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.

Massage Your Website article featured in Massage & Bodywork | Page 22

You can read the full article, “What’s On the Web: Massage Your Website,” on page 22 of the print version or digital edition of the November/December 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.

In honor of Spa Week Fall 2009, we’re focusing on spa add-on treatments for massage therapists. These are dry room spa treatments, so you can use them even if you don’t have a wet room or shower facilities at your location!

The best spa add-on treatments are simple to prepare, easy to clean up, and offer the greatest return on investment and client satisfaction. With the right promotions and marketing, your spa add-ons allow you to increase your income without demanding too much time or hassle. They also give your hands a break from massage.

Here are some ideas for spa add-on treatments that you can use in your massage therapy practice:

UV Towel Warmer for Hot Towel Treatments

1. Hot Towel Treatment

   The first spa add-on that we recommend is a hot towel treatment. You can get creative with hot towels. For example, you can offer a hot towel foot wrap (or hand wrap) during a full-body massage. Wrap the client’s feet in hot towels before you begin the massage, and remove the towels at the end of the session. Finish with a foot moisturizer or talcum powder.

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   Another idea is a hot towel face massage. Clients will love the heat and the refreshing moisture of the hot towels. You can add a drop or two of diluted essential oils to the hot towels. Just be cautious about sensitivity to smell and do your research on which essential oils should come in contact with the face. Always ask the client about sensitivities and preferences before using any essential oils.

   Hot towel treatment is convenient because all it requires is a UV towel warmer (which sanitizes and heats the towels) and towels. Most therapists have enough room to fit a towel warmer in the treatment room. Simply plug in the towel warmer at least 15 minutes before the session and fill it with moistened, rolled towels.

2. Hot Stone Treatment

   Hot stones are another popular spa add-on for massage therapists. Hot stones are soothing to the client and they give your hands a break from the typical massage routine. Turn the hot stone warmer on before the session so that you allow the stones enough time to warm up. Test the heat level on your own skin before applying the hot stones to the client’s skin.

3. Peel-Off Wraps
   If you want to try wraps, look for wraps that peel off cleanly. Peel-off wraps work well as a dry room treatment because they eliminate the messiness of taking off the wrap. Salt or sugar scrubs are another option for spa add-ons. You can remove the scrub with hot towels (which can get a little messy) and finish with a moisturizer and spritz.
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4. Spa Gloves
   Paraffin gloves or spa booties are another treat that your clients will appreciate. Purchase them in bulk for the best deal.

Some dry room spa treatments may work better for certain massage therapists than others. Perhaps the best way to decide which spa add-ons to offer is to ask your clients what treatments they would enjoy the most!

Bon Vital Massage Creme

Choose products that are relevant to your services and fit your focus. For example, if you specialize in Reiki, consider carrying meditation CDs for your clients to purchase. Your clients may be interested in purchasing the same products that you use during the massage session, such as Bon Vital lotions. One oriental massage and spa business even sells chi machines to its clients—the same kind that they use in the complimentary chi session before each massage!

The possibilities are endless. Ask your clients which products they’d like to see you offer, and start from there.

Your clients will appreciate the convenience of being able to purchase massage products directly from you. It can also be a great way for you to generate more income from your business!

Massage Table Warmer Pad

The more comfortable your clients are, the easier it will be for them to relax. Plus, the more you can increase client satisfaction, the more loyal your clients will be to your services.

Most massage table warmers come with an auto-shutoff feature that prevents the pad from overheating, protects your clients from exposure to burning hot temps, and reduces the risk of an accident or fire if you forget to turn off the heating pad.

For the best results, turn the table warmer on a few minutes before the client arrives. This will allow the pad to warm up before the massage. Adjust the temperature to a low setting. When the client is settled on the table, ask if he or she is warm enough and adjust the temperature as requested.

The massage table warmer not only provides warmth, but it also adds an extra level of comfort to the massage by adding a thin layer of padding to the massage table. The warmth and comfort will encourage your clients to sink into a deeper state of relaxation as you massage away their aches and pains.

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

(Continued from Massage Marketing Part 1 and Part 2)

Chair Massage

Reach more clients with chair massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for handouts are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge a dollar per minute. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

(For more tips on chair massage, see Get More Clients with Chair Massage Marketing.)

Business Cards

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don’t hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

(Continued from Massage Marketing Part 1.)

Community Involvement

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers.

Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

Exceptional Service

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment.

If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

See Massage Marketing Part 3 for more marketing tips!

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Your Best Strategy

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist’s strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.

People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members—or even casual acquaintances—are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or flyers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

Referral Programs

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here’s an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free or discounted massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

See Massage Marketing Part 2 and Part 3 for more marketing ideas!