Buyer Beware! Should You Work with Marketers Promising To Get You PMU Clients?

Should You Work with Online Marketers Promising Clients for Your PMU Business?

As a permanent makeup artist, you're constantly balancing your artistic skills with the business side of things. One of the biggest questions you might face is whether to work with online marketers who promise to bring clients to your PMU business. It's a tempting offer, especially when you're eager to grow your clientele, but it's important to consider all the factors before diving in. Here are four key points to think about:

1. The Cost of Paid Ads

Many marketing experts offer to run paid ads for you. Sounds great, right? But there's a catch. You not only have to pay the marketer for their services but also cover the cost of the ads themselves. This can add up quickly and might become a significant expense without the guaranteed return on investment you were hoping for.

Let's break it down. If you're charging $500 for a service and the marketer's fee, plus the ad spend, totals $2,000 a month, you need at least four new clients just to break even. And that's not considering other business costs. The ROI can be uncertain, especially if the leads generated aren't converting into paying clients.

2. The Quality of Leads

Even if the ads bring in leads, they might not always be the quality leads you were hoping for. You'll still need to vet each lead to determine if they're a good fit for your services. This involves ensuring they meet the criteria for your PMU services, such as:

• Tattoo History

  • Do they have an old tattoo that needs to be removed or has to fade before you can work on them?

• Health Conditions

  • Are they pregnant, or do they have any contraindications that prevent them from receiving the service?

• Appreciation of Skill

  • Do they understand and value your level of skill and technique? Are they willing to pay your prices?

These factors can greatly impact your return on ad spend and cost per lead. Some leads might never respond to your outreach, while others might not appreciate the quality and cost of your services, leading to wasted time and money.

3. Understanding Your Target Audience

A crucial aspect of any marketing campaign is understanding the target audience. If you're a PMU artist without enough client data, such as a robust email list or a substantial social media following, marketers might struggle to reach the right demographic. This misalignment can result in a lot of wasted money on ad spend.

Marketing campaigns need time and a significant budget to run effectively. Without thousands to invest and the patience to let the campaign gather sufficient data, you might not see the results you’re hoping for. It's a gamble, and without a deep understanding of your ideal clients, the campaign can miss the mark entirely.

4. The Power of Referrals

While marketing ads aren't inherently wrong, one of the most effective ways to build a successful PMU business is through referrals. Providing top-notch services to every client can lead to word-of-mouth referrals, which are incredibly valuable.

Premium services lead to premium pricing, which attracts premium clientele. Rather than aiming to cram your schedule with as many clients as possible, focus on providing exceptional service that clients rave about. This approach not only builds a solid reputation but also allows you to charge higher prices, work less, and avoid burnout.

Imagine having a steady stream of clients willing to pay top dollar for your expertise, giving you the freedom to manage your time and pursue other interests. This is the hallmark of a successful, sustainable PMU business.

Summary: Should You Work with These Agencies?

So, should you work with online marketers promising clients for your PMU business? Here’s the bottom line:

• Yes, if you have the financial means to invest in both the marketer's fees and ad spend, and you fully understand the potential implications and risks involved. It’s essential to have a solid grasp of what you’re getting into and a strategy for vetting and nurturing leads.

• No, if you don't have the financial means to sustain this investment or the time to properly vet the leads. You’ll need to nurture the leads that don’t book right away, keeping them in an email database and periodically reaching out with special offers to keep your services top of mind.

In the end, the decision depends on your financial situation, time, and business goals. If you can afford it and are prepared for the potential challenges, working with marketers could be a viable option. However, if resources are tight, focusing on providing exceptional service and building a referral-based clientele might be the better path to a successful and fulfilling PMU career.

If you'd like more coaching and support with your permanent makeup techniques, or you'd like best practices to grow your business then sign up for a free trial to join MBL Brow Bosses. This is a private community of artists accelerating their PMU skills and business through dedicated ongoing mentorship and training. Click here for more details.