Running a tattoo shop isn’t just about killer art—it’s about making sure people know about it. Whether you’re a one-artist operation or a buzzing studio with multiple artists, if you’re not online, you’re invisible to a massive chunk of your potential clients.
Here’s how to dominate digital marketing and local SEO so your shop stays packed, your books stay full, and your inbox becomes a client magnet.
Step 1: Build a Killer Website
First things first—if your tattoo shop doesn’t have a website, you’re already behind. Your website is your digital storefront, and it needs to scream, “This is where you get the best ink in town.”
Here’s what your site needs:
- Portfolio: Show off your work. High-quality photos only—no blurry, half-lit snapshots.
- About Page: Tell your story. Why are you passionate about tattooing? What sets you apart?
- Booking Info: Make it easy for clients to book or inquire. Use a form, email link, or booking software like Acuity or Vagaro.
- Contact Info: Your address, phone number, and email should be impossible to miss.
- SEO Optimization: Use keywords like “tattoo shop near me” or “best tattoos in [your city].” More on this below.
Step 2: Master Local SEO
Local SEO is the secret sauce to making sure people in your area find your shop when they’re ready to get inked.
Here’s how to crush it:
- Claim Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing
- Set up or claim your GMB profile.
- Add photos of your shop, artists, and tattoos.
- Collect reviews from happy clients—it’s gold for SEO.
- Use Location-Based Keywords
Your website and content should include phrases like:
- “Tattoo shop in [City Name]”
- “Custom tattoos [City Name]”
- “Best tattoo artist near me”
- NAP Consistency
Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should be identical across your website, GMB, Yelp, and social media. - Get Listed on Directories
Add your shop to local directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and niche tattoo directories like Inked or Tattoo.com. - Encourage Reviews
Ask every happy client to leave a review on Google or Yelp. More reviews = higher rankings.
Step 3: Dominate Social Media
Instagram is your bread and butter. Tattoos are visual, and Instagram is where your future clients are scrolling.
- Post Regularly
- Share fresh tattoos, in-progress shots, and healed work.
- Include client testimonials or stories.
- Use Instagram Stories to show behind-the-scenes moments.
- Use Hashtags
Don’t go overboard, but use location-based and tattoo-related hashtags like:
- #[CityName]Tattoo
- #TattooArtist
- #CustomTattoos
- Engage with Followers
Reply to comments and DMs. Be human—it’s how you build trust and turn followers into clients. - Expand to TikTok
Showcase time-lapse videos of tattoos, artist tips, or funny moments in the shop. TikTok’s algorithm can catapult your content into local feeds.
Step 4: Run Targeted Ads
A little money spent on ads can go a long way to filling up your schedule.
- Google Ads
- Run ads targeting phrases like “tattoo shops near me” or “best tattoo artist in [City Name].”
- Use geotargeting to focus on people within a 10-20 mile radius.
- Instagram and Facebook Ads
- Promote posts that showcase your best work.
- Use “Book Now” buttons to drive people to your site.
- Target by location, age, and interests (like tattoos, art, or piercings).
Step 5: Content Marketing to Build Authority
Be more than just a tattoo shop—be a trusted expert.
- Start a Blog
Write posts like:
- “10 Things to Know Before Your First Tattoo”
- “The Best Tattoo Styles for 2025”
- “How to Take Care of Your New Ink”
- Share Video Content
Create YouTube videos or Instagram Reels about:
- Tattoo aftercare.
- Different tattoo styles.
- Funny stories from the chair.
- Collaborate
Partner with local businesses, influencers, or other tattoo artists to expand your reach.
Step 6: Email Marketing to Keep Clients Coming Back
Don’t let past clients forget about you. Build an email list and send out newsletters with:
- New tattoo designs or artist specials.
- Upcoming events (like flash tattoo sales).
- Tips on tattoo care or trends.
Jax’s Take
Look, running a tattoo shop isn’t just about the art—it’s about the hustle. If you want your books full and your shop buzzing, you need to own your online presence.
Local SEO and digital marketing aren’t optional—they’re the difference between a shop that thrives and one that fades into the background. But here’s the thing: keep it real. Don’t spam people with ads or fake your reviews. Authenticity matters in this business, both in your tattoos and how you present yourself online.
So, get out there, tell your story, and show the world why your ink is worth wearing forever. The clients will come—and they’ll keep coming.
Need help with your shop’s online game? Let’s make it happen. Your art deserves to be seen, and your books deserve to be full. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Reach out if you need some help; we’ll feature you on our blog for a free backlinks and and SEO boost – after you see results we can discuss a longer term partnership.
