One of the first steps in starting a massage therapy business is to choose the location of your office space. You basically have 3 options for setting up your business: 1) Work from home, 2) Rent space, or 3) Go mobile.

1. Working from Home

Setting up a massage business in your home can save you money. You may be able to avoid the risk of taking out a business loan, and you can start out slow without worrying about making enough money to cover rent.

Working from home is convenient; however, it does have its downside. It’s harder to leave your stress at the office. You need to consider details like designating a massage room for your business, deciding whether to build a separate entrance, keeping children and pets from disturbing you while you work, and choosing (or building) a restroom for clients to use. You will need to keep your home and yard clean, neat, and attractive on an ongoing basis.

These are just a few of the details you will need to consider if you want to work from home. Many therapists who choose to set up their massage business at home find that the freedom and convenience of working from home far outweigh any negative factors.

2. Renting Office Space

Renting space is more costly than working from home, but it has its benefits. First, it’s easier to separate your work life and your home life. When you leave the office, you can leave behind the paperwork, laundry, emails, and other endless details. Second, you don’t have to worry about welcoming clients into your private home or family members interrupting a session with a client.

One way you can offset the cost of renting office space is to share space with another therapist or to rent space in a business owned by a chiropractor, physical therapist, beauty salon, or other business. The latter option also lets you work out a referral system with complementary service providers.

If you share space with another therapist, you must be willing to compromise on certain issues (décor, business hours, cleaning, hiring a receptionist, etc). If you want the freedom to do things your way, you may be better off renting your own private business space.

Going mobile requires sturdy portable massage equipment.

3. Going Mobile

If your business is solely based on mobile massage, you may not need a permanent office space at all. You bring your services to your clients, whether to their homes, offices, events, or other locations. This type of work requires reliable transportation, a portable massage table and chair, and lots of travel time built into your schedule.

You need to be able to adapt to your constantly changing environment and handle the stress of unexpected disruptions to your normal routine. Mobile massage is a huge stress reliever for clients, who feel the most comfortable and relaxed in familiar surroundings.

The expense of owning your own business can be overwhelming, but there are ways to cut costs and reduce your overhead. Here are a few tips for saving money as a massage therapy business owner.

Buy massage oil in bulk to save on business expenses.

• Once you find a massage oil or lubricant that you like, buy it in bulk. Purchase laundry detergent in bulk as well.
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• Purchase massage table sheets and face cradle covers in bulk. Think of other supplies that you use on a regular basis (towels, washcloths, cleaning supplies, bottled water for clients, etc.) and purchase them in large quantities as your storage space allows.
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• Watch for sales and specials. Stock up on products that you use regularly when they’re on sale. Look for other ways to save, including signing up for newsletters. For example, OneTouch Massage offers exclusive discounts and coupons to their e-mail subscribers on a regular basis.
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• If you buy online, compare prices and include the cost of shipping in your total purchase. What might seem like a great deal at first can change once you see the shipping and handling fees.
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• Share office space with other independent therapists or health practitioners to cut down on the cost of rent. Another option is to work from home or take your business to the client’s home and avoid the need for office space altogether.

When you’re starting out as a brand new massage therapist, you basically have two career paths that you can follow. One, you can look for a therapist position in an established business (spa, gym, health center, etc.). Or two, you can start your own business.

No matter which career path you choose, you will most likely want to build up your own private client base. Most therapists work during the day (whether at a spa or a job that doesn’t involve massage) and build their private practices in the evenings and on weekends. This allows them to pay the bills until their massage practice generates more income.

Be Patient But Persistent.

Starting out in any business often requires long work weeks and inconvenient hours. After your practice becomes more established, however, you will be able to switch to full-time massage work (rather than working two jobs) and choose appointment hours that are more convenient for you. Be patient but persistent. Building your practice takes time, but it’s worth the effort as you begin to see your client base grow.

Build a Network.

With permission from your employer, hand out business cards at your workplace and around town. Let customers and individuals you come in contact with know that you are a massage therapist and are available for evening or weekend appointments. Even better if your job is in an area that caters to health-conscious customers, such as a clerk at a health foods store or a yoga teacher at the local gym. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network or expand your network to find new clients who will benefit from your services.

