10 Ways Massage Therapists Can Get More Mileage Out of Their Marketing Budget By: Connie Scholl of ConnieCoach.com Let’s face it; you may be the best massage therapist in town, however your talent will be wasted (and your pockets will be empty) if no one knows that you exist. But wait - I have GOOD NEWS! There are countless simple, effective and low-cost ways for you to promote your massage therapy services without going broke in the process. Here’s ten fast and easy ways to get you started: 1. Always be prepared with an "elevator speech". When you meet new people talk about the benefits associated with receiving a massage - NOT the actual techniques you use to achieve the outcome. In a nutshell, let prospective clients know how solve their problems, not how you do it. 2. Network often and set goals. When attending events, workshops or meetings, don't sit by people you know. The point is to meet new people! Make a goal of meeting 3-5 new people at each event. The key to effective networking is to build relationships and be interested in others; get their business cards and ask questions about their business. 3. Joining various clubs or groups is another way to promote your massage business. Every community has numerous organizations, such as a chamber of commerce, Rotary, BNI (Business Network International), that are excellent places to meet people and talk about what you do. But don't join if you are not going to participate. Simply being on a group's mailing list will not help you build the kind of relationships that generate sales or promote interest in your business. 4. A great way to meet people is to volunteer in your community. Other volunteers will generally ask what you do. Wearing a shirt with your business name will be a reminder of the services you provide. (And don't forget to make use of your massage chair)! 5. Teach a class through the local community education program. Community education programs attract people throughout your service area. Doing this will help you make contacts and also establish you as an expert in your field. 6. Ask for referrals! There is nothing wrong with asking your current clients if they know of others who might benefit from your massage therapy services. You might consider creating a "refer a friend" discount coupon for your clients to give to friends and family. 7. Create strategic alliances with other professionals with non-competing businesses. As a massage therapist you may want to develop a relationship with a chiropractor, a reflexologist or a personal trainer for example. Anyone who shares your target market would be a great candidate. 8. Write a press release announcing your new business, advanced certifications or to let the community know about an industry conference you’ve recently attended. Most newspapers have a business section and they are always looking for stories on local small businesses. 9. Take advantage of your e-mail. You never know where you emails are going to end up. Make sure to include a ‘signature line’ in your e-mail that includes your business contact information including a website if you have one. 10. Establish a website presence. Today people surf the web for information on almost all the products and services they buy. For just a few dollars you can post a tremendous amount of information about your services, background and expertise on a basic website. The bottom line is this; marketing your massage business will definitely require some time and creativity, but it doesn't mean you need to spend a ton of money. Put these marketing tips into action today and watch your appointment book soon fill up! © Connie Scholl 2005. All Rights Reserved. WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Former Massage Therapist Connie Scholl, of ConnieCoach.com teaches Massage Therapists (and other Self-Employed Service Professionals) how to increase their current client base by 50% (or more) in just 6 months (or less) by utilizing simple, effective and low-cost marketing strategies. To learn more about her popular client-attracting services, including the infamous “No-Commitment” marketing option, and to sign up for the FREE Marketing Solutions ezine, visit http://www.conniecoach.com