From the MASSAGE Magazine article, “Let There be Mud!” , in the November 2009 issue. Article summary: Many massage therapists can perform simple spa techniques, with or without a wet room. As long as the regulations governing massage in your area allow for these types of techniques, adding them to a massage session can increase client satisfaction and provide a means of additional revenue to a massage practice.
To market today, both traditional and online forms of communication are necessary. So, in addition to brochures, flyers and in-office posters and displays, massage therapists should get busy with electronic advertising.
“Set up a Facebook, Twitter or MySpace account,” says Mark Dauenhauer, spa director at Naturopathica body-care products company in East Hampton, New York. “Some massage therapists are putting videos of themselves doing special treatments on the Internet.”
For those who prefer face-to-face encounters, Jean Shea, founder and CEO of BIOTONE massage-and-spa products company in San Diego, California, suggests hosting an open house to showcase your new treatments, creating a discount card or special seasonal promotions or referral bonuses.
“Depending on how aggressive you are, you can grow your business at events,” says Gurukirn Khalsa, national sales manager for Soothing Touch body-care products company in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This serves as an ideal venue to demonstrate, advertise and sell your products.
Developing relationships with local media, particularly television stations can also work wonders. “Go on the air and show how you can make scrubs at home,” says Ole Henriksen, owner of Ole Henriksen Face/Body spa in Los Angeles, California. “Or, create a special evening of education. Show how body care relieves an aching neck, shoulders and legs. It creates tremendous goodwill.”