How to Get Clients as a Nail Tech

Building a loyal client base as nail tech is about more than just offering fabulous nails. It’s about creating an experience that clients can’t get enough of - an experience that’s warm, and personal, and keeps them coming back for more. To attract more clients to visit your nail salon, you need to meet them where they are searching - on Google, looking for “nail tech near me” or “nail salon in [city].” Let’s dive into some proven strategies to help you grow your business and keep those seats filled!

We will explore the following strategies in this article:

1. Define Yourself
2. Special Offers
3. Portfolio
4. Social Media Marketing
5. Instagram
6. Facebook
7. Pinterest
8. Google Business Profile Optimization
9. Business Directories
10. NAP Consistency
11. Website
12. Great Customer Relations
13. Encourage Reviews
14. Respond to Reviews
15. Encourage Customer Loyalty
16. Loyalty Cards
17. Referral Promotions
18. Improve Your Salon Retail Range
19. Customer Service
20. Get Involved Locally
21. Host Special Events
22. Attend Trade Shows

Let’s look at what each of these strategies entails in detail!

Define Yourself

Define what makes you stand out. Maybe you specialize in eco-friendly products, intricate nail art, or a cozy, personalized experience. Highlight these unique qualities on your social media and marketing materials to help clients understand what sets you apart. There are a lot of nail salons out there, so you need to emphasize these unique selling points.

To stick in people’s minds and become more easily recognizable, you need to create a brand around your nail salon.

Consider the following:

• Unique salon name
• Logo and color scheme
• Salon slogan
• Signature services or specialties
• Salon interior design and ambiance
• Business cards and printed materials
• Online presence (website and social media profiles)
• Consistent social media style
• Customer service approach and tone
• Branded loyalty or referral programs
• Professional, high-quality photography
• Client-focused amenities (e.g., complimentary drinks, relaxing music)
• Staff uniforms or dress code (if applicable)
• Thoughtful customer touchpoints (e.g., follow-up messages, thank-you notes)

Remember: Special designs alone won’t set you apart. Clients aren’t just looking to get their nails done; they want a pleasant experience. Distinguish yourself from competitors by providing exceptional service. Your clients should feel right at home and be excited to come back.

Special Offers

Let’s be real: everyone loves a good deal! Offering special discounts or promotions is a great way to catch the eye of new clients. Consider rolling out a “First-Time Client 15% Off” promo or a “Bring-a-Friend Discount” to make it easy for newbies to test out their skills.

You could also create seasonal promotions to add some extra sparkle. Try a :“Back-to-School Nails” discount for students or a “Holiday Special” in December. Limited-time deals can add excitement and bring in fresh faces - many of whom will keep coming back if they love what they see!

Portfolio

An impressive portfolio is key for any nail tech. Keep a collection of photos showcasing your range of styles and designs. Display your portfolio on social media, your website, or even in a physical album at the salon. Clients love browsing for inspiration, and your portfolio gives them confidence in your skills. Potential clients need to know what you’re capable of and whether you can create their desired design.

To curate a portfolio, take photos of each design you create. Ask your clients if they’re comfortable with having their photo taken. You can also include images of your test nails.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is your best friend when it comes to showcasing your work. Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook are perfect for sharing stunning nail photos and connecting with potential clients. Post high-quality photos and short reels showing your work from start to finish. People love seeing the transformation, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Additionally, social media is the first place clients turn to for inspiration for new nails, so make sure you’re meeting them at their source of inspiration.

Use hashtags like #nailsin[city] to attract local clients. Posting stories and polls (like “Which Color Should I Use Next?”) keeps your audience engaged and makes them feel involved in your nail journey. Think of your social media as a mini portfolio and client lounge, all in one! Share your portfolio everywhere you can! These images are the most important factor in convincing potential clients to visit your salon. If it doesn’t seem like you can deliver great results, why would they bother making an appointment and risking spending money on a disappointing experience?

Instagram

Instagram is like the ultimate nail lookbook. Post high-quality pics of your work, and don’t be afraid to show off your personality, too! Use fun captions, share “nail art inspiration” boards, and post stories about your daily work life.

Polls, Q&As, and quick tutorials in Stories make your content interactive and engaging. Use popular hashtags and tag your location so new clients in your area can find you. Instagram gives clients a preview of what they can expect, making it the perfect space to showcase your talent.

