Getting inked was considered a taboo a few decades ago. But tattoos have become mainstream in recent years. Pew Research Center reveals that 32% of people in the U.S. have a tattoo. Out of those, 22% have multiple tattoos. About 69% of adults disclosed that they got inked to honor someone or something.
Finley, Holly Marie Combs’ son, got a tattoo to honor Shannen Doherty after she died at the age of 53 due to breast cancer. Even Nicole Kidman’s son Connor got inked. He got the number “1938” as a tattoo, which hints he might be interested in Scientology.
With more and more Americans opting for tattoos, now is the ideal time to launch a tattoo studio. However, many new tattoo studio owners eager to make their mark often overlook crucial aspects of running a business, leading to costly mistakes. That impedes their progress.
To ensure you don’t do that, we’ll discuss some mistakes that tattoo artists often make when starting out.
Mistake #1: Overlooking Licensing and Legal Requirements
Tattoo artists don’t need a degree to open their studio. However, they need a license before they can open the door to their studios. Without it, you can’t operate your studio in the U.S.
Many tattoo artists, however, tend to overlook licensing and legal requirements. You will run into trouble if you ignore those requirements.
As per Maine.gov, a Department of Health and Human Services license is required to practice the art of tattooing. It further elaborates that those operating a tattoo facility must have attended a Department of Health and Human Services-approved bloodborne pathogen training program in the last three years.
Note that the laws for acquiring a tattoo license differ from state to state. In many states, such as Colorado, you don’t require any state license or certification to start a tattoo studio. But you will have to check with the county’s health department. Many counties require tattoo artists to obtain a license before launching their venture.
Research the local regulations and requirements to start a tattoo business. The official website of your local licensing agency or health department can help you understand that.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Importance of Location
In any business, location plays a critical role. Tattoo shops are no exception.
Accessibility is key. If your studio is hard to find or is located in a place with limited foot traffic, you will struggle to attract clients. Even those who know about it may opt for a more easily accessible competitor.
On the other hand, if your studio is in a prime location with high visibility, you will have a steady flow of clients. More and more people will walk in through the door of your studio. Some excellent places to set up a tattoo studio are flea markets, retail centers like malls, or near a public transportation route.
Tattoos are common among college-goers. A survey shows that 40% of people aged between 18 and 34 have at least one tattoo. Hence, opening a tattoo studio near a college campus will also boost your bottom line.
Mistake #3: Relying on Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful—there is no denying that. An estimated 72% of consumers admit to sharing their experience with six or more people if given a positive customer experience.
This word-of-mouth marketing could translate to new businesses. But relying solely on it is one of the gravest mistakes you can make when starting out. To ensure a steady flow of clients, you must market your tattoo business studio effectively.
Make it easier for your target audience to find you online. That would begin with having a website. These days, launching a website is no longer a tough task—all thanks to AI. Where website developers take weeks or even months to build a website, AI-powered website builders do that within minutes.
AI-powered website builders are quite easy to use. You just have to instruct AI wizards on the kind of website you need, and it will design a site tailored to your specifications. When choosing an AI website builder, Hocoos advises business owners to look out for those that offer free plans and a trial period. That way, you can use it before making a final decision.
As soon as your website is ready, add the finishing touches. Add your contact information, address, and operating hours on your website.
Don’t forget to optimize your website for local searches. GWI’s latest research shows that approximately 35% of people learn about brands through search engines. Optimizing your site for local searches will help you rank high in the SERPs when people search for a tattoo studio in your area.
Summing it up, tattoo studios are profitable; however, many tattoo artists make mistakes that hinder their success. Some of the most common pitfalls are discussed here. You must avoid making them; it will set your tattoo shop up for long-term success.
Don’t forget to invest in staff training, though. Continuous training can help your staff provide quality services, which will boost customer satisfaction. Also, don’t neglect hygiene protocols. Sterilize equipment regularly and maintain a clean working space. That will minimize health risks and legal issues.