The demand for curated ears has surged and it’s now one of the hottest piercing trends. Building a curated ear with your clients not only showcases your expertise… but also boosts your piercing business. In this blog, you’ll learn how to work with your clients to create a curated ear design. Consequently, you’ll grow your client list and build relationships with existing clients! So, let’s CURATE SOME EARS!
EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS
First and foremost, building a curated ear begins with education. This is necessary whether you have a client who thinks they know exactly what they want OR if you have a client who hasn’t a clue what they’d like. Educating uncertain clients versus clients who are coming in specifically for a curated ear looks a little different.
For Uncertain Clients
Uncertain clients might not be aware of the possibilities beyond basic lobe and cartilage piercings. Take the time to explain the various types of piercings available. Show them all the styles of jewelry they can wear and offer pointers on which styles complement each other. You can also discuss the anatomy of your client’s ear and talk about how different piercing placements will complement their unique features.
Letting uncertain clients know all that’s available to them benefits you in two ways:
- You can potentially upsell on your appointment and get your client to commit to multiple piercings instead of just one.
- You may satisfy your client with a custom, curated look that leaves them satisfied and excited to return.
For Clients Who Know What’s Up
Clients who come marching into your shop with a very clear idea about what they want don’t require as much education. However, they might have a few uneducated ideas about what’s possible. Tell them exactly what they can expect from a curated ear. Moreover, advise them that it isn’t advisable to get more than three piercings at a time. Let them know that building a curated ear design together will likely require extended time with each other. They might not know it’ll take more than a few sessions.
Additionally, as with uncertain clients, you can show off your jewelry selection. Even if the client thinks they know what they want aesthetically… you might inspire them to consider other options.
Ultimately, by educating your clients, you empower them to make informed decisions, leading to a more satisfying and personalized experience.
OFFER A CONSULTATION
A consultation is the foundation for designing a curated ear. This part of the process dovetails with the education aspect, since you’ll likely be doing a lot of the educating during the consultation. Likewise during this session, you’ll do the following:
- Assess your client’s ear anatomy
- Discuss their style preferences
- Understand their pain tolerance.
- Plan and schedule appointments for ear curations taking multiple sessions.
Encourage open communication and actively listen to their ideas and concerns. Aside from showing that you’re an expert, you want to build a good rapport with your client. Satisfied clients often turn into repeat clients. If your client trusts you, they’re more likely to commit to building their curated ear with you as opposed to another piercer. Overall, by offering friendly, educational, and supportive consultations, you position yourself as a knowledgeable and caring piercer.
CREATE A UNIQUE VISION
Collaborate with your clients to create a unique vision for their curated ear. Consider factors such as the number and placement of piercings, jewelry choices, and any potential future additions. Be creative and suggest combinations that enhance their individuality. Additionally, make sure you’re respectful of your client’s vision. Don’t be condescending or shoot down any idea. If your client gives an uneducated or outlandish suggestion, kindly and diplomatically offer an alternative or compromise.
Your ability to translate their ideas into a visually appealing design is going to increase your client’s trust. In fact, they might recommend their friends come to you for their curated ear designs.
SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
More often than not, your client is going to find you on social media. Utilize Instagram, TikTok, and more to show off your portfolio. Make sure it’s an impressive portfolio of curated ear projects. Snapping high-quality photos of your custom designs is imperative for luring in new curated ear clients.
And on that note, make sure you prioritize snapping photos of your work after every appointment. With your clients’ consent, take pictures of their curated ears from all angles and stages of healing. You can create swipeable Instagram panels for each client… or film your progress as a reel or on TikTok. Likewise, before-and-after pictures are especially effective.
ENCOURAGE UPKEEP AND ADDITIONS
As you know (but clients may not), a curated ear is not a one-time service. Encourage your clients to return for follow-up appointments to ensure their piercings are healing properly. This also gives you a great opportunity to upsell additional piercings, jewelry upgrades/swaps, and high-quality aftercare. Check out our blog on maximizing your piercing benefits here to get more tips on upselling and attracting clients.
PROMOTE WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING
Happy clients are your best advocates. So, throughout the appointment, try to be friends with your client. Get to know them. By the time the appointment’s over, encourage them to share their curated ear experience with friends and family who might also want a curated ear. Reward them with a coupon or discount on their next appointment. A referral program is an excellent way to ensure clients will spread the word about your quality services.
GO CURATE SOME EARS
Building a curated ear with your clients is not just a trend—it’s an art form that can hugely benefit your piercing business. By putting all these tips into practice, you can elevate your business to new heights. Embrace the art of curated ears (and do it right). Plus, be sure to keep a wide array of body jewelry on hand so you can satisfy any client and any style. Check out our best high-quality selections by the premier jewelry brand Tilum, which gives you titanium and 14kt gold styles for any piercing. With the right practices and accessories, you’ll watch your reputation and client base grow rapidly.
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