a community of practitioners

Strategies (free massages)

Off the top of my head Wednesday, I thought about giving away some massages as a way to get ppl in the door during these slow times. So I posted on fb that I had two spots available for free massages. Within literally 2 mins one was already gone. But It too a few hours for the second one, after I reposted. But in the end I eventually did three free massages instead of two. By the way these were half hours not full. And each person tipped so it wasnt TOTALLY free and instead of making what I would have I still got more than initially would have with the potential of getting more bookings in the future.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Frank J on December 14, 2010 at 4:20pm

I havent done a contest yet but it had crossed my mind to do so. The thing about nominating people hadnt crossed my mind but I REALLY LIKE THAT IDEA. I am in the process of trying to hook up with this guy who trains runners. I worked on him once and he referred someone to me already. It is a long story but he already has therapist but is looking for someone to refer his people to in my area. Where I live it is really about who you know (I have been living here for about 4 yrs and been practicing on my own for 1 yr) and not much about networking so I have been trying to put myself into position to know people to get to the some of the chiropractors, PTs etc..

Tiffany said:

Frank, that sounds like you really created a buzz! :) Have you tried running a contest on your Facebook for a free session yet? I'm really curious how it would work for a massage clinic...

We're thinking about it for one of our other businesses...and I know there must be a great way to create some chatter this way...maybe get people to nominate a friend on our wall for a massage, and we could give one away for the holidays, or something similar.

We do a lot of non-profit collaboration, donating for silent auctions, and have given away many sessions for potential strategic partners to experience our work...it sounds like you do similar work to our clinic (orthopedic?)...so, when we were building our practice, we would offer chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, physical therapists, personal trainers, etc, sessions, with the intention of developing a relationship with them that would benefit us both. This kind of networking can be SO effective, and instead of only getting one person, you have now started tapping a potential 'Power Partner', or 'Strategic Business Alliance'. :)

Someone else mentioned add-ons...we have offered a 30 minute add-on to push our internal marketing in the past, and people tend to remember to refer their friends in to us, when they get a half hour add-on to their massage...who knew?! ;)

Thanks for sharing this, it's so great for everyone to be able to share successes like this!! :)

Best,

Tiffany

Permalink Reply by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB on December 15, 2010 at 11:01am

SELECTIVELY GIVING AWAY FREE 30 MINUTE SESSIONS

It certainly helps to explore your marketing options. Congratulations on being creative, Frank.

I've found that its helpful to be selective about giving away free massages.

Consider offering free sessions only to people who you really think might become potential clients.

For example, consider selectively marketing to people who work or live within a 20 minute radius of your office, or, if you offer outcalls, think about how far you are wiling to drive for an outcall.

If you want to work with athletes, then selectively market to athletes who work or live close by.

You can use Census Bureau data to determine where the affluent people live. If you want to offer free sessions to affluent people, and your office is reasonable close to them or you are willing to offer outcalls, then use this data: http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?view=masters&l...

The other day I heard someone suggest a similar, but slightly different strategy, and that was to give away the second massage for free. So, the client signs up for one massage at full fee and then they get a gift certificate for a free second massage that he or she can use or give away as a gift.

I've found that giving away 30 minute free massage sessions (with an option to upgrade to a longer session at a reduced fee) make more business sense than giving away full sessions.

Wishing you the very best.

Ariana Vincent

Ariana Institute

Inspiring Massage Education and Wellness for the Body, Mind and Spirit

Permalink Reply by Mihael Mamychshvili on May 1, 2011 at 12:00am

Better to use the word a special promotional gift. You have one chance to impress them with your skills and personality. Collecting information and following up is very important. Offering a follow up promotion buy one get the next one at 50% off, or creating packages. But it comes down to giving them a wow experience!!

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Christensen on May 9, 2011 at 10:47am

I agree with Diana, free add on treatments, even if it is buy a 30 minute session get 30 minutes free, buy a 60 minute session get 30 minutes free. Is a way to 'give ' a 'free' item, but still have your service valuable in clients eyes. In my experience people who want 'free' for nothing, do not make repeat business or even appreciate the service most of the time (and of course this does not apply to 'giving' for charity)

Cassie

Diana Moore said:

Hi Frank,

It seems like you are reaching people on Facebook, which is awesome. What so you think of the idea of offering free add-ons, rather than free sessions? We feel it may be a better way to get people in who are willing to pay for your service, i.e. people who are more likely to become clients.

I wrote an article on this you can read at: http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/NTM-Article-Archives/6/Marketi....

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Diana

Permalink Reply by Frank J on May 26, 2011 at 1:56pm

I am still doing the free 1/2 hour massages. It is still doing what it did before. It brings more people through the door. Although everyone doesn't tip it is worth the investment because half of them rebook and the other half tip so I dont think it is a total loss for me.

‹ Previous
1
2
3
Next ›