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Permalink Reply by Jennie Degen on December 21, 2011 at 9:11am

It's important to have an online presence because it gets the word out there; about massage therapy and about yourself.  Times have changed.  We're living within a digital era and nowadays everybody expects a business to have a website.  Other than physically speaking about yourself and your practice to others, an online presence is the next best thing!

I've had the most success through my website, Facebook, and my blog.  And once you've started a website, you can easily link your Facebook page and your blog to it!

If you're thinking about starting a website, start looking at other massage therapy websites first.  This way, you can get an idea as to how you want yours to look.  Presentation is key! You want it to look professional and informative, not sloppy.  After that, start browsing web-hosting companies to see how much it will take and how much it will cost to put a website together.  A lot of them have templates that you can start building from.  A Facebook page is easy; you can create a new page and link it to your personal one if you wish.  Once you have so many "likes" you can create a business page that isn't linked to your personal one.  And sending daily or weekly updates are a great way to get your name out there.  It lets people know what you're up to and how massage can benefit them!

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on December 21, 2011 at 10:55am

Why is it important that you have an online presence for your massage practice?

Because many people search for services online and rely on an online image of those services to make their selection.

What are some of the best ways to market your practice online that you've found, and that you've had the most success with?

Register with services like Yelp, Massageprofessionals and other searchable directories. Try various keywards to search for yourself. Check the first page of searches for directory listings in your area. Those are the ones you want to be on. follow the keyword with your zip code or city to see the best local results. Check it out on Google, AOL & Yahoo, you may be surprised how different search engines report differently.

What advice would you give to a colleague that's looking to take the first steps in starting a website, Facebook page, etc.? Create the image you want others to know. Use photos that represent you and your work so the reader can get a feel for you as a therapist. Create an image they can keep in mind, simple and direct.

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Permalink Reply by Karen Broyles, Dipl. ABT on December 26, 2011 at 12:06pm

I started my practice before the online explosion, and it was very difficult to advertise in those days.  Having a webpage is so much simpler.  It gives clients a way to find me and gives me a way to keep my clients informed.  I wouldn't trade my webpage for any other form of advertising -- except word-of-mouth.  

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Permalink Reply by Abram Herman on December 28, 2011 at 12:37pm

Thanks for the input everyone! We're done taking comments for the next issue, but feel free to continue the conversation and keep sharing these great ideas with your colleagues.

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Permalink Reply by Mark from AQTN on September 25, 2015 at 9:45am

(comment added in 2015) - May I add www.imassagethearpist.orgto the list? It Is free (supported by Google ads).

Daniel Cohen said:

Why is it important that you have an online presence for your massage practice?

Because many people search for services online and rely on an online image of those services to make their selection.

What are some of the best ways to market your practice online that you've found, and that you've had the most success with?

Register with services like Yelp, Massageprofessionals and other searchable directories. Try various keywards to search for yourself. Check the first page of searches for directory listings in your area. Those are the ones you want to be on. follow the keyword with your zip code or city to see the best local results. Check it out on Google, AOL & Yahoo, you may be surprised how different search engines report differently.

What advice would you give to a colleague that's looking to take the first steps in starting a website, Facebook page, etc.? Create the image you want others to know. Use photos that represent you and your work so the reader can get a feel for you as a therapist. Create an image they can keep in mind, simple and direct.

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