In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential for any business, including tattoo shops. We sat down with Vincent Moleveld, the founder of Online Tattoo and Online Gallery, to discuss why every tattoo shop needs to be online in 2024, and how the industry is evolving with the times.

Interviewer: Vincent, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us why you believe an online presence is so important for tattoo shops in 2024?

Vincent Moleveld: Thanks for having me! The tattoo industry has become much more competitive and dynamic, and an online presence is no longer optional—it's a necessity. In 2024, the first place people go when looking for a tattoo artist is online. Whether they’re searching on social media, Google, or platforms like Online Tattoo, potential clients want to see portfolios, reviews, and booking options right at their fingertips. Without an online presence, you’re missing out on a huge audience that could easily become your next client.

Interviewer: What would you say is the biggest advantage of being active online for a tattoo shop?

Vincent Moleveld: One of the biggest advantages is visibility. Being online gives tattoo artists and shops the ability to reach a much larger and more diverse audience than traditional word-of-mouth or local advertising. When you have a well-maintained online portfolio, potential clients from all over the world can see your work. If you’re specializing in a particular style, like realism or blackwork, it becomes much easier for people to find you if your work is showcased online. In short, it’s about accessibility and making your art discoverable.

Interviewer: What role do social media platforms like Instagram play for tattoo artists in this context?

Vincent Moleveld: Instagram has become an essential tool for tattoo artists. It’s like a living, breathing portfolio that updates as often as you post. Tattooing is such a visual craft, and Instagram allows artists to showcase their latest work instantly, interact with followers, and even get new clients through direct messaging. It’s not just about posting photos—it’s about building a brand and showing your style, personality, and process to potential clients.

What’s great about Instagram is that it’s very immediate. You post a picture of a fresh piece, and within minutes, it could be seen by thousands of people. However, while Instagram is crucial, it’s not the whole picture—pun intended. To really grow, you need to combine social media with more structured platforms where potential clients can see things like booking options and client testimonials.

Interviewer: That leads us to Online Tattoo. What motivated you to create this platform?

Vincent Moleveld: The idea for Online Tattoo came from seeing how artists needed a more specialized space where they could showcase their work in a professional and organized way. Instagram is great for reaching people, but it’s not designed for tattoo artists specifically. On a platform like Online Tattoo, you have a curated space to display your portfolio, share testimonials, offer online booking, and even organize your work by style or category.

Our goal is to give tattoo artists a digital home that’s fully dedicated to their craft and make it easier for clients to connect with them. It’s about taking that casual Instagram discovery and converting it into actual bookings, and ultimately growing the artist’s business.

Interviewer: You’ve touched on booking systems a couple of times. Why are integrated booking options so important for tattoo shops today?

Vincent Moleveld: Integrated booking systems are a game-changer because they eliminate the friction that often exists between a client wanting a tattoo and actually booking it. In the past, clients might have had to call the shop, wait for a reply, or even visit in person to set an appointment. With an integrated online booking system, clients can browse an artist's availability and book a session instantly.

It’s not only about convenience for the client, but also for the artist. Managing appointments through a streamlined digital system reduces time spent on administrative tasks, so artists can focus on what they do best—tattooing. Plus, it helps reduce no-shows, which can be a big issue when booking is too informal.

Interviewer: How do you see the role of online platforms like Online Tattoo helping tattoo artists build trust with potential clients?

Vincent Moleveld: Building trust online is vital because, let’s face it, getting a tattoo is a big decision. Clients want to be sure they’re working with a professional artist who has a proven track record. That’s where platforms like Online Tattoo come in. We offer the space for artists to not only show their work but also feature client reviews and testimonials. When potential clients see consistent positive feedback and healed tattoo images, they’re much more likely to feel confident about booking.

Trust is built over time, and an online presence allows that to happen before the client even steps into the shop. It’s about transparency—clients can see your work, your professionalism, and read what others have said about their experience. It’s much harder to build that same level of trust without an online portfolio.

Interviewer: You’ve talked a lot about the benefits to artists. How does having an online presence benefit the clients themselves?

Vincent Moleveld: For clients, an online presence offers convenience and confidence. They can take their time browsing different artists, comparing styles, and reading reviews before making their decision. It also allows clients to communicate more directly with artists, whether through messaging on social media or inquiry forms on platforms like Online Tattoo. It makes the whole process—from discovery to booking—more efficient and enjoyable.

Additionally, clients can often find more information online about the artist’s process, aftercare tips, and even pricing guidelines, so they’re fully informed before they even sit down for a consultation. This transparency is something that clients in 2024 expect, and tattoo shops that embrace it will stand out.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you see the online presence for tattoo artists evolving in the future?

Vincent Moleveld: I see it becoming even more essential. As the tattoo industry continues to grow and become more professional, clients will expect more from the artists they choose. An online presence will be the standard, not just an option. Artists who can combine their creative talent with effective online marketing will thrive.

We’re also seeing a rise in e-commerce opportunities for tattoo artists—selling custom designs, merchandise, and even aftercare products online. Platforms like Online Tattoo will evolve to support these new trends, giving artists even more tools to grow their businesses digitally.

Interviewer: Thank you, Vincent, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the digital landscape is transforming the tattoo industry, and having an online presence is key to staying ahead in 2024.

Vincent Moleveld: Absolutely. The tattoo industry is changing fast, and artists who embrace these digital tools will find themselves not only keeping up but thriving. Thanks for having me!