Michael Levitt's Blog, page 36

Improve Your Business' Efficiency With These Tips

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Every single business owner wants to achieve efficiency. They want their business to thrive and run smoothly, and they want the business to be working for all of the people working within it as well as the customers who buy from it. Without efficiency, a business is going to find it harder to stay afloat. Business growth is a wonderful thing, but it’s the hardest thing to manage when you’re trying to stay on top of it all. 

Taking the time to plan your business strategies can help you to improve efficiency, but knowing you have the right IT support and SEO agency working with you can really help. You want your business to soar for the stars and be better than all of the others in the industry you’re in. With the right tips, you can improve your efficiency and make it so that your business is hitting the moon. Let’s take a look at some efficiency tips that will get you where you want it to be.

Start with a good plan. The biggest secret to a successful business is knowing exactly what you want and what you have to do to get there. You’ll feel more in control with a plan. It’s your roadmap and your way to see whether what you’re doing is working. You’ll be able to better prioritize your time in your business, and you’ll make a formal gesture of planning your business the right way. 

Know who it's all for. What’s the point in a business that doesn't serve the people who are buying from it? You need your business efficiently and that’s so much easier to achieve if you know what you’re doing all this planning for. You need to focus on what you’re trying to achieve and how you can help your customers, and when you do, you can do more for efficiency.

Make your business more productive. Did you know that productivity is much easier to achieve when you’re efficient. If you make sure that your staff are focusing on one task at a time, you will ensure that they remain in that productive state. It’s always good to focus on the tasks at hand until completion, or you could find yourself lagging behind in your deadlines.

Get some help. You can call in outside sources to help you with your business and that will help your efficiency enormously. There comes a time in every entrepreneur's life where they realize that bringing people on board to help is the best thing to do for better efficiency.

Get automating. If you want things to move more efficiently, then automating your systems and programs is the fastest way to do it. Invest in the right IT strategies and you will be able to automate everything and keep your business systems running for as long as possible. 

A business is as strong as the systems you put in place. Keep them updated, and you’ll be able to maintain the efficiency you need.

Best Ways To Make Your Café Stand Out From the Rest

Running a café requires a lot of discipline and responsibility. You wake up early, procure your ingredients, serve your customers, then do it all over again. There’s a simple joy in it, but cafés aren’t an uncommon sight, and sticking out gets more challenging by the day. To help with this, these are the best ways to make your café stand out from the rest.

Spice Up Your Variety

The last thing you want is for your café to be seen as another generic coffee shop. By incorporating more unique ingredients into your food and drinks, you will be the go-to spot for that specific menu item. Consider the demographics of your area and include unique flavors that they may enjoy in your everyday drinks. If those particular groups are already catered to, then expand with flavors that are hard to come by in your location. By offering a wider array of options for your customers, you appeal to more people and open your café up to more business in the future.

Know Your Story

Cafés are warm and comfortable locations for people to take a break and relax in. For the explorative customers who enjoy a bit of chatter, make sure you can tell a story when explaining the origins of your business. As people come and go, they’ll retell that story to others if it’s interesting enough. Word of mouth is an important advertising tool, and if your café’s beginnings can serve a similar purpose, you create an identity for your establishment as well. Interacting with your customers personally also develops a connection that they will remember past their initial visit.

Let Your Design Pop

There are no rules regarding what a café is supposed to look like. Let your personality, history, or passion reflect in the design of your café. It doesn’t have to be expensive or drastic to differentiate you from the local competition. Whether you want a dedicated tea house theme or an elegant designer dream, the style of your shop is as important as what it serves.

When it comes to cafés and other food establishments, new visitors tend to judge the book by its cover. With a unique design that invokes a different feeling from the places around it, your café will naturally glow to each customer who sees it.

Change With the Seasons

Getting into the holiday spirit is vital for connecting with your customers. Adding a personal touch with each season or special event around you creates a comforting air for visitors. Seasonal themes can also become a sign to customers that your special drinks are ready to be served. Making special drinks for the season also gives people a reason to get excited about your café and what you’ll be serving soon.

When you use some of the best ways to make your café stand out from the rest, your customers feel a warm atmosphere and, in turn, create more memorable experiences to share.

