Most massage therapists seek ways to market their practices a little bit better, especially during these tough economic times. It’s important to think of ways to tout what you, as a massage therapist, have to offer clients, especially those with limited budgets.
It’s likely you’ve already included thorough descriptions of your hands-on techniques within any massage menu or marketing brochures you offer the public. These descriptions should give each prospective client a good idea of what to expect from a session on your table.
Along with this valuable information, try to incorporate any other elements your practice boasts, such as all-natural aromatherapy, a specialized music system, customized massage tables, high-end linens, soothing water features, changing rooms and similar aspects that could be considered perks.
There also is another detail you can include in your massage therapy menu and marketing material—massage cream. It may sound mundane at first, but this tool is a staple for most massage therapists, and the quality and consistency of your massage cream may also be a selling point.
For example, if you use a different type of massage cream when you work on a client’s face versus his or her body, you may want to mention that. Perhaps this cream is designed to keep pores free of clogging, tighten and moisturize skin, or even exfoliate. These could all be great points to mention in a brochure.
Another instance where your choice of massage cream might bring in new clients is if you use an organic lubricant. If this is the case, let potential clients know that the massage cream you smooth on their skin contains no synthetic ingredients and was grown and manufactured in a way that respects Mother Earth.
Carrying massage cream to cover the feet and ankles of your clients specifically may be something else you wish to tout in marketing material. Most massage creams made to address the tougher skin of the feet and ankles are highly moisturizing, and some even contain exfoliating properties that may appeal to a wide range of clients.
The ingredients in your massage creams can serve as marketing “hooks,” too. During the holiday season, you can let the public know you’re offering massage therapy with a cinnamon theme—from the candles in your session room to the massage cream slathered on skin.
Let your clients know if you carry a massage cream that can help with specific issues, such as one that comprises glucosamine for sore joints or arnica for tight muscle tissue. If you offer massage creams that contain essential oils, you may want to tout this as well, as aromatherapy can be a hot marketing point for massage therapists.
As you continue to broaden your horizons in terms of how you can best market your massage practice, draw in new clients and keep your existing client base loyal, make sure you take a good look at every detail that sets you and your practice apart in the world of massage therapy and bodywork—including the massage creams you use.
––Brandi Schlossberg