Almost every client I book finds me through Google, so those reviews are crucial to keeping Rock City Tattoo visible in search results. They help people understand my professionalism, the tattoo experience, and the quality of my artwork. But not every platform supports small businesses — and one, in particular, consistently harms them: Yelp.
Google Reviews Help Small Businesses Thrive
Google reviews are the most honest and straightforward way for clients to show support.
They help with:
⭐️Local search ranking
⭐️Visibility for people who don’t know where to start
⭐️Showing my work to people who are actively looking for a tattoo artist
⭐️Balancing out the noise of social media algorithms
When someone leaves a thoughtful Google review, it genuinely helps my studio appear in search results. Unlike other platforms, Google doesn’t bury or hide positive feedback.
Why Yelp Is So Damaging for Small Businesses
Here’s the truth most clients don’t know:
1. Yelp filters out genuine positive reviews If the reviewer isn’t a heavy Yelp user, their review often gets hidden as “not recommended,” even if it’s completely legitimate and detailed.
2. Yelp pushes negative reviews to the top…!!!
Their algorithm amplifies the worst review first, making the business look bad even if the negative feedback is outdated, inaccurate, or from someone who never received the service.
3. Yelp pressures small businesses to pay
This is the part people never talk about: Yelp actively tries to sell monthly paid services to “manage” your page. They let you remove the negative reviews if you pay — but if you don’t, those reviews continue to sit right at the top. It’s a well-documented and ongoing complaint among small business owners. There’s even a documentary film about it; “Billion Dollar Bully”. Basically Yelp acts like the mafia.
4. Yelp allows hate speech and harassment
A former client who sexually harassed me and repeatedly no-showed appointments posted a 1-star review calling me a “bitch.” Targeted, gendered slurs are textbook hate speech, but when I contacted Yelp, they told me it was “colorful language.” Meanwhile, positive reviews about actual tattoos? Hidden.
5. Yelp lets people who were never tattooed leave reviews
I’ve had people leave comments about my personality, my shop décor, or their personal issues who weren’t even clients. Yelp still lets those stay up.
What Tattoo Clients Should Review (For Any Artist)
People often review everything except what actually matters — especially when the artist is a woman. Here’s what actually helps future clients and accurately reflects the tattoo experience: Professionalism & Communication
Was booking easy and responsive?
Was I punctual?
Did you receive the welcome email with parking info, what to bring, and day-of expectations?
Was the artwork prepared on time?
Studio Environment
Was the shop clean and sterile?
Was the setup professional?
Were you comfortable?
Did I provide complimentary drinks, snacks, or candy? (I do — every appointment.)
Tattoo Experience
Was I gentle or heavy-handed?
Did the tattoo process feel safe, respectful, and unrushed?
Did you receive aftercare (first timers I will help out) and instructions?
Did the bandage go on cleanly and properly?
Final Results
How did the tattoo heal?
Do you love it?
Do people compliment it?
Does it reflect the workmanship and detail you expected?
Those are the things prospective clients look for. Those are the things that help small studios grow. And those are the things Yelp routinely ignores.
Why I Always Encourage Google Reviews Instead
I don’t incentivize or pressure anyone for reviews. I don’t offer discounts for them. I don’t trade reviews for perks. I simply ask clients — if they genuinely want to support a small studio — to leave a review on Google, where it actually helps. A single honest Google review from a real client does more good for a tiny, independent shop like mine than a dozen Yelp reviews ever could. If you’ve been tattooed by me and want to uplift my work, Google is the place where your voice truly counts.
