The Tattoo Marketing Podcast

What does it really take to be a successful tattoo artist, a present parent, and a productive creative? In this episode, we sit down with multi-award-winning tattoo artist and father of seven, Steven Hecker (aka WhatTheHecker88), to talk about time management, motivation, and how to build a life you're proud of — without making excuses. We get real about: Why “I don't have time” is usually a lieHow to stay productive without burning outThe biggest communication mistake tattoo artists makeWhy success isn't sexy — it's boring and consistentAnd how to build a schedule that works for your family and your art Whether you're booked out or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your clients, and your priorities.

Most tattoo shop owners quit on their ads way too early—costing them time, money, and clients. In this episode, Jesse breaks down why rushing to judge your marketing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, how long it really takes to see results on Google and Meta ads, and what to track so you don't waste your budget. If you've ever said, “I tried ads, and they didn't work,” this one's for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Silas (@800stabyou) to talk about how she went from a Craigslist apprenticeship in Brooklyn to becoming a booked-out color realism artist in Portland. She shares what helped her grow—not just as an artist, but as a communicator—and how one discounted tattoo turned into a full roster of large-scale work. We get into apprenticeship stories, the value of client connection, and what really keeps people coming back. If you're a tattoo artist trying to grow your career, this one's for you.

Veteran tattooer Joseph Swanson shares his 28-year journey through the tattoo industry, from his early days in Monterey, CA, to becoming a California Highway Patrol officer, to launching one of the first tattoo podcasts, and eventually helping lead Tattoo Pro—a CRM built specifically for tattoo shops. He reflects on the evolution of tattoo culture, the need for artists to embrace digital tools, and why shops must modernize to thrive in today's ultra-competitive market. Topics include: The shift from flash to custom tattoosBuilding community and educating artistsStarting the first tattoo podcastLessons from business school and law enforcementChallenges running a tattoo shop without systemsThe power of CRMs like Tattoo Pro for lead management, client communication, bookings, waivers, reviews, and paymentsWhy old-school shops are getting left behindHow digital tools help artists stay focused on art—not admin Bottom line: If you're a shop owner or artist not using tech to run your business, you're leaving money and opportunities on the table. If you'd like to talk to us about your marketing go to www.ink-link.com If you're interested in learning more about TattooPro, you can check them out at tattoopro.io

From luxury fashion to black & gray realism, George Hristov shares how he tattooed over 1,000 people in just 4 months, built his style from scratch, and why raw hustle, humility, and smart marketing matter more than ever for tattoo artists today.

Special guest Adam manning is the owner of Nomadica Solutions, a company that helps tattoo shops and artists with their money! If you're a shop owner or artist, this episode is a must!

Your Career, Your Rules: Real Talk from a Tattoo Veteran In this no-filter conversation, we sit down with a seasoned tattoo artist who's carved his name into the Bay Area ink scene — from the gritty streets of Vallejo to the artistic haven of Old Crow Tattoo in Berkeley. We talk real life:

In this episode, Michael Goetz — co-owner of Legacy Tattoo and founder of Force of Focus — breaks down the mindset shift every tattoo artist needs to thrive in 2025. From battling burnout to building systems that support freedom, he reveals how artists can go from chaotic to controlled, from stuck to scaling. If you're ready to stop surviving and start leading like a tattoo CEO, this one's for you.

Are you still boosting posts on Facebook or Instagram to promote your tattoo shop?

Running a tattoo shop is hard enough—don't let outdated systems slow you down. In this episode, we sit down with Adam Facenda, owner of True Love Tattoo and founder of Keep The Fees, the all-in-one tattoo shop management software designed by tattooers, for tattooers. We dive into: • How Adam created KTF to solve real tattoo shop problems • Why most tattoo shop POS systems and CRMs fall short • How you can automate client booking, payroll, and release forms in one platform • The secret to eliminating credit card processing fees and saving thousands • Building better client relationships with smart automation and aftercare texts • Why paper & pen shops are falling behind (and how to fix it fast) Whether you're a solo artist or managing multiple artists, this episode gives you the tools to streamline your shop, save money, and focus more on tattooing.

Ever wondered what it's like to go from secretly getting your first tattoo as a teenager to becoming a master canvas on Ink Master?

In this episode, Laura shares her journey through the tattoo world—from her first piece at 19 to finding the right artist who truly connects with her. She dives into the importance of shop atmosphere, building relationships with artists, and even some unexpected (and uncomfortable) experiences along the way. Whether you're heavily tattooed or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes a great tattoo experience.

