Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Owning and operating a business is more complex than ever. In addition to delivering the best for your customers and clients, competition gets fiercer all the time. You want to grow, but you also may not have all the resources, time, and team it takes to stay one step ahead.  

Incorporating integrated payments with your business is a way you can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest players in your market, and it’s simpler than many business owners expect.  

The fact of the matter is, if you aren’t incorporating a modern, seamless payment system in your business, you run the risk of falling behind.  

The good news? It’s not too late to get up to speed.  

The better news? Getting started right now can be simple, and the benefits of integrated payments can deliver exponential opportunities for growth, differentiation from competitors, and an exceptional experience for your clients and customers.  

Read on to understand why customers today expect—and deserve—the simplicity and seamless experience integrated payments deliver. You’ll understand not just why your business should utilize integrated payments—but also the dangers of not using it.  

Finally, you’ll learn practical steps to implement integrated payments, and hear from business owners who took the plunge—and reaped the benefits.  

Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about integrated payments and why they are fundamental to growing a successful business.  

Start by understanding what integrated payments are—and what they are not.

The easiest way to explain integrated payments is this: it’s a way to handle payment processing for small businesses. But beyond simple point of sale transactions, it’s a system that enables you to accept electronic and card payments, and works directly with your business management software.  

It’s not just about making checkout easier. It can help streamline many of your business operations and give you more opportunities for growth.  

• Simple Payments: Clients can pay for services and products directly through your website, app, or in your store. That means a faster, easier customer experience that’s consistent online, offline, or on the go. 
• Inventory Management: Every transaction can automatically update your business’s inventory. So keeping track of what you have in stock—and what you need to order—is simpler than ever. 
• Data Insights: See what’s selling, and what’s not. Gain insights into what your customers and clients want more of—and make informed decisions that translate into growth. 

For fitness centers, this could mean managing membership payments, and seeing what classes your members want more of. For a vet, integrated payments can help you understand patient lifetime value—and clearly track revenue per visit. For a spa, it could result in streamlined bookings and staffing—and more satisfied clients..  

No matter what your business offers customers and clients, integrated payments can make your systems run more smoothly.  

And while some small businesses may want to avoid credit card processing fees, but it’s important to look at the big picture. When you look at all the benefits to your business and your customers, a small percentage of revenue going to card payment processing companies won’t seem like a roadblock.  

Beyond transactions, integrated payments help small businesses understand sales trends, provide better service, and put you on equal footing with the largest players in your market. Plus, by making your payment process more efficient, you can focus on what you do best: making customers and clients happy. 

Fact: Your customers will notice if payments aren’t seamless and simple 

Right now, your clients and customers expect the same convenience and efficiency from you that they experience from companies like Amazon, Spotify, Venmo and their bank. If you don’t believe you are competing with the Amazons of the world, let’s stop for a moment. Imagine a new bank was launching. How well would this bank do if they didn’t offer online payments, EFTs and full service in their app. What if they didn’t offer customers a debit card? Imagine if deposits and withdrawals meant having to go to their branch, stand in line, and wait for a person behind a glass to help you.  

Obviously, this bank wouldn’t attract much business.  

Customer expectations of seamless efficiency across all kinds of businesses is often referred to as “Amazonification”. It means that service, speed, convenience, and attentiveness have become the norm across many industries. It also means small businesses must adapt by implementing integrated payments to meet these expectations—and not fall behind. 

And if you think it’s just about credit cards, think again. Online payments and mobile payments make up a huge percentage of transactions. In fact, a recent study stated how forecasts show the total transaction value by the end of the year will be $6.68 trillion. $4.195 trillion will come from Digital Commerce and $2.489 trillion will come from Mobile POS Payments. 

If this all sounds intimidating, take a second and relax. It doesn’t mean you have to be as big or complex as Amazon. Far from it. By adopting integrated payment solutions, your business can offer the same level of seamless service as the best businesses on earth. It’s what your clients expect. It’s what they deserve. And it’s what you can offer thanks to integrated payments.  

Reduce errors, save time and increase growth with payment processing for small businesses 

Any and every business can benefit from simplified transactions, efficient scheduling, and more accurate financial tracking.  

The right system will do all the hard work for you and your team—and make running your business easier. 

• Save Time: Automated processes reduce hours wasted on manual data entries, allowing you to focus more on service, quality, and growth. 
• Increase Accuracy: With integrated payments, the risk of errors goes down significantly, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and records. 
• Deepen Security: Enhanced security features protect both you and your clients from fraud—providing more peace of mind. 
• Avoid Costly Chargebacks: Reduce your risk of financial repercussions from chargebacks to your business. 

Whether you need to automate recurring payments, make POS transactions easier, increase customer trust or just have fewer administrative headaches, integrated payments can deliver the solutions you’re looking for. 

With integrated payments, the efficiency, security, and convenience create a win-win-win scenario for you, your employees, and your clients. 

A hard truth: Without integrated payments, your business will fall behind 

We’ve talked about how integrated payments can be a game-changer for small business owners—significantly saving time and money while delivering a better customer experience. Now let’s discuss the hidden costs of NOT using integrated payments. The price can be steep—and really hurt your business. 

Not incorporating integrated payments means wasted time, lost opportunities and a higher cost of doing business. Manual transactions, ordering, and scheduling will all be more inefficient and time-consuming.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Without integrated payments, transactions will always be slower and inventory management will be harder. The risk of error increases—so staff satisfaction and performance can suffer. That means worse service, increased hassles, and unhappy customers.  

Remember the bank we talked about earlier? It wouldn’t stay in business very long.  

Increased competition. Steeper customer expectations. Supply chain issues. Whether it’s missed salon appointments, lapsed gym memberships—or just not offering the treatment a client is looking for in your spa—things are hard enough today for small businesses to survive and thrive.  

And the sad truth is that many don’t. Not incorporating integrated payments with your systems could be the difference between growing your business—or closing up shop.  

But take a breath. If you’re a small business owner who understands the value of integrated payments to you and your customers—but doesn’t know where to begin or what to choose—getting started is not as difficult as you may think.  

The best small business payment processing choice for you: A practical guide to getting started 

It’s no question that integrated payments are a smart move for small business owners, The next question is this: which solution should you choose?  

Every business is unique—with its own challenges, expectations, and goals. So choosing the right integrated payment system is as important as the decision to use them in the first place.  

To start, ask yourself what kind of transactions you need to process. Do you need to manage recurring payments like gym memberships? Are retail products integral to your bottom line—like a salon’s hair products? Do you need transactions to sync with patient appointments and records for veterinary visits?

  

Choosing a system designed with your specific business type in mind will eliminate a lot of challenges and headaches. Many one-size-fits all payment systems force owners to settle for what they offer everyone—without customizing the solution to specific business needs.  

