Ahh, the age-old question. How to get more tattoo clients? OK, maybe it’s not the exact question that’s been floated around the last hundred years, but you get the picture. From building a brand to scheduling appointments to scoring rave reviews, the battle to stand out among a throng of tattoo shops is tough. So, rather than continuing to throw spaghetti at the wall hoping something, anything, sticks—this ultimate guide gives you a strategy. Get a step-by-step breakdown on how to get more tattoo clients through your shop door minus the industry jargon and over-complicated tactics. The road to getting more appointment bookings begins here ⬇️.
Create a Welcoming Environment
Your goal should be a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere the moment clients walk into your shop. If they feel intimidated when they stroll through those front doors, you’ll miss any opportunity to share your talent. That’s not to say you need to give up who you are to bring in more tattoo clients. You want an experience that’s authentic to both your industry and who you are as an artist while still keeping in mind the comfort level of the clients you’re targeting. The level of detail is up to you. You can dive into what color you paint the walls, the music you’re playing, and the art that’s displayed. The sky’s the limit here.
Build Your Tattoo Brand
If you’re looking into how to get more tattoo clients, it’s all about consistency. The way you present your shop is important, whether that be on social media or your website. It’s what determines the type of client you’ll attract. Even if you have artists with all types of artistic niches, don’t let your branding become wishy-washy. Make your shop name easy to remember, have a logo that encompasses the vibe and feel of your brand, and aim for brand consistency. You want every touch-point to be instantly recognizable as your shop so potential clients build trust with you over time.
Focus on Your Signature Style
Having a shop with one signature style is unlikely and when you’re trying to beat out your competition, not in your best interest. What you’re looking for are artists who’ve honed in on their signature styles. To fill up your online appointment schedule day after day, you need artists on your roster who know their strengths and their weaknesses. If they’re unaccustomed to saying no to potential clients because a tattoo is outside their wheelhouse, they aren’t the best fit for your shop. After all, being known as a shop with specialists is a good thing. Clients need to know the artist putting that piece on their body has chosen to dedicate their career to learning one discipline. The faster you understand your niche, the quicker you’ll attract clients your shop is stoked to have booking appointments.
Nail Your Portfolio
This is true for every artist in your shop. Online and offline, you want your portfolio to be representative of your current work and not from ten years ago. On top of that, spend a little bit of time figuring out how to take a picture that reflects the hours of sweat that went into the piece. Lighting, angles, and clarity make a massive difference. The greatest tattoo can look beginner if you’re unsure how to capture it. No bueno when you’re looking to book more tattoo clients.
Have a Clear Marketing Strategy
In 2021, if you’re not online in some capacity, you don’t exist. Is that fair? Absolutely not. But it’s the truth. You don’t need to be everywhere, all the time. Spreading yourself too thin will only produce a watered-down mess of your shop, your brand, and your art. So, pick a couple of platforms you enjoy, commit to a posting schedule, and hop to it. You’re shooting for progress over perfection here… but if you don’t start now, your shop and your talent will be invisible.
Social Media is a Must-Have
We’re all blessed with teensy computers we carry around in our pockets day in and day out. Use this as a way to showcase your art to potential clients. Not only will you gain exposure for your work and your shop, but it’s also an effective way to build relationships with current clients. Instagram is a visual place where you can keep things interesting by sharing engaging content. Invite your followers to like, comment, and share your posts. Mix in some behind the scenes videos so potential clients get a feel for what the in-shop atmosphere is like. But go further. Support other parts of the tattoo industry, give shout-outs to fellow artists, take your video on the road to events… GET SOCIAL! Instagram is also a great place to let your current and potential clients know how they can book appointments with you.
Start with a Website
Does your shop have a website? If you’re wondering how to get more tattoo clients, this is one of the most effective ways. Having a website adds credibility to your brand/business, which builds trust and authority. When a new client is looking for a tattoo artist, they’ll likely do one of three things: ask a friend for a referral, Google “who’s the best tattoo artist in their city,” or Google “what is the best tattoo shop in their city.” If they ask a friend and your shop name comes up, great! But the next step isn’t usually a call to book an appointment. It’s opening up the laptop (or the iPhone) to Google your shop. If you don’t have a web presence or it’s an Insta page with 14 crummy pics, you’re quickly losing credibility. On your website, you should have an updated portfolio page for each artist at your shop along with a bio, a contact form, a link to online scheduling or an embedded online booking page, testimonials from past clients (with photos), and branding that matches your aesthetic.
