15 Ways To Get More Tattoo Clients

If you’ve been wondering how to get more tattoo clients, it might feel like you’re missing out on some secret everyone else is in on. In reality, it usually comes down to a handful of practical strategies and consistent habits. 

That’s why we’ve put together this article to help both tattoo artists just starting out and seasoned pros looking to grow their business. 

How To Get More Tattoo Clients: 15 Effective Ideas That Work

Below are some proven strategies and tips to get clients as a tattoo artist or a tattoo studio owner. 

1. Show your best work on social media

Your Instagram or TikTok should double as your digital portfolio, since these are usually the first place potential clients see your work online. Post clear, well-lit photos and short videos of your tattoos consistently (at least once a week is ideal). 

It’s best to include content featuring fully healed tattoos so people know what your work actually looks like long term. To do this, you can either invite clients back to your shop to take photos and videos, or perhaps ask them to send some over to you. 

When you share these photos, make sure to tag your clients (with their permission, of course) so their friends and mutuals discover you, too. 

Lastly, use local hashtags and geotags (like your city or neighborhood). That way, people nearby can actually find you and your posts are more likely to pop up in these people’s feeds. 

2. Narrow down your signature tattoo style or specialty

You’ll attract more of the right tattoo clients when people can instantly tell what you’re good at just by glancing at your social media or walking into your shop. 

Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, lean into one or two tattoo styles you actually enjoy doing, whether that’s fine line, blackwork, traditional, realism, or something else.  

Focusing on just a few styles makes your portfolio look more cohesive. It also helps clients quickly understand what you’re best at — and feel more confident trusting you with their idea since they can see you’ve done similar work many times before. 

This doesn’t mean you can never do other styles. It just means most of your content highlight the kind of work you specialize in. Over time, having a clear specialty makes word-of-mouth stronger too, because people know exactly what tattoo projects to recommend you for. 

3. Collect and showcase reviews from clients

Reviews go a long way in building trust, especially in people getting tattooed for the first time. Real feedback from real people helps potential clients feel safer booking with you, because they can see others had a great experience.

After each appointment, politely ask satisfied clients to leave a review on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or whichever platforms people in your area actually use to search for tattoo shops. Let these clients know that their review would really help you out. 

To make things even easier for these clients, send a follow-up message with a direct link to wherever you’d like them to leave a review.

Plus, you can encourage even more reviews by offering a small incentive. One tattoo artist on Reddit shared a helpful approach: They give each client a coupon for 15% off the next tattoo session if that client leaves a review.

Once you’ve collected a few good reviews (around 5–10), start showcasing them for others to see! You can screenshot and share these reviews on your social media, add them in a “Reviews” Story highlight, and feature them on your website or booking page.

4. Encourage clients to post on their own socials

On top of public online reviews, it also helps when clients share your work on their own grid. 

After their appointment or when you send aftercare info, gently remind them that if they post a photo of their new or healed tattoo, you’d love it if they tagged your (or your shop’s) account. 

That way, their friends and followers will know exactly who the tattoo artist is, which can lead to more inquiries and new clients. Plus, seeing your work on someone they know often feels more trustworthy than a polished promo post.

When clients do post their tattoos, it’s best to ask for permission before reposting and to add a quick thank-you. This shows clients you appreciate them, gives you easy content to post, and gets your work in front of more people without a ton of extra effort.

5. Run “flash days” and other small promos

Flash days and small promos are fun ways to bring in new clients and fill slower days on your calendar. Instead of waiting for inquiries to trickle in, you’re creating a specific reason for people to book now. You can do this in a few ways, such as:

• Creating a limited flash sheet: Draw a small set of designs you’re excited about and offer only those for the day. Keeping the options and number of spots limited creates urgency and helps you work faster, since you’re repeating similar pieces.
• Picking a theme: Organize a themed promo event like Halloween, zodiac signs, or “tiny tattoos only,” where people can expect to get only specific kinds of designs for that day.
• Offering small pre-drawn designs at a discounted price: Prepare a set of simple, quick-to-tattoo designs and offer them at a special rate to draw in new clients. This lets new clients get a feel for your work before getting a larger design.

