If you're a tattoo artist looking to grow your business, having an optimised Google My Business profile is crucial. Your GMB profile acts as a virtual storefront for potential clients searching for tattoo studios in their area. It's also the first impression they have of your business before even stepping foot through your door.
With so many people turning to the internet to find products and services, it's essential to make sure your GMB profile is up-to-date and stands out from the rest. In this guide, we'll dive into how you can optimise your GMB profile as a tattoo artist to attract new clients and increase bookings.
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Why is optimising your Google My Business profile important as a tattoo artist?
- Convert more customers - With a well-optimised profile, prospective customers can find all the information they need about your business at a glance. This includes your location, business hours of operation, contact details, and customer reviews. Having this information readily available makes it easier for potential customers to decide to book an appointment with you.
- Improve engagement - By regularly updating your profile with new work, promotions, or events, you can keep your audience engaged and interested in your business. You can also interact with customers through the Q&A and reviews section, which can help build trust and loyalty.
- Boost your local ranking - Google search uses the business information on your profile to determine your ranking in local search results. The more complete and accurate this information is, the higher your business account will rank. This can significantly increase your visibility to potential customers in your local area.
- Credibility and trust: With the reviews and ratings feature on Google My Business, your business can establish credibility. Positive reviews can help build trust among potential customers and affect their decision to choose your tattoo studio
How to optimise Google Business Profile as a tattoo artist
Claim your business
Claiming your Google My Business (GMB) profile is crucial for any tattoo artist or business owner. When a business remains unclaimed or is claimed by someone else, there's potential for misinformation to be spread.
This could adversely affect your business's reputation and lead to missed opportunities with potential clients. By taking ownership of your GMB profile, you can ensure that all presented information is accurate, update details as needed, and directly interact with customers and reviews.
To claim your business, simply visit the Google My Business page, search for your tattoo shop, and follow the instructions. Google typically verifies claims through a postcard sent to your business address, that contains a unique code.
Use a relevant business name
The name you choose for your GMB profile should be the actual registered name of your tattoo shop. Misrepresenting your business or adding unnecessary keywords not only violates GMB policies but can also confuse potential clients and seem unprofessional. An authentic name ensures clients can effortlessly identify and find your local business, both online and in the real world.
Complete every section
A comprehensive GMB profile can differ between a client choosing your tattoo services or going to a competitor. By completing every section of your profile, you provide potential clients with all the information they might need to make an informed decision.
This includes basic details like your address, phone number, and hours of operation but also extends to aspects like services offered, pricing, and unique selling points. Logging into your GMB dashboard will allow you to access and fill out each section, ensuring a full representation of your tattoo business.
Choose the right category
Choosing the correct category for your business is vital for your online visibility. This category directly affects how Google ranks and displays your business in relevant search results.
For instance, when someone looks up "Tattoo Artist near me," having the right category maximises your chances of appearing in those results. You can set or change your business category from the "Info" tab in the GMB dashboard. Primary categories like "Tattoo Shop" or "Tattoo Artist" are essential, but if you offer additional services like piercing, it's a good idea to include those as secondary categories.
Upload high-quality photos
In the tattoo industry, visuals are paramount. Prospective clients want to gauge the quality, style, and environment of a tattoo shop before committing. By uploading high-quality photos, you can provide a firsthand look into your workspace, showcasing its cleanliness and professionalism.
Furthermore, photos of your recent tattoo work can serve as a portfolio, allowing clients to evaluate your artistry, style, and skill. Remember to always use good lighting when capturing your work and always seek permission from clients before posting pictures of their tattoos. The "Photos" section in your GMB dashboard allows you to manage and add new images.
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Add a detailed business description
The business description on your GMB profile serves as a brief introduction to what you offer and what sets you apart from competitors. As a tattoo artist, detailing your experience provides credibility.
Mention the styles you specialise in, be it traditional, watercolour, tribal, or any other form. Highlight the stringent hygiene standards you adhere to, ensuring clients' safety. If you have any accolades, certifications, or unique offerings, mention them too.