Connect with Like-Minded Businesses.

Partner with other health-related businesses. They can send you referral clients, and you can refer clients to them in return. Ask if you can post a professional flier or brochure on the bulletin board at the local health foods store or fitness center. Partner with chiropractors, physical therapists, hair salons, bridal boutiques, and other service professionals to become a part of the community and open up new opportunities to find potential clients.

Don’t try to target everyone with your marketing efforts. Focus on a select group of people. Choose your ideal client (for example, the elderly, athletes, medical patients, pregnant women, etc.) and your ideal type of bodywork (sports, therapeutic, pregnancy massage, etc.). Then focus on marketing to this select group of potential clients.

1. Get the clients you want.

You’ll connect better with your clients if you are genuinely interested in helping the clients you target. If you’re treating the clients you want to treat, you’ll be more motivated to establish lasting relationships with them.

2. Build the practice you’ve always wanted.

With niche marketing, you can deliberately shape your practice to reflect your dreams and goals. The result is focused, responsive service and care that satisfies both you and your clients.

3. Encourage referrals.

Athletes will refer other athletes. Pregnant women will refer other moms-to-be. People tend to associate with others who are in the same stage of life and enjoy the same activities. They’ll have plenty of friends and acquaintances to send your way.

4. Set yourself apart from the competition by offering specialized treatment.

The more cancer patients you treat, the more knowledge and skill you will gain in easing their pain and complementing their medical treatments. Soon you’ll be known in the community as the go-to therapist for cancer patients and other clients with illness and pain. Once you’re established in a certain niche, it’s easier to build and maintain your client base.

Use spa or massage graphics to enhance your gift certificates.

If you’re comfortable doing it, ask the client if he or she would like to purchase a gift certificate for friend or family just before they’re ready to pay the bill. If clients are already planning to buy a gift certificate, it’s a good reminder, and if the thought hadn’t crossed their mind, they may appreciate the quick and easy gift idea.

A more passive way of marketing your gift certificates is to display them at the counter. Then post a framed gift certificate on the door (inside and out), letting clients know that you offer gift certificates. Post more framed gift certificates in the restrooms, treatment rooms, and waiting rooms.

Give different options for gift certificates, including package deals, different session lengths, different treatments, and different prices to fit any budget. Some customers may only want to spend forty dollars, while others may be willing to spend hundreds.

Promote gift certificates in an e-mail blast or newsletter with a link to your website to purchase the certificates.

If you have the funds to send out direct mail, this is a great opportunity to alert spouses and family members of existing clients to the idea of a massage gift certificate as the perfect holiday gift.

Promote gift certificates heavily on your massage website. If you can sell them directly on your website, even better! Most therapists offer a one or several delivery options, including mailing, printable gift certificates, and in-office pickup.

Add a gift certificate promotion to your voicemail message and on-hold recordings. Use these simple phone opportunities for holiday marketing!

Some massage therapists and spa owners find that a large percentage of gift certificates are sold to spouses and family members of existing clients as gifts for these clients. While at first glance it might seem that the gift certificate session would take the place of a regular session, most clients add the gift certificate session on to the regular number of massage or spa treatments they get during the year. So even gift certificates used by existing clients can add to the number of massages you give each year.

Related Posts

• Holiday Marketing for Massage and Spa Owners – Take advantage of the holiday season to boost business.
• Add a Holiday Touch to Your Massage Business – Increase client satisfaction with these holiday touches.

The holiday season is in full swing, and it’s a great time to boost client satisfaction by adding a holiday touch to your massage business. Keep your clients in the holiday mood with Christmas music, holiday scents, and special treats.

