8 Tattoo Marketing Techniques You Should Follow

Marketing and promotion are things you’ll always need to be on top of, whether you’ve been running a tattoo shop for years or are just starting one.

You can spend all day searching for “marketing my business,” but when it comes to tattoo marketing, there are a few factors to take into account that are slightly more specialized. It also depends on whether you want local walk-in businesses or clients from a distance.

We’ve therefore talked to a number of seasoned tattoo artists who run their own studios to learn more about the most effective tattoo marketing techniques for tattoo parlors.

1. Get the Look

First and foremost, you must ensure that your storefront is presentable. It should also convey your sense of style. There are certain aesthetic requirements if you operate a walk-in studio on the high street. New customers are much less likely to come in if the establishment appears rundown or dirty.

You should still pay attention to your décor even if you have a studio that is partially hidden or located inside a building. When you upload pictures online, it will be extremely beneficial for your reputation.

2. Digital Marketing

It’s wise to set yourself up on Google if someone is looking for a tattoo artist in California, for instance, as this is one of the places they’ll go. Although not specifically related to tattoo marketing, setting up “Google My Business” and accumulating reviews there will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run.

3. Traditional Marketing

Even though social media is dominating, more traditional marketing is still a good idea—possibly even more so for new businesses. A-boards outside the shop are a good idea, according to some artists, but you might need a license to have one, so be sure to check with your local council. Other artists reported that they had tried magazine advertising and distributing flyers in other stores like coffee shops and barbershops.

Along with social media marketing, you could also spend money on print materials like:

• Business Cards – To give to your customers or share with other artists at conventions. You can create tattoo business cards online on your own if you haven’t made any yet.
• Brochures – For tattoo marketing and promotion as well as promoting your shop and new offers or upcoming events.

4. Social Media

Social media is a part of digital marketing – and it’s a big one. Social media is a great place for your tattoo business clients to find you. They’re on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other apps. Using social media to grow your business provides you with abundant opportunities. Nevertheless, there are a few things you need to do in order to get the most out of social media marketing.

Therefore, make sure you have a shop Instagram and Facebook page in addition to your personal social media pages for tattooing. Post pictures of the artwork created by the artists who work for you as well as any other products you might sell to showcase their talents.

It is also a great idea to ask your employees to mention your shop on their personal social media pages. They can mention the shop in their bio, tag it in all posts, mark it as the location and tag it in all posts.

You can always try paid or sponsored ads if there isn’t much interaction on social media. To put it simply, this entails investing a small sum of money to boost the visibility of each post. Additionally, a small investment can go a long way on Facebook, increasing the visibility of your post.

There are people out there who will manage your social media for you if you don’t have time or if this seems too complicated. You’ll get noticed by freelance social media specialists and copywriters who specialize in this kind of thing.

5. Get to Know the Locals

Go introduce your company to your neighbors and say hello to them. It’s a great idea to get to know the local businesses in your area so that you can be recommended if someone asks for a recommendation for a good tattoo artist.

But be cautious about where you set up shop. Make sure you’re diplomatic in your search for a location if you’re considering opening up shop on a high street where there is only one studio.

6. Conventions

You can also get your shop’s name out there by attending tattoo conventions. Everyone there is your target audience, so just being there promotes the tattoo shop you work for and the artists you work with. If there are any conventions near you, take advantage of them. The opportunity to build up a local clientele is much better.

Get yourself a noticeable banner, brand your area thoroughly, and perhaps even offer some free sweets to ensure that your designated space stands out.

7. Host a Launch Party

Throwing an opening soirée is one of the best ways to promote yourself. Invite other artists, professionals from the field, your pals who enjoy getting tattoos, their friends, and so on, and open up your store or studio for one night only.

As a side note, free food and liquor will always be appreciated.

8. Give a Discount

A discount or referral program is one of the best ways to motivate customers to buy products. Why not give a 10% discount to local businesses? As an example, clients can get 10% off their next tattoo if they refer a friend.