Top 4 Ways to Get More Massage Clients (Most Successful Advertising Methods)

To get more massage clients:

1. Use word of mouth
2. Network with complementary professionals
3. Optimize your Google Business Profile
4. Improve your professional online presence

Attract more massage clients by using word-of-mouth marketing. It’s the most trusted way to advertise and encourage customer referrals. Also, expect good results when you nurture relationships with wellness providers. Partner at events to gain referrals and grow your client base without expensive ads.

A Google Business Profile reaches people searching for massage therapy services nearby. Those searching for massage services can immediately find your practice. Aside from Google, it is important to focus on websites and your social media profiles. How they look affects how a client books with you. Tools are available to keep your business current and SEO-friendly without taking too much of your time.

This guide has 4 proven methods that create sustainable growth for your practice. With people looking for massages in your area, you can get 67% increase in bookings. 

1. Get Massage Clients Through Word of Mouth

Attract more massage clients immediately through building trust with word-of-mouth marketing. People trust recommendations from those they know, whether you’re new or established. In fact, more than 80% of clients choose massage therapists according to referrals. To get satisfied clients to share their positive experiences:

• Ask for referrals naturally. After a massage session, when clients share their experience, simply ask if they know anyone who would want massage services too. Keep the conversation light and authentic without being pushy.
• Incentivize and reward. Create a referral program offering discounts on the next session, free aromatherapy, or more massage time. Add loyalty cards after 5 referrals or sessions for a complimentary massage.
• Encourage reviews and testimonials. Ask clients to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Send follow-up emails with direct links to your review pages. Positive reviews influence people searching for local massage services and improve online rankings.

Pat Flynn says that word-of-mouth starts when people have experiences worth sharing. Feature your past customers to build brand identity and ask for recommendations. Remember that people share when they’ve experienced results. So, focus on delivering massage experiences that clients talk about.

2. Network Massage Services with Complementary Professionals

Chiropractors, physical therapists, and other health practitioners are good partners to work with. These networks keep referrals coming without spending too much on paid ads. Partner with upscale yoga studios or premium wellness centers for higher-value clients. Here’s how to build these partnerships:

• Identify the partners you want to work with. Chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and yoga/Pilates instructors are strong candidates. For stress-relief clients, consider gyms, spas, and mental health counselors. Create a list of local massage complementary businesses in your area.
• Reach out and propose a partnership. Contact these professionals with a friendly, professional offer to collaborate. Explain the mutual benefits and create a cross-referral plan, possibly offering 10% off the first session for referred clients.
• Come up with joint promotions and stay connected. Host workshops together, display each other’s brochures, and thank partners for referrals.

Michael Foreman recommends building authentic relationships with a “How can I help you?” mindset rather than immediately selling your services. Follow up after meeting with a personalized thank-you email and handwritten notes—his “secret sauce” that increases response rates to 70-75%.

3. Optimize Your Massage Business’ Google Business Profile

Generate massage clients by using Google Business Profile as a free marketing tool. It places your business in front of local customers looking for a “massage therapist near me”. With 46% of Google local searches, your next client is always around your city. Here’s how to advertise on the world’s largest search engine:

• Claim and complete your Google Business profile. Get a profile on Google Business and verify ownership of your listing. Select “Massage Therapist” as the primary category and add others like “Sport Massage” if applicable. Your business name, address, and phone number must match what’s on your website.
• Optimize your content on description, services, and photos. Write a business description that includes keywords like “Licensed massage therapist in [City] offering deep tissue, Swedish, and prenatal massage.” Include persuasive words like “soothing,” “rejuvenating,” and “therapeutic”. Upload images of your treatment room, logo, and a professional photo of yourself.
• Gather reviews and engage. Send follow-up messages with a direct link to leave a Google review. A strong rating of at least 4.5+ out of 5 encourages 88% to trust you. Respond professionally to all reviews and use Google Posts to share promotions or massage tips.

John Reneisch optimized his Google Business listing by choosing the best primary category. He sets up products and services with descriptions to rank higher in local map searches. Reneisch answers Q&As before clients even ask them. Cover questions like “What types of massage do you have?” while posting weekly updates about special promos or wellness tips to maintain activity on Google.

4. Build a Professional Presence Online (Massage Therapy Website and Social Media)

Jel Reyes created a mobile-responsive website displaying her services, pricing, and contact information. She added high-quality visuals and testimonials that build trust with prospects. On social media, Reyes focuses on platforms where her target audience spends time. She sets up advertisements with photos of what her business looks like. Reyes says that replying to comments and messages shows you are attentive and caring.

How to Retain Clients for Massage Therapists?

• Be consistent in providing quality service. Deliver the best massage experience every time a customer comes. Set high standards with your services because it builds trust and keep your customers coming back for more. 
• Personalize treatment plans. Create customized strategies for each of your clients. Note their preferences, pressure levels, and problem areas for reference during future sessions.
• Follow up and communicate. Send messages 24 to 48 hours after appointments and ask them how they are feeling. Show that you care about their progress.
• Create loyalty programs. Present discounts on every fifth session or package deals at lower rates.
• Make rebooking smooth. Suggest booking their next session before they leave or sending automated reminders for their next massage.
• Give out birthday or anniversary specials. Give clients small discounts or free extras on special occasions to make them feel valued.
• Share educational resources. Share self-care tips between appointments and provide stretching techniques or ergonomic advice positions.
• Accommodate flexible hours when possible. Go for some evening or weekend slots to make regular massage therapy more accessible.
• Ask for feedback. Regularly ask about their massage experience and suggestions. Make a commitment to consider their opinions and improve their care.

Can I Market My Massage Therapy Business with Website Builders?

Website builders for massage therapists market your business beyond just building websites. These platforms include tools that attract and convert massage customers. Most builders have SEO features that rank your site and are mobile-friendly. Snapps.ai has an appointment scheduling tool and email marketing integration. You get to send promotions to past clients, and connect your content to different platforms automatically. Website builders are complete marketing hubs that grow the customer base successfully.