You need a cheerleader.

That’s what I’ve learned after talking to a slew of you during the free 20 minute massage marketing consultations this week.

So here we go. Five cheerleader-y things for you.

1. You Are Absolutely Worth It.
You have studied. You have done your work. You have made the commitment. You — and your profession — deserve to be taken seriously. Yes. You really do.

So many massage therapists, estheticians, energy workers, etc. that I talked to are giving their services away in far too many fundraisers. Or are afraid of raising their rates. Or most of their clients respond only when a deep discount is offered.

“5 Cheerleader-y Things: Encouraging your massage marketing efforts” continues »

I got an email recently asking for suggestions on getting in to see human resource directors.

There are dozens of books with suggestions and cover letter samples for marketing your massage practice to businesses / corporations. Rather than rehash what’s already out there. I thought I’d call a couple business HR directors in the area. I want to know what it would take for them to meet with a bodyworker.

How Hard Can It Be?
Shouldn’t be a problem, I thought. I’ve met these directors. I’m not asking them to hire or contract with anyone. I just want information.

“Hello? Human Resource Directors? Hello?: A brief attempt to market massage to businesses” continues »

Okay, so Beth King sent me a monster email asking about contacting health care providers and asking for referrals. The last couple entries have addressed letters of introduction and resources for examples.

This entry is about marketing to and educating doctors about massage after you’ve sent out the formal letters.

Engage Your Clients
You should start by looking at your clients’ HCPs anyway. These are medicos who have already seen the effect of your work. Your clients have most likely mentioned you to their doctor. Capitalize on that. Start with them.

“Marketing Massage to Health Care Providers: Roll up your sleeves and get in there” continues »

Beth King sent in three good questions recently. The second was about introducing yourself to doctors.

“We’re told in school and publications to introduce ourselves to the doctors in the community, get them to send us referrals.  HOW?  Make an appointment and while I’m sitting there with my shirt off, tell him I want him to send his other patients to me?  It’s not like I can drop off a box of my hands and a pile of notepads and say ‘Here, free samples!’”

In this entry I’m going to talk about writing the letter of introduction. We’ll cover other ways to market your massage practice to doctors and other health care providers in the next entry.

“Introducing Yourself to Health Care Providers: Tips on writing a letter of introduction” continues »

As a society, we expect immediate results. All crimes and social blunders are solved in an hour. The guy gets the girl in 90 minutes. We get hot water on demand and popcorn in three minutes. And health practitioners call back within 45 minutes. Right?

Hmm … Maybe not.

As a single practitioner, you are not always able to call people back or return emails within the hour. Sometimes not until the end of the day. The idea of losing a booking or potential client has just got to stick in your craw.

“Refresh Daily: Keep marketing by keeping your massage clients in the loop” continues »

When a new client comes for their first appointment, they need to be able to find you easily.

Decent signage and clear directions are how you are going to get them to you. This is the most basic of massage marketing basics. Some would argue it isn’t even marketing. But if your directions are muddled and your sign is an a weency little thing tacked at the bottom of a huge hairstyling salon sign, what kind of impression are you making on your new clients?

Flakey, cheap and without pride. I’m pretty sure you’re not any of those things. But how is a new client to know?

“Be Seen, Be Found: Basic basics for marketing your massage practice” continues »

When a potential client visits your website, you have about 5 (five) seconds to tell them what they want to know before they go somewhere else.

In the last couple few entries I’ve focused on the importance of knowing who your ideal clients are and what they truly want.

Of course they want to know how to contact you, where you are located, that you are professional and what your fees are.

Truly the first thing they want to know is how your work is going to better their lives.

Tell them first thing.

You can be very matter-of-fact and say:
“Why You Should Book a Session with Me: Marketing massage on your website” continues »

Newsletters are the way people, your potential clients, expect to get their education about you and your work. Here are seven basic ways a newsletter will support your practice:

1. Education. It’s understood that if your clients see how your work positively impacts their lives then they will be more inclined to see you more often. They will be more inclined to value your work and encourage their friends to see you.

“7 Ways Newsletters Make You Look Good: Educating your clients, marketing your practice” continues »

This month’s eMarketing Minutes is emailing out soon.* This month we (meaning Diana) found a bunch of excellent articles about creating copy for your business cards. I’m featuring my favorite in this entry because 1) I don’t want anyone to miss it and 2) I’d like to share some specific ways these ideas can bend to meet massage / bodywork marketing needs.

How to Order, Design and Use Personal Business Cards in a New Way is an article with a nice balance between slightly out-of-the-box and reality. “Getting Specific with Business Cards: An effective way to focus on your clients” continues »

I had a Sad Marketing Massage Moment this weekend.

Two lovely massage therapists had their chairs set up at the Fourth Annual St Martin’s Dragon Boat Races. I watched them the whole morning. They had three customers. Sad.

Here’s what was going on:

• There were 24 dragon boat teams of at least 21 people each, plus the spare rowers and all the support folks.

“Dipping in Your Oar: Notes on marketing massage at local events” continues »