How to Get Clients as a Personal Stylist | 4 Ways to Get Booked Without Chasing Leads

To get clients as a personal stylist:

• Create a website to showcase your work & services
• Use social media to grab attention
• Build referral partnerships with beauty & wellness professionals
• Collaborate with local boutiques

The keyword ‘personal stylist near me’ has 1,900 Google searches per month. People are looking for local stylists online. A website connects you with these potential clients. It also lets them see your work and services on the spot. This convenience makes it easier for them to contact you. 

Many of your potential clients are also on social media. They may not be actively looking for a stylist, but you can grab their attention. Instagram is ideal for showing styling work, transformations, and outfit ideas. People will see it and want the same for themselves. Facebook is great for a more local reach, especially in groups and community pages. There, offer styling help until they’re impressed enough to hire you. 

Referral partnerships and collaborations mean working with others who serve the same clients but don’t compete with you. For example, partner with a hairstylist. Their clients care about their appearance and may need styling help. Refer clients to each other or offer a hair and style makeover package.

In this article, we show you how to use these 4 strategies the right way. We also go over how to build your reputation and grow your styling business.

1. Create a Website to Showcase Your Personal Stylist Work and Services

Creating a website attracts the people in your area who already want your services. Many search for terms like ‘personal stylists in [your city]’ to find someone to hire. One Reddit user praised the stylist she found through Google. She said she chose the right person by reading reviews to see if the stylist had worked with someone like her.

Your website’s goal is to stand out and convince people to hire you over other personal stylists. Here is how to do that:

• Show up high on local searches. A ReviewTracker survey found that where your website ranks is one of the top 3 reasons people choose a local business. To improve your ranking, use location-specific keywords throughout your website. Also, create and verify a Google Business Profile and keep it updated. 
• Provide all your information upfront. Include your styling services, pricing, contact details, and business hours. Most visitors expect to see this and may click away if they don’t find it right away. 
• Display your reviews. Positive reviews build trust by showing you deliver results and are great to work with. The more good reviews you have, the more confident new clients will feel in choosing you. Don’t have clients yet? Style your friends and family and ask them to leave reviews for you. 
• Upload high-quality photos. The ReviewTracker survey found that photos are the #1 factor in hiring decisions. Since styling is a very visual industry, people want to see what you can actually do. Add before-and-after transformation shots of different client styles. 
• Highlight your unique styling approach. Show what makes your styling services different. Whether it’s a special technique, fashion philosophy, or personalized styling process. With this, you attract the right clients who need exactly what you offer. 
• Include an online booking system. According to a SquareUp survey, 53% of people prefer stylists who offer online booking. This makes it super easy for them to book with you – just one click and they’re set.
• Write a blog. Offer styling tips, fashion trends, and industry insights. Position yourself as an expert in your field. When people see you know what you’re talking about, they trust you more. This also improves your website’s ranking through fresh, relevant content. 
• Use clear and descriptive call-to-actions (CTAs). Guide visitors with buttons like “Book Your Stylist Consultation” or “View Our Portfolio.” These encourage people to take action and turn them into clients. 
• Offer a free styling guide. Provide free resources like downloadable style guides or fashion checklists. This adds value for visitors and lets them see how you work. Plus, it serves as a tool to capture contact information for future follow-ups. 
• Build a strong personal brand. People hire personal stylists because they connect with the individual behind the services. Make sure your website reflects your personal style, values, and personality. Share your story, qualifications, and why you’re passionate about styling. Potential clients will feel more connected to you and encourages them to hire you. 

Building your own website may seem daunting. But with a good website builder like Snapps.ai, it’s super easy. Just pick a template, customize it to your brand, and add all the important details. Good builders also handle fast loading speeds, easy navigation, and mobile-friendliness. Some even have SEO tools to help you place keywords, improve keyword density, and recommend other ways to boost your ranking.

