We chatted with Phoebe, one of our social media managers who also happens to love tattoos, about what makes social media followers turn into regular customers at a tattoo shop. Finding your favorite tattoo artist is like finding your favorite hair stylist. Once you find them you will go to the ends of the earth to recommend them, book with them, and support their business. So, how would we help a local tattoo shop in the Hampton Roads tell it’s story and get more customers? Here’s a few social media tips for tattoo shops from Phoebe herself:
1. Make booking impossible to miss.
If they can’t book with your shop, then they wont ever go from fan online to customer in real life. Share the best way to actually get tattooed at your shop and make it obvious:
2. Post the process, not just the final tattoo.
Finished tattoos are great — but process builds trust.
Post ideas:
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Stencil placement
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Linework close-ups
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Shading in progress
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Healing stages (with permission)
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Clean station setup
This answers unspoken fears and moves people closer to booking.
3. Turn your artists into the brand.
People usually don’t book shops. They book artists that they can connect with. A tattoo is with you forever, for most people they need to know and trust the artist and their portfolio of work. When someone finds a tattoo artist that they love, they could be a customer for life. Show the people behind the art. Yes, it’s a service that is being provided, but by whom? We want to know who it is that we are letting us be part of our tattoo journey.
Post the art. Ultimately your future clients want to see what it is you create.
Show the different styles of work that they do. Tattoo styles are a wide range and a lot of the time people are looking for a specific style of art. If someone specializes in American Traditional – showcase that. If your tattoo shop specializes in multiple styles, Neo Traditional, Japanese Traditional, Fine Line etc. post them all. But be direct about which artist is great for each style and tell your audience why.
Strategies that can help:
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Feature one artist per week
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Post artist intros + style highlights
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Share availability updates (“Books open!”)
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Cross-post from artist accounts
This helps followers decide who they want to book with.
4. Use clear Calls to Action (every time).
Never assume people know the next step. And a customer wants the easiest explanation and quickest path to get something scheduled, or a question answered. Most customers wont know everything that comes second nature to a tattoo artist. It’s usually not their profession, and something that might seem obvious to you, could be a really good educational piece for new potential customers.
Rotate CTAs like:
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“Booking for June now open”
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“DM us to claim this flash”
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“Walk-ins welcome today”
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“Consults available this week”
You may not see a lot of conversion without call to action(s).
5. Leverage flash to create urgency.
Flash tattoos are conversion machines.
Best practices:
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Limited designs
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Limited time
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Clear price range
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Clear booking rules
Example:
“Available this week only — first come, first served.”
6. Normalize the price conversation.
Price uncertainty stops bookings.
You don’t need exact prices, but you do need guidance.
Try:
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“Starting at $150”
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“Palm-sized pieces typically $XXX–$XXX”
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“Day rate available”
Transparency = trust.
7. Show real clients (not just art).
People want to see themselves in your feed.
Post:
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Client reactions
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First tattoo stories
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Before/after reveals
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Testimonials in Stories
This lowers the emotional barrier to booking. If followers see that others trust your art and talent, they will trust your tattoo shop and artists as well.
8. Use stories to capture “Right Now” business.
Stories are where decisions happen for a potential customer.
Daily story ideas:
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Walk-in availability
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Canceled spots
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Flash still open
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Artist in shop today
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“DM us now” prompts
- Before and Afters. Whether it’s coverups or progress photos/videos, future clients love to see something come to life.
Stories feel low-pressure and immediate.
9. Localize your content, So people can find you.
Tattoo shops are hyper-local businesses.
Try this:
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Tag your city in every post
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Show the shop exterior
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Mention walk-in days clearly
People search “tattoo shop near me” — help them find you.
10. Train followers what to do next.
Assume every new follower is clueless.
Cycle through posts like:
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“How to book with us”
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“What to bring to your appointment”
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“What to expect for your first tattoo”
Education builds confidence and confidence leads to bookings.
10. Share FAQs. Followers need to know, like, trust you to become a customer.
- Educating through answering FAQs.
- Shows that you are the professional in your field.
Bottom Line
Followers online turn into customers in real life when you:
✔ Reduce friction
✔ Build trust
✔ Create urgency
✔ Make booking with you clear
✔ Showcase talent
✔ Are up front about costs
✔ Share the stories behind the artists
Do you want the Misty Saves the Day team to help your local tattoo shop with social media marketing and storytelling? Contact us!
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