Have a Website? Great. Now Keep Marketing.
Having a website is becoming a must-have for massage practices these days — but there is a big But. The snazziest website may be a component of marketing, but it can only do so much. More and more people are using the internet to find the closest, most affordable or most experienced massage therapist, spa or skin care specialist. Your website can take care of the basics — like your menu, fees and directions. It can help establish your professionalism and a sense of who you are and what you offer. But if your goal is to create more loyal clients, you need to reach out with something that can be passed on from your satisfied clients. These are the clients who have already experienced your warmth, your concern and your ability to help them feel better.
One very persuasive marketing message is a recommendation from someone who can vouch for you. This is why so many bodyworkers say their main marketing method is word-of-mouth. The words of your clients, colleagues, friends and family telling others what a great massage you give, or how you helped get rid of the pain that had been plaguing them for months can do wonders for building your practice. You can’t, however, simply wait around your office, hoping all those people who hear from your satisfied clients are going to come flooding in.
You have to use marketing strategies that boost the efforts of whoever is telling others about you. Here are just a few ways, out of many, to do it.
1. Give friends and satisfied clients business cards, and ask them to pass them on.
2. When someone buys a gift certificate, find out a little about the receiver. Include your business card and a brochure or article about something targeted to that person. For example, is the recipient a sports enthusiast? Include a brochure on Massage for Sports and Fitness.
3. Send postcards announcing your special “spa treatment” of the month or your package rate, for example, “Buy 5 sessions for the price of 4.” State that the offer is also good for friends and family of your client.
This is marketing that can reach people in multiple ways — showing that you care for your clients, and also for their wider circle of friends and family.
Your business cards, gift certificates, brochures, postcards and any other marketing materials should include your website and/or email address as well as your phone number. People can then go to your website to find more information, schedule an appointment, or email you with their questions. Be sure that your website is attractive and that information is easy to find. That will support the impression that you are a professional resource that can help people with their challenges.
There’s no doubt that the internet has helped small businesses tremendously. But despite the way the internet has changed our world for the better, reaching out with attractive brochures, business cards and/or postcards that can be passed from hand to hand is still essential for building a flourishing practice. |
|
Clearance Sale
