Some businesses come and go because they are based on trends and people’s tastes, however, the tattoo industry has stood the test of time. In fact, it’s currently experiencing rejuvenation thanks to celebrity tattoo artists hosting reality shows.
There are around 20,000 tattoo shops in the US, but there’s room for more as demand for tattoos is on the rise. So, if you’ve been thinking about opening a tattoo parlor, now is the time. However, it’s not enough to just open a tattoo parlor, you must also ensure it’s profitable so you don’t close shop. Here’s what you should do to make your tattoo shop profitable.
1. Pick the Right Location
The location of a tattoo shop is crucial to its success. For example, if you put up shop in a family-friendly community, you may not have many customers. Good locations for a tattoo shop include retail centers, flea markets, and near college campuses.
A previous study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine revealed that 69% of the students polled got a tattoo or a body piercing while in college. When you open a tattoo shop near a college, it will have a steady stream of walk-in traffic. It should also be close to public transportation to make sure students without vehicles can easily access it.
A retail center is also a great location for a tattoo business as the increased exposure will help attract new clients. You can use window graphics to attract passersby. If you want a cost-effective location, a flea market will do. However, you’ll have to obtain health licenses and zoning permits–like you would for a traditional location. But you’ll save money because you won’t be responsible for utilities and maintenance of the premises.
2. Offer More Than Tattoos
Profitable tattoo shops offer a variety of services, not just tattooing. Follow in their footsteps to make your parlor profitable. Here are some products and services you can sell:
- Local art
- Piercings
- Jewelry for piercings
- Aftercare products
- In-home tattooing
- Host special events during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer survivors will get custom tattoos to cover their scars, and your tattoo shop will gain exposure.
If you don’t have enough money to expand your services, you can apply for title loans online. The money can allow you to start offering additional services right away.
3. Focus on Marketing
Before someone gets a tattoo, they do a lot of research to find the right tattoo artist. You may be confident of your tattooing skills and have enough customers to keep your business afloat, but if you want to start making good money, focus on different marketing strategies.
Word of mouth is amazingly powerful in the tattoo industry, but you also need a strong online presence. Create a professional website with a memorable domain. List your services, add profiles of tattoo artists, and include directions to your business location. Add a blog section and write blog posts regularly to increase your site’s rankings on search engines
Another great marketing medium is social media. Photo-based platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can help you reach a bigger audience. Facebook has a built-in review system that can help you gain the trust of potential customers. Increase engagement on social media by quickly responding to reviews, comments, and questions.