Facebook

Facebook is an awesome place to build your nail community. Set up a business page where you can share photos of your latest nail designs, tips for nail care, and posts about special offers. Joining local community groups is also a great way to introduce yourself - lots of people use these groups to look for recommendations!

Keep your page active and fun. Share stories about new techniques you’re trying, answer questions, and invite clients to comment. Treat it like an extension of your salon, where you can chat and connect even when clients aren’t in your chair.

Pinterest

Pinterest is the ultimate inspiration platform. If clients need new design ideas, they’re likely to turn to Pinterest first! Make sure you’re present at this first touchpoint in their customer journey. Clients can follow you on Pinterest to explore your latest designs and save images to their own inspiration boards. Sharing your designs on collaborative boards can also boost your impressions.

While Pinterest might not be your go-to for local exposure, it’s important that clients who find you in local searches get quick, easy insights into your portfolio across platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and more! So, if you post on Instagram and Facebook, make sure to share the same images on Pinterest as well. Being present on all popular platforms increases your chances of new bookings.

Google Business Profile Optimization

Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile to ensure potential clients can easily find and contact you. Provide accurate details, such as your business name, address, phone number, operating hours, and a link to your website. Regularly update your profile with high-quality photos of your work and respond promptly to client inquiries. An optimized profile increases your chances of appearing in local search results when clients look for nail services in your area.

Follow these steps to get your GBP up to the highest standard:

1. Claim Your Profile: First, grab hold of your profile! Just search for your business on Google and hit "Claim this business" if it’s not officially yours yet. Make sure you follow the verification steps. Learn how to verify your Google Business Profile.
2. Fill in All the Essentials: Make sure your profile has all the basics - business name, address, phone number, hours, website, and a quick description of your services. Think of it like the first page of a story about your salon!
3. Choose the Right Categories: Help clients find you by choosing spot-on categories, like "Nail Salon" or "Nail Technician," so you pop up in the right searches.
4. Show Off Your Work with Photos: Upload clear, high-quality images of your salon space, nail designs, and any unique vibes you’ve got going. Photos make your profile way more appealing!
5. Add a Booking Link: By adding a booking link to your GBP, potential clients can easily schedule an appointment. Learn how to add a booking link to your GBP.
6. Add Attributes: Give more information about your salon by adding attributes to your GBP (for instance wheelchair accessibility, payment methods, free parking, wifi, etc.).
7. Add Services and Prices: List your services and include prices if you can - clients love knowing what to expect before they book.
8. Google Posts: Google Posts are a small social media feed on your GBP! Schedule a post with an engaging caption and a clear Call-to-Action to get clients' attention.

Business Directories

List your nail services on reputable online business directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific platforms. These listings enhance your online visibility and provide additional avenues for clients to discover your services. These citations can directly and indirectly boost your visibility by sending signals to Google that essentially say, “This is an active and legitimate business.”

NAP Consistency

Maintaining consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) information across all online platforms is crucial. Inconsistencies can confuse potential clients and negatively impact your search engine optimization (SEO). Regularly audit your online listings to ensure uniformity, which helps establish credibility and improves your chances of being found in local searches.

Website

A website compliments your Google Business Profile. Potential clients will visit your website for more information and your website can further improve your online visibility when optimized correctly.

1. Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

• Title Tags: Use keywords and location terms in each page’s title. For example, “Nail Salon in [City]” and “Manicures & Pedicures at [Salon Name].” Aim to include your primary service and location in each page’s title tag, as this helps search engines associate your website with local queries.
• Meta Descriptions: Write a concise, engaging description for each page that includes keywords like “nail salon in [City].” Make sure it reflects the content on the page and encourages users to click.

2. Use Location-Based Keywords in Content

• Homepage and Service Pages: Include your city or neighborhood name naturally in the text. For example, “Our [City] salon specializes in manicures, pedicures, and more, catering to clients in the [City] area.”
• Headers (H1, H2, H3 Tags): Use headers that include keywords and location terms. For instance, “Premium Nail Care Services in [City]” as an H1 or H2 will improve readability by Google and enhance the user experience.

3. Service Pages with Local Keywords

• Dedicated Service Pages: For each primary service (e.g., manicures, pedicures, gel nails), create individual pages and include your location in the headings and body text. For example, “Gel Nails in [City]” or “Pedicures in [City] to Keep Your Feet Summer-Ready.”
• Local Content: Mention how your services are tailored to the needs of local customers (e.g., seasonal trends or specific popular styles in your area).

