From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Piercing & Tattoos Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting out as a piercing or tattoo specialist in New Zealand is thrilling but finding those first 10 clients can seem tricky. With the right mix of local know-how, authentic connections, and practical marketing, you can build your client base and reputation. This guide offers 10 helpful, Kiwi-centred tips to help piercers and tattoo artists get booked out and thriving.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Tap into Your Immediate Network

Your first clients often come from friends, family, or acquaintances. Offering discounted or guest sessions helps build trust and gathers valuable testimonials.

A Wellington tattoo artist credits friend referrals during his early days for helping him get fully booked fast.

Weirdly enough, these personal links often become your strongest source of repeat and referred clients.

2. Join Local Facebook and Instagram Groups

Groups like “Auckland Tattoos & Body Art” or “Christchurch Alternative Artists” are hotspots for finding interested clients.

Share images of your work, aftercare tips, and client stories to build genuine engagement without seeming pushy.

Neighbourly is also a friendly place to connect with community members looking for trusted artists.

3. Create a Mobile-Friendly Portfolio Website

Showcase your best work, pricing, client testimonials, and booking info with a clean, easy-to-navigate website.

Platforms like Wix or Squarespace allow you to build a professional online presence affordably.

Localising your site with NZ imagery or culture can resonate more strongly with Kiwi clients.

4. List on Yada and Industry Platforms

Yada lets you connect with local clients without paying lead or success fees, an advantage for new artists.

Its review system ensures quality work rises to the top.

Additionally, get listed on TradeMe Services and relevant alternative lifestyle directories.

5. Offer Introductory Specials

Attract clients by offering first-time discounts, small tattoo specials, or free piercing consultations.

A Christchurch piercer gained momentum by running seasonal specials during summer festivals.

Think of it as a friendly offer to try your skills risk-free.

6. Network with Local Venues and Events

Collaborate with tattoo conventions, music festivals, and art events to showcase your skills and meet clients.

Engaging with local shops and studios for cross-promotion can broaden your reach.

In smaller towns like Nelson, community and event networks often generate steady business.

7. Collect and Show Off Testimonials

Ask satisfied clients for reviews and permission to share their before/after photos online.

Positive testimonials build trust and encourage booked appointments.

An Auckland tattoo artist credits client feedback as critical for growing her studio.

8. Share Aftercare and Art Tips

Post helpful aftercare advice, tattoo healing tips, or styling inspiration on social media.

This nurtures client trust and keeps your audience engaged naturally.

Instagram stories showcasing healing progress have helped a Wellington piercer attract loyal clients.

9. Advertise Locally and Digitally

Distribute flyers or business cards across cafes, music venues, and alternative lifestyle spots.

Combine offline promotion with targeted Facebook or Google ads focused on local tattoo communities.

A mix of grassroots and online marketing suits New Zealand’s diverse cities and towns.

10. Stay Organised and Professional

Use booking and invoicing software to manage appointments efficiently and professionally.

Transparent communication and punctuality build client satisfaction and referrals.

A Christchurch piercer attributes her success to organisational skills and clear client care.