Hello group -

Like Ariana, I want to welcome all of you to connect with me on this and other sites. On all of them, as well as this site, I try to provide resources and information for developing and growing a successful massage, spa or wellness business. Here are a few links:

http://www.massageprofessionals.com/profile/FeliciaBrown
http://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaebrown
http://twitter.com/FeliciaBrown
http://www.facebook.com/people/Felicia-Brown/1158084519
http://feliciaebrown.myplaxo.com
http://blog.spalutions.com

One thing I have just begun trying for the massage theray side of my business is posting info about available appointment times. This week (on day one of doing this) I got an extra appointment from 5 seconds worth of typing. I have also used the "groups" page in FB for my former spa which I used to post info about events and discounts. It worked ok but I think I will probably just use the status updates for my practice as I get right on the home page and status update page of all the people who are linked to me.

I'd love to hear what others are doing with social media and other inventive marketing tools and look forward to the discussion!'

Felicia

Greetings, all ~

I'm new to the Manchester, NH area and a LMT as well as a retiring merchant mariner (MT is my second lifelong occupation). Just wanted to connect with others who've found success in marketing their work who I can share experiences with.

Hi Joel,

It's nice to share community with you.

-This is to the group-
So, I have found quite a bit of success in client acquisition doing chair massage and presenting classes and workshops at events and venues around my Colorado Springs,CO community. The direct approach and simple tools (a pen and notebook) seem to work best for me.
I have found it invaluable to be proactive about getting clients contact info. It has increased my return at least 3 fold from just passively giving people my cards/ brochures.

Next, I am looking to increase the efficacy and efficiency of my website and web presence as a client builder, not just a client retainer.
I think I would be doing really well to have 10 more regular clients that I see at least once a month. I suppose that is my goal.

I look forward to any valuable advice and tips that others have to share with me and am happy to share what experience and idea that I have with all of you.

Peace, and Live Well,
Jacob

Dear Jacob -

Thanks so much for your post.

I viewed your website and was very impressed with the amount of training you have: "As a 2000 graduate of Colorado Springs Academy of Therapeutic Massage (CO), I received 1,100 hours classroom training and more than 150 hours of practice and clinical massage outside of the classroom."

It is very nice that you have a good photograph on your personal page.

I would suggest creating a background color rather than using a stark white background. It is easier on the eye.

Perhaps other members of the community might have suggestions regarding your website: http://euphoriabodywork.com/index.html

My webmaster, Mikail Davenport's, URL is http://www.disabled-not-unable.org/
in case you are interested in looking at some of his web design work.
Wishing you the very best. Warmly, Ariana Vincent, Ariana Institute, www.arianainstitute.com

I have found that marketing like any other successful venture takes effort in a forward direction. If you love what you do, and if what you love, really helps people, you will have an abundance in your life. Confidence is one of the most powerful factors in your ability to grow and prosper as a therapist.

For anyone interested in developing their reflexology thumb walking technique you may visit www.orthoflexology.com
Click on the blue screen titled "Reflexology Fundamentals Introduction" there are 2 chapters from the DVD you may watch for free to improve or develop your thumb walking technique, the hip-sciatic/pelvic/knee-leg chapter is there as well and can be used for anyone presenting hip, sciatic or leg challenges. This area also works great for knumb toes.

All the best.

Scott

In my career of 10 years and roughly (10,000 feet) I have only met 3 people that have had no tenderness in ther feet. This suggests that most people would benefit from reflexology.

We should be able to press with a very firm pressure and find no tenderness in the reflex areas.

I find this a great comment and truth to help promote my reflexology practice. Education is the key.

Goodmorning all. Does anyone see clients out of their home? I need to build up my client base and hesitate to do traditional advertising.
Blessings

That's an interesting discussion Susan, I am in the same position. Developing a home base practice takes time. My advertisements target women only. I also started working from a centre one day per week when I am not comfortable treating a client in the privacy of my home, I make the appointment in the centre.
Blessings
Catherine

Hi all! I had the same concerns when I started my practice 13 years ago. I have a free downloadable ebook on my website with 101 Ways to Market Your Massage Practice. www.massageandprosper.com Hurry though - I'm in the process of making some changes to my site and the ebook will be replaced with some new goodies in the next few weeks.