4. Add NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Information in the Footer

• Consistency: Display your salon’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) in the footer of every page, exactly as it appears on your Google Business Profile. This consistency helps search engines verify your business information and boosts local SEO.
• Add an Embedded Google Map: On your contact or location page, embed a Google map with a marker on your location to make it easy for users and Google to see where you are.

5. Optimize Your Images

• Photos of Your Salon and Services: Add images of your salon, nail technicians, and examples of nail designs you offer. These create a personal touch and visually represent your services.
• Image Alt Text: Use descriptive, localized alt text for images. For example, “Professional gel manicure in [City] at [Salon Name].” Alt text helps search engines understand image content, boosting local relevance.

6. Add Local Schema Markup (Structured Data)

• Local Business Schema: Implement schema markup to tag your business information (name, address, phone number, opening hours) so search engines better understand your location and services.
• Review and Service Schema: If applicable, add review schema to pages displaying customer reviews or service schema to highlight specific offerings. This can increase your chances of appearing in rich search results.

7. Build a Location Page

• Location Page Content: Create a dedicated “Our Location” or “Find Us” page that includes your address, contact details, business hours, and a brief description of your services.
• Nearby Landmarks: Mention notable nearby locations (e.g., “Located near [Popular Shopping Center or Landmark] in [City]”). This can help capture traffic from users who search by landmarks or neighborhoods.

8. Write Local Blog Content

• Local-Focused Topics: Write blog posts that resonate with your community, like “Top Nail Trends in [City] This Season” or “Preparing for [City’s Major Event] with a Fresh Manicure.” Local content helps search engines see your site’s connection to the area.
• Community Engagement: Share any participation in local events or collaborations with other businesses. This reinforces your ties to the community and boosts local relevance.

9. Ensure Mobile Friendliness and Fast Loading Times

• Responsive Design: Make sure your website is fully responsive, as many local searches happen on mobile devices.
• Site Speed: Optimize image sizes, enable caching, and use a fast-loading theme. A quick-loading, mobile-friendly site improves user experience and helps your local SEO rankings.

10. Add Internal Links

• Link from Homepage to Key Pages: Use internal links on your homepage and service pages to direct users (and search engines) to your most important pages, like your “Manicure in [City]” or “Book an Appointment” page.
• Local Context: Use anchor text with location keywords to improve relevance. For example, link with phrases like “Explore our nail services in [City]” to point to your main service pages.

Great Customer Relations

Customer relationships are everything. From the moment clients walk in, your goal is to make them feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. Greet them with a smile, ask about their day, and always listen to what they want. Small details, like offering a drink or playing relaxing music, make the salon feel like a mini escape for clients.

A warm atmosphere and good vibes mean clients will want to come back, and they’ll feel comfortable recommending you to their friends.

Encourage Reviews

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and your social media pages. Positive feedback builds trust and influences potential clients' decisions. Reviews impact not only whether clients will choose you over a competitor but also how Google ranks you in local searches. A steady stream of reviews and a strong average rating significantly boost your online visibility. So, make it a priority to consistently encourage reviews and ensure clients are motivated to leave positive feedback. Show your reviews on your website and on social media!

Our tip: With the Obenan Review Management Tool, you can not only encourage reviews easily but also redirect negative reviews to a private survey. This way, you gain control over your online reputation while still receiving negative feedback for internal evaluation.

Learn more about how to get clients to leave a review!

Respond to Reviews

Engaging with client reviews demonstrates that you value feedback and are committed to excellent service. Thank clients for positive reviews and address any concerns raised in negative ones professionally and promptly. This interaction not only builds trust with existing clients but also shows potential clients that you are attentive and responsive.

Our tip: With the Obenan Review Management Tool, you can let our advanced AI respond on your behalf to all incoming reviews. Responding within the first hour is crucial but not always feasible when done manually. With our automated replies, you ensure a prompt response in your brand’s tone of voice.

Encourage Customer Loyalty

Building loyalty goes beyond discounts. Small touches make clients feel special and keep them coming back. Take note of your client’s favorite colors, offer a free nail art accent on their birthday, or send them a quick message to check in. These small, personal touches make clients feel like VIPs and turn one-time visitors into lifelong fans.