2. Use Social Media to Attract Attention to Your Personal Stylist Service

Using social media attracts people who are interested in fashion and style. In fact, fashion-related content is one of the top search categories on Instagram. As for Facebook, there are many local groups where your target audience gathers, such as professional women and mom groups. If you post your styling work here, these people may like what they see and decide to hire you for themselves. Here is how to engage and attract future clients with social media: 

• Join relevant Facebook groups. Personal stylist clients are usually found in local women’s networking groups, mom groups, fashion and swapping shop groups, and wedding planning groups. 
• Use hashtags and keywords. Add location-based hashtags and relevant style tags, such as #yourcityfashion, #personalstylist, and #styleinspo. On Facebook, focus more on using keywords like ‘styling’ or ‘fashion advice’ in your posts. 
• Post engaging content. Share fashion tips, seasonal wardrobe guides, or style inspiration. Provide helpful advice or discussions in Facebook groups. 
• Upload stories and reels. Show quick styling tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-time transformations. According to Sprout Social, reels have the highest engagement rate at 2.08% per post. Stories are a way to appear at the top and show potential clients that you’re still active in the business. 
• Share transformation stories. Post before-and-after styling photos and client testimonials. When people see these transformations, they often want the same results. Plus, this is a good way to showcase your skills. 
• Encourage interaction. Ask questions like “What’s your go-to outfit for work?” or run polls about fashion preferences. Many interactions boost your post and make it easier for people to find. What’s more, it builds rapport and trust. 
• Engage with your audience. Reply to comments, answer questions, share styling tips, and respond to direct messages. This fosters deeper connections. Remember, people want a personal stylist they feel comfortable with.
• Offer a free mini consultation. Your audience should know that you’re offering personal styling services. For this, invite them to book a free consultation with personalized styling advice. It will also make them see what it’s like to work with you and if you’re the right fit for them. Just make sure that, in Facebook groups, you stay within the rules of self-promotion.
• Stay consistent. Post regularly and interact with comments and messages on both platforms. Consistency lets you stay top of mind with potential clients. 

Social media is a great way to build brand awareness, trust, and relationships. However, it takes a bit more time to convince your audience to actually hire you. Usually, these people are looking for inspiration and not a service, so they may not be willing to pay. You must be patient, consistent, and strategic. Nurture these relationships and gradually convince them to take action. 

Gab Saber of Wardrobe Editor uses Reddit as her advertising social media platform. She joins discussions about fashion advice and personal stylists. Since she’s very helpful, many Reddit users see her as an expert – and some even want to hire her right away. It takes time, especially to give detailed replies on many different threads. But she was able to turn leads into clients. Here are a few of her discussions:

3. Build Referral Partnerships to Expand Your Personal Stylist Client Base

Building referral partnerships attracts people who care about their appearance. For this, beauty and wellness professionals send clients to you for style advice. Since they trust these professionals and invest in their looks, they’re likely to hire you. In return, reward your partners with a small gift, discount, or referrals. 80% of small businesses report that local partners increased their clients and revenue. Here is how to build these partnerships to get more leads:

• Choose the right people. Look for professionals who already serve your ideal clients. This includes hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, personal trainers, and even wedding planners.
• Network and connect. Attend industry events, join local business groups, or reach out directly. Introduce yourself, explain what you do, and show the benefits of working together. 
• Offer mutual benefits. It should be a win-win situation. Refer your clients to their services, and in return, they send their clients over to you. Or, collaborate on special offers, discounts, or exclusive styling packages.
• Make referrals easy. Give partners business cards, a referral code, or a simple process to send clients your way. You can even offer an incentive for each successful referral.
• Collaborate on content. Co-host styling workshops, do Instagram Lives together, or choose their outfits for a week, and they style your hair, etc…. This exposes your personal styling service to their audience and vice versa. 
• Follow up and show appreciation. A thank-you message, small gift, or social media shoutout keeps partnerships strong.

Now, this strategy doesn’t provide a high volume of leads, but it brings in quality ones. According to Invesp, referred leads convert 30% more than other strategies. Also, these clients are 4x more likely to return the favor and refer you to someone else. While you don’t get plenty of clients this way, the ones you do get usually stay loyal. 