I too have my private practice in my home...women only. I also am an independent contractor at a holistic retreat center..maybe 6-8 days per month. My private clients come to me 100% from word-of-mouth. I do place postcards in the women's gym where I am a member offering promo gifts such as an added 10 minute dry brushing, "happy feet" treament for birthdays, 20% off for the month ...etc. Many of my clients are from the yoga class I take there. I believe the personal interaction which allows people to know me and feel my healing energy is the best"advertising" for my in-home practice. The safe, peaceful, loving, and welcoming space I have created for them is what they want to share with their friends.

I welcome your thoughts for expanding our in-home private practices!
Namaste, Joanne

Aside from seeing a few practice clients out of my apartment years ago when I was in massage school, I have never seen clients out of my house - except for my husband or perhaps a family member. Personal choice on my part - I am a fairly private person - and I have a lot of pets (4 dogs and a cat) which makes having any visitors to my house a bit of an adventure anyway.

I think any marketing you do for a home practice has to do two things above all others 1) protect you from harm 2) show the highest level of professionalism possible. Beyond that I would suggest only working on personal referrals or with clients you have met and had an opportunity to assess in some way to see if you would be comfortable having them in your home.

I would also suggest that you take an honest look at your set up and environment to be sure the space and arrangement itself is marketing you well. I mean things like ensuring the appearance from driveway and doorstep to massage room and table are clean, neat and free from anything that might cause someone to wonder about your qualifications or services. That your pets and/or children's toys are out of the way or even "invisible" and that you don't have anything too private or personal out where clients can see. All of these things and others actually market to the customer about whether they should return or not and can make a big difference in building or breaking that relationship.

I have a book on 101 ways to market your business but what do this audience find that works best for referrals and new clients?

To me, #1: it has been and probably will aways be, a friend telling a friend. When I did a massage, I was focused on my client. I knew that by really making her feel good, she would tell others. And then they did. Work on your massage. Do not get into a routine of thinking every massage has to be the same. They never are. If you honestly just do your very best and they will come.

Referrals - you have to ask for them constantly and follow up on thanking those who sent people to you. Pretty simple, but so few people do this consistently and well.

Working in the YMCA, I have been here for 7 months I am still in building mode.I hand out business cards with my contact information on the front and on the back of the card there are 5 blocks .above says RECIEVE 5 SESSIONS GET 1 SESSION, IT WORKS FOR ME.

This is a great group. Though i just joined your comments are really helpful. I'm a new LMBT. Marketing is always on my mind, wherever i go and whatever i do. I have a referral program, packages, t-shirts with my logo, and new business briefs soon to be published in the local papers I always come back to my clients and the product that I provide. I try to improve on my massage every time i give one. It seems that one satisfied client is a huge testimonial to the work that i do and the referrals follow.

One of the easiest and most effective things I have been using lately is Twitter- I put a twitter badge on my website and then just update it and post my latest openings for the week. I got 3 clients that way last week. I think when people see websites they don't take the time to call or email but having that info available makes it more of an incentive. I even had one guy call and say I didn't see any openings that work for me - do you have something else

Great idea Julie! I'm just starting out with Twitter, I'll have to give that a shot. For a little while, I was emailing my clients each week with appts I had available that week, and I think I got a couple new appts that way, but I don't know if it was just me being sick of my emails myself, or if I just thought my clients might have been too....but I stopped doing that. Just felt like too much to me, for them. I did just send out an email to everyone for $45 one hour massage till the 31st as an End of Summer/Back to School deal. Have gotten 2 new appts from that, and I just sent it yesterday. :)

Hi all.....I am trying to start a mobile massage business, but was wondering if it's ok (or legal) to target/advertise "only females and couples". I am sort of skeptical about going into homes of people I don't know, and I thought this would at least give me a little comfort. Please let me know your thoughts.

So here's a question--When you advertise a new special discounted price, mainly for the purpose of booking NEW appts, do you also give your EXISTING appts within that time frame the discounted price? Or should they ASK to get the discount? I feel kind of guilty if I don't give an existing appt the same discount for the special I offer, but then I also kind of wonder if I should have the existing appt pay the regular rate, much like when big manufacturers offer coupons, you have to HAVE the coupon to get the savings. I don't know...