Below are a few ideas to get you thinking about simple ways to add holiday pizzazz to your business:

• Use holiday-scented massage oils and lotions or add essential oils that are reminiscent of the holidays. (Remember that some clients may be sensitive to fragrance or certain ingredients.)
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• Play soft, instrumental Christmas music during the massage session.
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• Light a holiday-scented candle in the massage room.
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• Put up Christmas lights in the massage room and entry area. Use these soft lights for lighting during the massage session.
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• Use red, green, or plaid flannel massage table sheets.
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• Set out Christmas goodies and hot drinks for an after-massage treat.
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• If you sell in-store products, use holiday gift bags or offer free wrapping for customers who buy gifts for family and friends.
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• Print out holiday massage gift certificates for seasonal use. If you don’t use them all, you can always use them next season.
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• Send out Christmas cards to your clients. It’s a special touch, as well as a perfect excuse to remind them of your services during the busy holiday season.

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• Holiday Marketing for Massage and Spa Owners – Take advantage of the holiday season to boost business.
• Massage Gift Certificate Marketing – Promote gift certificate sales during the holiday season

Holiday promotions are a great way for any business to end the year in the black, including your massage business! Take advantage of this holiday season to promote your business, bring in more cash, and increase your client base.

Try a few of these promotional ideas to boost business around the holiday season and into the New Year.

• Offer stress-buster specials.

  The holidays are a stressful time of year. Let your clients and potential customers know that massage and spa treatments are a great way to beat holiday stress. Offer incentives with package discounts or discounted add-on treatments.

• Promote gift certificates big-time!

  Remind your customers that the gift of massage and relaxation is a great way to show friends and family how much you care.

• Add holiday spa treatments to your menu.

  Use peppermint sugar scrubs, essential oils with a touch of pomegranate or holiday spices, pumpkin facials, and other holiday-themed treatments. Just replace your usual scented products with holiday scents.

• Promote massage and gift products in your office or on your website.

  If you sell products to your customers, try adding a few holiday-focused products, such as pumpkin lotions or cranberry body scrubs.

• Add a festive touch to each massage session by using holiday-scented massage oils or lotions.

  You can sell the same products you use for your clients in your store for customers to use at home or give as holiday gifts to their friends and family.

• Offer chair massage in the mall.

  Post a big sign with the name and phone number of your business so that people who walk by will see your name even if they don’t stop for a massage. Promote your gift certificates on the sign as well. It’s an easy gift solution for weary mall shoppers. You might be surprised how many gift certificates you can sell!

• Advertise for event massage.

  Let local businesses know that your event massage services are available for corporate Christmas parties, private Christmas parties, holiday open houses for businesses in your area, and other holiday events.

Put just a few of these massage marketing ideas to work this season, and you may be surprised at the boost in business over the holidays!

Related Posts

• Add a Holiday Touch to Your Massage Business – Increase client satisfaction with these holiday touches.
• Massage Gift Certificate Marketing – Promote gift certificate sales during the holiday season

After the hefty price tag of tuition and school loans, the cost of purchasing massage equipment may seem overwhelming, but if you start with the essentials and purchase optional equipment as your cash flow increases, the initial expense of starting out as a massage therapist will be easier to cover.

What equipment is considered essential for a massage therapist? Basically, there are four pieces of equipment needed to start out your career:

1. Portable Massage Table
2. Massage Oil
3. Massage Linens
4. Bolster Pillows

1. Portable Massage Table

Renew Portable Massage Table Package

Most students start out with a massage table, then purchase a portable massage chair later on. If you’re strapped for money (along with the majority of recent massage graduates), you might want to follow suit. You can often find a cheap massage table (cheap in price, not in quality) that includes the same features and quality as the more expensive brands.

This still leaves you with the option to upgrade to a more expensive table later in your career, although you just might discover that the “cheap” massage table you purchased to start out your career is just as high quality as the more expensive massage tables on the market.

2. Massage Oil

If you’re starting up your own business, buy massage oil in bulk. If your employer provides massage oil, you can purchase it in smaller amounts to use on the side for word-of-mouth clients and friends and family.

3. Massage Linens

Massage Sheets and Face Cradle Covers
(6-Piece Set)

If you plan on using the face cradle, remember to keep face cradle covers on hand. You can find reusable covers or disposable covers or, in a pinch, you can make your own headrest covers.

