Checking out the market for a bridal makeup artist

Bridal makeup artist competition research

Before you set up a business as a bridal makeup artist, make sure there is a market for your services. Carefully check out the competition in your area.  This can be done by searching the internet to find other makeup artists in your region (and outside), in particular those specializing in bridal makeup artistry.  You can then enquire about their rates, albeit this may be better coming from a friend's email rather than your own, as it will look rather obvious and they may not want to share their info!  This is a great way for you to gauge how much you can charge in your area without under or over-pricing yourself.

Look out for wedding planners, dress shops, florists, and wedding photographers/videographers. All can be approached with your company information, business cards, or a polite introduction email. All referencing your work.

Scouting possible business opportunities

It is also a good idea to check on wedding venues in and around your area such as cathedrals, churches, chapels, hotels, manor houses, barns, and historical houses– even some garden centers offer themselves as a wedding venue!  You could visit many of these venues personally in order to drop off a flyer or card.  Most venues have a preferred suppliers list, you can enquire about this and see if your work would be up to the standard they require to put you forward to potential brides.

Attend as many Wedding Exhibitions and Fairs as possible. Meet and network with other industry professionals and potentially distribute your flyers, business cards, and price lists.  It is important to show an interest in their company first however as nobody likes to be sold to when they have paid good money to exhibit at the event, be respectful and ask the right questions before talking about yourself.

Advertising your bridal makeup business

It is also a good idea to list your business in a wedding directory as well as local business directories.  These can often be in the form of a blog or website and can be found quite easily via a Google search.

Advertise your services in county magazines and/or local newspapers.  Sometimes this can be expensive but if you can submit some editorial about yourself as part of the deal that makes it more worthwhile. 

Taking your business online

Ensure when setting up your website, it appears on the first page of Google. This is achieved by using carefully selected keywords. Keywords such as 'bridal makeup' and your area, 'makeup artist' and your area, 'wedding makeup' etc.  It can easily be done on your introduction page, i.e. About Me.  Try and introduce as many keywords as you can think of bearing in mind what a bride will be searching for.  You can use a keyword search tool such as www.keywordtool.io which will help you.

Take advantage of social media

Use social media.  Set up a Facebook page for your business.  Use Twitter and Instagram as well as Pinterest to promote your business and other services to gain followers.  ‘Liking’ other wedding suppliers is a great way of gaining interest and likes for your own profile. Make sure your pages are updated on a very regular basis with relevant photos and comments. You can link these to your website to help drive potential clients in your direction.