Creative (low cost) marketing ideas

[racism is unbecoming]

I just wanted to add that I have tried so many marketing ideas. Some have been successful and some not. The important thing is to never stop doing it. You always have to be doing some sort of marketing for your business. I would have to say, marketing that I have tried when I started my career probably woudn't work so well today. Our market is very saturated now, which I believes makes a difference. But, keep trying. Recently I joined a networking group and I have to say it has brought me new regular clients and about $1,000 extra a month in income. This particular group is only $60 a year. Totally worth the investment and I have met some great people. I am even planning their annual mixer this year. Get involved with people as much as you can. I believe this business takes a special kind of person. You not only have to be a talented therapist, but have the personality that makes people connect with you. Good luck!! Oh, and I agree with earlier posts about CL. I put several ads on there every week. I think more of us legit therapists need to post ads also. But because of this, my ads stick out to those people looking for legit bodywork and the hits on my website have gone up from about 200 visits a month to over 1,200 a month. I want people to visit my web site. It keeps my name out there as much as possible. I encourage all of you therapists to post ads on CL.
http://craigslist.com

 

[NoLuv4Hoes]

SandyO, I know there are some obvious answers to this, but what, in your opinion, makes your CL ad different so that it stands out to folks looking for legitimate MT? Is it that you have one of the only legit looking ads, or is it something else?

Thanks....

 

[d_r_siva]

My ad stands out because most of the people posting are posting for
sexual massage and such. My ad is titled with my business name. "Integrity Bodywork & Wellness". I don't know if it stands out per say, but I am one of the few that advertises legit massage on CL. I also post ads in other caeforum.xxxories too. Like creative services and general caeforum.xxxory. Also, I make sure to post my logo or some sort of massage pic. and of course my web link.

 

[Kellana]

palpable: I have posted on CL many times. It has brought me some calls and 2 clients for a current total of 3 visits to my office. I think a lot of the people who use CL to find a bodyworker are looking for a "bargain" massage and are likely to come if you are offering a discount and then move on to another place for another discount.

Posting a link to your website if you have one generally gets the point across that you are not a therapist that offers "extras" (provided that your site is professional in wording and design). I also always add something like "This is a non sexual service" right at the end of the ad. I don't want to deal with a bunch of time wasting calls trying to feel me out to see if I will offer more than massage.

It would be nice if more "legit" postings for massage showed up on CL. I think it kind of depends on the area you live in as to whether or not there will be a lot of erotic ads in the "therapeutic" section. Unfortunately the sex posts on my local CL board are posted more and more often and getting less subtle.