How to Give Your Customers the Ultimate Online Experience

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There's no question that in order to be successful in business today, you need a robust online presence. Your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your company, so it's essential to make sure it's a good one. This blog post will discuss some tips for giving your customers the ultimate online experience. By following these tips, you can create a website that not only looks great but is also easy to use and provides a positive user experience.

#1 Make sure your website is mobile-friendly

Most people use smartphones or tablets to browse the web, and it's vital that your website works well on these devices. If you have a responsive design, this shouldn't be an issue; however, if not, then at least make sure all of your content can be accessed from any device without scrolling horizontally or zooming in/out excessively. 

Also, consider making some features available only through mobile apps (like push notifications) so customers don't miss out just because they're using their phone instead of a computer! To help ensure that your site is optimized for mobile users, test it across different screen sizes before launching it live. Use tools like Google's Mobile-Friendly Test Tool to check how fast pages load on different devices, how easy it is to navigate and whether or not the layout looks good.

#2 Make it easy for customers to contact you

The best way to do this is by adding a "Contact Us" page with your phone number and email address prominently displayed at the top of every page on your website, along with social media icons so visitors can follow you there too! This will make it easier for people who might want more information about what they see online but aren't sure where else they should look. 

For example, suppose someone comes across an interesting product or service while browsing through another site. In that case, they'll know right away how much time before getting back in touch via email or calling directly without having had any problems finding those details first hand. It's also important that these links are visible when viewed from different devices (i.e., mobile phones) so people who are using smaller screens will still be able to find what they need without having any trouble navigating through your site.

#3 Offer flexible payment options

People are more likely to buy something if they know that there are multiple ways to pay for it, so make sure your website offers a variety of payment options. This could include PayPal, credit cards, debit cards, and even Bitcoin. If you're not familiar with Bitcoin yet, it's a digital currency that allows people to make secure payments without having to disclose their personal information like name or address. If you’d like to go the extra mile, you could create a custom payment form for ease of use. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list - these are just some basic tips to help get you started in giving your customers the ultimate online experience. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a website that looks great and is easy for visitors to use!

The Pros And Cons Of Buying Commercial Premises For Your Business

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Company owners have two main options when it comes to choosing where to base their business. They can either buy or rent premises. There are pros and cons of both, but which is best for your venture? 

The benefits of buying

Buying real estate represents an investment, and in many cases, business owners who purchase property can make money in the long run. When you buy, you’re putting money into an asset, which may appreciate with time, rather than paying rent to another owner. Another key benefit of buying is accessing lower fees. The initial outlay will be much greater when buying rather than renting, but you may find that your mortgage repayments are far lower than a monthly rental charge. 

In addition to making financial sense for some company owners, buying also offers flexibility. If you own the premises, you have free rein to change the decor or the layout, for example. If you rent, you may be limited in terms of what you can do to renovate or customize the space to suit your requirements and create a store or office design that is relevant to your brand. 

If you own your business base, you could also consider renting all or part of the space out if you don’t need the entire space or your plans change. This means that you could earn an income to reduce your overheads. Using leasing software to carry out tenant checks and find suitable tenants is a great idea if you do want to lease office space or retail premises. You may also need to check the terms of your mortgage and you’ll need to make sure that you comply with regulations for landlords and ladies.

The downsides

The most obvious drawback of buying is laying out a lot of money at the outset. Many business owners can’t afford to buy because they don’t have sufficient funds for a down payment or the means to take on a mortgage. Buying is inaccessible to many. In addition, some entrepreneurs may not want to tie themselves to specific premises for a long period. Renting gives you the flexibility to move or grow with short and long-term contracts available. 

For many businesses, renting also provides an opportunity to access prime locations, which wouldn’t be affordable to buy. If you run a clothing store or a cafe, for example, and you want to be at the heart of the action, you may find that you can afford to rent in a much better location. 

Leasing premises can also be beneficial for small businesses and startups with limited budgets, as you don’t have to worry about maintenance and repair costs. If you own commercial premises, and the heating system breaks, for example, you will be liable for the cost of repairs or replacements. 

Whether you own an established business, or you’re just starting out with ambitious plans to reach the top, it’s wise to explore the pros and cons of buying and renting commercial premises. Weigh up the options and think about which path suits you best.