Make the Move to Online Scheduling
Are you currently scheduling your tattoo appointments with a pen and paper? Or is it a mishmash of Instagram DMs, emails, and text messages? If you’re wondering how to book more tattoo clients, make the move to tattoo booking software. Give your clients the option to book securely through Instagram, Facebook, your website, and a dedicated online booking page. You can stop stressing about artist availability, double bookings, and no-shows. Clients have the freedom to book appointments online when it’s convenient for them. Win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I create a welcoming environment in my tattoo shop?
A: Your goal should be a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere the moment clients walk into your shop. Consider the color of walls, the music playing, and the art displayed to create an authentic and inviting experience.
Q: How important is building a tattoo brand?
A: Building a tattoo brand is crucial to attract the right clients. Consistency in your shop’s presentation, including social media and your website, determines the type of client you’ll attract.
Q: Should I focus on a specific tattoo style in my shop?
A: While having a signature style for your shop is unlikely, it’s beneficial to have artists who’ve honed in on their own signature styles. This helps attract clients who appreciate their specialized expertise.
Q: Why is a portfolio important for tattoo artists?
A: A strong portfolio represents your current work and showcases your skills. High-quality photos that accurately capture your tattoos can make a significant difference in attracting more clients.
Q: How important is a marketing strategy for tattoo shops?
A: In today’s digital age, a clear marketing strategy is essential for attracting more tattoo clients. Select a few platforms you enjoy, create engaging content, and be consistent to increase your visibility.
Q: How can social media benefit my tattoo shop?
A: Social media platforms, like Instagram, provide an opportunity to showcase your art, connect with clients, and build relationships with fellow artists. It’s an effective way to gain exposure and attract more clients.
Q: Why is having a website important for a tattoo shop?
A: A website adds credibility to your tattoo shop and allows potential clients to learn more about your artists, view portfolios, and book appointments. It builds trust and authority, increasing the chances of attracting more clients.
Q: How can online scheduling improve my tattoo shop’s booking process?
A: Online scheduling software streamlines the booking process, reduces double bookings and no-shows, and provides clients with the convenience to book appointments anytime, anywhere.
Q: What can I do to encourage positive word-of-mouth for my tattoo shop?
A: Providing a great client experience, from the tattoo itself to client service and follow-up, encourages positive word-of-mouth. Satisfied clients become walking billboards for your shop, promoting it to their friends and acquaintances.
Q: How can I ask for more referrals from my clients?
A: Don’t hesitate to ask your clients for referrals, especially those you love working on. Consider offering incentives, such as discounts or rewards, as a way to show appreciation for their referrals.
Q: Are business cards still useful for tattoo artists?
A: Despite the digital age, business cards can still be valuable for tattoo artists. They provide a tangible representation of your shop and can make you memorable when networking at conventions or other events.
Q: How can attending tattoo conventions benefit my shop?
A: Tattoo conventions offer opportunities to build relationships with other artists, potentially attract guest artists or collaborations, gain exposure to clients, and even catch the attention of writers or publishers for future features.
Q: What are the advantages of partnering with a cause as a tattoo shop?
A: Partnering with a cause allows your tattoo shop to make a positive impact in your community. Supporting a local charity or sponsoring events raises awareness of your shop and creates good karma.
Q: Why is client communication important for attracting more tattoo clients?
A: A solid client communication strategy helps ensure a seamless booking experience and addresses any potential roadblocks that may prevent clients from booking appointments. Understanding your client’s journey can help improve client service.
Q: Should I consider using online booking apps for my tattoo shop?
A: Online booking apps provide organization, convenience, and upfront payments for both your shop and clients. Clients can book appointments online and receive automated reminders, reducing the chances of no-shows.
Q: How can reviews help attract more tattoo clients?
A: Positive reviews from satisfied clients can significantly impact your shop’s reputation. Encourage clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google or provide testimonials for your website, showcasing your credibility and quality of work.
Q: Why is it important to update public profiles for my tattoo shop?
A: Keeping your online presence up to date is crucial for attracting potential clients. Regularly post on social media, engage with your community, and ensure your profiles reflect your current availability and work.
Q: How can staying informed and learning benefit my tattoo shop?
A: Staying up to date with industry updates, new techniques, equipment, and trends is essential for attracting fresh clientele. Continuous learning and excitement reflect your dedication to providing high-quality tattoo services.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting more tattoo clients, implementing the right strategies is key. From creating a welcoming environment to building a strong brand and utilizing online platforms, these steps can help attract more clients to your tattoo shop. Stay proactive, maintain strong client communication, and continuously learn and adapt to ensure your shop thrives in the ever-changing tattoo industry.
Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know your best client-attracting strategies in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’re innovating, and so would our community!
