A Simple Way to Stop Overthinking What to Post
- Mia Parziale
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
For Tattoo Artists and Creatives
Growing your presence as a tattoo artist or creative requires showing up consistently on social media. But you need a clear plan, so your content doesn’t get buried. Content buckets help you organize what you post so everything has a purpose and gives people a reason to follow.
What are content buckets?
Content buckets are categories that organize your posts by their purpose or format. “What kind of post is this?” and “What does this content do for my audience?”
Instead of posting whatever comes to mind, you can plan posts that have variety. Your followers see educational content, entertainment, inspiration, and promotional updates instead of the same thing over and over or a mess of random content.
Content buckets types
Educational - Share your process, techniques, or advice. Ex: Tips for first-time tattoo clients.
Behind the scenes (BTS) - Let people see your day or workspace. Ex: A video of you setting up your station.
Portfolio highlights - Show finished work, close-ups, or healed tattoos. Ex: A carousel of a full sleeve from start to finish.
Client Stories - Share testimonials or the meaning behind pieces. Ex: A client’s story about their memorial tattoo.
Personal connection - Let people get to know you as a person. Ex: Why you got into tattooing.
Promotional - Announce flash sales, open booking dates, or new services. Ex: Your January flash sheet with booking info.
Community engagement - Feature other artists or businesses. Example: This is my favorite tattoo aftercare line.
How to start
Start with 4 to 6 buckets. Define what each bucket does and list examples for faster brainstorming. Review your mix every month and adjust as you grow.
Content buckets vs. content pillars
Content pillars are the big themes you want to be known for: Japanese Traditional, Black and Gray Realism, Cover-Ups, First-Timer Education. These stay consistent for 6 months to 2 years.
Content buckets determine what type of post you’re creating: Educational, Portfolio, Behind the Scenes, Promotional. These can change monthly based on what’s working.
Pillars are about what you talk about, and buckets are about how you present it.
How they come together
Pick 3 to 5 content pillars that reflect your strengths
Choose 4 to 6 content buckets
Map each post to one pillar and one bucket
Examples:
Japanese Traditional + Educational = Carousel explaining symbolism behind common motifs
Japanese Traditional + Portfolio = Photo of a finished koi sleeve with detail shots
Cover-Ups + Client Stories = Before and after with the client’s transformation story
This makes it easy to see where you need more balance.
Why you should use them
Make planning manageable - You know what goes in each category, so brainstorming is faster. Create content in batches.
Keep you consistent - Buckets make it easier to post regularly without burning out. Consistency builds trust.
Balance what you share - Mix educational posts, behind-the-scenes content, client stories, and promotional updates naturally.
Connect posts to your goals - Educational content starts conversations. Behind-the-scenes posts make you relatable. Portfolio content attracts clients.
Use data to get better - See which types of posts get engagement and where you can improve.
The point
Content buckets give your social media structure without making you feel stuck to one thing. They make planning easier, help you stay varied and consistent, and ensure your brand stays clear. It helps you stop overthinking what to post.
Using a scheduling tool lets you see your content mix at once and identify what you’re overusing or not using enough. Make decisions based on what’s working, save time, and create content that connects with your audience.
