The short version
- People pick a shop by the work and by how safe it feels. Show both: the art and a clean station.
- Healed work, with the client's OK, is stronger than a fresh, red tattoo.
- Answer booking questions in a post so artists spend less time repeating themselves in messages.
- Name each artist and their style. Clients book a person, not a shop.
A tattoo is a permanent purchase, and people look hard before they walk in. They check your Page for the work, the artists and whether the place looks clean. A Page with nothing new since spring looks like a shop that's gone quiet.
Here are 17 tattoo shop social media post ideas, grouped by what you're likely to need this month. Swap in your names and styles and post. Barbers and tattoo artists share a lot of the same habits, and barber shop post ideas is worth a look too.
What makes tattoo shop social media post ideas work
- Shows the art close up, in good light, with the style named.
- Names the artist and says whether their book is open.
- Shows a clean station, new needles and gloves.
- Tells people how to book, in one line.
If you're building a Page from scratch, what to post on your business Facebook Page covers the basic mix. Below is the tattoo version.
Flash, open books and appointment posts
Flash day
Flash day this [Saturday]. Walk in from [time] to [time] and pick from the sheet. First come, first served. Cash or card, bring an ID. [Artist names] will be here.
Photo: The flash sheet pinned to the wall.
Books are open
[Artist name]'s books are open for [month]. Message us with your idea, the size and where you want it, and we'll set up a time to talk it through.
Photo: A sketchbook open to a half-finished drawing.
Books are closed
[Artist name] is booked through [month]. Want to be on the list for the next opening? Message us your name and we'll reach out first.
Photo: The artist's empty chair, tidy.
What we need to book
To book a tattoo, we need: your idea, the size, the placement and a reference photo if you have one. A deposit of $[amount] holds your date and comes off the price.
Photo: A deposit slip and a pen on the counter.
Cover-up consults
Have an old tattoo you want to cover? Bring it in for a free chat with [artist name]. No pressure, just a straight answer on what's possible.
Photo: A sketch overlay on tracing paper.
Artist and healed-work posts
Clients pick an artist before a shop. Give each artist a post of their own. The same goes for a hair salon, where every chair has a following.
Meet the artist
Meet [name]. [He/She] has been tattooing for [number] years and loves [style, like traditional or fine line]. Message us to talk about a design.
Photo: The artist at their station, not looking at the camera.
Healed piece
A [style] piece by [artist], now fully healed, shared with [first name]'s OK. Healed work shows what the design looks like after the first few weeks.
Photo: A healed tattoo, cropped to the art, in daylight.
Artist's drawing board
[Artist] has been drawing a new set of designs for [season]. Here's a sneak peek. Message us if you see one you like.
Photo: A hand drawing at a light table.
A style explained
What is [style]? Think [plain description, like bold lines and bright color]. If you like it, [artist] is the one to ask for.
Photo: Three small designs in the same style.
Cleanliness, aftercare and first-timer posts
Nervous first-timers look for proof that you're careful. Show your setup and say it plainly. For wording and photos, see how to take good photos for your business page.
New for every client
Every client gets new needles, a fresh setup and a wiped-down station. We open them in front of you. Ask us anything about how we work.
Photo: A sealed needle package, untouched.
First tattoo checklist
First tattoo? Eat before you come, wear something comfortable, bring a photo ID and be ready to tell us what's on your mind. No question is silly.
Photo: A water bottle and a snack on the counter.
Aftercare card
Your artist will give you aftercare instructions at the end of every session. Please follow those over anything you read online. Questions? Message us anytime.
Photo: Our printed aftercare card.
Age and ID
A reminder: we need a valid photo ID, and you must be [age] or older. No exceptions, no matter who's with you.
Photo: The front desk sign about ID.
Shop life and community posts
A shop is also a place. Show the walls, the music and the regulars. It tells someone whether they'd feel at home.
Wall of art
The new wall at the shop is up: pieces from local artists. Come see it, free, no appointment needed.
Photo: The wall with several framed prints.
Guest artist
[Guest artist name] will be here [dates]. They specialize in [style]. Message us to get on their list.
Photo: The guest artist's flash on the wall.
Event or fundraiser
We're doing a flash day for [cause] on [date]. A portion of every tattoo goes to [charity]. Details below.
Photo: The poster for the event.
Thank you
[Number] years at this address. Thank you to every client who trusted us with their skin. See you in the chair.
Photo: The crew in front of the shop.
A weekly plan for a tattoo shop Page
3 posts a week
- MonArtist or healed workOne artist, one piece, with permission.
- WedBooking or aftercareAnswer a question you get all the time.
- FriFlash or shop lifeA weekend event or a look inside the shop.
Do and don't for a tattoo shop Page
Do
- Get a client's OK before posting their piece.
- Name the artist and the style.
- Post how to book in plain words.
- Show a clean setup.
Don't
- Post fresh, bloody work that breaks Facebook's skin rules.
- Use another artist's design without credit.
- Reply to a bad review with an insult.
- Promise a price before the design is set.
