We Asked: What is the best way to find new clients?

Here is what you told us...

My current, satisfied clients will often refer friends and family to me. I entice my current clients with punch cards for their referrals, or I’ll give them extra time on their next massage. Sometimes I’ll reward them with new techniques I’ve picked up at workshops. 
Maryanne McCauley
Grand Junction, Colorado

Number one is advertising. Nobody knows you, and you have to spread the word. What clientele do you want? Look for a magazine you can place an ad in. Put magnetic signs on your car; having them on the doors and back will make people read when they are next to you or behind you. Wear a shirt that says “Massage Therapist” every time you leave the house. [Also, create] a Web site. If you can’t do it by yourself, hire a professional and invest the money.
Arno Schuechen
Somerset, New Jersey

I joined the local chamber of commerce and sent introductory letters to members, along with several coupons offering 50 percent off the first massage. I ask members to share these coupons with co-workers, friends and families.
Janice King, L.M.T.
Oakdale, Minnesota

You have to be a go-getter. Make flyers to pass around with sale prices on them, go to different businesses around you and offer chair massages—educate people about massage benefits. Gyms are also great for finding new clients; everyone there is already working on a self-care program.
Charlene Parker, L.M.T.
Akron, Ohio

Most of my new clients come by word-of-mouth. I find my clients tell others details of their massage experience.
Constance J. Moore, R.N.
San Jose, California

Get really nice-looking business cards, then join the local chamber of commerce and go to its socials. Use its directories to mail local business owners your cards. Also, check for local sporting events, and volunteer to massage athletes for free. Running ads with discounts for first visits in the local paper works, as do coupons in the phone book.
Sue Mahany
St. Albans, Vermont

Ask if your client has friends or associates. Have brochures in your office, hand them out to the clients and be professional all the time.
Steve Glickman, L.M.T.
Tampa, Florida

The best way is word-of-mouth through gift certificates using my current clients. Give your primary client one to three gift certificates for 15 to 30 minutes of free massage, and then the friend (your potential client) can upgrade for the remaining amount due for an hour massage.
Kristen Tammaro
Lakeville, Massachusetts

The best way I have found new clients is through classified ads with small local publications as well as aligning with chiropractors and naturopathic doctors.  
Charles King 
Phoenix, Arizona

Re-look at your service menu, and identify what makes you distinctive and sets you apart. Hire or find friends who can become your mystery shoppers. Give them a script of questions to test your reservationists on how they greet clients over the phone and in-person. Call your clients, and ask them to bring a friend. Then offer them a loyalty program that [provides]education and discounts.
Denise Smith
Celebration, Florida

Offer special promotions or discounts to existing clients with the incentive to tell their friends. For example, “Refer a friend and receive a free half-hour gift certificate.”
Fannie Livaditis
Eagan, Minnesota

Promote massage therapy in a positive manner. Let others know you are a certified massage therapist, and briefly describe many of the positive benefits of receiving massage. Business cards are essential to finding new clients. 
Dennis Ditch
Butler, Pennsylvania

Offer to give some time educating an audience about the benefits of massage, aromatherapy, muscle health—anything you are qualified to teach—and you will be surprised how many people will come up and ask for your business card.
Darlene La Cour
Fontana, California

I’d recommend wearing polo shirts with “Massage Therapist” on the front and back and wearing them everywhere. Plus, always have cards in your pocket. Prepare a 30-second commercial or blurb to inform folks what you do, and perhaps even include a success story.
Clara Brosnaham, L.M.T.
Pensacola, Florida

I give gift certificates through bridal and children stores. For every new person who registers as a bride or new mom, I give them a gift certificate for a facial-toning massage. I ask groups if I can be their speaker for the month and educate them on the benefit of massage. I send out a newsletter once a quarter to all of my clients, whether I have seen them once a year or once a month. But most important is word-of-mouth.
Gina Smith
Carthage, Texas

Network with other businesses. Take the whole team to a community event, and do mini demonstrations of some services. Invite candle, essential oil, skincare line, and cosmetic or makeup company representatives to come to an open house at your spa. 
Maria Zalamar
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ask if you can put your cards in local restaurants. Talk to the owner about doing chair massages. Join the chamber of commerce; there is always someone new there to introduce yourself and your business to. Ask your doctor or dentist if you can set up your chair in the waiting room to make patients less edgy. Always carry your business cards with you wherever you go, and pass them out. 
Jac’Que Hallgren
Waukegan, Illinois

The best way I found new clients was to go to athletic clubs. When I first came to Nevada, I worked for a day spa. I was responsible for building my own clientele, so I went to an athletic club, set up my massage chair and gave five-minute massages for free. I would pass out my business cards and the company brochures. Within two months I had almost 35 new clients. Another way [to build clientele] is to have a spa party.
Christine Garner
Las Vegas, Nevada

There are the normal routes, such as phone books, coupon clippers and newspapers, but there are two things I found incredibly useful. One is Curves (I’m a member). There are health-conscious women there, and often we get into conversations about what we do. I seem to always have someone asking for a card for an injury, relaxation, etc. Number two is love what you do, and talk about it.
Kathy Gruver
Santa Barbara, California

The best way to get new clients is by volunteering at an event. Set up your chair or table, and give 10-minute sessions to participants. If you bring your business cards and offer a discount for a full session, you should have a lot of success. I gained about six new clients for two hours worth of my time.
Shawna Mondragon
Grand Junction, Colorado

My Web site has been one of the best sources. I hand out flyers, visit local businesses and give out business cards. Networking with other groups and local organizations is effective as well. Get your name and face out there.
Peggi White
Greenville, North Carolina