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Advertising/Marketing

I could really use some input on how to advertise and market yourself as an LMT.
I am just not confident investing a lot of money without getting some advice from other, successful,
therapists. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I also am looking into massage "coaches" in my area. (Round Rock, TX) I have contacted a couple but they are way far south of where I live.

Thanks in advance
Amy Lewis LMT

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Permalink Reply by Lizabeth Doolittle on August 31, 2011 at 12:12am

Howdy from Houston. I have been a therapist since 1999. I knew from the first that chair massage appealed to me. No or low overhead, for one thing! What do you love about massage? What appeals to you? Do you prefer spa type or relaxation work? Does the idea of helping people get out of pain really excite you? Find your niche! Take classes in what you want to excel at.

Someone once told me "learn on someone else's dime." In other words, it may be best to work for others before embarking on an independent contractor's journey. But there are ways to start out....let everyone you know know what you are doing. Ask who will have some massage parties---chair or table massages, 15, 20, or 30 minutes to get people exposed to your touch. Introduce yourself to neighboring businesses. Maybe barter with them. Do a few events in your area of town, some kinds of neighborhood sports events or fundraising type events. Carry your business cards and flyers, etc. with you wherever you go. Talk to people, in supermarket, hair salon, anywhere there are people. Pay attention---someone look like they are in pain or really stressed? Introduce yourself. Well, I will give someone else a chance. Last words----dream and stay excited! Your enthusiasm will open doors!

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Permalink Reply by Amy S. Lewis on August 31, 2011 at 9:49pm

Great advice! I have started doing a few sporting events with not a lot of success. I do have an "ok" clientele base...
just looking for more on referral type things like incentives or....what types of things should I do to encourage my
clients to tell people about me. They are very loyal and regular. Should I email clients on a regular basis, should I do some sort of newsletter for them. Should I buy them gifts, discount their services.
And what about a website....I am in the middle of revamping mine and could use some tips on that if you have a site yourself. What about the yipit or moolala sites that are groupons on a smaller scale?
By the way, I enjoy relaxation type work but ky Passion is helping people that are in pain and whose pain is effecting their life. I LOVE figuring out the source of a problem and being able to fix it. Not just that, its the teamwork it takes and to see how it can literally and directly change someone's life dramatically for the better.....I could never put into words how wonderful that is.
Have you been to any superb seminars or workshops that you would recommend. What about literature or sites....
Also, what about you? Do you do any pain management type of work. I would love to find someone either here or there that is very successful and does like day workshops or weekend ones. For clinical work or marketing stuff....I have been a therapist a while but am somewhat new to the clinical field and am so eager to learn anything and a lot of it!
Great to meet you!!!

Amy

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Permalink Reply by Amanda James on September 1, 2011 at 7:23am

For referral incentive I would give out referral cards to you clients and let them know for every new client they send your way they get 20% off, of course you can change the percentage but in my experience 20% works great because people have it in their head that only 5 referrals before they get a free session. Discounting people's first time in doesn't give them incentive to continue coming in so you'll get the clients who are coupon surfers. And don't give up on the events keep going and give out your business cards everywhere. Its slow to build clientele because massage envy makes it so easy for clients to come to them so just keep working hard and don't give up and you'll be fully booked in no time.