Simple Ways To Supercharge Online Sales

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Online shopping has become increasingly popular and the majority of consumers now find businesses online via search engines and social media. If you’re looking to command more attention and raise brand awareness, here are some simple ways to supercharge online sales. 

Revamp your website

Your website can make or break you when it comes to attracting prospective clients and converting leads. If your site is basic, the pages are slow to load, the content is drab or uninspiring, or the site lacks personality or vibrancy, you may find that people lose interest very quickly. You have seconds to impress. If you are losing customers when they land on the homepage, or people are dropping off when they navigate to landing or product pages, it’s an excellent idea to revamp your site. Work with an experienced web design company to create a site that will captivate your audience and encourage them to take the next step. Ensure that your pages are mobile-friendly, use visual media, provide useful information, and include a call-to-action on every page. 

It is beneficial to test different design options before you implement changes and to make sure that the site is as user-friendly as possible. You want customers to be able to access information, find products, or make a payment within a matter of seconds.

Use targeted SEO campaigns

Google now processes more than 63,000 searches every second. More and more consumers are using search engines to find companies and buy products. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps you to improve your search ranking so that customers can find your business if they are looking for the products or services you offer. If you don’t invest in SEO, you run the risk of falling behind your competitors and losing out on sales.

It is crucial to understand that SEO is hugely beneficial for businesses even if they don’t sell online. Statistics show that over 80% of customers will contact or visit a store within 24 hours of performing a local search on their smartphone. 

Social media

Social media offers a wealth of benefits for companies across all sectors. The most obvious advantage of being active on social media is using platforms and apps to promote, advertise and sell products and services. However, perhaps the most important benefit is improved customer engagement. Businesses can utilize social media to get to know clients and followers, introduce them to new products and services, invite them to share ideas and feedback, and build positive relationships. Around 90% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they follow on social media. Choose social networks that are popular among your target audience, create original, engaging content, and interact with your followers.

Are you looking to increase online traffic and supercharge sales? If you’re struggling to make a splash, consider revamping your website, implementing targeted SEO campaigns, and using social media to engage with followers and strengthen ties with customers. If you’re not an expert in web design or digital marketing, look for agencies that have experience in your industry.

5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Downsizing a Business

Starting a business is hard work, but what’s harder is downsizing your business. Suddenly, you must make tough decisions about who stays and who goes. Many business owners don't realize that downsizing isn't just about cutting employee costs. It also impacts other parts of the business. Learning from other people's mistakes can help you make the transitions smoother. So take note of these common mistakes to avoid when downsizing a business.

Mistake #1: Failing To Plan Ahead

It's no secret that planning is crucial to a successful business. The same holds true when it comes time to downsize. Without a plan, you might make decisions in a panic, which can lead to mistakes. Take the time to map out your strategy and then execute it step by step.

For example, moving to a smaller office may require transporting some of your equipment and furniture to storage. There are many things to remember when planning a business move. So be sure to plan carefully. Additionally, you may need to sell off some assets, so don't forget to account for them in your plan.

Mistake #2: Letting Emotions Take Over

During downsizing, emotions can run high. After all, this is often a sign that the business is in trouble. That said, letting your emotions take over will only make the process more difficult and stressful. Instead, try to stay calm and rational as you make decisions so that you can ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Mistake #3: Not Communicating Enough

Downsizing can be a difficult process for everyone involved. Therefore, it’s important to communicate openly and often with your employees during this time. Your team needs to understand what’s happening and why it’s happening. This transparency can help reduce the amount of stress and uncertainty your employees feel.

Simply put, you should be transparent and honest with your team. You don’t want to make false promises or lead your employees on when you know that there isn’t enough work for them to do.

Mistake #4: Failing To Focus on What’s Important

It’s easy for your mind to wander when downsizing a business. You may suddenly have the urge to reorganize your office or change some of your processes. However, these aren’t things that you should focus on after downsizing the company.

Focus only on what’s most important during this time. That way, you can ensure that you’re making the best possible decisions to help your business survive and thrive, even after downsizing.

Mistake #5: Not Planning for Growth

Neglecting growth is one of the most common mistakes to avoid when downsizing a business. Even if you're not planning on expanding anytime soon, having a plan in place for future growth is crucial.