Think of it this way: It’s not about choosing the best payment processing for small business. It’s about choosing the best payment processing for YOUR small business. 

The best advice? A system designed for your business will be easier to implement and deliver more benefits than an off-the-rack offering.  

That’s where DaySmart can help. Our entire mission is to develop and deliver software solutions designed for specific kinds of businesses, so it’s easier for you to thrive and grow.  

We appreciate that a doggie daycare is different from a body art studio. That a day spa faces challenges a veterinarian doesn’t—and vice versa. A one-person barber shop has different needs than a small chain of mani-pedi salons. That’s why our integrated payment solutions are tailored to your business.  

How to begin?  

1. Visit DaySmart.com: Explore the website to understand how integrated payments can benefit your specific type of business. 

2. Explore Your Solution: DaySmart offers different solutions for different industries. Find the one that best fits your business needs. 

3. Get in touch with a DaySmart Expert: Learn more about DaySmart Integrated payments and if it’s the right fit for your business.
   

If you want to be more efficient, have fewer administrative hassles—and enjoy more opportunities—DaySmart integrated payments can help.  

Learn from other business owners who’ve been there 

You don’t have to look too far to find small business owners who are glad they’ve made the switch to integrated payments.  

Jason Anderson of Wet Paws Mobile Pet Grooming sees value from integrating his payment system with his scheduling and customer data—and the ability to store and track customer cards for easier payment simplifies everything. As Jason explains, “Since we are 100% mobile groomers, we use the app exclusively…Do I want five platforms to manage and keep in sync, or just one?” 

Ursula Augustine, owner of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio was able to concentrate on delivering the best service to her clients instead of getting bogged down in complicated systems not suited to her business. In addition, Ursula said,  “I’m not great with technology, so it’s reassuring to know that I can always call in and have a human being help me with an issue.” 

Having a seamless integration of payments also helps Public Services Superintendent, Mike Cresap at Plano Sports Authority, manage his parks and recreation center. “In 2010 over 85% of our administrative work was done face to face, requiring staff to explain programs, review schedules/locations, register users, and take payments. Today less than 15% of that work is done face to face. Using the DaySmart Recreation customer portal. Users can research programs of interest, consider a schedule that suits their lifestyle, then register and pay, online.”  

Making the switch to integrated payments is a smart move for any small business. An even smarter one? Choosing a system that’s part of a complete, seamless suite of software that helps you run every aspect of your business—and is designed especially for your business’s unique needs.  

The bottom line? Integrated payments are essential for any small business to succeed 

We hope you’ve learned more about the benefits of integrated payments. How it can deliver a better experience for your clients and customers—and how it can make transactions, inventory, bookkeeping, and customer management easier for you and your team.  

And more than just learning WHY integrated payments are a smart decision for any small business, we talked about what to look for in yours—and outlined some steps on HOW to get started.  

Know this: it’s never too late to make the decision to incorporate integrated payment processing with your business. 

What’s more, integrated payments will help level the playing field between you and the biggest companies on earth—and it’s easier than ever to launch.   

Think of the bank we imagined before. The one that doesn’t offer electronic transactions, debit cards, or an app to manage customer accounts. Ask yourself: is that a bank you would want to do business with? Now think of your customers. If you don’t offer integrated payments to make things more convenient for them—your competition already does.

Want to learn more right now? Fill out the form to get a demo of DaySmart Payments integrated with a software solution built for your business!

The post Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know  appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

There’s nothing like seeing a full calendar of client bookings. Busy periods of your schedule mean you’re at the top of your game, your employees are giving their all, clients are happy, and revenue is rolling in.

 But what do you do during the slow periods when you open your schedule and see a whole lot of nothing? To help, we’ve got three reasons why clients aren’t booking with your business and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Ineffective Online Presence

Never underestimate the impact that your website and online listings can have on your small business. Your website serves as a vital platform for engaging with potential clients and providing them with the precise information they seek. From showcasing your services and pricing to offering a seamless appointment booking process, it all boils down to ensuring a seamless user experience that leaves clients satisfied and eager to choose your business.

Having a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website is key to increasing appointments booked. In fact, 82% of clients use mobile devices to book appointments. If they can’t easily make an appointment on their phone, they’re going look for a business that does. Once they find your website or online listing, is the information listed there correct and current? Incomplete and out-of-date information is another roadblock to client bookings. Trying to book a service that is no longer available or seeking days and times that have since changed will cause clients to go elsewhere.

Your online reputation matters as well, reviews can be one of the biggest setbacks – or a great leg up – for many businesses It’s common for reviews and ratings to appear in an online search, and they are pulled from social media and business listings sites. If you’re not using reputation management tools to leverage reviews, clients may look elsewhere when they can’t find recommendations.

2. Inadequate Marketing and Promotion

Marketing goes hand-in-hand with your online presence and its ability to drive client bookings. 

Are you using your online and community presence to promote awareness and visibility? Coming up with marketing promotional strategies is helpful, but not having the right tools for execution and follow-up will make these efforts more challenging. Social media is key for business growth. If you’re not posting photos and videos of the work you do, the trends you’re following, and the knowledge you possess, you won’t be noticed by clients in your community. Scroll down for marketing solutions and recommendations.

3. Subpar Customer Experience 

The customer experience is a key factor in whether or not they’ll come back. Small business owners have the unique challenge of finding unique ways to create positive experiences for everyone who walks in the door. Customers want a personalized, customized experience when they book an appointment. They want staff to acknowledge their individual preferences and expectations, resulting in a service that’s tailored just to them. Lack of soft skills and the ability to build relationships add to the experience, making it unpleasant or unprofessional.

How to Fix It: Solutions and Recommendations for Increasing Appointments Booked

Here’s the good news: these problems are easily solvable. Let’s take a look at some steps you can implement. 

1. Put Time and Effort Into Marketing

The work you put into your marketing will pay off in a full calendar and your business revenue targets. Having marketing plans in place will make it easier to put them into motion when you decide to run campaigns to promote your business. Decide what messaging and platforms you want to use when running a typical campaign. Then target your efforts based on what you’re promoting, who you want to reach, and what you want to accomplish. 

Text and email marketing are particularly helpful in reaching your customers and prospects. You can use both platforms to share special deals, announce new services, and promote your business during busy seasons, such as the holidays. Your clients check their texts and emails multiple times a day, so having a presence in their texts and inbox will make them more aware of what you offer.

Make social media a regular part of your day to highlight the great work you and your staff perform on a daily basis and make your community aware of the services you provide using these tips:

• Leverage social media platforms in your marketing campaigns and general awareness.
• Research competitors and industry experts to get inspiration for your own posts.
• Use hashtags and tag clients, employees, and relevant local businesses and organizations to generate more exposure and engagement. 
  
