From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Makeup Artist Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Starting out as a makeup artist in New Zealand is exciting but can feel challenging when trying to land the first 10 clients. With friendly, practical strategies that resonate with local Kiwi communities, you can steadily build your profile and bookings. This guide shares 10 actionable tips designed specifically for makeup artists aiming to attract and retain local clients.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Tap Into Your Personal Network
Your family, friends, and acquaintances are often your first clients and advocates. Offering discounted makeup trials or small sessions helps build word-of-mouth and trust.
A Christchurch makeup artist initially booked clients through friends’ weddings and events, growing naturally from there.
Weirdly enough, these personal connections often become your strongest referral sources.
2. Join Local Facebook and Instagram Groups
Groups like “Auckland Beauty Community” or “Wellington Brides” are hubs where people look for trusted makeup artists.
Share makeup tips, before-and-after images, and client testimonials to engage without overt selling.
Neighbourly is another valuable platform where locals seek and recommend beauty professionals.
3. Create a Mobile-Friendly Portfolio Website
A clean website showcasing your work, services, pricing, and contact details builds your professional image.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace enable easy and affordable site creation suited for makeup artists.
Including New Zealand imagery and testimonials helps connect with local clients.
4. List on Yada and Beauty Directories
Yada connects you with potential clients without lead or success fees, perfect for early-stage specialists.
Its rating and review system helps standout reliable artists.
Also list on TradeMe Services and local beauty & bridal directories.
5. Offer Introductory Discounts or Packages
Attract first clients by offering special rates for trial sessions or package deals for weddings and events.
A Tauranga artist gained clients with seasonal promotions and referral rewards.
Think of this as a friendly invitation to sample your artistry with no pressure.
6. Network at Local Events and Salons
Participate in bridal expos, beauty fairs, and community events to showcase your skills and meet clients.
Work with complementary businesses like hair salons for cross-referrals.
In smaller towns like Nelson, these partnerships often lead to a steady client stream.
7. Collect and Promote Client Testimonials
Request reviews and permission to showcase client transformations on your website and social platforms.
Positive testimonials are powerful in New Zealand’s close-knit beauty community.
An Auckland makeup artist credits glowing reviews for building a strong reputation.
8. Share Makeup Tips and Tutorials
Post quick how-to videos, product recommendations, or skin care tips to engage potential clients.
This kind of content positions you as an expert and keeps followers engaged.
Instagram story tutorials by a Christchurch artist helped grow her local following.
9. Advertise Offline and Online
Distribute flyers in local beauty stores, cafes, and community noticeboards to reach offline audiences.
Combine this with targeted Facebook and Google ads focused on New Zealand clients.
A mix of grassroots and digital marketing works best in diverse NZ markets.
10. Maintain Professionalism and Organisation
Use booking and payment apps to keep scheduling efficient and clients informed.
Prompt communication and professionalism lead to repeat business and referrals.
A Wellington makeup artist notes good organisation as key to a fully booked calendar.