Many dream of starting their own business, but it becomes a reality for even fewer people. It takes hard work, lots of research, dedication, and, to be fair, some luck. But, once you start your own business, there’s no better feeling in the world than watching it grow, seeing the fruits of your labor succeed, and the satisfaction from great client interactions and retention.
If you work in the cosmetic industry, whether you are a hairstylist, barber, makeup artist, or esthetician, going out on your own means a lot of competition, but by utilizing technology, you can give yourself a leg up against your competitors and set yourself up for true success. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, keep reading for the best apps for those in the cosmetic industry.
TapStyle
TapStyle is a one-stop shop for anyone starting their hair salon or working out a rented suite. It lets you view your schedule, book appointments, and review statistics and analytics. It manages customer experience all within the app. It’s free to download and use without setup fees or requirements, making it great for people just starting and on a small budget.
You can promote your salon with the marketing tools provided by the app, and it also lets you save visual client records with its photo options. Online booking is also available for clients with this app, and it can function as a point-of-sale system with its integrated credit card reader.
Square App
One of the best payment apps for small businesses is the Square app. Not only is it easy to install, but it’s also user-friendly for both the business owner and clients alike. Square is also known for its top-notch customer service, so for any issues, while installing, updating, or day-to-day concerns, their representatives are there for you and able to resolve your issues quickly. This is important in payment as it’s your business’s literal bread and butter.
Squire
All successful barbers know that client relationships are paramount to client retention and business growth. Squire is so much more than a barber booking app; you can take control of your operations, increase your revenue, and enhance your brand experience, all with one easy-to-use platform.
They have booking software and point-of-sale built-in for barber shops, OneTouch payout, which makes running a commission shop seamless and easy, and you can save precious time as an entrepreneur paying your barbers by automatically paying them on their commission, and their tips are deposited daily to them. Squire has so many five-star reviews that if you are a barber working solo or with barbers underneath you, this is a must-have app for a successful venture.
Beautylish
As cosmetic industry business owners, having your finger on the pulse of all trends, tips, products, and anything else is a must to inspire yourself and your clients. With Beautylish, you can access countless designs and makeup tutorials in written and video form. There is a section dedicated solely to product reviews, which gives the things you recommend to clients a knowledge base so they can always trust you and come back to you with any of their beauty issues and concerns. This app also gives you articles published daily by makeup and beauty experts, and you can even interact with some on an online forum.
Wave Accounting
One of the most intimidating parts about being a business owner in the cosmetic industry is managing your accounting, especially taxes. It’s your job to ensure that your income taxes are paid and that your books are all in order in case you’re ever audited. Wave Accounting can help you overcome the fear of dealing with these issues. It can help with business accounting for people with zero experience and connects easily to your Square app, bank accounts, and other apps you may use to run your business. Its easy-to-use accounting software helps you take control of your finances, and the best part is it’s free.
While you may find that other apps are necessary to run your successful business in the industry, those mentioned above can make all the difference in your confidence and success as a business owner. If you’re not already using them, consider adding them to your repertoire today and reap the benefits.