  

2. Prioritize the Customer Experience

Focusing on excellent customer service and personalization will keep it top of mind for staff. If customers are happy, they’ll book return visits and make referrals. A business management platform lets you keep detailed notes on client preferences and personalize your services. It can also provide a seamless booking and communication experience for your clients and staff.

You might offer the best services in the neighborhood, but if they’re delivered by staff with a negative attitude, that’s all the client will remember. Train your staff to provide professional and friendly interactions and leave the right impression on every client in their chair. Having the right ambiance and a clean space will go a long way toward a positive experience. Make sure your decor, music, and cleaning procedures work together to create an environment for customers to relax and enjoy their visit. 

3. Use the Right Software and Information for Your Online Presence

Choosing the best tools is the first step to improving your online presence. Make it easy for clients to learn more about your business and take action. This starts with your website — invest in a solution that provides a mobile-friendly and user-friendly website experience. Your clients need to seamlessly navigate your site no matter what device they’re using. 

Update and optimize your online booking platforms with accurate information. When you’re making changes to your staff, scheduling availability, and services, make sure your booking platforms and business listings reflect the new information. Create a checklist of your web pages and online listings for when these changes are made so you don’t forget where you need to make updates.

Ask them to shout their love from the (digital) rooftops. Make it easy for customers to write a review so you can publish them to your website, social media, and listing sites to bring in new customers.

Fill Your Calendar and Your Revenue Stream 

Having an ineffective online presence, inadequate marketing, and subpar customer service can create barriers to booking. These problems are getting in the way of new and repeat customers who want to do business with you but can’t get past these roadblocks. Solving these issues is vital to running a successful business, generating revenue, and keeping customers happy and eager to return.

If you’re overwhelmed, tackle one problem at a time. The improvements you see will be motivation enough to keep going and breaking down these barriers to success.

A Successful Business Starts with the Right Management Platform

DaySmart is the software solution that’s helping businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks. Find the solution that’s right for your business and request a demonstration today!

The post 3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It  appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

If you own a small business, you know how important it is to develop a relationship with local customers. Building a relationship with the locals is essential for continued business and growth; for any small business.

After all, if people who live nearby aren’t visiting their local businesses, why would others from further afield make the trip?

Unfortunately, advertising locally is not as simple as you might hope. However, once you understand how to implement effective advertising, the results you will see will be monumental.

Suppose you can successfully separate your offering from the competition and engage with your local customers. In that case, you will see plenty of knock-on effects, such as more business, more positive reviews, and even some more customers that are not local.

This article will guide you on how to advertise your business locally to good effect and help you continue to grow and build your brand.

Key takeaways for your business

From this article, you will learn the following:

1. How to create marketing campaigns that resonate with your local customers and help you stand out from the competition.
2. You can employ a range of digital and physical marketing tactics to experience more local business from local customers.
3. Any business can use several free and cost-effective marketing tools, regardless of size or marketing budget.

Ways You Can Promote Your Local Business

Start a Company Blog

Developing a company blog is one of the most effective marketing strategies available to you. Not only is blogging completely free to execute, but it can also lead to several new potential clients discovering your business.

By writing plenty of blog content surrounding your industry, you will show potential customers just how knowledgeable you are about the field, and it will build your trust and reputation.

Not only that, but Google’s ranking system will also take note. If your content is deemed insightful, engaging, and beneficial, your business will appear at the top of the rankings when local people search for businesses near me them.

However, to achieve this success, your content must be more thought out than simply writing about industry-related topics you anticipate people are searching in Google. To ensure your content has a true impact on where your business ranks on Google, you must implement a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

An SEO strategy includes keyword research, highlighting which topics are constantly searched by your target audience, which you can then use to write content that answers their query. Google values content that solves users’ questions and offers them useful guidance.

There are plenty of free keyword research tools that you can use to map out your blog content, or you can use more advanced tools like Ahrefs, SEMRush, and SurferSEO if they fall within your marketing budget.

Understanding what your target audience is looking for online is the first step toward building content that will lead to traffic and new local customers.

Keep Your Social Media Channels Updated

Once you have spent time crafting the perfect blog content for your audience, you should start sharing it on social media. 

Social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, are all excellent ways to interact with potential local customers.

Almost all of your local target audience will use social media platforms to search for the best businesses nearby. Therefore, it is crucial that you remain active on each channel and try to respond to comments, queries, or direct messages, as quickly as possible.

As you will know, first-time customers often have plenty of questions, which is perfectly understandable. 

By being active on social media, you allow potential customers to ask these queries, gain more information about what they are looking for, and also build your relationship, making you more trustworthy. The more trustworthy you are, the more likely they are to choose your business.

Each social media platform offers its own unique benefits. Instagram and TikTok offer excellent opportunities to showcase your work and get potential local customers excited over what you can do. Obviously, some social media channels are better than others when it comes to industry; Tattoo artists, stylists, and groomers tend to get much more of their business from Instagram than Facebook or LinkedIn, due to the nature of the industry.

Just remember to keep your social media posts relevant to your local audience, and you will quickly see your follower count grow.

Sign Up for Local Listings or Local Directory

Another important way that you can advertise your small business locally is to submit your contact details and business profile to local listings, ones that are specific to your industry.

Often these local listings are run by professional organizations, such as local directories like Yelp or review sites like Tripadvisor.

By locally listing your business, you allow potential customers to research your business before making a commitment.

Implement Locally Targeted Ads

While some businesses believe that digital marketing is only beneficial for brands that focus on a nationwide or worldwide audience, that isn’t the case.

Facebook advertising has become incredibly popular as a local advertising option for businesses due to the extensive details they have on their users.

You can create digital ads for your business and then personalize them to only target a specific audience, using several targeting options to narrow down your audience:

• Geofencing
• Demographic
• Address
• Interests
• Page likes
• Age

These are just some of the options you can use to identify your local target audience with your advertisements.

Don’t be put off if your audience volume drops significantly; that is always going to happen when you start hyper-targeting. 

It is much better to spend advertising money promoting your product or service to people that want to hear about it and are potential buyers rather than focusing on sending it to a large group that doesn’t fit your target audience.

Geofencing allows you to only target people within a certain radius of your business, ensuring you are only targeting local people.

From there, you can also add rules surrounding the demographic, their interests, what pages they have liked, and even how old they are.

Focusing on people who show an interest in your industry or similar industries is a good way to identify people who are likely interested in getting one at some point.

Create a few very similar audiences, possibly split by age or by interests, and see which ones perform the best.

Once you have identified the best-performing ads, put more of your budget into those groups to reach more similar people, and take money out of the underperforming ads.