Don’t forget to promote the event or promo on social media and share the available designs ahead of time. Lastly, make sure you clarify rules like pricing, deposits, and whether it’s walk-in only or bookable online. 

Also read: Psychological Pricing Tactics Every Service Business Should Use

6. Set up referral perks and a loyalty program

For referrals, you can reward regular clients whenever they refer a friend who actually books with you, and give that new client a little perk too. That way, both people get something out of it, and the referral feels more like sharing a good deal rather than just doing you a favor.

One way to go about referral perks is to offer your existing client $20 off their next session and give their friend 10% off their first tattoo. Alternatively, you can let both of them pick from a small freebie list (like a tiny add-on or aftercare kit). 

Meanwhile, a loyalty program is about giving clients a clear incentive to stick with you instead of trying another tattoo shop.

For example, you could use a stamp card with 10 slots and give clients one stamp for every $25 they spend in a single session. Once the card is full, they can redeem it for a free small tattoo or about $60 off their next session. 

Both your referral perks and loyalty rewards should be easy to understand at a glance, with just a few simple steps, so clients can see quickly what’s in it for them and what they need to do. 

7. Connect with local businesses and show up in your community

Not all of your marketing has to happen online. In fact, a lot of great tattoo clients can come from real-life connections. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Partner with other shops in your area. This can include barbershops, salons, gyms, pubs, clothing stores, and more. You can team up for cross-promos, giveaways, or pop-up consult days where their clients discover you, and leave a stack of business cards or flyers at their establishment.
• Get involved in local events and art shows by vending, doing live drawing, or simply chatting with people and handing out cards so more locals see you and your work.
• Chat up people who have good tattoos. You can introduce yourself, ask them where they got it, and mention that you’re a tattoo artist. If the conversation flows, let them know what kind of work you do and offer a card or your Instagram handle so they can check you out later.
• Consider giving forearm tattoo discounts to certain service workers like bartenders, baristas, hair stylists, and nail techs. Since their forearms are constantly visible to customers they interact with, people are more likely to notice the tattoo and ask who did it. 

Essentially, the more often people in your community see you and your work out in the wild,  the more likely they are to think of you when they (or their friends) want a tattoo. 

8. Optimize your Google Business Profile

A lot of people still find tattoo shops or artists by typing “tattoo near me” into Google, so you want to make sure you actually show up there. 

Start by claiming or creating your Google Business Profile and filling out every basic detail: shop name, address, phone number, website, and your main tattoo-related categories. 

Add clear photos of your work, your studio space, and maybe a shot of you or your team. This will help people immediately get a feel for your style and the shop’s vibe.  

Make sure your shop hours are accurate and kept up to date, too. Nothing turns people off faster than showing up to a shop that turned out to be closed, even though Google said it was open.

Finally, link your online booking page so people who find your tattoo business on Google Maps can book an appointment in just a few clicks. 

9. Post content that answers common questions clients may have

Some potential clients are probably checking out your work but are too nervous or unsure to book because they don’t know what to expect. 

You can help them (and save yourself time answering the same DMs) by making social media posts about common questions they may have, such as: 

• What to expect with pain levels for different areas
• How to prepare for a tattoo session
• Aftercare and healing timelines
• What happens during a first visit or a consultation

Use plain language; imagine you’re explaining things to a friend who’s never been tattooed before. You can share this info as carousel posts, Reels, Stories, or even pinned highlights. 

At the end of each helpful content, add a short note like “If you’re ready to book, here’s the link” so people can go straight from getting their questions answered to grabbing a spot on your calendar. 

10. Network within your industry

One way to go about building relationships in the tattoo industry is to connect with other artists and studios in your area or in your style niche. This can be as simple as reaching out to them through Instagram DMs and interacting with their posts.

When you support other artists’ work, share their posts, or send clients their way for styles you don’t do, they’re more likely to think of you when they’re fully booked or get inquiries that are a better fit for your style. 

You should also consider attending conventions or local tattoo events. These will help you stay inspired, learn new techniques, and meet people who might later turn into collaborators or referral partners. 

Another way to network would be through online spaces like tattoo forums, group chats, or private Facebook/Discord groups. These can be especially helpful if you work in a smaller city and want a wider circle. 

