Tattoo Business – Secrets To Success

What Makes A Tattoo Business Successful?

While a successful tattoo shop can’t be boiled down to one key factor, there are a few things shop owners need to do:

Before you fall in love with a location, you need to check your state and county rules. They will have specific standards about zoning, the tattoo studio layout, ventilation, signage, etc.

Places with high foot traffic, easy parking access, nearby businesses that attract your potential customers like bars and restaurants are all good indicators that you’re picking a great spot.

Before opening a tattoo shop, check out the tattoo studios around you. Even if you are the best artist on the block, the more tattoo shops you have nearby, the harder it will be to get clients, as many of them will already be loyal to a certain artist or shop. That’s not to say you can’t create a successful tattoo business there, but too many shops can make it difficult to keep consistent business coming in the door.

It’s tempting to go it alone to cut down on costs at the beginning. But hiring a part-time bookkeeper to help with accounting and getting someone to work the front desk or counter (at least during your busiest times) will save you time and money in the long run.

Sponsoring (and showing up at) community events and posting on social media platforms are great ways to build a presence on your own. However, outsourcing your marketing can be incredibly helpful. Hiring a marketing company may be a frustrating up-front cost, but the clients they bring in can be well worth the investment.

Being your own boss is an exciting journey. But when it comes to owning a business and employing friends while creating a relaxed atmosphere, there’s a fine line. 

While you certainly want to enjoy the people you work with and allow for a creative environment, you’ll want to be real with yourself about which friends might slack off and who might take advantage of an “easy-going” shop to avoid paying bills. 

You’ll also need a solid business plan (keep reading!).

How Tattooing Businesses Are Different

Most small businesses can get by with cheaper materials, computers, etc. This is not the case with tattoo shops. You need high-quality tattoo machines and materials to make your best work. Without them, you risk your shop going under altogether. 

If you’re thinking about beginning in a private studio space in your home to save money, check your state and county regulations. Some places allow this practice, while others will permanently ban your tattoo license. 

You can expect the initial equipment expenses to between $5,000- $25,000 for a fully outfitted shop. (This gap is so large because rent and materials depend on your area, and many shops hire artists that already have their own machines and equipment.)

Lots of small businesses have to narrow their focus to one type of service, or even one type of product. Tattoo shops, however, have a lot of built-in opportunities for expansion because many members of the tattoo community are also interested in piercing, art, etc.

Engaging with the community around you will not only spread the presence of your shop through word of mouth, but you’ll also get a stronger sense of what other services could benefit them most.

Why You Need A Tattoo Business Plan

The tattoo industry has steadily grown over 3% each year since 2016, and is expected to grow another 6.6% in 2021. That means a lot of new customers - but also more new shops. Having a business plan prepared before you open will help your shop stand out from the beginning, putting you above the competition. 

Your business plan will help you figure out where to find customers, decide on a budget, and clarify your goals and values as a shop.

Get a Business Plan for Your Own Shop Inside the 2-Week Studio Course

Almost every tattoo artist dreams of opening their own successful tattoo studio…but most never do. That’s usually because it feels like opening a shop takes too much money or too much time. 

But it doesn’t have to. Inside the 2-Week Studio Course, our Professional Tattoo Artist Instructor, Brandon, takes you along for the ride as he opens his third studio in 2 weeks for less than $5K so you can do it too:

Zoning regulations, realtors, and local competition can make finding a studio location overwhelming. We’ll show you how to find the hidden gems so you can start your shop in a location that’s surrounded by customers without paying a fortune.

Opening a shop usually requires weeks of difficult research and searching through legal codes. Instead, just get step-by-step instructions on how to handle:

Part of opening a successful tattoo shop is getting customers through the door. We’ll explain the best way to make $1K your first day and get your artists booked out so you can make a return on your investment fast.

Get our easy-to-follow social media templates and customer forms that show clients they can trust you as a professional:

Ready to get the roadmap to opening your own tattoo studio?

Click here to join Tattooing 101’s 2-Week Studio Course.

Useful Articles For Tattoo Business Owners

Tattoo business management is complicated. Whether your tattoo business is still a growing idea, or you’re looking for advice before expanding, these guide-style articles will give you the tips you need to take the next step.