Struggling to Get Bookings? Here are 9 Proven Ways to Promote Your Tarot Business
Last Updated: October 19, 2023
Building a business from the ground up is not easy. It requires passion, persistence, and a great deal of patience. This is particularly true for those in the tarot reading industry, where establishing trust and credibility is crucial for attracting clients.
As a tarot reader, you’re not just selling a service; you’re offering guidance, comfort, and sometimes, a fresh perspective on life’s most pressing questions. But how do you get your name out there? How do you encourage people to book a reading with you? These are questions that I have attempted to answer for years now, and during those years I have tried a plethora of strategies that have varied in success.
I’ve experimented with traditional marketing tactics like flyers and word-of-mouth referrals, embraced digital platforms like social media and newsletters, and even explored unique offerings like seasonal, limited-time tarot readings. Each strategy has taught me valuable lessons and provided insights into what truly resonates with my clientele.
Today, I am sharing it all with you! So light up an incense stick, put on a nice relaxing Spotify playlist and I hope you’ll enjoy this deep dive into boosting your tarot bookings.
#1 - Put flyers up in local shops
It’s not uncommon for coffee shops and other retail spaces to allow local businesses to promote their services with flyers or business cards. Take advantage of this opportunity by designing eye-catching and informative flyers that showcase your tarot reading services. Include essential information such as your contact details, website, social media handles, and a brief description of your offerings.
Make sure to ask for permission before placing your flyers in any establishment and maintain a good relationship with the owners. I would 100% offer the whole staff a free tarot reading in exchange, so that they get to know you, get to trust you, and can also vouch if anyone asks. If there are any metaphysical shops in your area, you may have a great opportunity to promote yourself there especially in the run up to spookier seasons. A collaboration could be created here where they display your flyers in their shop and you could spread the word about them on your social media. It’s a win-win situation!
Use QR codes direct to booking pages, use short URLs for your website and even utilise free graphic design templates if you don’t feel so artsy.
Consider offering a special discount or promotion for customers of the establishment to encourage them to book a tarot reading with you. Platforms like Etsy make it really easy to add a coupon code, and it also reminds customers to leave a review afterwards too! Establishing a good relationship with shop owners might also lead to opportunities to do live tarot reading events in their venues.
#2 - Leverage short-form videos to demonstrate your skills
Short-form videos are all the rage these days. (I feel about a hundred saying that haha)
People’s attention spans are getting shorter and shorter (thanks to social media and neurodivergence being recognised + treated!). That being said short-form videos are currently the best-performing type of content online, especially with the younger audience.
As a tarot reader trying to get more bookings in, you simply can not pass on having a presence on TikTok (Witchtok) or YouTube Shorts. Creating one-minute-long videos is relatively simple and quick super easy with tools like Canva.
Short videos allow you to showcase your skills, personality, and tarot knowledge in an engaging and digestible format. They also have an incredible reach power at the moment that is unrivalled on other platforms. Search for tarot on TikTok & Youtube shorts and see for yourself. This is the path for growth on social media at the moment.
Remember to always include a call-to-action in your videos, directing viewers to your website or booking platform. Engage with your audience by replying to comments and addressing their questions or concerns. Consistently posting relevant and engaging content will help you build a loyal following and ultimately increase the number of tarot bookings you receive.
The types of content I would stay away from include sharing what a card means, but go for more of the “Pick a Card” reading, or sharing questions you often get, or talking about how it feels to have a tarot readin session with a client and it going so right. Talk about what you have planned for readings or events coming up, share what testimonials you’ve received, and maybe even film a set up of what a tarot reading session with you looks like. Share your unique personality, share your amazing skillset, and don’t just copy other tarot readers – what you offer is completely different!
#3 - Regular free group workshops to get your brand out there
Running a tarot reading business includes massive branding. It’s about getting your name out there and ensuring your audience knows you, trusts you and engages with you. People often choose their tarot readers based on their impression of you.
After all, for many people it’s a rather intimate process, to be discussing private life events with a stranger. So it’s important for you to be getting that trust even before they decide to try your services. One way I have been able to build that trust was by hosting free group workshops or guesting on podcasts where I discuss various topics related to tarot, spirituality, and personal growth.
These workshops provide an opportunity for potential clients to interact with me, learn about my approach, and get a sense of what a tarot reading with me would be like. I’ve found that these sessions often dispel any fears or misconceptions people may have about tarot readings and make them more comfortable with the idea of booking a session.
