Let’s face it, while massage therapy is a health related service, many of your clients view it as a luxury. So when the economy goes down the tubes, you feel the pinch. But there are ways to increase your business. Below are several basic ways in which you can use the right marketing and services to increase your customer base.
1. Focus More On Customers That Count
More than likely you have a handful of customers that provide the bulk of your business. Spend a little more time and money on marketing to them. You can offer them added services at special rates or you could even pay them for referrals that they send you. In fact, you could even offer to pay them a modest amount for every time their referral pays you for your services. That would definitely be a motivating factor in getting them to send you a lot of referrals. Also, since they are typically your happiest customers, they will give you the warmest leads.
2. Have A Newsletter
Never underestimate the power of newsletters. This could be a physical newsletter in the mail or an email newsletter. Email newsletters are much less costly. Send it out once a week to your customers. Include tips on body care and occasional throw in special discounts if used by such and such date to include a sense of urgency. For email newsletters, you can use constantcontact.com for premade email templates and email sending services. Makes it very easy for you. Be sure to always ask for your customer’s email address so that you can send them notices of special discounts and useful information. This is also a great way to get the word out on your retail products.
3. Accept Credit Cards
Many of your competitors do not offer this service. This will give you a competitive edge. It also gives your clients an opportunity to pay when they are short on cash. A good move especially in a down market. A Dial Pay account you can use with just a cell phone is usually an ideal fit for a message therapist. You can use it in your place of business or at a clients location. When you accept credit cards by phone, it is also less costly on the monthly fees.
