Starting an aesthetics business is exciting, challenging and really rewarding. But if you’re new to the industry, or running your own business, then it can also be nerve-wracking and stressful. If you’ve previously worked in the NHS then it can be a very different experience (in a good way)…
The best advice we can give for anyone thinking about moving into the aesthetics business is to start as you mean to go on. It’s always better putting the work in to set up properly than having to unpick mistakes later.
7 Tips to Start Your Aesthetics Business
Here are our 7 top tips to get your career in the aesthetics business off to the best start:
- Get the Right Training
There are a lot of trainers and courses out there, and not enough legislation and regulation. You want training that covers the practical aspects and lets you get hands-on whilst still teaching you the correct theory about anatomy and product usage. You should look for trainers who have significant expertise in their industry, and who offer accredited training by a recognised awarding body. Our Level 7 Diploma is the gold standard in the industry and will ensure that you’re beginning your aesthetics journey with the right professional skills, knowledge and experience to thrive.
It’s likely (and necessary) that the industry will become more regulated, so it makes sense to future-proof your training so that you don’t have to re-train later. Good training is unlikely to be the cheapest option but you do get what you pay for, especially when it comes to specialist techniques and knowledge. Your reputation and skill as an aesthetics practitioner can make or break your career.
- Understand the Legal Side
Take the time to understand the legislation, regulation and financial requirements around every part of your business. From setting up your business through to choosing an aesthetics business name, patient aftercare, insurance, premises and marketing, starting a business can feel very different to being employed. There are lots of new rules and regulations to be aware of, so familiarise yourself with it all (or get some advice on it from qualified professionals).
- Write a Business Plan
If you’re excited and eager to start your career, you might decide to just jump in and work it out along the way. While there’ll always be an element of risk and learning as you go with a new business venture, it’s much easier if you have a plan in place. This ensures that you’re starting with the right budget, understand your target audience and have some structure, goals and guidance. Your business plan will evolve as your business does, and as new opportunities present themselves but having that framework in place can be the make-or-break for any new business.
- Set Aside a Marketing Budget
As part of your business planning, you’ll identify your target audience and how you’re going to reach them. Who your target audience is will depend on where you reach them (think about this carefully when you’re developing your branding and sales channels), but wherever that is the likelihood is that you’ll need to speculate to accumulate. Spending time and money promoting your business to the right audience is especially important when you’re starting out. The more established you get, and the more clients that are out there showcasing the work you’ve done for them, the faster your client base will grow.
- Decide on Products and Services
This will definitely evolve depending on your experience, training and client demand but make sure you do your research (and have the right aesthetics training) for the services that you provide. Not all products are created equally and a product that you use religiously as a lip filler may not be the right one to use for your clients who want tear trough filler. Using the right brands and having a verified supply chain for this can be the difference between clients coming back and recommending you to others.
- Set your Pricing
This fits with your business planning, budgeting and knowing your audience. You need to ensure that you’re making a profit on the treatments that you provide, after taking all of your overheads into account. You might think as long as you’re covering product costs and paying yourself then that’s it? That’s not the case. Running a business is different and comes with different tax implications, overheads and costs than being employed, and you need to take these into account.
- Keep Your Skills Up To Date
The aesthetics industry is always changing and you’ll need to keep your skills up to date alongside it. It definitely isn’t an industry that you can do your initial training in and that’s it forever. Clients will want new treatments, trends will come and go, new techniques will be developed and new products will come onto the market. It’s up to you to keep those skills up to date and invest in yourself, your team and your practice. Growing the treatments you offer is key to growing your business too.
If you want to start an aesthetics clinic that’s successful along with a career that you’ll enjoy, getting the foundations right is essential. One of the great things about a course with us is that you’ll learn from experienced aesthetics professionals who provide invaluable advice and guidance on how to start an aesthetics business as a registered nurse, doctor or dentist.
Our Level 7 Diploma provides mentorship, peer support, a full portfolio and partnerships with leading aesthetics brands to set you apart from the rest when you begin your journey. We even offer One to One private tuition. Take a look at our reviews from past delegates to see the difference the right training can make to your business.Get in touch with our team to discover more about our award-winning aesthetics training, available throughout the UK, and start your aesthetics business with the knowledge and skills you need for industry success.