I have used the free plan on Zoom, which at the time of my writing this article, offers 40-minute meetings for up to 100 participants. You can use it for 15 minute free private consultations, for those who are still unsure!
By sharing my knowledge freely, I hope long term to establish myself firmly in the tarot field and cultivate a sense of trust and respect among potential clients. At the end of the workshop, I promote my tarot reading services and sometimes offer a discount for anyone in attendance who books a reading. It genuinely works and gives you a chance to work with people from all backgrounds and budgets! And if they don’t book with you? They may just recommend you to someone who will.
#4 - Offer coupons for first-time clients and then another one for a follow-up reading after the first one
People love a good deal. This is the basis of any business really: entice with a great offer, and turn them into recurring customers with outstanding service. Additionally, consider creating a loyalty program to further encourage repeat business. Just like those coffee shop loyalty cards we all love 🙂
There are a number of online solutions such as https://loyalty.oappso.com/ that you can use to create this loyalty system. Every 5 tarot readings, offer your client a free small reading (one or two card pulls). They will love it. Something I try to do as often as I can is check over the astrology database I have of clients, and any birthdays coming up I’ll send them a free reading 🙂
Similarly, a referral program where clients get a discount when they refer a new client who books a reading can also be very effective. I have made countless connections and secured long-term clients through this method. People are more likely to book a reading if it’s been recommended by a friend or family member they trust. Why not offer a Pay-It-Forward option on your pricelist?
The key to making this strategy work is to ensure the referral process is simple and the reward is attractive. I recommend using a simple Google Form (it’s free) that people can access via a link or a QR code.
#5 - Offer seasonal, limited-time tarot readings.
It’s competitive out there, and you will need to stand out! One way to do that is to come up with new ideas to make your reading memorable. Memorable, not gimmicky. I have created a few unique readings that I only offer for a limited time each year. They come back once a year, but once they’re gone they’re gone.
Seasonal, limited-time readings are an exciting and clever way to keep your offerings fresh and appeal to different clients. By creating a sense of “limited edition”, you can entice clients to book readings that they might not be able to get at any other time. Be wary of encroaching onto predatory scarcity or urgency tactics though – this is icky, and not fun for anyone. Would you want to be rushed into a decision you weren’t ready for? What tarot reader needs that energy?
For example, around the start of each Zodiac sign’s season, you can offer a special reading that delves into the energies and lessons that that particular Zodiac season brings. Or during the holiday season, you can offer a “Year Ahead” reading that gives clients a look into what the coming year might have in store for them.
During the fall or autumn, you can offer themed readings that tap into the energy of change and let go, such as “Harvest Readings” which help clients reflect on their accomplishments and release what no longer serves them. I’ve been running “Spice Season” readings for a while and they’ve been incredible for building connection with repeat clients, and I am mutually so excited and so honored every time I am booked!
You get the jist of it, there are tons of ideas you can use to make your reading services stand out. I really believe that this can give you a competitive edge and increase the number of bookings you receive.
Advertise these special readings well in advance and across all your marketing channels to ensure your clients are aware of them. I go usually by a six week run, four weeks are pre-launch and two weeks of launch hype, but that is what works for me and my biz (and my lifestyle, which isn’t to say it is the same for everyone else).
#6 - Add each client to your newsletter to keep them in the loop with your offerings
Newsletters are the bread and butter of my tarot reading services. They easily account for 40% of my bookings. Why you may ask? Well because I actively try to get any of my clients to subscribe so we can keep in touch and they can stay updated with the latest offerings, discounts, events, and insights from my tarot reading practice.
Newsletters are an effective way of maintaining a connection with your clients, even when they aren’t actively booking readings. This continuous engagement helps keep your services top-of-mind, so when they do decide they want a reading, you’re their first choice.
In my newsletters, I provide valuable content that my clients may find useful and interesting. This could be tarot card interpretations from my website, tips for personal growth, spiritual insights, or simply updates about my journey as a tarot reader. This way I ensure that (hopefully) my clients look forward to my newsletters and view them as beneficial resources rather than just promotional material. This decreases the chances of people unsubscribing.
I currently use the free plan on ConvertKit, which allows you to build up a list of up to 1000 subscribers. Not too shabby. I’m going to stay with them on their Creator network subscribers list too, as they seem to have really great customer service.
