Marketing Tips for Massage Therapist-10 hacks

If you missed my last post, you can catch up here.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty-more technical marketing ideas for new massage therapists.

You don't have to be a new massage therapist to learn some good stuff here!
Maybe you're an experienced therapist who is just launching her own business.

Or you could be a massage therapist who just needs some new tricks.

If any of the above sounds like you, read on!

1. Create a professional website

I'm sorry-the free ones usually don't cut it. Yes, you can have your complimentary AMTA website, but if it doesn't offer SEO (search engine optimization), it's mostly just a pretty business card.

Highlight the benefits of your massage services, any specialites. Of course, you need your best and preferred contact information (text, phone call, email).

Include client testimonials!

Here are some of my more recent massage therapy reviews.

(All you have to do is ask for them from happy clients. They want you to succeed. Don't overcomplicate it.)

2. Make sure you're showing up on local searches (optimized SEO)

Use location-specific keywords, claim your Google My Business listing, and get listed in local directories.

I know I've said this a bazillion times, but you want to make sure you also have something like mine: "best deep tissue massage in Cincinnati."

🔥 TIP: ask your clients what words they searched online to find you. That's how I got mine ⬆.

3. Start an email newsletter-and actually email regularly

Provide valuable content to subscribers about massage benefits, self-care tips, and special offers.

Go heavy on useful information, like stretching tips, safe raking, how to unkink your back if you sit too long, etc.

During the pandemic, I made "help me!" videos for my clients and emailed them every few weeks with a new video. You can see them here (I just recorded them on my phone.)

4. ⚠️ Proceed with caution: offer referral incentives

Encourage existing clients to refer friends and family by providing discounts or free add-ons.

Why proceed with caution? Massage clients suck into what I call the "Groupon mentality" where they love your massage but don't want to pay full price."

5. Team up with complementary businesses

Cross-promote with chiropractors,* physical therapists, yoga studios, etc.

*Some chiros don't like working with massage therapists because patients like massage more than adjustments. Also, massage therapists may need to be under the direct supervision of the DC.

6. ⚠️ Create loyalty programs

Reward repeat clients with discounts, package deals, or free upgrades.

My original massage membership clients, who joined in January of 2019, have a swinging deal on massage services since I grandfathered them in. Sometimes I don't mind, and sometimes I'm irritated. But I made them a promise of a price point, so that's what they get.

7. Make booking effortless-online

Make it easy for clients to schedule appointments through your website or social media. FB allows links.

Have an easy-to-schedule link right at the top of your website.

Here's mine.
The 1st drop-down under "clients" is "Schedule a massage".

And just in case they ignore the tabs, it's the 1st link at the top of my content (this is called the "first fold").

There are plenty of good massage therapy scheduling software. I've mentioned before that I love Bodywork Buddy. It's owned by a solo massage therapist, and the features are incredible.

8. Host workshops or events

Offer free mini-massages or educational sessions to attract potential clients.

I know a few massage therapists who've offered couples massage classes around Sweetest and Valentine's Day. It's a great way to make some quick cash and promote your services.

9. Who's the local GOAT?

Participate in local fairs, farmers markets, or charity events to increase visibility.

There's a place around the block from me, Fibonacci's Brewery, who sometimes has farmers' markets. And they have goats and food trucks. How fun is that?

I'm not looking for more new clients right now, but I've been thinking that would be a blast to set up a booth in that atmosphere.

10. Share what your clients are saying about you and your skills

Encourage clients to share their experiences on social media.

Ask them to give you Google reviews-make it easy by giving them a QR code ⬇.

🔥 TIP

You can even print it and keep it, conveniently accessible, in a frame on your desk.

You can also send a follow-up email with link. ⬇

Wow-there's some good stuff here, right?

And there you have it—your roadmap to marketing success as a massage therapist.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, these tips will help you attract clients and build a thriving practice.

Remember, marketing doesn’t have to be daunting; just take it one step at a time!

Now take any of these ideas and roll 🍩 with them!

Here's a blog post on how to create a QR code!

Hey! If we haven't met yet, I'm Mary-Claire Fredette, massage therapist since 1999!

I specialize in barefoot massage and have been teaching continuing ed classes for longer than most massage therapists have been doing massage (over 20 years!)

Like you, I needed help marketing my massage practice and didn't have it. So I'm paying it forward with tonnes of free info to help you grow and succeed in your dream business.