10 Ways to Market Yourself as a Massage Therapist

Marketing yourself as a massage therapist can seem daunting when first starting out. Here are 10 of the most cost-effective ways to build relationships and become known to potential clients.

1. Use Signs

Signs are an important way to tell people you exist. Hanging the best sign you can afford outside your premises will not only look professional, it will also let passers-by know what you do, and the chances are these people are local to your area.

And your new clients will thank you, as it will confirm they have found the right place and ease any anxiety they may have on their first visit.

Magnetic signs for your car are a great idea, so when you are popping to the shop, or on the school run, your business name is being seen.

Signs are a great investment because when you divide the initial cost by the years they will serve you, they are incredibly economical.

2. Create a Google Business Profile

Every business should have a Google Business Profile. This will help you show up when people search for massage in your area and your business name will appear on Google Maps. You can add your business details and hours of business, but the best thing is that it will enable you to receive Google Reviews.

3. Ask for Google Reviews

Once you have your Google Business Profile up and running, it’s time to ask your existing clients to leave you a review. The more reviews you have, the more trustworthy and professional you look, and the more likely a potential new client will think you are worth booking in with.

4. Create a Business Website

If you don’t already have a website for your business, then now is the time to do it. A website makes you look far more professional than just having a Facebook or Instagram page. And it will help you show up when people search for a massage therapist in your area. You have control over your business identity - how looks and feels to your potential customers – so they will be able to get an idea of who you are, and your style of massage. 

There are many do-it-yourself website building platforms out there with templates that will give you a professional looking site at a reasonable cost.

5. Send Newsletters

Keeping in touch with people who have joined your email list with a monthly newsletter makes good business sense. Updates on your news, or information about promotions and services can prompt people to book a session. No matter how well-intentioned someone is to book a massage with you, it’s easy for their day-to-day activities to get in the way. By sending them a newsletter, you are sending them a gentle reminder that you are there for them without being pushy.

6. Design a Flyer

It may seem like an old-fashioned way of doing things at a time when everything is online, but creating a flyer and delivering door-to-door in your area can still be very effective. This can be especially true if your client base is older. These clients often have disposable income, plenty of time, and lots of aches and pains.

And, by pinning your flyer on noticeboards in waiting rooms, you will be putting yourself in front of people who would not ordinarily think to seek you out.

7. Network with other Businesses

If you can find other non-competing businesses in your area that have similar ideal clients as you, then you may be on to a winner. For example, a beautician maybe advertising to similar people to you, so if you can refer your clients to them, and they refer their clients to you, then you can both spend half as much on advertising!

This could work with lots of types of business, so use your imagination and get networking.

8. Ask for Referrals

A very effective way of growing your client list, is to ask your existing customers if they know any friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit from a massage with you. It can take a bit of courage if you’re shy, but usually your customers will be more than happy to help you develop your business.

9. Hand out Business Cards

Lots of people don’t bother with business cards any more, but they can still be a useful tool in your marketing.

Handing out a card when meeting new people who ask what you do, can prompt interest and even start a conversation about their aches and pains.

You can also leave a card with the tip when paying a restaurant bill, or hand them to your local taxi driver. You never know when your card will arrive in the right hands at the right time.

10. Post on Social Media

Last but not least, social media is one of the best ways of putting yourself in front of a local audience to showcase your business for free. It’s a great place to connect with potential new clients and show them what you have to offer. You can promote your services, create offers and promotions, and become a trusted source for information.

There is an art to creating social media content that converts. Find out more below.

By using a combination of some or all of these ideas, you will be sure to have a growing client-list that will take your business to the next level.