5 tips for creating a successful nail community
By Rebecca Hitchon | 13 October 2023 | Expert Advice, Feature, Health & wellbeing
Being part of this industry can be lonely – around two-thirds of beauty professionals are self-employed, and while clients provide chit-chat throughout the working day, the focus of these conversations is likely on them.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people in the sector – whether virtually or physically – is paramount to tackling loneliness and can benefit the growth of your business, too. Let’s explore how to create a great nail community…
1. Reach out
“Get in contact with techs in your area and ask them if they want to be involved in your community,” advise Cleethorpes-based techs, Emily Langford and Fran Humphrey, founders of the Nail Tech & Natter community for local pros. “We found that doing this created a domino effect; when we asked a tech we knew, they would go on to ask a tech that they knew. Within a short space of time, a group of pros had amassed, who were all raring to be involved.”
2. Be consistent
2. Be consistent“Your community needs to know that you will show up for them on a regular basis,” say Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson, founders of the Clawgasmic Nail Network. “Always reply to comments and messages, and if you say you will hold an event on a certain date, do it! Building trust is so important.”
3. Engage
3. Engage“For online communities in particular, engagement is key,” shares Zaara King, founder of The Beauty Build community. “Spread positivity by leaving helpful comments, supporting others via DMs and encouraging people to actively engage with each other.”
4. Consider your clients
“Building a community for your potential and loyal clients is a good idea, as it encourages clients to get to know you better,” suggests Joanna Tompkins, founder of the Nail Tech Tribe community & winner of the Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Award 2023. “People are not just buying a service from a business – they are buying into a specific pro. Via a community, you can start creating that feeling clients crave from your treatments before they have even walked in the door, adding value to your brand.”
5. Set group guidelines
Online communities in particular hold potential for hate and misinformation to be spread, so setting strict rules about behaviour is important. “Everyone should be treated equally and with kindness and respect. We must not forget that there are real people with real feelings behind every profile,” comment Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson.
If hate does crop up in an online community, Zaara King advises unfollowing, blocking and reporting the account behind it. “You can also set keywords that you would like to block in comments on Instagram and Facebook,” she reveals.