You’ve put in the hard work to become a licensed massage therapist, but where are the clients? Despite the steady rise of your industry, it can still be difficult to build and maintain your massage client base – but it doesn’t have to be!
If you want to learn how to get massage clients fast, these 10 actionable tips are for you. But first, here’s a humorous reminder that you’re not alone:
@alignmassagetherapy.daytonwa suggests a bit of intentional attraction.
How to Attract More Massage Clients
It’s not enough to just be a skilled massage therapist. In order to get more massage clients, you need to make yourself known, both online and offline. So try a combination of the following strategies to get more eyes on your massage therapy business.
And remember that even if you’re not a natural at self-promotion, your work is absolutely worth promoting. The health of your booking calendar depends on it!
Build an Online Presence
In 2023, 71% of businesses have a website. You’re one of them, right? If not, it’s time to sit down in front of your computer and create a massage therapy website.
Chances are, your clients are already looking for you. If your business name is not showing up in their local search results for “massage near me,” that’s a missed opportunity.
Turn on your Google Business Profile and link to your website, where users ought to find an enticing menu of massage services that are easy to book right then and there.
Website, check. Next up, social media.
You don’t have to be active on X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Choose which platforms you can reasonably commit to and post engaging content regularly to attract new clients.
Begin by creating a content calendar so you don’t lose momentum.
Here are some quick ideas for massage therapist content to get you started:
- Client testimonials
- Educational series
- Tips on wellness and self-care
- Short demonstrations of massage techniques
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice
- Promotion announcements tied into social media trends
- Collabs with local health or wellness-related businesses
- “Get to Know Me” – share more about yourself so people can connect with you!
Bonus Tip: Carve out time to learn the basics of SEO to optimize your website and social accounts for long-term growth. At a minimum, make sure your city’s name is on your site so that search engines know which regional searches apply to you.
Start Networking
There’s strength in numbers, so network with other professionals, businesses, and the local community to extend your reach. You want to establish yourself as the go-to massage therapist in your area – someone others can recommend because of how you show up.
Look up other health- and wellness-related businesses, like gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios, float studios, and health food stores. Then reach out to them to ask if they’d be interested in offering reciprocal referrals to their customers. For example, a gym member gets a discount on their first massage with you, while your clients get an offer for a discounted workout class.
You can get creative here, but the idea is to connect and potentially start mutually beneficial relationships with businesses with whom you share target clients.
Next, get involved with the community. From health fairs to farmers markets to charity or school events, there are many opportunities for you to set up an educational booth and provide consultations and free mini massages.
Run Promotions
How can you make your offering irresistible? By running promotions! The goal is to get new clients through your massage studio doors, so make it easy for them to say yes.
Try:
- First-time client discounts
- Seasonal or holiday specials (think “summer relaxation” or “Valentine’s treat”)
- Package deals (multiple sessions bundled at a discount)
- Birthday discounts
- Group discounts
- Event-exclusive discounts
- Social media contests
- Happy hour discounts (for slow seasons, days, or timeslots)
- Wellness packages (your new business friends from tip #2 can help with this!)
Think like your potential clients. What would it take for you to try a new service? Answer that question and build your next promotion off of that.
Bonus Tip: Build anticipation on your website and social media accounts by teasing your next promotion – “Follow so you don’t miss out!”
Reach Out to Former Clients
It’s simple, really. One of the most cost-effective ways to round out your schedule is to drop your former clients a line.
You already have their contact info, and they’ve booked with you before. Give them a little reminder that you’d love to help them feel relaxed and rejuvenated again!
You can send out a mass email to all of your former clients with a simple message and a promotional offer.
Extra points if you can include a personalized tidbit that lets them know you remember and appreciate them. “I remember there was extra tension in your left shoulder – how has that been for you?” or “Last time you were here you mentioned work stress – any improvements there? I’m here to help you unwind!”
Invest in Advertising
You may have to spend a little to make more, but the good news is that once you start creating content on your social media accounts, it’s just a few clicks to turn that content into a strategic ad.
There are many avenues available for advertising, but one of the simplest ways to get more eyes on your business is to turn one of your existing Instagram posts (say a killer client testimonial!) into a boosted ad. Make the free switch to an Instagram business profile, choose your target audience, and then set a budget and duration. Easy!
Did you know that 50% of Instagram users are more interested in a brand after seeing ads for it on the platform? Those are odds worth the try.
