Massage Therapy Marketing Ideas to Get New Clients

The Big List of Massage Therapy Marketing Ideas!

No matter what, you have to market your business if you want to make money and thrive. 

As healers, it is very easy to forget that we also have to be business people. You CAN be both! Think of it this way, to make the biggest impact on the well being of the most people, you need to get more people involved with your services.

So you expand your ability to heal by not just being a skilled therapist, but by being a skilled marketer too.

This is not meant to give you step by step instructions on this advertising platform or that. But it is supposed to get you thinking about all the things you could do.

PRO TIP: Don't try everything. Pick one or two things that you think you can execute on without having to re-create the wheel and do that.  Do those things for a month, or even two. See what kind of results you get. Then layer something else on, or change it up if it doesn't work.

So, without any more blathering on :-) here is a big list of massage therapist marketing ideas from the big to the small and everything in between...  Let's get started!

1. Create a professional website: A well-designed website is a powerful tool for showcasing your services, sharing testimonials, and providing essential information to potential clients.

2. Optimize your website for search engines: Implement SEO techniques to improve your website's visibility in search engine results and attract organic traffic.

3. Offer online booking: Simplify the appointment scheduling process for clients by incorporating an online booking system on your website.

4. Leverage social media platforms: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with your audience, share updates, and promote special offers.

5. Run targeted Facebook ads: Reach a wider audience by running Facebook ads that target specific demographics and interests.

6. Start blogging: Share informative and educational content related to massage therapy on your website's blog to establish yourself as an industry expert.

7. Offer referral incentives: Encourage your existing clients to refer their friends and family by offering incentives such as discounts or free add-on services.

8. Create a loyalty program: Reward your loyal clients with exclusive discounts, special offers, or free upgrades to encourage repeat business.

9. Collaborate with local businesses: Partner with complementary businesses, such as chiropractors or wellness centers, to cross-promote each other's services.

10. Host workshops or webinars: Share your expertise by hosting educational workshops or webinars on topics related to massage therapy.

11. Offer gift certificates: Provide gift certificates that clients can purchase and give to their loved ones, expanding your client base.

12. Participate in local events: Set up a booth or offer chair massages at local events, fairs, or health expos to raise awareness about your services.

13. Create video content: Share short videos demonstrating massage techniques or providing self-care tips on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.

14. Develop a referral network: Connect with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or personal trainers, and establish a referral network.

15. Collect client testimonials: Request feedback from satisfied clients and showcase their testimonials on your website and social media platforms.

16. Offer package deals: Bundle multiple massage sessions or services together at a discounted rate to encourage clients to book multiple appointments.

17. Create a newsletter: Send out regular newsletters to your email subscribers, providing updates, tips, and exclusive offers.

18. Sponsor local sports teams: Support local sports teams by becoming a sponsor and gaining exposure through their events and promotional materials.

19. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with local influencers or wellness bloggers who can promote your services to their audience.

20. Offer online consultations: Provide virtual consultations for clients who may prefer remote sessions or have limited mobility.

21. Create a YouTube channel: Share educational videos, self-care tips, and client success stories on your YouTube channel to reach a wider audience.

22. Run a contest or giveaway: Engage your social media followers by running contests or giveaways, encouraging them to like, share, or tag friends.

23. Develop partnerships with hotels or resorts: Establish relationships with local hotels or resorts to offer massage services to their guests.

24. Advertise in local publications: Place advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, or community newsletters to target potential clients in your area.

25. Offer specialized services: Differentiate yourself by offering specialized massage services, such as prenatal massage, sports massage, or couples massage.

26. Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate information, photos, and positive reviews to increase your online visibility.

27. Network with other professionals: Attend networking events or join professional associations to connect with other healthcare professionals and potential clients.

28. Offer corporate wellness programs: Approach local businesses and offer on-site chair massages or wellness programs for their employees.

29. Sponsor a charity event: Support a local charity event and gain exposure through their promotional materials and social media platforms.

30. Develop partnerships with spas or wellness centers: Collaborate with spas or wellness centers to offer your services as part of their packages or promotions.

31. Create a podcast: Share your knowledge and expertise by hosting a podcast focused on health, wellness, and massage therapy.

32. Offer online courses or workshops: Develop online courses or workshops that teach self-massage techniques or provide education on massage-related topics.

33. Utilize online directories: List your massage therapy practice on online directories such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Healthgrades to increase your online presence.

34. Create a referral program for local businesses: Establish partnerships with local businesses and offer referral incentives for sending clients your way.

35. Start sending Rebooking emails to every client. After they check out, send them an email with a special offer to re-book.

36. Add a Book Now Button to your Google Business Profile so that searchers can book directly from a search result.

37. Add your most recent blog post content to your Google Business Profile as an "update."

38. Explore new products like PEMF or Bemer therapies, and offer them to your clients.

39. Buy a Sauna and put it in your practice space. You can charge $20-$50 for a session as a nice add-on.

40. Connect with local public schools - teachers LOVE massages and offering a discount for them is easy. Walk in with a stack of Teacher-only coupons, and the front desk will put one in every teacher's mailbox. (Especially at the beginning of each school year as a welcome back.)

41. Find the local high school coaches for their competitive sports. Reach out to them (most have published emails) personally and offer up discounted services, or even sideline help during practices. 

42. Become a member of a local BNI Chapter. Each week you'll meet other local professionals for networking and lead sharing.

43. Boost a Facebook post. Write a great blog post about some topic that will be interesting to your target audience and pay Facebook to show the post to more people based on your targeting. You can do this with $50-$250 and see success.

44. Try a Google Smart campaign. Smart campaigns are very easy to set up, even if you don't have experience with online advertising.

45. Check your Google Business Profile for Advertising Credit. Google routinely offers up to $1000 in free advertising for new customers.

46. Carry your business cards. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation at Starbucks, or Target, or anywhere in your neighborhood. Have a card handy.

47. Set up your Bing Places for Business account. Bing is pretty big search engine so you should make sure you're well represented. Not just on Google!

48. Get an ABMP membership and use all the marketing support you can. The Association will have lots of articles, tips, and tricks that other therapists have used to find success.

49. Start a mastermind. Find a group of other bodywork professionals and meet regularly to help each other. From 3 to 7 others works great, but groups as big as 20 are awesome. Meet once a month to share experiences and successes (and failures).

50. Take a course. There are so many (ahem) great courses on marketing that will help empower you to start marketing like a pro, without spending a ton and without giving up your soul.  (Okay, that's a little silly, but those slick salespeople are the worst.)

What did I miss?  If you have an idea or see something wonky with the list above - let's hear it!