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Sunday, November 30, 2025

The Spray Tan Industry: 3 Mistakes New Artists Make When Trying to Get Clients (And How to Fix Them)

 The Spray Tan Industry: 

3 Mistakes New Artists Make When Trying to Get Clients 

(And How to Fix Them)

Author | Darlene Clattenburg | Liquid Sunshine Spray Tan | Sunless Academy | Nov. 30, 2025

The spray tan industry is booming — it’s low-barrier, high-demand, and an incredible way to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving business. But here’s the thing: many new spray tan artists jump in thinking clients will magically show up if they “post pretty pictures” or undercut prices. 

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work that way.

If you’re a new artist struggling to get clients, you’re not alone — and the solution isn’t luck, it’s strategy. Here are three common mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Not Defining Their Ideal Client
Liquid Sunshine Spray Tan, Ontario Canada, Sunless Academy, Darlene Clattenburg,
Referrals Bank

Many new spray tan artists try to appeal to everyone — friends, family, strangers on social media — thinking that casting a wide net will get them clients. The result? Overwhelm, wasted time, and clients who don’t value your service.

How to Fix It:

  • Define your ideal client in detail: age, lifestyle, needs, income level. Source Chatgbt

  • Focus your marketing and messaging directly at them.

  • Use referral strategies to get the exact clients you want — people who book consistently and value your expertise.

💡 Pro Tip: Your “ideal client filter” isn’t exclusionary — it’s how you attract people who actually pay, show up on time, and refer their friends.

Mistake #2: Undervaluing Their Services

Too many new artists undercharge for fear of losing clients. This leads to burned-out schedules, frustration, and a perception that your service isn’t professional.

How to Fix It:

  • Price based on skill, expertise, and the results you deliver — not what someone else charges.

  • Bundle services or offer add-ons like pre/post-care products, contouring, teeth whitening, simple ear piercing, it's endless.

  • Communicate your value confidently: highlight results, benefits, and what sets you apart.

💡 Pro Tip: When you value yourself, your clients value you. Pricing is a reflection of your confidence and professionalism. Check out my Pricing Playbook System that breaks down your cost of a spray tan, you're not just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks.

Mistake #3: Relying Only on Social Media Posts

Posting beautiful photos is important, but it’s not a full business strategy. Many new artists spend hours scrolling, posting, and hoping someone books — with little to show for it.

How to Fix It:

  • Use a mix of marketing strategies: referral programs, email follow-ups, and client retention plans.

  • Show up consistently with educational and engaging content, not just aesthetic posts.

  • Track what works and replicate it — posting without a plan is just noise.

💡 Pro Tip: Your business grows faster when you focus on systems that bring in clients automatically — like a referral program or simple opt-in freebie — instead of relying solely on social media luck.

The Bottom Line

The spray tan industry is full of opportunity — but opportunity without strategy leads to frustration. By defining your ideal clients, pricing with confidence, and building systems that consistently bring in bookings, you can turn your passion into a profitable business.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start booking clients consistently, check out my Referral Strategy Guide — it’s designed to help new artists attract their ideal clients without spending a dime on ads.


Feeling overwhelmed, imposter syndrome, or just frustrated at not giving the flawless tan you want to give. You don't know where to turn? You ask questions in your Facebook groups and do not understand the spray tan language. Check out this Masterclass coming soon February 2026. 

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