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

Here is what you told us...

A therapist should make her business based on trust and confidence. Once the first client feels comfortable, she will spread the word around. Clients always love to know they are treated with respect.
Idael Perez
Miami, Florida

Word-of-mouth. The greater percentage of my clientele has been built on my present clients sharing their experiences from my office with their friends and family. I also do a lot of chair-massage shows, such as downtown city functions, county fairs, school health shows and other community events that attract people in the area. I offer discount sessions to those I meet.
Jon M. Ollinger, L.M.T.
Sidney, Ohio   

Referrals from my existing clients. They are people who are serious about massage and usually get one about once a month. That’s why I always thank my clients for the referrals both by a card in the mail and in person when I see them again.
Lisadiana Bates
San Antonio, Texas

If I’m out dining at a nice establishment for lunch, I like to leave the server a nice tip and my card. I have been amazed at how many servers called me wanting appointments and were appreciative of me leaving my card. I used to be a server, so I know how hard that work can be.
Arielle Teal
LaGrange, Georgia

I always have business cards on me and ask, “Do you know anyone who loves massages or anyone who is in need of some relaxation?” I also put incentives on the back of my cards to get them in the door. If they refer three new guests, they get a massage for free. Also, if they buy two one-hour massages, they can receive one, one-hour massage for free.
Annie Roche
Clearwater, Florida

Web site searches. Go to the town/city Web site where you massage. Go to all of the helpful links. E-mail garden clubs, Realtors, sports clubs, etc. Let them know who you are and what you do. Make sure to state the benefits of massage that relate to the group you’re addressing.
Greg Hurd
Millbury, Massachusetts

Develop a referral program with your existing clients. I let my clients know that for every three people they refer to me, I will give them a complimentary massage.
Maryanne Robinson
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I attend several holistic festivals each year, where I rent a booth and set up a mini-treatment area. I bring along my CD player and headphones and make my booth as attractive, private and comfy as possible. I post a sign offering a 20-minute massage demo for $20. I have a supply of business cards and brochures showing my full menu with hours, pricing, location, Web site, contact information and a coupon for a “Show Special Discount.” I have my appointment book there and schedule them in if possible with the 10-percent-off coupon, and if they pay in advance, they get 20 percent off.
Jenny Ray
Elk, Washington

First, always carry around a business card with your picture on it. Give them out to people, and the next time they want a massage, they will recall your picture, your card and call. Second, offer a free massage to local fitness trainers, club receptionists, hair stylists, nail technicians and chiropractors. These people have unlimited access to the public, and their recommendations hold a lot of weight. Third, network with a Realtor that handles rentals. Have them place your business cards on the refrigerators of clients in vacation rentals.
Michelle D. Mace
Naples, Florida

Network with individuals in different professions and get them interested in the benefits of massage. Doing on-site chair massage brings the idea of massage to a wider variety of people and makes people feel good and want to come back and see you again. 
Shannon McGrew
Southborough, Massachusetts

Offer free samples; give extra time to existing clients; be honest and professional in teaching them one-on-one; always give consistent service; ask for new clients and referrals from existing clients; be there; answer the phone and e-mails; join and be active in the local chamber of commerce or small business group; be an example of good health and fitness; and offer programs for specific conditions.
Wendy E. Geuder
Bellevue, Washington

When I first became an L.M.T., I partnered with an established L.M.T. who recommended I go with her to do volunteer employee-and-visitor chair massage at a local cancer hospital. Once a week we would set up chairs outside the cafeteria at lunchtime for about two hours. We let people know we were providing free 10-minute chair massages. The line never seemed to end, and some people waited 20 minutes to 30 minutes for a massage. The hospital then asked if I would be interested in being put on its preferred employee services listing, which was distributed to all departments in the hospital. I received requests for massage from several departments in the hospital, all because of volunteering one to two hours every week.
Cherie Braun
Tampa, Florida

Abide by the ethics of the profession; practice with honor, integrity and skill; and educate those you make contact with.
Tom Adams
Maple Shade, New Jersey

Join a health club if you are not already a member. People go there to get healthy and are already actively pursuing wellness. There will be people motivated to add massage to part of their self-care routine.
Rhoda Gray
Orlando, Florida

I put flyers in chiropractors’, dentists’ [and] acupuncturists’ [offices], blood-donation clinics and P.T. clinics.
Martha Noah
Waterloo, Iowa

When a client mentions she forgot money for the tip, I tell her I would take a referral instead. Another method I use is bartering and working with a small network of business owners.
Sheila Clifford, L.M.T.
Derry, New Hampshire

Work as much as you can to get as many clients as you can. Let people know you are the solution to their problem. Learn more modalities to expand your client base.
Rick Owings
Memphis, Tennessee

Giving free massages to charity. Be selective in where you give your massages away, as sometimes there is no value in free.
Ken Hatcher, L.M.T.
Lake Charles, Louisiana

CE classes can be a source to target specific clients. I make myself visible by setting up my massage chair where I am most likely to be seen by those I wish to attract.
Lynda Winge, L.M.P. 
Ocean Shores, Washington

My favorite way is setting up a table or chair at a small charity event. There are so many events throughout the year that you can have a new demographic every time. It’s very cheap and easy advertising, and all of the money goes to a good cause. And you have the time to talk with [the clients] more than over the phone on a normal work day.
Marilyn Marques
Austin, Texas