Loyalty Cards

Who doesn’t love a freebie? Loyalty cards are a simple, old-school way to reward clients for their visits and keep them coming back. Each time a client gets their nails done, they earn a stamp, and after a set number of visits, they can redeem a reward—maybe 20% off their next visit or a free add-on service.

It’s like giving them a little gift each time they show up, and who doesn’t love getting rewarded? Loyalty cards are an inexpensive way to build repeat business and show your clients that you appreciate their loyalty.

Referral Promotions

Word of mouth is powerful, especially in beauty services. Encourage current clients to refer friends by offering a small discount or free add-on for each referral. A simple “Refer a Friend and Get 10% Off Your Next Visit” can be the push clients need to share your services with their friends. You can also make referrals part of your loyalty program. For each referral, a client receives a stamp on their stamp card or a certain amount of loyalty points (depending on the loyalty system you choose to use).

Improve Your Salon Retail Range

If you’ve got a salon, why not add a little retail area with products your clients will love? Cuticle oils, hand creams, and mini nail care kits make great add-ons. Clients can buy these to keep their nails looking fabulous between appointments, and it gives you an extra income boost.

Place these items by your workstation so clients see them during their appointment, and take a moment to share the benefits of each product. You’re helping them care for their nails, and they’ll appreciate your expertise.

Customer Service

Customer service makes a huge difference in building a loyal client base. Be clear about what each service includes, take the time to ask about your client’s preferences, and make sure they’re happy with the results. If something isn’t quite right, address it kindly and professionally - clients remember how you make them feel just as much as the nails themselves.

When clients feel valued and respected, they’re more likely to book with you again, and they’ll be happy to recommend you to others. Great customer service also lowers the chance of a bad review being published online. Address and resolve issues before they escalate!

Get Involved Locally

Not only does your online presence matter, but you also need to create awareness and recognition offline by connecting with your local audience. Becoming a familiar face in the local community is a big plus. Set up a booth at local fairs or charity events, offer mini-manicures, or simply be there to chat with potential clients. Giving back by volunteering or sponsoring local events also builds positive connections that can lead to new bookings. When people recognize you around town, they’re more likely to remember you the next time they want to get their nails done.

Host Special Events

Hosting an event, like a “Nail Art Night” or “Holiday Trends Workshop,” is a fun way to bring clients together. Offer mini-services, showcase new nail trends, and give a discount to attendees who book a future appointment.

Events like these let clients experience your work in a relaxed setting, and it’s a chance for new people to get familiar with your salon. It’s also an excellent way to show off your skills and have fun with your clients!

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are perfect for learning about new trends, products, and techniques in the nail industry. Many shows also offer workshops and product demos, letting you try new things firsthand. Attending trade shows keeps you up-to-date, and clients will appreciate that you’re always learning and improving your skills. When clients see that you’re committed to your craft, they’re more likely to trust you and stay with you long-term.

You can also attend Brand-to-Consumer (B2C) fairs, such as wedding expos. Bridal couples often visit these events to find their wedding vendors, and they’ll need a nail tech to create the perfect wedding nails. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself and showcase your designs. These fairs are also great for networking with other vendors in the industry, creating beneficial relationships for the future. Recommendations from vendors are just as valuable as those from clients - they both expose you to new audiences!

What We Have Learnt Today

To attract more clients as a nail tech, local SEO is essential. Start by optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate details and high-quality photos, making it easy for clients to find you in local searches like “nail salon near me.” Listing your business on relevant directories like Yelp and ensuring NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across platforms builds trust with both clients and Google. A well-optimized website with clear service descriptions and client reviews can further boost your visibility. Consistently encouraging and responding to reviews also strengthens your online presence, building credibility with both search engines and potential clients. Lastly, make sure your social media is filled with your portfolio, and don’t miss out on seasonal promotions or engaging offline with your local audience.

While posting on social media might be manageable for most nail techs, other digital marketing strategies - particularly local SEO - require time and effort. Gaining the necessary knowledge and keeping up with constant monitoring and optimizations can be challenging, leading many small businesses to overlook these important tactics. Let us do the heavy lifting for you! With our local SEO tools, you can streamline and automate essential local SEO tasks, effortlessly enhancing your online visibility among your local audience.