Locally targeted ads take a little bit of funding and trial and error, but once you identify your audience, you will quickly see results.

Create a Direct Mail Campaign

While digital marketing campaigns have plenty of value and can be really fun to get your head around, don’t discard traditional local advertising methods like direct mail.

Direct mail might’ve been around for a long time now and may not be the most popular choice, but it is still extremely effective.

Due to how the internet is set up, users are hit with ads almost everywhere they go. While this gives you plenty of advertising opportunities, it also means they lose some of their impact.

One way to stand out from the crowd is to go back to basics and start sending out physical brochures.

You may want to design your own brochure or hire a freelance designer to do it for you. Whichever option you choose, ensure you include your business details and contact information, and possibly a first purchase incentive, such as a discount.

You could also consider posting an advert in the local paper, although that might not be as effective depending on whether or not your target audience is avid readers of the daily newspaper.

Build Your Email List

It might not be quite as traditional as direct marketing, but email marketing is another effective advertising technique that has proven successful over many years.

Email marketing is fantastic for building brand awareness, increasing customer acquisition, convincing customers to repurchase, and so many other benefits.

The bigger your email list, the more opportunities can come from each message you send.

Offer incentives for people to register for your email list, and include them on local flyers, direct marketing, and even on small business cards you have on show at your business.

Take Part in Community Activities

If you are searching for the most organic way to promote your business locally, then showing potential clients you are a contributing member of the local community is a great place to start. 

Showing people you genuinely care about the area will go a long way to showing prospective customers that you are loyal to the area, and they should be loyal to you.

Keep an eye out for volunteering opportunities, fundraisers your business can donate to, or any local events your business can get involved in.

The key to these events is not to heavily promote your brand, as the local people will see through this as fake generosity and loyalty. Instead, offer genuine support and allow people to learn about the brand behind your support organically.

You might even consider partnering with local charities or hosting your own fundraising event for a local cause. Essentially, any opportunity to get involved with the local community should be taken.

Create a Loyalty Program

Another way to advertise your business locally is by promoting a loyalty program for your customers. This type of advertising will help you gain repeat business from locals and develop customer loyalty.

Existing local customers will be more tempted to work with your business again if there is an incentive to do so.

That incentive could be gaining a discount on each purchase or a free gift after a certain amount of purchases are made, for example.

The more you work with existing customers, the more you will build up your local business community and develop a foundation that you can build upon.

Build a Referral Program

Finally, one excellent way to build up your local customer base is by offering a referral program. While some of your customers will willingly share how amazing your business is with their friends and family, others may need a little push.

Offering a discount on their next purchase with you is a great referral option. You can increase the discount the more people they refer to your business. The choice is up to you. 

For any customer who is happy with their experience, they will be more likely to want a second one. Offering them the chance to get a discount will incentivize them to promote your brand to other people, which will carry much more weight than any marketing message you can create.

Studies have shown that over 60% of customers trust recommendations from friends and family over the word of a company.

Therefore you can quickly start to see why this advertising strategy is a fantastic way to develop awareness organically via word of mouth.

Final Thoughts on How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Now you have several ways to advertise your small business efficiently and effectively. Many of these options of easy to implement, and while some do come with an associated cost, they should not be too significant.

However, marketing can take plenty of your time, the time you may not have to spare. To free up time for essential marketing strategies, consider using Daysmart. 

Ditch the pen and paper and embrace tech to manage more of your business. DaySmart software solutions help businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks.

Once you have freed up additional time with this software, you can start implementing your marketing strategies and growing your business.

Find the solution that can help you seize your day, smarter!

The post How to Advertise Your Business Locally appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

3 Ways Tattoo Studio Software Simplifies Your Payment Process

As a tattoo studio owner, you face the demanding task of creating unique artwork while simultaneously managing client relationships and staying competitive in the industry. Do you really need to worry about payments on top of everything else? Your tattoo shop needs an efficient integrated payment solution that won’t require you to switch between systems to reconcile bank statements. Continue reading to learn how you can simplify your payments process with tattoo studio software.

1. Streamline your payment processing

An integrated payment solution makes all of the work around accepting and processing payments easier. Going digital means you’re eliminating any manual entry and physical paperwork. It provides your shop with a simplified, seamless checkout process that saves you and your customers time. You’ll also have integrated point-of-sale (POS) functionality that allows you to accept payments, deposits, tips, and more from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop device.

2. Access comprehensive reporting and analytics

If your tattoo shop doesn’t have an integrated payment solution, you’re relying on time-consuming manual labor to provide bookkeeping and the numbers you need to run your business. With digital payments, you’ll have real-time insights into your payments, revenue, and sales trends, including customizable reports that will allow you to keep track of your sales performance, trends, and customer metrics. That means, less time analyzing and inputting manual data- and more time doing what you love

3. Protect your data with enhanced security and compliance

Integrated payment solutions are built with data protection in mind. Desktop checkout devices are EMV compliant, meaning that you and your clients are protected from credit card fraud. Payment solutions also include data encryption and secure storage that ensure that sensitive client and credit card information is not accessible to others. Every transaction is PCI/PA-DSS validated and processed securely with industry-leading security standards, giving you protection against fraud and unauthorized access.

Get started today by choosing the right tattoo studio software.

DaySmart Body Art’s features enable your tattoo shop to streamline payment processing, access comprehensive reporting and analytics, and protect data with enhanced security, providing a better experience for your customers and staff. Take the first step by starting a free trial to determine if DaySmart Body Art aligns with your needs, and discover how you can stay connected and organized, anytime and anywhere.

The post 3 Ways Tattoo Studio Software Simplifies Your Payment Process appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

The post Webinar: 3 Ways DaySmart Body Art Can Simplify Your Payments Process appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

The world of tattooing is more than just ink and needles. It is a thriving artist industry fueled by passion and creativity. But even the most skilled artists need a solid business foundation to succeed. To stay competitive and meet client demands, body art shops need tattoo studio software.

If you’re ready to build a reputable studio that keeps clients coming back for more of your art, read on. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the best tattoo studio software out there today. We’ll help you navigate solutions for client management and appointment scheduling and find the perfect fit for your studio in 2024.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the benefits this type of software can offer so you can streamline operations, boost client satisfaction, and grow your tattoo business in the new year and beyond.

Key Benefits of Tattoo Studio Software

In any industry, the right technology can make all the difference. Tattoo artists are no different—studio software, and specifically appointment booking software, brings efficiency and satisfaction to both artists and clients. 

And the best tattoo studio apps go beyond basic scheduling, offering a suite of features such as:

• Client management
• Shop management
• Payroll integration
• Credit card processing
• Online booking
• Automated appointment reminders
• And more!