This will help ensure that your business is still viable down the road. And who knows? You may decide to expand sooner than you thought possible. Having a solid plan in place will make this process much more manageable.

In Summary

Downsizing a business is never easy. This process takes time and careful consideration. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the process easier for you and your employees.

Keep Your Audience Engaged With Your Brand Online

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To gain success with your brand online, you need to work to keep your audience engaged. An engaged audience will work to boost your brand and ensure that you do gain the right level of attention. Here are some of the steps that you should consider.

Evolve 

First, you should think about taking steps to evolve your business website. There are lots of ways that you can do this, whether you add new content or shakeup the design on a regular basis. By evolving your site, you can ensure that your brand never feels dull, boring or typical. To ensure that you are able to change and evolve your website, you need to use the right platform. You might want to explore using the support of an  Adobe Commerce developer. They can provide you with a fluid platform for your website that can constantly change based on your needs. 

Connect 

Next, you should think about exploring ways in which you can connect with your audience through your brand. The obvious answer is always going to be social media. You just need to make sure that you find out which social media platform your audience is most likely to use and access on a regular basis. This could be Twitter, Facebook or Instagram depending on the service or product that you are offering. Make sure that the content and posts you share or create match the network that you are using to reach your audience. 

Reach Out 

It’s important to reach out to your audience in different ways. For instance, you should be exploring ways that you can deliver more value through your brand. This could be as simple as delivering exclusive deals and offers to a customer base. Or, you might want to think about sharing exclusive, locked content such as an E-Book. You can also reach out through options such as live streams. This helps an audience feel like they are part of your brand.

Learn 

Finally, you need to make sure that you are constantly learning what your customers want from your business. There are lots of ways that you can do this. It can start with a simple poll that you can spread across social media. Alternatively, you might want to use a marketing agency. They will research your audience base for you and attempt to find out what makes them tick. In doing so, you can ensure that your brand connects with an audience on a personal level. You can even take a simple step that will allow you to learn more about your audience. For instance, if you have a search bar on your website, you can use Google Analytics to find out the most common searches and queries. You can then work to build up content around these queries. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take to keep your audience engaged with your brand online. By exploring these possibilities, you can ensure that your company is remembered and valued by your audience.

10 Ways To Improve Your Company's Efficiency and Productivity

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When it comes to a company's success, productivity and efficiency are key factors. These two concepts are often discussed independently, but they're closely related. A lack of productivity can lead to an inefficient workplace, and an unproductive workplace can lead to a lack of productivity.

Inefficiency in the workplace reduces productivity and can cost 20-30% in lost revenue each year alone.

You can do many things to increase your company's productivity and efficiency. Some of these include streamlining redundant tasks, delegating specific responsibilities, understanding your employees' work styles, and automating processes where possible. Click below for ten ways to improve your company's productivity and efficiency today!

Use Automation Software

It's challenging to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of running a business. The more you have on your plate, the more likely mistakes and oversights will happen. This can cause a slowdown in productivity and efficiency - and these issues can be costly.

Automation software can help you by scheduling social media posts, sending out customer newsletters, and updating your website content automatically. With automation software, you'll save time and energy so you can focus on other aspects of your business. Plus, automation software has the potential to increase your company's productivity by 30%. That means if you're currently spending 8 hours per day doing administrative work, you could spend just 3 hours per day using automation software.

Address Standards and Procedures

Before you can increase your company's productivity and efficiency, you need to identify standards and procedures. You should set these standards to establish the best way of working for everyone in the workplace. Some questions you might ask yourself when determining these standards are:

What are the company's goals?

What does "good work" mean?

How do we resolve conflicts?

What are our priorities?

Share them with your employees once you have a list of standards and procedures. This will help clarify any confusion about what good work means and how they can increase their productivity by following these guidelines.

You should also address your employees' conditions and the equipment they have to do their job. For example, suppose you are letting cleanliness standards fall and neglecting repairs. In that case, employees may become less productive due to increased risk of injury or inability to work properly due to poorly maintained premises. Look at introducing a more ergonomic workplace to reduce workplace injuries and fatigue and reduce distractions for employees due to how they need to work and navigate the office. Consider vapor blasting to ensure your office or buildings are clean for employees, customers, or clients and improve safety and physical standards.

