How To Find Your First 100 Clients

If you're a new tattoo artist trying to figure out how to build a client base, you've probably heard the advice to "just post on social media" and call it a day. But that's only one piece of the puzzle.  I've been tattooing for 21 years and I'll be honest, I don't always think about what it was like at the very beginning, when you're literally starting from zero. But that's exactly what I want to talk about today, because the advice I'd give someone in year one is completely different from what I'd tell someone in the middle of their career.  I'm breaking down the moves that actually work early on, from tapping your existing network and setting smart expectations around free tattoos, to showing up at the shop on slow days and turning every single walk-in into a long-term relationship.  Some of this I learned the easy way. Some of it I absolutely learned the hard way.  Either way, it's all here for you.   Mana Scheduler: https://manascheduler.com/ Watch on YouTube  Listen to episode 72: Guerrilla Marketing For Tattoo Artists: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guerrilla-marketing-for-tattoo-artists/id1777930586?i=1000756082685 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your friends, family, and old coworkers are your most important first clients and how to work that network without burning it The right way to do free tattoos early in your career (and the hard rule about when to stop) How to set clear expectations around pricing so you're never stuck in an awkward "but you said it was free" conversation Why being present at the shop, even on slow days, is one of the most underrated growth strategies for new artists How flash days and events can bring in new clients and give you the chance to do the work you actually want to do The follow-up system Missi uses to stay connected with clients and keep them coming back Simple, direct ways to ask for referrals without feeling salesy Memory tricks and client note-taking strategies to make every person feel remembered and valued Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project