These functionalities work in tandem to streamline studio operations from booking appointments to post-session follow-up messages. 

Imagine ditching sticky notes and overflowing inboxes. Tattoo appointment software is a one-stop shop for streamlining your studio’s workflow. Within no time, you’ve got a central hub for scheduling appointments, managing client databases, sending automated reminders, and keeping track of everything in between.

Picture this: a client stumbles upon your masterpiece on their favorite social media platform and instantly wants it etched onto their skin. They head to your online booking portal, seamlessly navigate your calendar, and secure their spot with one click. 

Boom, no missed calls, no lost consultations, then review and accept the request to avoid overbooking. 

Online booking requests automatically populate client details into your database and hold their spot until you approve. Once accepted, the client is notified and magically sent a reminder the day before. Now that’s the simple beauty of tattoo appointment software!

Ready to learn more about the ink-credible benefits of online booking? Check out some more advantages here.

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Software for Tattoo Studios 

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of tattoo appointment software. But with so many options available, where do you start? 

When starting your search, keep in mind these crucial factors:

• Features and Functionality: Different software caters to different needs. Do you prioritize a robust scheduling system, in-depth client management tools, or perhaps a focus on marketing and online visibility? (Or, do you need a solution for all of the above?)
• User Interface: Both you and your clients need a user-friendly interface. Look for software that’s intuitive and easy to navigate, regardless of your technical expertise.
• Pricing and Scalability: Consider your budget and growth plans. Opt for a solution that fits your current needs but can scale along with your business.
• Customer Support: Having reliable technical support is essential. That’s why it’s important to look for companies with responsive and knowledgeable customer service teams.

The Best Tattoo Studio Software of 2024

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your search is nearly over because we’ve put each software under the microscope, comparing their scheduling efficiency, client database robustness, reminder systems, user interfaces, customization options, and adaptability. 

We’ll analyze how each software can integrate into your daily workflow, keeping in mind the diverse needs of different studio sizes and management styles.

DaySmart Body Art 

This comprehensive platform offers a suite of features, including online booking, client management, marketing tools, and reporting. It boasts a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.

Users praise its simple scheduling tools, its customer history tracking feature, and the ability to send text messages for appointment reminders.

Packages start as low as $29 per month for a single user or $69 per month for three users, with more package options available as your team grows and your studio’s needs change. DaySmart Body Art also offers a 14-day free trial to take it for a spin and see if it’s the right fit for your studio.

Vagaro 

A popular choice for studio captains, Vagaro boasts robust appointment scheduling, a mobile app for smooth communication, and customizable email marketing tools to reel in new clients. It starts at $25 for a single calendar, reaching $85 for larger fleets. You can request a free trial to explore the treasure trove of add-on features offered to personalize your experience. 

TattooPro 

TattooPro equips you with detailed project management tools like design storage, client notes, and progress tracking. It keeps track of every detail, but its pricing might be choppy waters for smaller studios, starting at $49 for solo artists and rising with your crew size.

Envision Ink 

Dive into online booking, inventory management, review management, and automated marketing with Envision Ink. Its client portal lets clients schedule appointments, view portfolios, and manage their profiles, making communication a breeze. Pricing stays under wraps, requiring a chat with their sales crew to discover your hidden treasure.

Bookedin 

Navigating on a budget? Bookedin offers basic appointment scheduling and client management tools for only $19 per month. Its user-friendly interface and mobile app keep things smooth but remember, it’s more of a general booking tool, lacking tattoo-specific features like design storage or deposit management. Consider Bookedin a trusty dinghy, perfect for calm waters but not built for high-seas challenges.

Square Appointment 

Already using Square for payments? Square Appointments integrates seamlessly into tattoo studio operations, making it a familiar harbor. Simple and affordable ($29 for single locations), it offers a mobile app for on-the-go management. However, remember, it’s more of a general booking tool, lacking the depth of dedicated tattoo software. It’s a great option for small studios with simple needs, but larger studios might feel cramped.

A Recap of the Best Tattoo Studio Software Solutions

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all tattoo studio software. Test the waters with free trials and demos, weigh features against your studio’s needs, and choose the platform that keeps your creativity flowing and your business afloat!

What’s Next? Implementing the Best Tattoo Studio Software for YOU!

Once you’ve completed the research and made a final software decision, the next step is implementation. Remember, transitioning to a new technology doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing feat. With a few simple steps, you’ll navigate the process with grace and ease:

• Training and Education: Equip your staff with the knowledge to wield the new software with ease. Look for software companies that offer training sessions and helpful tutorials.
• Data Migration: Seamlessly transfer your existing client data—their booking history is like their artistic lineage, after all! Ensure your chosen software offers secure data migration tools.
• Integration with Existing Rituals: Analyze how the new software dances with your current workflow. You might need to adjust booking procedures or update your marketing incantations for optimal harmony.
• Client Communication: Inform clients about the new system and highlight how it makes their booking experience smoother than that freshly shaved, ready-to-tattoo skin. It’s all about showing them how this change benefits their journey in your studio.
• Feedback and Adaptation: Once the system is live, gather feedback from both staff and clients. This feedback is gold, helping you refine the software to better suit your studio’s unique needs.

Remember, the right tattoo studio software isn’t just a tool; it’s a loyal companion on your studio’s path to success by celebrating your artistry, removing administrative burdens, and freeing you to focus on what truly matters: weaving stories through ink and leaving your mark on the world.

Ready to take a powerful step toward modernizing and streamlining your studio?

If DaySmart Body Art sounds like it fits your needs, contact us today to learn more information and start your free trial.

The post The Best Tattoo Studio Software Apps of 2024 appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

The post Webinar: The Secret to Growing a Thriving Tattoo Business appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

The post 7 Ways To Increase Your Sales On Small Business Saturday appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

Fade Out Cancellations with Your Tattoo Shop Management Software

Tired of last-minute cancellations and no-shows? With the help of the tattoo shop management software, Body Art professionals are dramatically reducing no-shows and driving in more revenue at their studios. Here’s how: 

Simplify Your Life with Tattoo Shop Management Software 

Most likely, you aren’t still using manual methods to create your art. You have your favorite tools on hand and may experiment with new ones as they become available.  In the same vein, tattoo managers are turning to cloud-based appointment management software to streamline their operations and reduce cancellations. By harnessing the power of technology, tattoo studios can enjoy a range of benefits that lead to increased profitability and keep them from getting left behind. One of the main advantages of using cloud-based appointment management software is the ability to offer online booking. This feature allows clients to schedule their tattoo appointments with just a few clicks, eliminating the need for phone calls or in-person visits. In fact, a recent study in 2023 shows that 67% of consumers prefer online booking. With the right appointment booking software, you can set up online booking in minutes.  

