How to Set Up Online Booking for Your Tattoo Studio

If you're still managing appointments through DMs, phone calls, and text messages, you're losing time and money. Here's how to set up a professional online booking system that works for tattoo artists.

The Problem with Traditional Booking

Most tattoo artists we talk to share the same frustrations:

Endless back-and-forth messages to find a time

Clients who forget their appointments

No-shows that cost you money

Difficulty tracking deposits

Messy paper calendars or spreadsheets

Benefits of Online Booking

For You

Save 5+ hours per week on admin tasks

Reduce no-shows by 80% with automated reminders

Collect deposits automatically to secure appointments

See your schedule from anywhere

Look more professional to potential clients

For Your Clients

Book 24/7, even when you're tattooing

See available time slots instantly

Receive automatic reminders

Easy rescheduling if needed

Professional experience

What Your Booking Page Should Include

1. Service Selection

Let clients choose what they're booking:

Consultation (free or paid)

Small tattoo (< 2 hours)

Medium tattoo (2-4 hours)

Large tattoo (half day)

Full day session

2. Artist Selection

If you have multiple artists, let clients choose who they want.

3. Date & Time Picker

Show your actual availability. Sync with your calendar to avoid double-bookings.

4. Client Information

Collect:

Name and contact info

Reference images

Placement preference

Size estimate

Any relevant health info

5. Deposit Collection

Protect yourself from no-shows by requiring a deposit (typically $50-$200).

Setting Up with Apollyx

With Apollyx, you can create a complete tattoo booking system in minutes:

1. Tell our AI what you need: "Create a booking page for my tattoo studio with consultations and session bookings"

2. Customize your services: Add your specific offerings, prices, and time blocks

3. Share your link: Add to your Instagram bio, website, and business cards

4. Receive bookings: Get instant notifications and see all appointments in your dashboard

Pro Tips

Sync with your calendar: Connect Google Calendar to avoid double-bookings.

Set buffer time: Add breaks between appointments for cleanup and prep.

Require reference images: Make clients upload their ideas when booking.

Use reminder emails: Reduce no-shows with automated reminders 24 hours before.

Converting Instagram Followers to Bookings

Your booking link is most effective in your Instagram bio. Here's how to maximize conversions:

1. Update your bio to include a clear CTA: "Book your next piece 👇" 2. Add your booking link 3. Reference it in your posts: "Link in bio to book" 4. Use Instagram Stories to promote availability

Conclusion

Online booking isn't just convenient—it's becoming expected. Clients want to book instantly, not wait for a reply. By setting up a professional booking system, you'll save time, reduce no-shows, and convert more followers into paying clients.

Create your free tattoo booking page and start accepting online bookings today.