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Between managing client appointments, laundry, and seeing clients, the to-do list can feel never-ending. But here’s the thing: just because you can do everything yourself doesn’t mean you should.
Outsourcing certain tasks can free up your time to focus on what you love—whether that’s building your business, improving your craft, or spending quality time with family. That said, we know outsourcing isn’t always feasible, especially if you’re just starting out or navigating a tight budget. But it’s worth exploring what tasks could offer the best return on investment (ROI)—whether that’s financial gain or simply more time for yourself.
Here are five areas to consider outsourcing and why they might be game-changers for your esthetics business.
Bookkeeping.
Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t become estheticians because we love crunching numbers. Yet bookkeeping is one of those necessary evils of running a business. If the thought of managing invoices, tracking expenses, and reconciling accounts makes your eyes glaze over, it might be time to bring in a professional.
A bookkeeper will help keep your finances organized, possibly identify areas where you could save money (they don't all do this) and of course help you stay on top of tax deadlines.
Bookkeepers don't have to be super expensive. We found ours in a mom-to-mom facebook group. Finances are a very important part of running a business, if not the most important part - so the ROI to have piece of mind that your finances are in order, is well, priceless.
Newsletters.
You don’t need to send weekly newsletters to see results from email marketing (although we recommend it). With a little upfront work, you can create automated email campaigns that work behind the scenes to keep clients engaged. For example, a welcome series for new clients, birthday emails offering something special, post-appointment follow-ups with product recommendations, and more!
Hiring a professional to design and set up these email campaigns can be a one-time expense that continues to deliver value over time. Even better, it frees you up to focus on your clients while your emails nurture relationships in the background.
We have had success finding email marketing pros on Upwork. If you're set on setting up your own email flows, check out this blog: Email Sequences To Increase Your Revenue.
Photography.
Your photos are often the first impression potential clients have of your business. Whether it’s shots of your treatment room, your products, or before-and-after results, high-quality images can elevate your brand and attract more bookings. It will also absolutely strengthen your brand and make it more cohesive!
If snapping pictures isn’t your strength (or you don’t have the right equipment), hiring a photographer could be worth the investment. Many photographers offer small-business packages, and you don’t need a full photo shoot every month—a seasonal refresh can go a long way.
And here’s a tip: you can often barter services with photographers who might love a relaxing facial in exchange for their talents.
Laundry.
There's no way around it, laundry is daunting. Or at least we think it is. Outsourcing your laundry to a local service can save you hours each week.
Think about it: what could you do with the time you’d normally spend washing, folding, and organizing linens? Whether it’s working on your social media, planning next quarters marketing, or simply taking a well-earned break, outsourcing laundry can give you time back to focus on what truly matters. Here in Michigan we have a company called Poplin and it was the best one we tried, so highly recommend looking to see if Poplin is near you! Here's $10 off your first laundry order.
Cleaning.
Maintaining a spotless treatment room is non-negotiable in our opinion. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. Hiring a cleaning service, even for just a few hours a week, can be a smart investment.
We often overlook certain details because we see our space every day—our eyes can become blind to the little things. Bringing a fresh pair of eyes will ensure everything is up to professional standards
Also, the time you save can be used for high-value activities—like creating marketing campaigns, or learning a new skill.
For example, if you spend $100 on cleaning but use that time to develop a promotion that generates $500 in bookings, the ROI is undeniable.
But, what if oursourcing isn't in the budget? We get it—when you’re just starting out or going through a tough season, outsourcing might feel out of reach. The key is to start small and focus on what offers the best ROI for you.
Sometimes, the return on investment isn’t about money at all—it’s about time. Maybe outsourcing laundry allows you to finally enjoy a weekend hobby. Or hiring a bookkeeper frees up time for dinner with your family.
If full outsourcing isn’t possible, look for creative solutions like swapping services with another business owner, finding an apprentice or delegating small tasksto a friend or family member who wants to help.