Streamline Your Focus

To cut down on inefficiency, you'll want to streamline your focus. This means allocating resources and attention to the most important tasks that get done first.

You need to identify your top priorities and the tasks necessary to achieve them. This is often accomplished by setting goals. From there, you can start delegating other responsibilities to team members who are more skilled at those tasks. For example, if you have a marketing department and do some marketing yourself, consider delegating your tasks to someone with more expertise.

It's all about finding what works for you and your company so that the most important things are getting done without any distractions or time-consuming tasks taking up your time.

Improve Communication

One of the first things you can do to increase your company's productivity and efficiency is improve communication. If your employees are communicating better, they'll focus on their job responsibilities rather than other tasks. This will help avoid redundancies and increase productivity.

You can improve communication by training employees on how to write straightforward emails. You should also encourage employees to share information proactively rather than waiting for someone else to reach out. This will help them work together more efficiently and productively. It may also be beneficial to take a fresh look at your company's reporting procedures. Many companies assign multiple people the same task, which wastes time and increases the risk of human error.

Delegate Effectively

One of the most effective ways to streamline your company's processes and increase its productivity is delegating responsibilities. Not only does this save you time, but it also empowers your employees and allows them to take on tasks they're best suited for. Understanding each employee's work style and delegating accordingly creates a more efficient workplace.

The key is to delegate effectively. This means getting input from your employees first before assigning them a task and asking for their ideas on how they would like to approach the project. This way, you'll be able to delegate tasks that suit their strengths and ultimately lead to a more productive workforce.

Clarify Tasks and Job Roles

One of the best things you can do for your company is clarifying tasks and job roles. This means that you should know what each employee is responsible for and how they're expected to complete their tasks.

For example, if you need someone to work on a data entry task, make sure the person knows how to enter data and has the right tools (e.g., a computer with appropriate software, etc.). You should also communicate deadlines and other expectations clearly, so both parties understand what's expected from them.

This will help decrease confusion while also increasing productivity. Your employees will complete their tasks more efficiently while knowing when they'll need to finish said task. If you're not able to be present at work or in charge of a specific job, make sure the instructions are clear and easy enough for someone else to follow. This way, there won't be any questions about what needs completing or any delays in getting it done.

Improve Workplace Culture

Creating a productive and efficient workplace starts with creating an environment that encourages collaboration while allowing employees to work at their own pace.

A happy workforce is more likely to be productive and efficient, so it's important to foster a culture of respect, trust, goals, and recognition in your office. This leads to better business practices that are less prone to errors due to miscommunication or mishaps.

Here are some ways you can improve the culture of your workplace:

Set shared goals with your team. Goals create a sense of purpose among employees who all have the same end goal in mind. These goals can come in many different forms - they don't need to be grand or complex, but they should align with its overall mission statement. Those who can connect their personal goals with these shared goals will feel more involved in the process and more motivated during their workday.

Demonstrate respect for all employees. Employees deserve respect no matter their position in the company hierarchy - from CEO down to entry-level secretary. When you demonstrate this type of respect for each employee, they'll feel valued, which will motivate them at work and help you maintain a positive workplace atmosphere.

Encourage autonomy in the workplace when possible by giving employees time during the day for meetings or tasks without being monitored by managers or higher-ups. This gives employees more independence with their workloads which will result in

Reduce Meetings

Meetings are a necessary part of any company. But too many meetings can be detrimental to productivity, creativity, and morale.

According to The Muse, 62% of employees think that meetings are their least favorite aspect of the workplace.

To reduce the number of meetings you have, try scheduling fewer meetings in advance. This will reduce the number of times people have to prepare for a meeting. When you schedule fewer in-person meetings in advance, people know what they're getting themselves into and have time to prepare accordingly.

Another way to reduce the number of meetings is by ensuring you only have them when they're essential. If you find yourself regularly canceling or rescheduling your meetings because you don't have enough participants, it might be time to rethink how often you hold them. You should also try implementing a "no-meeting day" where everyone is encouraged not to schedule any meetings at all on certain days of the week (typically Tuesdays or Thursdays). This will give employees some semi-structured downtime and make it easier for people who need extra time on those days to attend doctor's appointments and take care of other personal matters without fear of losing all their work hours.

