There are a number of tried, tested and mainly
free apps and tools that I find helpful as a mobile nail technician, from organisational to marketing and accounting tools.
ORGANISATIONAL TOOLS
Google Calendar, Contacts & Maps
I love the integration of Google Calendar, Contacts and Maps, as I can use all of these things on the go. Google Calendar is my online appointment scheduler; I can add client details directly from Google Contacts and share my calendar with family and friends. They know where I am at all times, which is essential for safety. As Google Calendar is so popular, I have found it can be easily integrated with other health and beauty solutions online booking systems too.
Google Maps is so handy for checking your travel route in real-time as it highlights any traffic delays and accidents. I also find the Street View feature useful when visiting new clients as I use it to become familiar with an unknown area or address and look for parking places.
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
My Brightbook
This is a free, online accountancy system that is perfect for sole traders. It’s simple to use and you can easily keep track of expenses and raise or send invoices.
Express Accounts Accounting Software
This is an alternative accounting option for limited companies. It can be downloaded for free and offers more functionality and reports than My Brightbook. It is more complex but can produce all the reports required for limited companies.
MY TOP TIP: Always seek professional help from an accountant or financial advisor where required, to avoid potential fines.
Shoeboxed
Have you ever visited your a trade store or beauty exhibition, purchased a significant amount of products, and subsequently lost the receipts? Or, have you simply got a whole shoebox full of receipts over the year? With the Shoeboxed app, simply take a snap of your receipt to record and store it electronically. The app even gives you the option to mark it as ‘reimburseable’ so you remember to reimburse yourself or add it as an expense or bill to your accounts. You need to keep receipts for all business expenses for up to six years in case HMRC audits your accounts. Keeping electronic copies means that if you’re victim to flood, fire or general carelessness, you still have access to a copy.
MARKETING
Instagram
A lot of clients have found me through
Instagram so I try to post as many
photos of nails and manicures I’ve done as possible. I have found it the
best social media platform for Nails by Mets and it’s so visual. I also love that it allows you to easily connect with nail artists and techs from all over the world and it’s full of talented artists from illustrators to architects and photographers so I get so much inspiration from their feeds!
Facebook
With almost everyone signed up to the world’s biggest social media platform, set up a business page to secure your presence.
Facebook Ads can be an effective tool to help tap into a client base in your local area.
Twitter
I find Twitter useful to create an instant dialogue with
potential clients and bloggers or influencers.
Mailchimp
You can create beautiful e-newsletters for your clients with this wonderful tool. It’s a great way to keep in contact with existing clients and share news and updates with potential clients.
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Credit:
Metta Francis
