail design to uploading the video to YouTube. I’ve always used my iPhone to record the videos. Apple has its own software editing app called iMovie which I use to edit my videos as it does everything I need it to do and it’s free.”
To what do you owe the growth of your channel?
“Consistency – and people seem to find me quite likeable which helps! I have an amazing bunch of subscribers who make it all worthwhile. I still have a long way to go but I always say, ‘slow and steady!'”
What do you love about creating video content? How does this aid your career?
“I often get comments on my videos saying that I’ve put a smile on someone’s face or my videos get them through their day or they have learned a lot from me – and I love that. I feel like I’m helping people while doing what I love. I think it helps if you love what you do because you feel more passionate about it.”