By the way… not being funny but… whilst I have you here… If you find my content valuable, please consider subscribing to my newsletter. 😉
Remember, the key to a successful newsletter is to strike a balance between promotional content and valuable, engaging material. This way, you’ll not only increase your tarot bookings but also foster a loyal and engaged client base.
#7 - Write a blog
Share your knowledge and experiences with tarot reading through a blog. Long-form content has its merit as it can be evergreen and bring a constant influx of traffic to your website. By designing and crafting content that can appeal to your audience, you may get some eyeballs on your tarot offering and gain a few more bookings.
I am doing it on the very site you are reading this article on right now! For example, on my tarot spread pages, I have a banner on which I promote my readings. This has helped me secure a few bookings per month. Additionally, I also promote my tarot journal there which led to a few sales on my Etsy Shop.
I have a popup as well that appears when someone lands on the site from Google, which generated new subscribers to my newsletter.
Creating long-form content is time-consuming, I am not going to sugarcoat it but it is a good investment because the content will then serve you for as long as it is online. The more content, the more eyeballs, and the more eyeballs mean more chances of getting booked.
Today it is easier than ever to create a website. With platforms like WordPress or Square Space, you can whip up a blog in less than an hour. There are no excuses people! Get a website asap!
#8 - Make sure you are on every platform where your audience might be
The spiritual community is a special one. We are a little more private I feel than say, travel enthusiasts. We care about our privacy and keeping ourselves safe from negative judgement from people with narrower minds.
That’s why it’s not uncommon to hear about witches’ covens and private groups where spiritual practitioners gather to share, learn, and support each other. This is an important consideration when determining where to promote your tarot reading services.
To increase your bookings, it’s essential to establish a presence on every platform where your potential clients might be. This doesn’t just mean the big social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, but also smaller, more niche platforms and communities where spiritual enthusiasts gather.
These might include forums, discussion boards, online witch covens, and spiritual groups on platforms like Reddit, Discord, or even private Facebook groups. A few examples:
- https://www.thetarotforum.com/forums/
- https://www.tarotforum.net/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Tarots/
- https://tabi.org.uk/forum
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/TarotNerds/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/tarotprofessionals/
Important note: Be sure to review the community rules as self-promotion might be strictly regulated or even prohibited in some communities. It’s important to respect these guidelines and avoid coming across as spammy or overly self-promotional.
Instead, focus on building genuine relationships with community members and sharing valuable insights. As you become a trusted member of the community, people will naturally become interested in your services and may seek you out for tarot readings.
Being active in these spaces can help you connect with potential clients who are already interested in tarot and spirituality. Tarot has always been about connecting with people so utilize this aspect when building your tarot business.
#9 - Partner with other spiritual content creators to cross-promote each other.
Growing an audience from scratch is hard. Trust me I have been at it for the last 5 years… But! You know the saying: “Two heads are better than one”? This is especially true in the world of tarot and spiritual content creation.
Partnering with other spiritual content creators can greatly help in expanding your reach and attracting more tarot bookings. You can also collaborate on content, such as co-hosting a webinar or live tarot reading session, guest posting on each other’s blogs, or conducting an interview or Q&A that you share with your respective audiences.
This kind of collaboration benefits both parties involved. With some previous collaborators, we sometimes do “Instagram Takeover” where I’ll do some content creation and live broadcasts on their account. This strategy effectively gets my face in front of people who may not have come across me otherwise. It’s super valuable in my opinion.
This also works both ways. If you have a platform that happens to be larger than someone elses, absolutely ask to share space with them publicly, and give them the same opportunities you also receive.
In a digital world where we as content creators, have to battle it out with so many different algorithms on each platform, it’s important to help each other in order to increase our reach without having to rely on automated systems.
Conclusion
That’s it! I gave you my all! I’m all out of ideas! (Jokes! I obviously mean for now). I will update this article in the future whenever I find and test new strategies to share with you, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for updates.
If you made it all the way here, thanks for reading and I hope you will leave this page with some ideas that will help you boost your bookings 🙂
Let me know in the comments if any of those strategies worked for you – it would make me very happy to hear about it. Until next time xox
I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.
Continue your tarot journey ✨
This page is part of our collection of articles on learning about tarot. If you enjoyed reading this, then you will enjoy the following articles.