One of my clients convinced her employer to have me come with my chair to her job at the bank. I massaged 16 clients, boss paid for everything. Then all 16 decided they will pay me to come every month!! Word of mouth is THE best!

Yeah, I have done that in the past as well, but I also like to extend special offers to bring my existing clients, who I maybe haven't seen in a while, back in again.

I just read an article in the new September issue of Massage Magazine called Fill Your Practice With Treatment Planning. It says to assess your clients and suggest they go with a treatment plan for 3 sessions, then sell them a package for the 3 sessions. I just tried it today, and instead of simply charging my normal $95 for 1 session and "see how it feels tomorrow and we'll talk later" routine, I explained that he will probably need one, maybe two more sessions for it to be completely gone. He liked the idea and bought my package of 3 massages for $240. Absolutley no hesitation on his part. If you actually do read that article, be sure to go to the link provided and see the author's assessment sheet online. I am really excited about this new way of presenting my work.

I do appreciate the feedback, but I'm not sure my question is understood. What I meant, is whether to offer a discounted rate to appointments that have already been booked, BEFORE I decided to run a special discounted price for that time period. The discount would apply to BOTH new and existing clientele, as a booking incentive. So, bc it would apply toexisting clientele as well, not JUST new clients, as many of our specials typically do, then would the people who had already booked an appointment within that special discounted booking incentive period also get the discount? To make it a little more clear, I sent an email out to my clients on Friday August 21st, offering a $45 one hour session until the 31st. Goal of more appointments on my books! So, would people that had already made appts in that time frame get the discount as well? I've been really slow, so the issue of whterher to push for full price or discount hasn't been an issue this time...one of my new regulars brings a pre-written check with her, so no issue there...but I do have another appt tonight, and I think she received the email aswell.

Rachel- YES! Do offer the same discount to already pre-booked appointments. Your "regulars" will get a kick out of the discount and it will make them feel special. I do have a word of advice though. Last year I was doing the same thing and it was really frustrating trying to keep everything straight. Making so many decisions on something that should be good all around. So, I decided to make a change. Each new client gets $10 off their first massage. All clients, new and existing, after 4 hours of massage get their 5th hour free. If each client comes in once a month, they get 3 free massages a year. That way everything is standard, no keeping track of what is what, and everyone is happy!

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Hi everybody! I have a topic that I would really love some feedback on. My practice has been open for 1 year now, and I have had several family members and friends come in and pay full price. I have not yet set a discount for family and friends, and Im unsure as to whether I should or not. I see the pro's and con's. Feedback would be extremely appreciated!!

In response to Rachael, I NEVER offer a discount greater than 20% to anyone, groups, family, friends. It's worked for me for 23+ yrs.

In reply to Tina re the going into people's homes...

First off, follow your instints and screen carefully! And establish safety precautions such as giving a safety buddy the name and address and time of your appointment, and to set up the alarm if you don't call by a certain time after the appointment.

In terms of comfort in numbers... I only go to a client's house if I have had former contact with them and feel I can trust them/be safe in their space. My incentive program is that I'm giving current clients, friends/family members a discount for having a massage gathering in their home - 3 half hours for $90, or 3 hours for $150... it's a significant discount on my standard rates, but I don't have to pay the over head for space and am getting my current trusted contacts to bring me new clients :)

Hope that helps!

Can i throw out a question? I have been in business for 4 months. I have seen a recent slump through Aug and Sept. What has been your most successful means of promoting your business?

Jacqueline, I have been in business for 4+ years- without a doubt the most success I have had is to network. Network with other business professionals, volunteer with charitable organizations, make yourself seen. As a male, I have found that it takes me 3x's the effort.

Perfect site for me now. I'm a massage therapist in a salon, looking for ways to market and build my clientele. Open to suggestions. :)

Has anyone been to the Spa & Resort expo in Las Vegas. typically held in March? And what has been your experience there? Thank you for your feedback!

I'm a brand new therapist I've have my license not even a week now is there any piece of advise you could give me that would help me build my practice? thankyou and man I love this job

It can take years to build a good practice, but one way to really jump start it is to join a networking group that meets every week. BNI, LEADS, LeTip, Meet Ups...lots to choose from. Along with that, join the local Chamber of Commerce, and go to the monthly Sundowners. If you don't know what these things are, look them up using Google. Massage therapists are easy to refer to, and you WILL recoup your investment, but you must meet with the members by being proactive, and giving them samples. Then they will talk you up to the group, and soon you will have lots of people going to you if you are good. This has worked extremely well for me, and I'm a male MT.