Discover the ultimate tattoo advertising secrets to take your business to the next level. In this video, we'll reveal the best strategies to scale your ads successfully and reach a wider audience. Learn how to create effective ad campaigns, increase your online presence, and drive more sales. Whether you're a tattoo artist, studio owner, or industry enthusiast, this video is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in the competitive world of tattoo advertising. Get ready to grow your business and stay ahead of the competition with these proven advertising secrets.

Chris Bailey shares his tattoo journey—from his first ink inspired by his bandmates to the lessons learned from great (and not-so-great) experiences in the chair. We dive into the importance of artist-client collaboration, the impact of shop atmosphere, and why social media plays a huge role in finding the perfect artist. Plus, a cautionary tale about getting tattooed while hungover!

Most tattoo shops focus on great art, but is that enough to stay competitive? In this episode, Alex Gonzalez, co-owner of Electric Expressions, shares how his background in Harley-Davidson sales and customer service transformed his shop's success. We dive into why sales isn't a dirty word, how client communication can make or break a shop, and the key strategies every tattoo artist should adopt to keep their books full. If you want to future-proof your shop, this is a must-listen!

Are you struggling to attract more tattoo clients?

Are you wearing every hat in your tattoo shop—artist, manager, marketer, and janitor? In this episode, we uncover why trying to do it all is the biggest obstacle to your shop's growth. Learn actionable strategies to delegate tasks, focus on high-leverage activities, and reclaim your time to do what you love most: tattooing!

Are you relying on just one way to bring clients into your tattoo shop? In this episode, we break down the dangers of single channel risk—whether it's word of mouth, Facebook ads, or any other single source—and how it could be costing your business big. Learn actionable strategies to diversify your marketing, attract more clients, and protect your shop from future downturns. Don't put all your eggs in one basket—tune in now!

In this episode of The Tattoo Marketing Podcast, Jesse Drach, owner of Ink-Link Marketing, breaks down why word of mouth is still the most powerful tool for growing a tattoo shop. Learn actionable tips to amplify positive client experiences, avoid the dangers of a bad reputation, and set up your shop for long-term success. Whether it's starting a referral program, automating client follow-ups, or mastering the art of client feedback, Jesse shares proven strategies that help tattoo shops thrive. Don't miss these insights that could change the way you run your business!

Join us as we dive into the world of tattooing with Ray Wiggins, aka XRay Vizionz. In this episode, Ray shares his 16-year journey as a tattoo artist, the role of mentors in shaping his craft, and how he's helping the next generation with his groundbreaking book Make It Pop. Whether you're an artist looking to grow or a shop owner navigating the industry, this conversation is packed with insights to elevate your tattoo career.

Word of mouth is the lifeblood of any tattoo shop—but are you really making the most of it? In this episode, Jesse Drach, owner of Ink-Link Marketing, dives deep into why word of mouth is king for tattoo shops, how to harness its power to attract more clients, and what happens when your shop's reputation takes a hit. From easy-to-implement strategies like automating follow-ups and gathering client testimonials to setting up game-changing referral programs, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, tune in to learn how to build trust, create memorable client experiences, and ensure your reputation works for you—not against you.

Struggling to keep up with DMs, emails, and client requests? In this episode of Tattoo Shop Mastery: The Business Behind the Ink, we uncover the power of CRMs (Client Relationship Managers) and why they're a must-have for every tattoo shop. Learn how to streamline communication, prevent clients from falling through the cracks, and boost your shop's reputation—all while saving time and maximizing profits. Don't let poor communication cost you thousands in missed opportunities. Tune in and take your shop to the next level!

Are your Facebook and Instagram ads failing to deliver results? In this episode of The Tattoo Marketing Podcast, we uncover why designing ads based on your preferences instead of your audience's can hurt your success. Learn the power of split testing, how "ugly ads" can outperform polished ones, and why understanding your audience's behavior is key to creating high-converting campaigns. Packed with actionable tips and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone running or considering Meta Ads. Tune in and discover how to make ads that truly resonate—and convert!

We sat down with Michael Smith, co-owner of Revolt Tattoo, to discuss how they've been able to expand and open new locations—even as other tattoo shops struggle to keep their artists booked. Discover the secrets behind Revolt's success in a challenging industry, and gain valuable insights into growing a tattoo business. If you're a shop owner or tattoo lover, you won't want to miss this!