Receive Client Confirmations in Advance  

Use appointment booking software to send automated text reminders and confirmations to clients.  

With automated text reminders, tattoo managers can ensure that clients never forget about their scheduled tattoo sessions and reduce cancellations and no-shows by keeping clients engaged and informed about their upcoming appointments. With the click of a button, you can send reminders out before the scheduled appointment, serving as a gentle nudge to confirm their attendance.  

With the power of timely communication, studios can create a sense of professionalism and reliability, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Capture All of Your Clients’ Details 

Things happen. Keep a running list of customers who requested appointments in the past but never made the appointment. If a client cancels at the last minute, use your digital appointment book to view your openings and notify your standby customers of last-minute open slots. 

Using your software’s detailed notes feature in conjunction with your appointment book provides an extra layer of protection for your business. You no longer have to worry about lost revenue or empty time slots. Now, you can focus on providing exceptional service to the clients in front of you, knowing that your business is running smoothly even when things don’t go as planned. 

 
Foster Client Loyalty with Recurring Appointments.  

Did you know that 32% of adults have a tattoo themselves, including 22% who have more than one? Reoccurring appointments can ensure that clients receive regular touch-ups, add new pieces, and stay on track with their tattoo journey. Whether you’re starting a large-scale back piece or working your way through a minefield of smaller gap fillers, repeat business and loyal canvasses are paramount to the success of your shop. 

Connect and Conquer 

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or new to the digital landscape, utilizing appointment management software can help you enhance client connections and take control of your appointment book, regardless of your expertise. Take the first step by starting a free trial to determine if DaySmart Body Art aligns with your needs, and discover how you can stay connected and organized, anytime and anywhere. 

Related Posts

View all posts

26 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Read article

The post Fade Out Cancellations with Your Tattoo Shop Management Software appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

9 Tips to Grow Your Tattoo Business Year Round

When running a business, there are always opportunities to grow your customer base and increase revenue, whether your month is busy, slow, or somewhere in between. While the tattoo industry has certain trends, each business is unique. That’s why we’re giving you ways to promote and grow your business in all four seasons.

Summer

• Invite a Guest Artist to Your Shop If there’s a popular tattoo artist near you, book them to come and tattoo clients in your shop. This is a great way to connect with the artist and increase your shop’s visibility. Make sure you and the guest artist spread the news on social media to make sure you get the best traction possible.

• Offer Your Services at Parties and Weddings A party host’s goal is to create a fun and memorable experience for their guests. There’s no better memento than a tattoo! Having a tattoo artist at parties and weddings is becoming more and more popular. Many artists offer simple linework that can be perfect for someone’s first or 50th tattoo. The key is to be quick and offer art that takes thirty minutes or less, so you have time to run through the whole party. The best part is you can build a rapport with potential clients, and if they wanted something more intricate, like a large tattoo, they could book with you later. This would even be a good opportunity to offer a discount to potential clients if they book an appointment with you at the event.

Fall

• Go to Networking and Community Events Use websites like Facebook and Eventbrite to find events in your area to connect with tattoo artists, piercers, and other business owners. There are also many things you can learn at a networking event, especially if there’s a workshop. And unless the event is specifically for tattoo artists and piercers, you may be the only person from your industry, meaning you’ll stand out and be memorable. Before you arrive, make sure to have your website and social pages in order and some business cards on hand; you may meet your next customer. Entrepreneurs and executives like tattoos too. Also, consider being a part of your local community’s events as a sponsor or a booth renter. If you can bring your services to a wedding party, you can bring them to the public. Again, your booth would be one-of-a-kind and the talk of the event. If people pass by and aren’t ready to commit to a tattoo, offer them a coupon they can use at your shop later.

• Focus More on Piercings and Other Services With the colder weather, everyone has their skin covered anyway so it’s not like they can show off their tattoos, but they can show off a new stud in their nose. Promote some of your coolest piercings to your current tattoo clients or offer a discount for someone to get a new tattoo and piercing in one visit. You can also extend your services to tattoo removals, lash extensions, waxing, or hire a cosmetic tattooist. Remember, this is your business, so the opportunities are limitless.

Winter

• Review Your Business Strategies The end of the year is a good time for reflection. You and your team can sit down, talk about what worked, what needs improvement, and begin brainstorming for the upcoming months. Did you run too many promotions or not enough? Did you always have enough products in stock? How’s your appointment booking software? Do you need to bring in a new staff member? These are all good questions to ask to prepare for the next chapter of your business.

• Upsell Products It’s common for a tattoo business to receive a surge in appointments once people get their tax returns. Make the most of your influx of customers by telling your staff to sell more products. Products are a great way to boost revenue because their profits don’t need a large exchange of time; all you need are a few sales tactics. A popular one is to hand clients the suggested product, tell them all about it to generate curiosity and create a sense of ownership, then take it back from them. By taking the product back your client will feel like they want it back and are likely to make a purchase.

Spring

• Offer Classes If you’ve been in the body art industry for a while, you have enough knowledge to teach your skills to aspiring tattoo artists and piercers. You can show off your unique techniques and even meet your next staff member. Classes are a great way to gain more revenue because you’re in full control of the price and if you already have a shop, it’ll take little to no extra cost to get this new stream of income started.

• Perfect Your Craft It doesn’t matter how skilled of a tattoo artist you are; you can never be too good at what you do. During lull times in your day, you can learn new techniques, expand on your signature style, or even learn how to tattoo on different skin tones to widen your client base. The sweat equity you put in your downtime will lead to large payoffs in the future.

Every day is a day to grow as a tattoo artist and a business owner. DaySmart Body Art is also here to offer you year-round support to help manage your clientele and grow your business with simple solutions. Don’t worry, committing to us isn’t like committing to a new tattoo. Book a free trial first to see if we’re right for you.

Related Posts

View all posts

26 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Read article

The post 9 Tips to Grow Your Tattoo Business Year Round appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

SMS Marketing Best Practices

What Is SMS Marketing?

SMS marketing, or text marketing, is the abbreviated term for short message service marketing. It is a digital marketing tool consisting of bulk text messaging that can be used to send information about discounts, promotions, informational updates, and other special offers directly to your customers’ mobile phones.

With Daysmart Body Art, your business can integrate SMS messaging into your client database to send appointment reminders and text marketing campaigns directly to your customers.

Why Use SMS Marketing Campaigns?

SMS marketing offers the ability to reach customers instantly and allows them a chance to respond quickly and in real time, making it easier to gain attention through actionable and urgent messaging that encourages the audience to respond.

Because text marketing is still a comparatively new marketing strategy, the mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) are on guard against unwanted text messages being sent to their customers, which they gauge through the volume of unsubscribes or blocking of messages.

