The cosmetics industry is a $445 billion dollar industry according to Forbes in 2017. With so many new cosmetics brands appearing on the market there also seems to be just as many makeup artists that are popping up. With the popularity of YouTube and social media, anyone living virtually anywhere can sharpen their makeup skills and know-how and parlay that into a living. There are a lot more makeup artists now than there used to be. Whether you're just starting out or have been working in the industry for a while, going the extra mile for your clients is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition and garner great word of mouth business.

I have more business through referrals than I do through every other avenue. Don't get me wrong, social media has also helped my business grow, but there is nothing better than a genuine recommendation from a happy client. Here are some ways that you can set yourself apart from the pack. This is also a really great list if you are not just a makeup artist, but a hairstylist, wedding planner, photographer, massage therapist, nail tech, or other professional working with clients.

1. The power of the thank you note

I love this because it seems like the only thing that comes in snail mail are bills! Surprise your client with a thank you note letting them know how much you appreciate their business and how much you enjoyed spending time with them. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it's enough to show that you appreciate them and their business. I often will enclose a business card in the note so they have your information to hold on to or to give to a friend. I typically will pop the note in the mail the day before or the day of the event that way it shows up soon after seeing my client.

2. Party Favor

Who didn't love getting a little party favor when they were a kid after attending a birthday party? Lots of businesses employ this strategy, but it can really help set you apart from the crowd. Dentists do it when you go in for a cleaning and send you on your way with a new toothbrush and tube of toothpaste and floss. If you're a makeup artist working with brides, give them a little goody bag for their wedding day with a travel pack of tissues, small tin of mints, a sample size of their lipstick (or full tube depending on how generous you're feeling), travel deodorant, tiny cosmetic mirror, hand sanitizer... the list is virtually endless of things you can include. Most of the items can be found at the dollar store, so you don't have to blow your profits to show your client you appreciate them.

3. Referral Discounts

If you're just starting out or if you're established in your business, offering loyal clients an incentive for referrals can be a great way to show clients how much you appreciate all they do for you. Whether or not you offer a discount on their next service or lock clients into a special rate if they utilize your services frequently, it can be a great way to nurture that relationship with clients while also offering an incentive for referring new clients to you. How much you discount and the frequency of the discount is up to you, but it's a great way to show clients how much you appreciate them and the new business they bring your way.

4. Social Media Contests

This is a great way to drive traffic to your social media accounts and also something really cool to do if you have extra products on your hands that you don't use or don't want. I have also seen this work with collaborations and splitting the giveaway among multiple people to make the prize even more enticing or as a way to combine a discount into the mix if you're doing this alone. This is something that is really great to offer existing clients and potential clients because it evens the playing field because you set the parameters for entry, helps drive traffic to your social media site and puts you in better standing with new algorithms that exist on popular social media sites because your engagement will go up, and it will make you feel good to get rid of products or make someone's day/week/month/year (lol you get the picture).

There are lots of little things that you can do to show your clients you appreciate them! Let me know below your favorite way to show your clients you care or let me know other ways you'd like to be appreciated by your makeup artist or other professional.