Sterling Style Academy, a personal styling training program, recommends partnering with local businesses. They say it’s an affordable way to attract quality clients while building strong local connections. Here is an excerpt from their website:

4. Collaborate With Local Boutiques to Offer Personal Styling Services

Collaborating with local boutiques attracts people who are buying clothes. A Mintel survey found that 44% of women struggle to find clothes that fit their body type. Many boutiques offer personal styling to help. You don’t need to work for them – just assist their customers in finding the right clothes. You get a client, the shopper finds clothes they love, and the boutique makes a sale. Here is how to collaborate with local boutiques: 

• Choose a boutique that aligns with your styling service. Research boutiques in your area that offer personal styling or shopper assistance. Or, go to any boutique you prefer and pitch your services to them. 
• Reach out to owners or managers. Visit the boutique or contact them via email or social media. Introduce yourself as a stylist and explain how you can help their customers. 
• Showcase your skills. Share your portfolio, testimonials, or offer a free trial session to demonstrate your value.
• Decide how you’ll get paid. The boutique might give you a fee or a percentage of sales for helping their customers. Or, the customer might pay you directly for your styling service. In some cases, you might get paid by both the boutique and the customer.
• Start styling clients. Assist shoppers in selecting outfits that suit their style and body type. Always keep the boutique’s inventory in mind.
• Build relationships. Communicate well with boutique staff and customers to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Shoppers are more open to personal stylists while already selecting outfits. It will feel like a natural part of their shopping experience. Plus, working with boutiques gives you access to a steady stream of clients who trust the store’s recommendations. One Reddit user shared that they used the styling session offered by a high-end boutique. Although it was expensive, they didn’t regret it because they felt great in the clothes they bought.

However, with this strategy, you’re limited to clothes that the boutique offers. You’ll have to improvise and make sure you can style clients using the available inventory. What’s more, you can’t select the clients you want to work with. For the most part, you’ll have to help anyone that goes to the local boutique and gets the service you offer.

How to Build Your Reputation as a Personal Stylist?

• Style for free. If you’re new, offer free styling sessions to friends, family, or influencers. Ask for testimonials, referrals, and portfolio content in return. This also helps you practice, gain confidence, and figure out what type of styling you enjoy most.
• Set up consults. Provide free or low-cost consultations to encourage potential clients to try you out. Use this time to understand their needs, show your expertise, and build trust. After the session, they may hire you for a full service. 
• Be approachable. Clients should feel comfortable coming to you for advice. Maintain a friendly, professional presence both in person and online. This builds trust, attracts clients, and encourages referrals.
• Provide value in videos or blogs. Share fashion tips, styling advice, or outfit ideas through social media, YouTube, or a blog. When people see your knowledge and styling skills, they’ll consider hiring you. 
• Use a questionnaire to showcase professionalism. Ask about size, budget, style preferences, and shopping habits. Show potential clients you’re detail-oriented and committed to delivering a personalized experience.
• Choose a specialization. Focus on a niche, such as capsule wardrobes, corporate styling, plus-size fashion, or event styling. Being known for a specific expertise builds your reputation with the right clients. It also lets you stand out in a crowded market.

Should Personal Stylists Recommend Certain Clothing Brands?

Personal stylists should recommend certain clothing brands to add value to their service. A Statista report found that 54% of fashion shoppers in the US say finding good brands is hard. Help clients with high-quality, sustainable, and stylish brands that align with their needs. Here is what to consider when choosing which clothing brands to recommend:

• Quality and durability. Go with brands known for well-made, long-lasting clothing that won’t wear out quickly. 
• Sustainability. Many of your potential clients may want sustainable fashion. Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials and follow ethical production standards. 
• Style and aesthetic. Select brands that offer unique pieces. This way, you can align your client’s personal fashion preferences. 
• Price and budget. Make sure your recommended brands have different pricing ranges to fit various budgets. However, it should also offer good value. 
• Sizing and fit. Many of your potential clients will hire you because they can’t find clothes that fit their body type. Always choose brands with inclusive sizing and reliable fit.
• Reputation. Go with brands with positive reviews, good customer service, and a focus on quality.
• Online presence. Digital Silk reports that 43% of US internet users shop for clothes online. You need a clothing brand with a website that makes browsing selections easy and offers a smooth, convenient buying process.