To successfully use text marketing for your business – and avoid the attention of the major carriers, it is crucial to strategically craft your messages in ways that entices customers to respond to your offer – AND prevent them from unsubscribing.

That’s why we put together seven tips to help you make the most out of your SMS marketing campaigns.

7 SMS Marketing Best Practices

1. Clearly Identify Your Company

Even if someone has opted in to receive texts from you, they may forget that they signed up. Be sure to clearly identify your business in the message to ensure your contacts don’t delete your messages or report them as spam. Here are a few examples:

• Thanks for signing up to receive updates from Mercy Tattoo! Here’s your exclusive discount code: WELCOME20
• Rebecca, wishing you a very happy birthday from all of us at North Philly Tattoo Parlor! We’re gifting you with 20% off your next appointment

2. Select Your Target Audience

There are various types of campaigns to consider. Promotional campaigns include discounts, coupons, or special offers, while transactional campaigns are for immediate actions such as appointment reminders, cancellations, and other requests.

When sending promotional campaigns, you can simply segment the audience based on the exclusive promotion you plan to share. Take a moment to determine who, what, why, and how. Then narrow the audience down to create a target audience list.

• What promotion do we plan to offer?
• Who will benefit from the special offer?
• Why and how should they claim the offer?

For instance, you may want to attract customers you haven’t seen in the last six months with a unique discount that will make them want to visit your business as soon as possible. With clear and concise messaging that speaks to your target audience, you can ensure that your message generates interest, is well received, and creates an urgency to respond.

3. Offer Immediate Value in Your Message

Use the immediacy of text marketing to create a sense of real-time value. For example, you could announce a flash sale or a limited-time discount on a product or service. By doing so, you can quickly increase your revenue and create a more enjoyable experience for your clients.

4. Be Conscious of Your Message Timing

The last thing any customer wants is to receive a text marketing message at an inconvenient time. Imagine you’re curled up on the couch late in the evening, and a text message that offers a discount on your favorite service comes through. Would you respond right away? Would you consider unsubscribing to avoid future interruptions during your downtime? Or, if you wanted to claim the offer and the business is closed, who would answer your response?

Texting your customers when they are less likely to take action, feel interrupted, or when your business cannot respond will not lead to a successful outcome.

Be sure to schedule marketing messages during reasonable business hours to avoid causing your customers annoyance. Being courteous of their time will be well received and help to prevent unsubscribing.

5. Be Consistent with the Number of Texts You Send

As with any marketing channel, consistency plays a role in its effectiveness. At the very least, plan to send an SMS message at least once a month so that you stay top of mind and your messages don’t feel like they’re coming out of the blue. On the other hand, if your messages are too infrequent you run the risk of people forgetting they signed up.

6. Include Helpful Disclaimers in Your Message

It is essential to comply with industry regulations to decrease the likelihood of carriers filtering or blocking SMS messages, and we highly suggest including the following information in your messaging:

• How often do you plan to text contacts? (You may receive up to 4 msgs/month)
• Msg & Data rates may apply
• A link to your terms and conditions as well as your privacy policy
• Information about how to unsubscribe (Reply STOP to end or HELP for help)

7. Comply with Text Marketing Rules and Regulations

There is a lot of discussion in the industry about how regulated text marketing can or should be, but, contrary to the headlines, it’s actually more about following common-sense guidelines. That said, without consistently considering these rules in your marketing, you run the risk of being blacklisted by the phone carriers and having your messages blocked. For instance:

• Frequency: Don’t oversend marketing texts to your contacts. There isn’t a hard number cutoff, but if you’re sending more than five messages in a single 60-second span, you’re almost guaranteed to be blocked.

• Opt Out: Provide clear instructions for your users to opt-out of messages. Adding “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” to the end of any automated messages can help avoid these messages from being blocked by carriers.
• Links: Don’t use shared URL shorteners such as bitly.com or other similar services. These are forbidden by US carriers and will result in your messages being blocked.
• Content: Any messages that mention forbidden categories will be blocked. This includes:

• Cannabis (United States)
• CBD (United States)
• Firearms
• Fireworks

Start Texting Customers Today With DaySmart Body Art

Remember, the upper hand goes to the businesses that use text marketing uniquely. Brainstorm ways you can use this feature to provide a great customer experience. Perhaps there’s a way you can set your business apart from the competition in how you communicate with SMS.

Want to experience the benefits of texting for your business? DaySmart Body Art software is simple and easy to set up, allowing you to start texting your customers immediately.

Please visit here for more information on Daysmart Body Art’s text marketing capabilities. Please note that all information found in this guide and within the Support Center is for informational purposes only, does not guarantee text messages will not be filtered or blocked by carriers, and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Related Posts

View all posts

26 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Read article

The post SMS Marketing Best Practices appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.

Recruiting Artists for your Tattoo Shop: Everything You Need to Know

Having a successful tattoo shop requires having the right team of talented and skilled artists in place. As the shop owner, you must ensure your shop is staffed with the best artists.

Recruiting artists for your tattoo shop can be daunting, but you can find the ideal candidate for your needs with the right approach and resources. This blog post will discuss the best strategies for finding and recruiting the perfect artists for your tattoo shop.

Why is Tattoo Shop Recruiting So Important?

Recruiting tattoo artists is essential to the success of any tattoo shop. A talented and experienced team of artists can help a shop stand out from the competition and attract more customers.

Not only do customers look for quality work from artists, but they also want to know that their artist is knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable.

By recruiting the right tattoo artists, a shop can ensure customers have a great experience and return for more. Furthermore, recruiting tattoo artists also allows a shop to bring in new talent, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition and offer unique and creative designs.

Why is it Hard to Recruit Well for a Tattoo Parlor?

Recruiting the right artists for your tattoo shop is a difficult task. It takes time and effort to find the best fit for the shop. Finding artists with the right skills and attitude ensures the shop runs smoothly and customers get the best service possible.

It is important to find artists with creative and technical abilities and the right personality and attitude to fit in with your shop’s culture and values.

Additionally, the artist must have the proper licensing and insurance and a portfolio that exhibits the quality of their work. All of these elements can make it hard to recruit well for your tattoo shop, but it is worth the effort, in the long run, to ensure that your shop has the best possible artists to serve your customers.

What to Look for When Recruiting for your Tattoo Parlor

When recruiting for your tattoo parlor, several important factors must be considered.

• Check for experience and portfolio

When recruiting artists for your tattoo shop, you should always check for experience in the field and have them present a portfolio of their work. Experience is critical in tattooing, as the right artist will have a history of trying different techniques and styles and a good understanding of the industry.

• Licensing and safety standards

Recruiting artists for a tattoo shop requires a stringent set of licensing and safety standards. All prospective tattoo artists must have a valid license from a reputable tattoo school or apprenticeship program, depending on the state you live in.