11. Set up a basic website for your tattoo work

Even if you rely mostly on social media, having a simple website gives you a central hub that looks more professional and is easier to find on Google. 

It doesn’t have to be fancy either. Even just one clean homepage with your best works, a short bio, your location, shop hours, FAQs, and a clear booking link is often enough. 

Having a website is especially helpful in reaching potential clients who don’t use social media that much. Still, make sure your site is mobile-friendly since most people will look you up on their phone, often while they’re out and about. 

If you use an online scheduling tool, embed or link it right on the page so people can book as soon as they decide they like your work.

12. Provide a smooth, easy booking experience always

Your booking system is one of the first ways clients experience your professionalism, so it should look put-together and work reliably. 

For starters, make sure your booking page is branded with your logo, shop name, and a bit of your tone of voice. That way, it feels like an extension of your tattoo studio, not just some random form. 

As for the actual booking process, it must be simple, mobile-friendly, and doable in just a few steps. This ensures clients don’t give up halfway through because they got overwhelmed or simply annoyed. 

Also, be upfront about how your bookings work. Your booking site should show or explain things like basic pricing info, availability, deposit and refund rules, and cancellation and reschedule policies.

When all the important basic info is clearly laid out on your booking page, clients feel more confident booking with you because everything they need to know is right there from the start. 

Extra tip: With a powerful tool like Bookedin, you can manage your tattoo client appointments in one place, which keeps things smooth for clients and less stressful for you.

Book a free demo & see how it works

13. Level up the in-studio experience for clients

Beyond the actual tattoo you create, your clients will also remember what it was like being at your shop or studio. Pay attention to the overall vibe of your space: the music, lighting, smells, and how clean and organized your space feels as soon as someone walks in. 

The quality of customer service you and your staff provide also plays a huge role here. Make it a point to greet clients by name and take a minute to ask how they are before you start; this alone can calm a lot of first-time nerves. 

As you set up, explain what you’re doing and walk them through the process step by step. During the session, check in constantly to see how they’re feeling and offer small comforts like breaks, water, or adjusting the chair.

When clients feel cared for throughout their appointment, they’re much more likely to rave about you to friends, leave good reviews, and come back for their next piece.

14. Offer an intro discount for first-time clients

A special, one-time discount for new clients can help in nudging someone who’s on the fence into actually booking that first tattoo session with you. 

Make sure the discount offer is simple and easy to explain, like a 10% off their first session, or $30 off any tattoo over $200. Once that first-timer has a good experience with you, they’re more likely to come back and be willing to spend at full price. 

Don’t forget to clarify any rules — such as whether the discount applies only on certain days, to tattoos above a minimum amount, or to specific styles. That way, there won’t be any unpleasant surprises at checkout. 

15. Create cool merch to promote your work and brand

Putting your own designs or branding on wearable merchandise can be a great way to get your name out there and possibly bring in a bit of extra income. Even a small batch of shirts, tote bags, or hats can go a long way. 

You can wear these items yourself, sell them in your shop and online, or give some as freebies to long-time clients. If clients genuinely like the design, they’ll start using that merch in their day-to-day life, such as to work, at the gym, or while out with friends. 

Every time they do, other people will notice your merch and might ask like, “Where’d you get that?” This gives your clients a chance to mention you and your shop.

Stickers are another low-cost option that works especially well with younger clients who like decorating their laptops and water bottles. You can print a flash design with your Instagram handle or shop name, and hand them out after appointments or at events.

Over time, all that extra visibility can stack up and turn into more people checking out your tattoo work, following you online, and eventually booking an appointment.

Also read: 8 Effective Ways To Keep Your Clients Coming Back

Final Word

Getting more tattoo clients is mostly about consistency, not magic tricks. When you keep showing your work, treating people well, and making it easy to book with you, word starts to spread — and your calendar will reflect that.

Of course, you don’t have to overhaul your whole business overnight. Just keep stacking small improvements in how you market, how you communicate, and how you run your studio. 

Also, consider Bookedin if you haven’t yet. It’s packed with all sorts of useful features to help grow your shop — and you can try everything for free for 14 days!