Are you a tattoo shop owner looking to boost your shop's client base and keep your artists fully booked going into slow season? Join our exclusive online seminar, where we'll reveal the secrets to using Google Ads to get more clients to your shop!

We sit down with tattoo artist Jovan Santopietro and talk about what it was like trying to become a tattoo artist as a female 20 years ago, the importance of not giving up on your dreams, and how to set yourself up for success in the tattoo industry

Steven Johns is a tattoo artist with 20 years of experience and focused on how sales, marketing, and having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in place to maximize his career in tattooing

If you're a tattoo shop owner or artist, you eat what you kill. Meaning, you're responsible for your clients and how much you make. This technically makes you a commission based sales person. Learning a little about sales will drastically help your tattooing career! We talk about why sales isn't what you think, the 101's of sales, and how NOT to be like a used care sales man.

Join us as we explore the power of organic marketing for tattoo shop owners with special guest Ryan Roi. Discover practical strategies and expert insights on leveraging organic methods to consistently attract new clients and keep your appointment book full. From building a strong online presence to cultivating a loyal customer base, this episode will provide essential tips for using organic marketing to thrive in the tattoo industry. Tune in and learn how to strategically grow your business without relying solely on paid advertising.

Join us for an insightful webinar on mastering effective client communication to keep your tattoo artists fully booked. In this session, we'll delve into strategies to streamline your communication process, ensuring that no potential client falls through the cracks. Learn how to engage with inquiries effectively, convert leads into bookings, and keep your artists' schedules packed. Discover the art of client communication and watch your tattoo shop thrive!

We sat down with Matt Hodel, owner of Ragtime Tattoo in St. Louis, jackpotcoaching.com, and an active member of the APT. Join us as he shares his insights on tattooing, the tattoo culture, and how he's building a tattoo community to help other artists and shop owners.

Join Sinny, a tattoo apprentice in Vegas, as she discusses her journey into tattooing, why she loves her shop & mentor, and how she stays booked out using the power of social media!

Artist Interview with @tattoosbyocean Explore the world of tattoo economics and strategy! Join us as we dive into the importance of pricing, marketing, and client interaction in the tattoo industry.

What should you look for before hiring a marketing company for your tattoo shop? What questions should you ask on your call with them? We dive into the must know/must ask questions to make sure you're getting a marketing company that will get you results!

What's the easiest way to fill a leaky bucket? What does that have to do with your tattoo shop? Listen to find out!

This is a webinar from April 2024. If you'd like to watch the video, you can here: https://youtu.be/DN2IvFzmXbw Join us for 'Beyond the Needle: Proven Instagram Ad Strategies To Fill Your Tattoo Shop' and discover the exact IG ad tactics we use on the tattoo shops we work with to attract new clients and keep their chairs filled! Don't miss out on this exclusive webinar replay that could transform your shop.

How we use A.I. to book consultations for the tattoo shops we work with (and you can to)!

We sat down with the one and only Garrett Rautio (owner of Black Coffin Tattoo) and talk about how he's been using Midjourney to find new unique images to use as inspiration for his tattoos. He's also on a mission to teach other artists how to use it!

We sit down with Bryce DeCora, the creator of CloseBot - An A.I. bot that will book consultations for your tattoo shop and works way better than you probably think! (We already use it with our clients)

IG ads for your tattoo shop not getting new clients into your chairs? It will always boil down to one of these problems: Audience Image Messaging Offer Next steps We cover what to look for and how to fix each one of these problems, so you can get more clients and not waste money!

We talk with Gator Greg about what it was like being mentored by Lyle Tuttle and Judy Parker, what it takes to run a successful shop, and his upcoming tattoo convention.

Welcome to Season Two! Today's topic: How To Get Your Tattoo Shop's Marketing Right in 2024 From running online ads to building a past client list. This webinar is about how to get your shop's marketing right in 2024 to keep artists busy and your shop more profitable than ever!

So you're spending money on ads, but have no clue if you're getting any kind of an ROI? This episode will explain the steps you need to take to ensure your marketing is working! Check us out at www.ink-link.com Don't forget to like and subscribe! Enjoy:)

Episode 28: Today we have Caroline Evans with us to talk about: - Regulation changes in the tattoo industry on a state and federal level - How artists and shop owners can help decide where the industry is going - Why it's essential to keep your books up to date And much more! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Enjoy:)

Episode 27: We have part 2 of our time with Cris Rodriguez! Some topics we talk about today are: - The follow up process - Calling vs texting leads - Leadership skills And much more! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Enjoy:)