Jodi (et al)- Robert is absolutely right. It can take YEARS to build a consistent thriving practice. I am involved in my business full-time. Doesn't mean I do 40 hours or massage--- probably couldn't if I wanted to. I probably average 12-15 clients a week- then marketing, etc. 3 years after taking my first client something magical happened, my practice began growing more a nd becoming more consistent/predictable. HOWEVER, don't ever take that for granted; there are times my calendar looks full, yet as the week progresses it rapidly changes. Then there are times it looks light and fills mysteriously. Best of luck and let me know if I can help any more.

Something that has been a great benefit to building our practice is an online scheduling service. Instead of playing phone-tag, our clients can go to our website and book an appointment at the time that works best for them. It then e-mails us that we have a new appointment. Plus, it emails them a reminder the day before their appointment.

There are many good online scheduling services out there with low monthly rates, but we use genbook.com (it is FREE for small businesses!).

If anyone in this group is a massage establishment owner, we hope you will join us at http://www.massageprofessionals.com/group/massageestablishmentowners

i posted this over in the "how to make a website" group. but figured it might get a better look over here...

anyone work with this company? as a graphic designer (as well) i like what they have to offer. i haven't tried them yet...but plan on it soon. wondered if anyone tried them and got results.

http://www.bodyworksites.com

If you haven't done so already, I suggest check out www.MerchantCircle.com for an additional way to network in your community and Region. It has brought me a couple of leads since I have been a free member.

Do you have any specific tips on utilizing MerchantCircle? I've been on there for a while, but I am completely unfamiliar with the businesses listed in my area...some of them I have enver even heard of, and I'm in a pretty small city.

The idea that you "have never even heard of" the businesses listed in your pretty small city is probably the same/similar reaction they are saying about yours. The idea here is to do a search of businesses using your city name and then send "invites" to any or all of them. You may get responses, you may not. The point is you are making your business known to them for them to refer others to you and maybe even use your business themselves. Then do the same search for the next closest city, etc.
I was surprised to have been contacted by a business owner from a city roughly 65 miles away without even doing a search and invites to them. One never knows where or from whom an inquiry will come, but your business needs to be in MerchantCircle.com to even have a chance of happening.

Good tips. I think I have just been too reserved about trying to build a connection without having any common ground to break the ice first. I see what you mean though, about just trying to establish common familiarity with each others businesses. I will have to get on it now!

thanks for the tips. I've been working in massage for about three yrs now, in a chiropractic clinic, as well as for a short time in a spa. I would like to work completely independent in my home office. I would like to specialize in massage for the elderly and women. Any tips how to find more clients??

Looking to add a reflexology, craniosacral sacral therapy, thai chi, yoga, reiki & accupuncture to my office. If any one knows of any certified therapist near Huber Heights (Dayton) Ohio please send them my way!! (missytlmt@gmail.com)

Hello Everyone!

Hi!

I am Angie with Massage Warehouse.
What a great group! EVERYONE wants to know more about how to build the practice and market effectively. I have learned a few new tricks here on this page! Thanks for all the awesome input!

I am hoping to grow my "friends" on MassageProfessionals.com, so if you think I might ever be able to be of service, Please feel free to "friend" me!

Thanks so much!
Angie

Hello,

Looking for a specific product. Please Help.

I'm looking for a specific product the masks or breaks up external noise that can be heard in my treatment room. You see, next to my room there is a hallway that can become noisey during peek business hours. My understanding is that this silent device breaks up sound waves. Some psychotherapy offices use the device during sessions. Anyone know where i can find such a product? Thanks in advance!

David

Hey David,
I work at a salon and my room is around a bunch of hairdressers. I actaully purchased an air purifier at walmart for $20, basically a fan. It has 3 settings so I can make it as loud as I like. I hope this helps.

My comment is in response to David's question about a "specific product" which is a sound eliminator. What you might do is Google "White-noise" maker or machine and see if that brings up anything you had in mind. Just a suggestion.