If you’re willing to shell out extra cash for advertising, consider Google Ads, which combines AI with your input to increase your business’ online reach. You get personalized support from an expert, so this option might be for you if you want a solid game plan from the get-go.
There are smaller ways to advertise, too, like leaving business cards or fliers where permitted – particularly where wellness-oriented people, and, on the other hand, people with high stress, might see them.
If you’re committed to seeing for yourself how to get clients as a massage therapist, you must pick your outlet, decide how much you want to spend, and then go for it!
How to Retain Current Massage Clients
Make a Great First Impression
Reassure your first-time clients that they made a great choice in making an appointment with you. They may be on the fence (“I’ll try it this one time!”), so put them at ease with these tips:
- Greet them with a warm, friendly welcome.
- Create a clean, comfortable environment.
- Pay close attention to their needs and concerns.
- Clearly explain the process and any special techniques.
- Create a personalized experience based on their preferences.
- Clearly communicate the cost of services – no surprise fees!
- Offer refreshments, like herbal tea, and amenities, like towels, robes, and slippers.
- Follow up after the session with a thank-you note and a check-in.
- Show how genuinely grateful you are for their business.
@restoreholisticmassage reminds us that it’s about so much more than just technique!
Reward Loyalty and Appreciate Clients
Give your clients a reason to keep coming back. Try implementing a loyalty program that rewards clients for each visit, leading to discounts, free sessions, or even massage products they can take home with them.
Get to know your clients and take notes about their sessions, plus anything else they share with you. Send personalized messages on their birthdays or special occasions to remind them that you value them.
If it’s within your means, host appreciation events during the holidays or on your business anniversary. Events like these are a fun way to connect with your clients – and for them to connect with each other – and to celebrate how your massage practice has enriched their lives.
This may go without saying, but strive for authentic connection! In a recent survey, 74% of respondents said that brand loyalty is about feeling understood and valued.
Start a Referral Program
As you continue to get more massage clients, don’t be shy about asking for referrals. Your happy clients are more likely to sing your praises, and that word-of-mouth recommendation is worth everything.
A referral program doesn’t have to be complicated. Same as with your loyalty program, you’ll reward your clients with some kind of perk whenever they bring in a new friend or family member to book with you.
You can create referral cards or text or email templates for your clients to use. Include a unique referral code on each so that you’re able to easily track how new clients find you.
Bonus Tip: Are there any local influencers in your area? They may be interested in promoting your business if its aligned with their personal brand! Ask if they’d consider participating in an influencer referral program.
Snag That Rebooking Before They Leave
Right after a massage with you, your client is feeling amazing! Capitalize on the moment by getting them to book their next appointment before they leave.
Try an offer like “Sign up before you leave today to receive a free bottle of massage oil!” or “Book three appointments now for 20% off!”
This is a simple strategy that works because the benefits of your services are fresh in their mind. Ask them to rebook and throw on a small promotion – done deal!
Give Excellent Service
Lastly, continue to offer excellent service to your clients. You can run all the promotions and do all the networking, but the foundation of your success is built on your product: your massage services.
Just as you put in the effort in making a great first impression, carry that same commitment to your clients throughout each session. Listen actively, maintain a serene space, provide the best bodywork you can, and follow up with personalized check-ins so your clients feel cared for.
Depending on your state, you’re likely required to complete continuing education hours to maintain your massage therapist license. Even if you’re not, it’s smart to continue your massage education and stay up to date on the latest techniques.
Finally, carry massage liability insurance. Not only does this important coverage give you peace of mind to focus entirely on your clients, it also signals that you maintain a high standard of care and professionalism. Your clients will feel more secure knowing you’re insured.
Bonus Tip: Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) offers top-rated massage liability insurance at an affordable price. Get covered today and work confidently!
Get Ready to Get Busy
Remember when you first started your massage therapy business? You’ve come a long way. Make a list of things you want to start working on today and take action. You’ll be even more proud of your growth a year from now. Now, get out there and get those clients!
Want to read more? Learn about massage therapy claims or massage modalities covered by BBI.
FAQs
How Can I Promote Myself as a Massage Therapist?
How Can I Get My Former Massage Clients Back?
Get your former clients to rebook with you by sending them messages offering a special discount to encourage their return. Personalized messages can help them feel more valued. You can also update former clients on new services or techniques you now offer to enhance their experience.
