Introduction

Beginning aesthetic work and finding first patients as a new aesthetic injector can seem daunting. It may take months or even years for new injectors to build a client base and even more work in maintaining it. Knowing how to get clients as a cosmetic injector is a critical part of the job, and it has its own challenges. Here are some ways you can get your foot in the door easier.

Build your personal brand on social media platforms

Like many careers in this highly digitized world, building a personal brand on social media platforms can elevate your status. As you begin working in the aesthetics industry, take time to also plan a branding and marketing strategy. This may include launching a website, creating social media channels, and deciding on your social media name going forward. Through channels like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, you can start to have yourself noticed and generate interest in your brand.

The most important part of the branding process, however, is consistency. Any long-lasting and growing brand requires ongoing relevancy and an audience's attention. You can do this by leveraging popular hashtags in your area when posting content, using pop references to be relatable to clients, and even trailblazing by creating your own innovative catch.

Some of our providers like Laurie Peterson, RN, CANS (@aestheticnurselaurie) have done it through creating their own Instagramable quotes, reading, “You can’t make everyone happy - you’re not Botox®.”

While a small to no following may seem discouraging at first, the reward of the branding process is worth it.

Now at 24k followers, Jolene Retaskie, RN, BSN (@jolene_aesthetics), says, “I literally started with zero online presence…..I purposely leave my old posts up on Instagram so you can see that transition, growth, and change. If you scroll to the beginning of my Instagram, you would be like, “oh, that’s a dorky video.” I used to say “um” a lot, and now I don’t; it’s just practicing.”

To engage with potential customers, like their photos, join Facebook groups, start challenges, and keep generating content no matter what.

Develop strategic partnerships with other small businesses

Networking with other small business owners in other beauty services will allow you to generate more local interest. Begin by researching people or businesses you know that would be interested in partnerships. Think of what they offer that you do not and how you can work with them to create a service that would refer clients to one another. Examples might include seasonal promotions, freebies, joint packages, or events. It can also be an advertisement partnership through social media; many injectors have started to use Instagram’s new feature for collaborative posts to run advertising campaigns. More people in various beauty services will be curious about your work or generate word-of-mouth marketing as you continue to do this.

Nicole Brustkern, DNP from LaJolla, CA explains why this is important: “People are always asking their hair stylists, nail techs, estheticians, and brow artists where they get their Botox®. These people will be gold mines for referrals.”

Promote yourself at local businesses

Once you have finished settling in at your job, make sure to create your branding materials as well. These include business cards, flyers, and handouts, amongst others. As you explore your area, it will be essential to leave some flyers in different locations, such as coffee shops and gyms. When you mention your work at businesses you visit or to individuals, you might need to hand out a business card, so always make sure to carry some to generate interest in your practice.

However, the easiest way to promote yourself is to start in your immediate network. Jackie Bischmann, BSN, RN, explains, “Start with your friends or family. Or any cheerleader who will tell you you can do this.”

Whether you have friends working at a local store or family-owned a café, make sure you start there. Once you have identified people in your personal network, the best way to sell yourself is to use these already-existing relationships to educate them about your work. Ask them if they have ever had Botox before or if they know anyone who would be interested. Talk about your passion for your work. As a result, you might receive referrals and interested contacts that will go on to join your first batch of clientele.

Pro tip: Put a QR code on your material for people to easily scan
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Attend aesthetics related events in your community

It is vital to search around your local area or online for events that may be happening. These events can be strictly beauty business events or with like-minded professionals. Continuously finding ways to share expertise and experience with other estheticians will allow you to broaden your network.

Brittney Guney, RN from Bay Park, suggests The Aesthetics Shows, Aesthetics Next, or Allergen Master Injector.

Strategically choose where to work or apply for jobs

When you start out, you might not have a loyal clientele yet. In this case, you might consider situating yourself in an environment where you can tap into a network of practitioners with an existing and regular clientele. This will allow you to get handed new patients daily with whom you can develop relationships.

Most importantly, you must maintain these relationships. Maintaining a relationship can be done through follow-ups to keep clients happy; this ensures they will book you for their weekly or monthly services. Whether it is a one-time client or a regular, build a habit of checking in to keep yourself fresh in their minds so they will book with you again and not find another provider.

All in all, the art of building your initial clientele is based on stepping out of your comfort zone. By approaching potential clients on social media, advertising yourself in your local community, and having strategic approaches to networking, you will surely grow your practice faster and easier than most. But most importantly, remember to be okay with failures.

Nicole Brustkern, DNP, reminds new injectors, “You’re not alone! We all remember what it was like. It is okay not to know everything, second guess yourself, and feel overwhelmed with imposter syndrome.”

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