Are you thinking of opening a tattoo studio? It’s a lifelong dream for many with a love of ink and a creative flair to match. You’ll have the chance to be your own boss, create spectacular art and help customers look and feel their best. Sounds great, right?
In this article, we run you through some of the fundamental steps to take if you’re looking to open your first tattoo shop.
Your concept and specialisation
Every business starts with an idea. Whether you want to become known for a specific style of tattoo, such as tribal or cartoon, or you’re just looking to provide a personal service to your local area, find your USP and use it to build your brand.
A tattoo parlour with a clear identity should help to attract the sort of customer that you’re looking for, so put plenty of time into planning and strategy before you open.
Finding the right location
Depending on your target market, location can play an important role. A shop in the public eye is likely to be more successful with walk-ins than a secluded one. If you’ve got a strong online following, location is less important because you can rely on traffic and leads from a wider range of sources.
The premises should give you the space you need to perform your craft, including studio furniture, lighting and possibly a waiting area for customers. If you’re just starting, a small space may have to suffice until you grow into something more substantial.
Business essentials
Any startup should consider the fundamentals early on, including registering your business, setting up bank accounts and securing the relevant licences and permits from the local authority. As you set up shop, it’s worth considering the appropriate level of aesthetics insurance as well as buildings and contents cover for your premises.
You’ll also certainly need the essential tattoo equipment and supplies to help you complete your work. Establish relationships with suppliers so you can get the products you need at the right price. This is likely to include needles, cartridges, ink and a range of other accessories.
Developing an online presence
Any new or experienced tattoo artist should be looking to develop their digital channels to support growth. Establishing an online presence on a website or social media helps to create a community through which you can share your work and attract new customers.
Don’t forget to get your Google Business profile up and running so prospective customers in the local area can find you on Maps and leave reviews for others to see.
There’s plenty more to consider if you’re opening a tattoo studio but these are some of the first steps to help you on your way. Good luck!