If the temperature in the room is on the cool side, you’ll also need a light blanket or two to keep the client warm.

4. Bolster Pillows

Massage bolsters are important for positioning and client comfort. If you need to pick and choose your essential equipment, use regular bed pillows until you can afford bolster pillows.

To save on laundry and the cost of bolster covers, use a pillowcase or slip the bolster underneath the bottom sheet. It takes a little fussing to arrange the sheet over the bolster, but this trick saves you money and laundry. You can also try arranging the bolsters underneath the sheet before the client gets on the table and then moving the bolsters slightly as needed after the client gets situated.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it for essential massage equipment! Depending on your needs, you might want to add a few more items to the list. Some therapists consider a massage stool to be an essential piece of equipment. If you don’t purchase a stool right away, put it at the top of your list of future massage purchases. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes after a full day of massages!

Disappointed with the success of your massage website? Instead of throwing in the towel, try these 3 quick tips for increasing the effectiveness of your massage website!

1. Include contact information on every page.

   Make it easy for your clients to contact you. Include your phone number, business address, and email address on every page of your website. This tip is also good for higher rankings in local searches on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. When people search for a massage therapist in your city, your website will be more likely to pop up in the first few results.

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2. Write a personal profile of yourself and any other therapists who work at your business.

   Share your qualifications, training, and personal interests (whether they’re related to massage or not). Let your potential clients get to know you as a person, and they will feel more comfortable calling for an appointment.

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   You can boost your search engine rankings by including keywords related to massage in each therapist profile. For example, include keywords such as any modalities that you specialize in (Reiki, pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, etc.), any unique services you offer (spa treatments, hot stones, etc.) and off-site services such as home massage or corporate massage. People searching for a massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage, for example, will be more likely to find your website.

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3. Update your website regularly.

   Fresh content, whether through a blog or a news page, is important on two different levels. One, it helps your clients stay informed about new services, special offers, and events. And two, it boosts your rankings in the search engines by feeding them fresh content (which they love).

Related Content

• Want more tips on how to improve your massage website? Check out the Massage Your Website article in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork!

Replace threadbare or oil-stained massage sheets with new sheet sets and face cradle covers.

Professional appearance in massage is vital to the success of your business. Here are some tips to make sure that the first impression your client gets is a positive and professional one.

1. Dress For The Occasion

If you employ other therapists at your business, you may want to consider choosing a dress code or spa uniform for a consistent appearance among your employees. If you work solo, keep your dress consistent, whether it’s a casual or trendy look.

Most importantly, wear clothes that are comfortable. You’re going to be moving around, working with your whole body in a room that’s warm for the client’s sake but too warm for physical activity. Wear light clothing that keeps you cool and allows free movement.

2. Keep Your Massage Equipment Up To Date

The appearance of your business will reflect the appearance of yourself as a massage professional. Make sure your décor and massage equipment is clean, appealing, and up to date.

Ripped vinyl on your massage table, threadbare sheets, and oil stains can leave a bad impression even if the service is superb. Keep your massage equipment in the best condition possible, and replace your massage table, sheets, bolsters, and other equipment as necessary.

3. Be Consistent With Your Décor

Choose soothing colors and décor that match the objectives of your massage business. Do you primarily target clients with medical needs? If so, you will want your office to reflect the sanitation and décor of a doctor’s office. Do you primarily attract the spa and relaxation crowd? If so, incorporate a luxury look into your office and massage room.

Be consistent with your décor and marketing materials. It not only reinforces your professional image but it also gives your business a unique look and feel that your clients will begin to recognize.

4. Tidy Up The Office

Get rid of clutter. It’s not only displeasing to the eye but the busyness of clutter makes it hard for your clients to relax and sends the message that you’re unorganized and frazzled. If you work best with an “organized mess,” at least keep it to the back room where clients will never see it.

Conclusion

Most of these tips are common sense, but when you’re focused on the day-to-day business of massage therapy, it’s easy to let things like professional appearance fall through the cracks. Remember that you only have one chance to leave a good first impression! It could make the difference between a returning client and a one-time visit.