How to Get More Tattoo Clients | A Strategic Guide to Attracting More Tattoo Clients

Standing out and attracting a steady stream of clients is pivotal for success. Economy and industry are winner-take-all environments. It's easy to remember #1.

The competition is fierce, and the demand for unique, high-quality tattoos is ever-growing. Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to the scene, understanding how to market your skills effectively can significantly boost your client base. This article provides actionable strategies to help you attract more tattoo clients and grow your business.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Website and SEO: Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio, artist bios, and client testimonials. Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your site's visibility on search engines. Keywords such as "tattoo artist in [Your City]" or "best tattoo designs" can help potential clients find you more easily.

Remember to setup your Google Maps location as soon as you setup shop ANYWHERE. Even if it's a room inside of a building where the owner's allowed you to rent a space to tattoo, you can receive mail to verify your Google Business Location.

After that, you'll be popping up on Google searches for anyone looking around their area for a tattoo artist. If you can get them to call you just because you're the nearest option, it's a chance to showcase your skills. Don't forget to turn on your notifications in case you get messages from people seeking a tattoo artist.

Social Media Mastery: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to display your work. Regularly post high-quality images of your tattoos, behind-the-scenes videos, and content that highlights your unique style and personality. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages to build a community around your brand. 

There's a lot to be said about this process. The trick is to loop your Google Map location, your website, and all of your other social media platforms together through the links and tags on your posts. You're aiming to create a cluster of posts related to your business and brand as a tattoo artist, and you'll start picking up some interesting calls/inquiries.

Leverage Client Reviews and Testimonials

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and social media. Share these testimonials on your website and social media channels. Word-of-mouth recommendations, both online and offline, are incredibly powerful in attracting new clients.

Those Google reviews are worth thousands of views a month, over time, forever, for free. Use them. Upload every single tattoo you've ever created and request a kind review from the client. When people see other satisfied people, they're genuinely curious about what you can do for them.

Offer Promotions and Referral Bonuses

Introduce promotions, such as discounts for first-time clients or special pricing on certain designs. Implement a referral program offering a discount or a freebie to clients who refer new customers. These incentives can motivate your existing client base to spread the word about your services.

Participate in Tattoo Conventions and Local Events

Attend tattoo conventions, art shows, and local community events to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. These events provide an excellent opportunity to network, gain exposure, and demonstrate your skills live. Offering on-the-spot consultations or small tattoos can also attract immediate business.

If you're engaging in a certain style of tattoo design and want to experiment, offer open house sessions with observers with the clients' approval. Create sessions where referrals can be created and events where potential clients and past clients have a chance to mingle. When they show their tattoos and tell their stories, the meanings behind why they got tattooed in the first place, the art of tattoo spreads.

Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partner with local businesses, such as fashion boutiques, bars, or coffee shops, to display your artwork or promotional materials. Collaborations can introduce your brand to a broader audience and create cross-promotional opportunities. There's a link between the end client and what they see on social media. It's your job to find that link and get in there.

Educate Your Audience

Create content that educates your audience about the tattoo process, care instructions, design inspiration, and the stories behind your tattoos. This can establish you as an authority in your field, build trust with potential clients, and engage people who are considering their first or next tattoo. There's quite a bit of content out there showing a before and after video, but with cloud and streaming, it's possible to stream an entire session as raw footage, then edit to purpose later. Even as you review your own tattooing process, you'll begin to improve every process you repeat. The next time's almost always better.

Offer a Unique Experience

Differentiate yourself by offering a unique experience, such as a private studio session, personalized design consultation, or aftercare packages. Creating a memorable experience can lead to repeat business and referrals. People want to tell their story without words when they come to a tattoo artist. You can find what they're after, and help them achieve the type of personal expression they're after; your approach to personalizing the experience with just being a kind version of yourself goes a very long way in 2024.

Utilize Messengers, Email Newsletters, and Phone Calls

People purchase what's put in front of them and if it's accessible to them in their minds. If a person "knows" a person who can tattoo them, that's a step closer to getting more clients for your practice/business/art/love/passion. Setup a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly outreach schedule for yourself. Reach out to people in the industry, people, clients, studios, and anyone in your network to bring new life to the entire network.

Stagnation happens when people think they know more people than they don't.

Build an email list of clients and interested prospects. Send regular newsletters with studio updates, available appointment slots, new designs, and exclusive offers. Email marketing keeps you top of mind and encourages repeat bookings.