Encourage Employee Feedback

To increase company productivity and efficiency, it is essential to encourage employee feedback. Feedback can be a way to find out more about what your employees want and need from their jobs. It can also be a good way for managers to understand how they are doing. When you have a culture of open communication, you empower your employees and allow them to share their ideas on how the company can improve.

Feedback must be given respectfully not to hurt anyone's feelings or create an uncomfortable environment. Having an open dialogue with your employees makes everyone feel like they're part of the decision-making process, which is always better for team morale and productivity!

The Many Benefits of an Ergonomic Workplace

In the last two years, many of us have learned how to do our jobs in various settings, from kitchen tables to basement corners. However, there are consequences to working in these kinds of spaces.

Contorting yourself into strange shapes or constantly bending your neck while answering emails can take its toll on your body and mind after a while. Avoiding these issues is just one of the many benefits of an ergonomic workplace.

Improved Health

You can face many health concerns when you work in a place in which designers didn’t consider ergonomics. A few of them include:

Lower back pain

Increased instances of repetitive stress injuries, especially in the hands

Eyestrain

Chronic headaches or migraines

Stiff joints

While it’s easy to simply ignore these issues and think of them as a “part of the job,” there are definite risks of ignoring chronic pain. You ensure that you don’t stress your body with an ergonomic setup for work.

Greater Productivity

It’s hard to imagine how a better computer chair and desk could increase your overall work output. But increased productivity is one of the underrated benefits of a more ergonomic workplace.

When you’re working at an unergonomic workplace, it’s far easier to lose focus. Your own discomfort becomes a distraction that takes your mind off of your tasks. When you are sitting up in a position that lends itself to your work, you have an easier time working for long periods without stopping.

Increased Employee Morale

Needless to say, no one wants to be in pain because of their everyday work tasks. Additionally, being told to do something and finding your very surroundings impeding you from doing them can become a source of frustration. Having the tools you need to perform your tasks is an immediate morale booster, as is having a setup that takes care of your body.

It may seem like a small thing, but ergonomics puts people in a position to succeed. By providing employees with this kind of setup, you can see better results in your business.

How To Make Your Customers Feel Safe in Your Tattoo Shop

Tattoo shops are some of the most delicate businesses you can run. You must provide a relaxed and comfortable space. You want to build trust with your customers as soon as they walk in. Like any other type of health center, your shop should inspire a clean and safe environment. This way, you'll be able to grow your brand, make a name for your business, and get more clients.

We've gathered some tips on how to make your customers feel safe in your tattoo shop. Make the most out of them to have a successful tattoo studio.

Sterilize Properly

At a tattoo shop, you use needles, work with delicate materials, and handle human skin. Any responsible shop owner knows they must be extremely clean and careful with their space and tools. Otherwise, not only will leads doubt the studio, but clients could get an infection. You should constantly use a bactericidal solution to ensure the shop is 100 percent clean. Sterilize your non-disposable supplies properly after each use.

Wear Protective Equipment

Whenever one of your tattoo artists works on a customer's skin, they should wear gloves, a mask, goggles, and a face shield. They should avoid contact with the client's skin and fluids. All this equipment should be disposable and single-use.

Choose the Right Decorations

Every detail is key to turning it into a comfortable space. The color of the walls, the art you hang on them, the lighting you choose, or how you display your work can make or break your business. Tattoo studios tend to have neutral dark color palettes. Black, white, grays, and touches of gold predominate in this type of space. Add a color palette like this with spectacular artwork and shelving to create a clean and elegant vibe.

Play the Right Music

Tattoo artists are known for having a tougher vibe. They may like rock and metal music because it gets them in a tattooing mood. As a business owner, you need to understand that not all your customers like that music. Make sure you have background music that doesn’t disturb or stress your clients.

Be Professional

Lastly, one of the most important things on this list of how to make your customers feel safe in your tattoo shop is to show professionalism. Be kind to your customers, guide them through the tattoo process, offer tips if you see that they are nervous, and flatter their designs. Make them feel that they are in the right place.