Additionally, they must have a valid certification in bloodborne pathogens and safety standards, including sterile technique and cross-contamination prevention. All tattooing equipment must be sterilized, and disposable materials must be used to reduce the risk of infection.

Finally, artists must be willing to abide by the shop’s policies and procedures, including following local laws and regulations.

• Artistic style

When hiring an artist, prioritize experience, creativity, and technical skill. Look for artists with a portfolio of work demonstrating their expertise and understanding of various tattooing styles.

• Personality

Recruiting artists for a tattoo shop requires looking for individuals with the right personality for the job. You want to find people who are passionate about their art and have a positive attitude.

Look for artists who are open to learning new techniques and are willing to work hard. Value artists who are cooperative, motivated, and work well with others.

• Professionalism

Artists should be able to demonstrate their skills professionally, showing a good understanding of the industry and the regulations in place.

They should also be able to work well with clients to ensure the best possible experience. The artists should have a portfolio that shows their work and be able to answer any questions a potential client may have.

• Customer service

Artists should be friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about tattooing. They should be able to provide a comfortable and safe environment and be open to feedback from their clients. They should also be able to create unique and meaningful artwork while understanding the importance of safety and aftercare.

Red Flags to Avoid

• When recruiting artists for your tattoo shop, there are certain red flags you should be aware of.
• Unclear portfolio: Ensure the artist has a portfolio demonstrating their skills and experience.
• Not up to date with health and safety requirements: Ensure the artist is aware of and compliant with all health and safety regulations.
• Not willing to collaborate: Make sure the artist is open to collaboration and has a positive attitude.
• Does not have a good reputation: Be sure to research the artist’s reputation in the tattoo industry.
• Inadequate references: Ask for references and follow up with them to understand the artist’s work style.
• Inadequate training: Ensure the artist has the necessary training and experience to do the job.

How to Set Up The Hiring Process

Okay, so now you have identified your requirements for a new tattoo artist, let’s look at the hiring process.

Recruiting artists for your tattoo shop can be time-consuming and complex, but it is necessary to create a successful business. To ensure a smooth and successful artist hiring process, follow these steps:

• Establish a job description and qualifications for the position

First, you should create a clear job description and qualifications for the position. The job description should include the artist’s duties, such as designing tattoos for clients, executing tattoos, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

You should also include a list of qualifications the artist must meet to be considered for the position. These may include a minimum number of years of experience, certifications, or education in the field, a portfolio of their artwork, and any other relevant skills or qualifications.

• Create a recruitment plan

You need a comprehensive recruitment plan to recruit the best artists for my tattoo shop. Create an attractive job posting that outlines the job requirements, what skill sets are desired, and what benefits the artist will receive.

Use job boards, social media, and other online platforms to get the word out about the open positions. Then, review all applications and resumes to ensure you are selecting the best applicants for the positions.

• Develop a recruitment budget and timeline

When recruiting artists for a tattoo shop, it is important to have a clear budget and timeline in place. This will help to ensure that the recruitment process runs smoothly and that the shop can hire the best possible talent. The budget should include the cost of advertising, any travel expenses, and any other costs associated with the recruitment process. The timeline should include the initial job postings, the time necessary to review applications, the length of the interview process, and any other steps needed before an artist is hired.

• Advertise the position through multiple job boards and social media

You’ll want to advertise the position through multiple job boards and social media outlets. You can use websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster to post the job opening and various Facebook and Instagram groups specializing in the art industry. Ensure to provide an accurate job description and list the skills and qualifications you’re looking for in a prospective artist.

• Review potential candidates’ portfolios and resumes

This will give you an idea of the artist’s experience and skill level. Reviewing portfolios and resumes allows you to decide who is the best fit for the shop. A portfolio and resume will help the artist stand out from the competition and show they are committed and professional.

• Conduct interviews

It is also essential to consider the artist’s personality and how they will fit into the shop’s culture. 

During the interview, you should ask questions about their qualifications, experience in the field, and any additional skills they may have. Make sure to ask each candidate how they would handle demanding clients and how they would handle situations where a customer is not completely satisfied with their tattoo.

Additionally, you should ask questions about their art style, how they prefer to work, and whether they are willing to work with a team.

• Negotiate terms of employment and complete background checks

Once you have decided on a candidate, you should negotiate terms of employment and complete background checks. This will help ensure that the artist is reliable, trustworthy, and experienced.

Additionally, consider offering incentives such as flexible hours, vacation days, and commission bonuses to attract top talent.

• Orient the artist to the shop and provide training

Orientation for your artist should include an introduction to the shop, a tour of the facility, and an overview of the policies and procedures. Training should include safety procedures, design techniques, and best customer service practices.

Ensure the artist has the resources they need to succeed, such as access to the latest equipment and adequate supplies.

Final Thoughts on Recruiting Artists for Your Tattoo Shop

When it comes to recruiting artists for your tattoo shop, it is essential to make sure that you take the time to research the artist’s skill and experience thoroughly. Consider the type of style they specialize in and the quality of their work.

Unfortunately, recruiting artists requires a lot of time. Time you might not have available!

However, you can significantly increase your available time using DaySmart Body Art. Ditch the pen and paper and embrace tech to manage more of your business. DaySmart Body Art will keep your schedule straight, track inventory and manage payroll, clients, campaigns, and payments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Shop Recruiting

What qualifications do you need to become a tattoo artist?

Generally, tattoo artists must have a valid health and safety certification, a portfolio of their work, and experience in tattooing. Depending on the shop, additional certifications or qualifications may be required.

How much does a tattoo artist make?

The amount a tattoo artist makes varies greatly depending on the shop and location, as well as experience and skill.

What is the hiring process like for a tattoo artist?

The hiring process for a tattoo artist typically involves submitting a portfolio, resume, and cover letter and completing an interview. Additionally, some shops may require additional certifications or qualifications, as well as proof of experience.

What qualities should I look for in potential artists?

1. Good artistic talent.
2. Reliable work ethic.
3. A professional demeanor.
4. Work well with clients.
5. Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

How do I advertise for tattoo artists?

Advertising for tattoo artists can be done in various ways, such as through word of mouth, the posting of flyers, and online advertising. Additionally, you may find potential artists by attending local tattoo conventions and trade shows.

What should I look for in an artist’s portfolio?

When looking at an artist’s portfolio, you should look for consistent quality work, a wide array of styles, and various designs. You should also look for clean lines, smooth color transitions, and a professional look.

Related Posts

View all posts

26 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

Read article

13 Mar 2024

DaySmart

Blogs

How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Read article

The post Recruiting Artists for your Tattoo Shop: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on DaySmart Body Art.