Nicole Blankenship
I get asked all the time from clients, fellow artists, and other local businesses about how I grew my business and clientele as fast as I did in such a short amount of time.
Besides blood, sweat, and tears (and many sleepless nights), the answer to that question would be focusing on the client experience.
Studies show that 80% of people would happily pay more money for a product or service to ensure a superior customer experience. In this day and age, customers are savvier than ever with a world of knowledge at their fingertips, (eg: their phone). They have all the power to choose between competitors.
What we do as PMU artists is not just about the artistry. That’s only half the battle. The client experience is the next competitive battleground. As a business owner, no matter what your industry, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND AND INVEST IN THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE.
This is why I choose to focus on this key differentiator to ensure my success by:
- Improving client satisfaction results in repeat clients, referrals, amazing online reviews, and more revenue.
- Creating a superior customer experience, giving me a competitive edge.
- Going above and beyond by building strong client relationships and trust.
You could be the most talented PMU artist in the city, state, or world, but if you can’t give your clients the experience and service that they want and deserve, there’s a pretty big chance they will be telling you, “bye Felicia”, and go off to your competitor down the road.
It’s important to create a consistent and unforgettable experience, while making a good first impression from the first point of communication. I live in my client’s shoes in every aspect of my business and constantly ask myself, “what would I expect and want as a customer?” If you’re paying $800 for eyebrows, I bet that you would expect the world, because that’s a LOT of money. I know my expectations would be high!
I refuse to be mediocre. I’ve always been that way, and probably always will be. I refuse to only meet expectations; I strive to always EXCEED them!
So, what are you going to do to stand out in this competitive environment we live in today? How about a handwritten thank you card after their first session to show your appreciation? Do you know how many texts and emails I get when my clients receive their handwritten card? I like to write notes in their paperwork of topics we talked about, like their son getting married, or about the vacation they are about to go on so that I can follow-up with them on their next session.
It’s the little things that count and make the most of a difference. Think about that. When you’re on the “floor”, or in studio, think of it as a stage, but not in a way that you’re acting to be someone that you’re not. Be genuine and be YOU. You’re not only selling your services, but you’re selling yourself.
So “romance” them, don’t one-night-stand them! Give them an unforgettable experience that they will be raving about in excitement for weeks to all of their friends. Which are what? Exactly! YOUR POTENTIAL CLIENTS!
My key points I want to leave with you all today are:
-Surprise and delight your new, existing, and future clients by always focusing on how YOU can do your job better, and give them a superior experience.
-Know your worth and add tax.
-Heavily utilize your online channels like Instagram, Facebook, Yelp, and Google so that you can grow your reputation to get you more bookings.
-A little SEO and professional branding is ALWAYS a good idea.
NEVER GIVE UP.
I want to thank Tina Davies and her amazing team for truly providing your artists with A SUPERIOR PRODUCT, AND SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, which is why I choose to do business with them. There are tons of other random blades we could be using, and we choose to use Tina’s for a damn good reason.
I also would like to say thank you to my mentor Monica Ivani for helping me more than she may know. I truly am so grateful to have been trained under some of the most talented PMU artists in the world.
I also want to give a shout out to Daria Chupry and the Girlz Ink squad for constantly keeping me inspired by their gorgeous work and passion for what they do.
Thank you again, Tina Davies. I look forward to seeing your business grow and take over the microblading world, one blade and skinny pencil at a time!
Xo Nicole Blankenship
#thebrowproject
Instagram: @_thebrowproject_
Facebook: The Brow Project
Website: The Brow Project
