The Business of Tattooing - Stop Letting Instagram Control Your Income

Instagram is a great tool—but it should never be your only one. If every time the algorithm shifts your bookings slow down, your business is too dependent on a platform that you don’t own.

Here’s how to build a tattoo business that books consistently—even when your posts flop.

1. Start Building an Email List Today

• Ask for emails at booking.

• Offer a small freebie to encourage signups (e.g. early access to flash, aftercare cheat sheet, discount code).

• Send at least 1 email per month: flash drops, booking updates, healed work, testimonials.

Use platforms like:

• Klaviyo – Powerful, customizable automations and SMS in one place. More advanced.

• Mailchimp – Good for beginners, easy to use, affordable.

• Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – Great for transactional and SMS combos. Flexible pricing.

• Yotpo – Best for product-heavy artists or merch; integrates with Shopify.

PRO TIP: Add a signup box to your site and use a link-in-bio tool to collect emails straight from IG.

2. Embrace SMS Marketing

• Platforms like Klaviyo, SimpleTexting, or Postscript let you send flash drops, booking promos, healed work recaps.

• SMS has high open rates (up to 98%). Use it sparingly for real impact.

• Confirm appointments via text and reduce no-shows.

3. Prioritize Google, Not Just IG

• Optimize your site with searchable keywords: “tattoo artist in [City],” “delicate blackwork tattoos,” “Toronto tattooer.”

• Use a site builder like:

  • Wix – Easy drag & drop builder with good SEO tools.

  • Squarespace – Sleek design, slightly more limited SEO.

  • WordPress – Best SEO, more setup work.

• Claim and fill out your Google Business profile.

• Encourage reviews from happy clients—it boosts your ranking directly.

4. Diversify Where People Can Find You

• Create or update listings on Booksy, StyleSeat, and Yelp.

• These help local clients find you through search engines without depending on your IG reach.

• Keep your photos, hours, and links current.

5. Offer Value OFF Social Media

• Treat your email/SMS list like a VIP club. Flash drops, early booking, new merch? Give them first dibs.

• Include behind-the-scenes content, healed pieces, or artist features to make them feel included.

6. Automate Where You Can

• Booking software like Square Appointments, Calendly, or Fresha let you automate confirmations and reminders.

• Set up auto-emails for no-shows, waitlists, and thank-yous.

The Tech Stack Recap (Pros & Cons):

The Truth? Instagram is fun. But your income shouldn’t rise and fall based on likes. It’s time to own your platforms, diversify your traffic, and build a business that lasts.