This section is your opportunity to give potential clients a reason to choose you over others. Complete and accurate information can be a compelling tool to showcase your expertise and dedication to the craft.
Encourage reviews
Online reviews can greatly influence a potential client's decision. Positive testimonials not only improve your GMB profile's visibility but also instil confidence in potential clients. Actively encourage your satisfied customers to share their experiences.
This can be done verbally after a session or through follow-up messages or emails. Importantly, ensure you're actively managing these business reviews.
Responding to feedback, both positive and negative, reflects your professionalism and shows that you value customer input. A timely, respectful response can often turn a bad or negative review into a positive customer service experience.
Utilise GMB posts
Google My Business posts act like mini-advertisements or updates for your followers and potential customers. They're a fantastic way to engage with your audience. As a tattoo artist, share posts showcasing new designs, special promotions, or upcoming events.
Maybe you're hosting a guest artist or running a discount for a particular style; GMB posts can efficiently broadcast these updates. Regular posts not only keep Google business profiles active but also inform and attract potential clients.
Showcase your work with videos
While photos provide a snapshot of your work, videos can capture the journey. Consider sharing behind-the-scenes clips or timelapses of your tattoo sessions. This offers potential clients an insight into your technique, precision, and the ambience of your workspace.
Moreover, it can also demystify the tattooing process for those new to it. Such videos can testify to your skills and the care you take with each client.
Enable messaging
In today's digital age, convenience is key. By enabling the messaging feature on GMB, you're giving potential clients with an easy way to get in touch. Whether they have a query about a design, want a consultation, or wish to book an appointment, direct messaging can streamline the process.
This immediacy can enhance customer experience, making them more likely to choose your tattoo services over a competitor's. Remember to monitor these messages regularly and respond promptly to maintain professionalism.
Keep your information updated
Your Google My Business profile is often the first interaction a potential client has with your tattoo studio, so it's essential to keep the information accurate and current.
Whether you have adjusted hours for holidays, special promotions for certain occasions, or any other changes clients should know, ensure you update your GMB listing promptly. This not only enhances user experience by providing them with accurate information, but it also demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Engage with Q&A
The Q&A feature on GMB is a platform for potential clients to seek clarity on various aspects of your services. They may have questions about tattoo aftercare, the quality or type of tattoo ink you use, the appointment process, or any other details.
Engaging actively with this feature allows you to provide direct and valuable information, helping build trust and confidence in your expertise. Being proactive in answering common questions can also showcase your commitment to customer service.
Add products/services
Your primary service might be tattooing, but if you offer ancillary products or services, it's essential to list them on your GMB profile. For instance, if you retail tattoo aftercare creams or ointments, highlight them.
Similarly, if you offer specialised services like cover-up tattoos, portrait tattoos, or any other unique offerings, be sure to mention them. This gives potential clients a comprehensive understanding of all you provide.
Embed Google maps
If you have a business website, embedding the map from your GMB listing can significantly enhance user experience. This not only reaffirms your location but also simplifies the process for clients wanting to visit.
Especially for those unfamiliar with the area, having an embedded map can make the difference between them finding your studio with ease or getting frustrated and opting for a competitor.
Analyse insights
Success in any business often hinges on the ability to adapt and improve. Google My Business offers invaluable insights into how users interact with your listing. This includes information on how they found your profile (direct search, discovery search, etc.), what actions they took (visit website, call, message, etc.), and more.
By regularly reviewing and analysing these insights, you can adjust your strategy to better cater to your audience's preferences and behaviours. It's not just about having a GMB profile; it's about using its data to continuously optimise and grow your business.
Conclusion
Optimising your Google My Business profile as a tattoo artist is pivotal in today's digital age. As tattoos blend personal expression and artistry, potential clients want to feel assured they are selecting the best artist for their vision.
Beyond just a digital business listing, a well-optimised GMB profile is a testament to your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to client satisfaction.
As the digital storefront of your tattoo studio, it's a dynamic tool that, when harnessed correctly, can drive both traffic and trust, setting the stage for success in the competitive world of tattoo artistry.