Massage Therapy Business Tips
October 12, 2024
Pursuing a career in massage therapy opens up a world of diverse opportunities. Whether you're drawn to traditional paths like wellness centers or clinics, or you envision a more unique niche, the possibilities are vast. This article will explore various career options for massage therapists, offering fresh ideas to expand your professional horizons.
In this article, you will learn:
Discover how to expand and thrive in different types of massage therapy careers.
When you pursue a career in massage therapy, your career can go many different directions. Traditional paths include working in a wellness center, clinic, spa, or starting your own massage business. As a business owner, you can get creative about the services you offer and what you specialize in.
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including everything from tranquil candlelit rooms to the sidelines of sporting events. The type of massage therapy you practice can open doors to different kinds of massage therapy careers. Whether you want to work with a specific segment of the population, like expecting moms, or you want to master a specific massage modality, you have options.
If you’re looking for outside-the-box ideas to liven up your massage career, here’s a list of unique massage therapy service ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Now, let’s look at how these unique services can open doors to different types of massage therapy careers. Keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive list. Use these ideas to kickstart your brainstorming.
If you had a desk job before becoming a massage therapist, you know first-hand how tedious and stressful it can be. Which means, you know how to sell the benefits of massage to corporate clients. This employee benefit can increase morale and productivity almost immediately.
Corporate chair massage is a great way to supplement your income outside your primary practice. You can spend a few afternoons a week in different offices providing short massage sessions to employees. If you obtain enough corporate clients, this could even turn into a full-time gig.
You’ll meet people from all over the world doing chair massages at the airport. Who knows where those connections will take you?
The hours are really flexible. Since planes come and go at all hours, there are potential clients killing time at the airport literally all day long. You can build your work schedule around the things that matter to you, instead of being tied to traditional work hours. Isn’t that one of the perks of being a massage therapist? Put it into action.
Baby showers are a unique opportunity to meet new clients, promote your services, and get paid all at the same time. Historically, baby showers are known for f women gathering together to give gifts and play silly games (games most guests don’t really want to play). Now, if there was a chance to win a massage gift certificate by winning the game, people would be more excited to play.
You can charge a flat rate to work the shower and give guests mini massages throughout the event. Pass out your business cards. Raffle off a gift certificate, and don’t forget to mention how prenatal massage is a great gift for expecting moms.
Special events like conferences, sporting events, community events, and fundraisers are excellent opportunities to sell your services and get more business exposure. If you’re interested in working a special event, reach out to the event organizers.
Many event hosts are thrilled to have a massage therapist onsite. Set up a booth or a massage chair in the corner, and sell massage sessions to attendees. Consider handing out business cards with a new client discount they can use when they visit your clinic. This is a great way to attract new clients.
Weddings and wedding showers can be a profitable niche for massage therapists. If you work with other massage therapists in a spa or wellness center, consider creating spa packages or bridal party experiences.
If you want to work in the wedding industry, consider creating services for taming pre-wedding jitters, bachelorette parties, wedding showers, and even couple’s massages. You can offer luxury services at premium prices in this market.
Do you suffer from wanderlust? Massage therapists have the opportunity to work in the travel industry. Working on a cruise ship gives you a chance to travel the world, meet and work with a diverse group of people, and earn a good living.
Keep in mind, living on a cruise ship isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. It’s not a vacation, and you won’t have much control over your schedule. However, massage therapists on cruise ships are some of the best paid therapists in the industry according to the latest 2024 AMTA report.
If you want to supplement your income with virtual services, start brainstorming ideas on things you’re qualified to teach that don’t require in-person interaction. Self-care classes, coaching, workshops, and lunch & learn events are ways massage therapists can make money online.
Offering virtual services can diversify your income, foster massage therapy career longevity, and connect you with more potential clients.
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Choosing to specialize in a specific massage modality, or working with a very specific group of people can help you create the type of massage career you want. Highly sought-after types of massage therapy speciality include:
The opportunity to specialize is infinite, as there are dozens of modalities to choose from. Choose something you’re passionate about, and target people who need it. You can build your whole practice around that.
To market your massage business effectively, utilize marketing tools like social media, email newsletters, and your website. Implement marketing strategies such as offering promotions, client referral programs, and engaging content. Tailor your approach to target your ideal clients and maintain consistent communication.
If you want first-hand advice from seasoned massage therapists, check out this recap of a lunch and learn session we did on massage marketing.
Marketing your massage business locally should be your first plan of action. Help potential clients find your website by creating a Google Business profile and implementing local SEO strategies. Network in-person with members of the community and fellow health and wellness professionals, and invest in good signage for your business.
Use social media to increase your visibility. Post at least a few times a week, and respond to as many comments as you can. Share education and inspiration on self-care and massage. Even if not many people engage with your massagesocial media posts, many people see them.
Your current clients are the best people to market your services to you. Use email marketing to promote new services, build customer loyalty, and get more referrals. This extends your relationship beyond the massage room and keeps you top of mind.
You can advertise your massage business online, in-person, and with physical marketing material. Hand your business card to people you meet in everyday interactions. Network with local business owners to create cross-promotional strategies, or consider investing in paid advertising like facebook ads for your massage business.
No matter which path your massage therapy career follows, ClinicSense has everything you need to run your practice - from managing clients to marketing your unique services.
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