9 Creative Ways To Market Your Massage Business

As a massage therapist, you’ll already know that marketing your massage business comes with its own unique challenges.

One of the biggest issues massage therapists face is maintaining a steady stream of clients. It can be tough to expand your customer base when many consumers consider massage therapy as an optional or ‘add on’ luxury. It can also be tough to stand out from the rest when there’s so much competition in the industry now.

So what’s the solution? Ramping up your marketing strategy!

In order for your massage business to attract more clients and remain competitive, you need to come up with an effective massage marketing plan that will establish your brand, boost your profile and maintain a recurring client list.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Understand your niche

This may be one of the most simple yet profound ways to advertise your massage business and ramp up your marketing strategy.

Understanding your niche and target audience.

Yes - sounds basic, but these are some of the most common considerations massage business owners fail to reflect on.

If you don’t know what or who you’re marketing to, how can you effectively sell your services?

Once you know your niche and audience, it’s much easier to figure out your marketing.

2. Target your audience

In order to build your business, you need to fully understand your target audience.

Take the time to reflect on your speciality and who will most likely seek that service.

Skilled in sports massage? Then perhaps your ideal audience niche would be sporting professionals, fitness lovers, clients coming back from injury or undergoing rehabilitation and even elderly clients who are seeking to find relief from their medical conditions.

As a massage business, you don’t need to cater to everyone. In fact, you may find more success finding a niche and sticking to it.

3. What makes you stand out?

Knowing your competitive edge as a massage business will help you to leverage your services and stand out from the rest.

A simple way to figure out your USP (unique selling proposition) is to ask yourself the question - ‘Why would clients choose my business over other massage businesses?’

The first few things that pop into your head are what you should exploit.

4. Advertise your business

How do you advertise a massage business? There are a couple of effective strategies:

• Get listed on Google and other online directories
• Use Google AdWords and Bing Pay Per Click (PPC) Advertising
• Social media advertising
• Print advertising

Did you know customers are 70% more likely to visit businesses with a Google My Business listing?

Not only can you take advantage of organic search results but you also make it easier for new clients to find you.

Taking advantage of Google PPC is also a great way to produce targeted leads, along with social media advertising on popular platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Lastly, don’t overlook the power of traditional advertising in the form of brochures, pamphlets and business cards.

5. Connect locally

Marketing your massage business locally puts you in a good position for reaching your niche audience. It allows you to target potential clients in your local area which can help to establish a more secure customer base.

Connecting with local businesses is another marketing strategy to attract local clientele and generate word of mouth.

Consider engaging with local yoga or health studios, physios and chiropractors who may benefit from your services. That way, you can introduce a client referral program and build a more steady flow of customers.

6. Share your knowledge

If you don’t have a blog or social media presence, start now!

Establishing brand authority and expanding your online community through online posts and articles further your audience reach and draw in more clients.

One of the best ways to market your massage services is by sharing helpful information. As a blog article or a series of social media posts, you can share your wisdom in massage therapy.

Consider articles related to the benefits of massage, the science behind massage therapy and even exercises clients can do at home to relieve stress and tension.

7. Start a loyalty program

Referral programs are a great way to market your massage business and draw new clients.

Reward your loyal clients by introducing a “refer a friend and get one massage free” program. This marketing approach recognizes regular clients and provides them with rewards for their loyalty, at the same time introducing potential new clients to your practice.

When looking for a massage therapist, customers appreciate those that offer package deals, discounts and freebies. Keep this in mind when planning your marketing strategy.

8. Go mobile

Gain a competitive edge and fill a need in your local area by offering mobile massage as part of your service.

You can expand your customer base greatly by giving them the option of having a massage at their home or office.

Many corporate businesses have some form of wellness program for their employees. Tap into this market by contacting local businesses and offering a corporate discount for mobile massage therapy services.

9. Ask for feedback

Finally, one of the most critical aspects of growing a massage business is asking for and listening to client feedback.

How can you improve your marketing strategy if you don’t know what is or isn’t working?

You can provide feedback forms in-clinic and through emails or SMS where clients can give their thoughts on their experience and what they would like to see changed or introduced to your suite of services.

Final note

In the massage industry, consistency is key. Attracting new clients should always be at the top of your mind. Therefore, developing a strategic marketing campaign is necessary for helping you to grow your massage business and remain viable.

While marketing in massage can be challenging, fortunately, you have a variety of creative marketing strategies to try out. One may be more profitable than the other, but as you maintain your presence and keep your advertising targeted, you will find more clients eager to book appointments and continue returning.