Marketing my new practice

[~?~Freebird~?~]

Hello!
Things are going well for me so far. I have started my practice downtown. I only massage in the evenings & weekends, as I am keeping my full time career. For marketing so far I have joined the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce - which is for gay friendly businesses in the area. I have had some good feedback from that so far. They have a mixer every month, so I will be attending the June 1st mixer to hand out cards and network.
I put together a really nice looking folder with some information and a gift certificate for a free 1 hour massage. I went to 4 upscale salons that do not offer massage and introduced myself and handed them the folders. The owner of one of the salons is coming this week for her massage. She has already put my cards on her front reception desk.
I also reached out to a lady that does "life coaching" and reiki. She is coming in this week for a massage. She says that she has clients to refer to me as well.
June 11th is Gay PRIDE in Indianapolis. I will be sharing a booth with the owner of the space where I am renting my room. The event is 8 hours. I plan on having a drawing for a free massage every hour. I also have a slide show set up on my iPad with pictures of my office and some testimonials from existing clients. My goal is to get email adresses and additonal "likes" on my FaceBook page. I'm going to tell them that for a second chance to win a massage to "like" me on FaceBook. I need to get a t-shirt made with my web address on it. I ordered some post cards to hand out with my picture and information with a discount off your first massage.
I have looked at the others posts on the forum for suggestions on advertising at a festival/event. Does anyone else have anything they can offer up as a suggestion?
This forum has been so helpful - from day one as a student to day one of starting my practice. Thank you!!

 

[Joe B]

Marketing my new practice

Matt,

Just so you know, I think the pic on your index page (front page) of your website is very nice. If I were considering finding a male therapist, I would not be put-off or uncomfortable in the slightest - if I only had your pic to make a decision by.

I hope that is helpful in some way.

 

[StrawDog]

Marketing my new practice

Matt,

Just so you know, I think the pic on your index page (front page) of your website is very nice. If I were considering finding a male therapist, I would not be put-off or uncomfortable in the slightest - if I only had your pic to make a decision by.

I hope that is helpful in some way.

Thank you so much for this feedback. I know that some therapists do not feel that it is necessary to show a picture of what they look like - but from my point of view I thought it might help. I want my clients to see that I am a sincere professional and not some creep.

 

[Tsunami]

Marketing my new practice

Sounds like you're doing a lot of great things!

I would urge you not to give away so much massage for free. People can tell if they like your work within 3 minutes, they don't need 60. When I was starting out, I offered certificates for "Complimentary 30 minutes" with an option to upgrade to a full 60 or 90 minutes for half price.

Almost everyone upgrades, especially when you reiterate the offer when booking them (after all, you have to know how long an appointment they want to book them).. then even if they don't go for the upgrade then, leave time in your schedule in case they change their mind while on the table.

Your marketing activities are only successful to the degree that they result in paid business. The sooner you get people used to giving you money in exchange for your valuable time and services, the sooner you will build your practice.

 

[Sara W]

Marketing my new practice

You can also market yourself on your out going message for your voice mail. Mine lets clients know they can book online, that I offer printable gc and fans of my facebook page can enter to win a free massage. And if I am running a special I will also have that in my out going message.

You can do the same thing for an auto reply for your email.

 

[Expressyourself]

Marketing my new practice

Matt, I second what EgoMagickian said about not giving away too much free massage. While I might offer a free session to someone I really wanted to try my work, I never make general offers of more than $10 off a first session. After those sessions are used I send out a welcome postcard with a few other postcards (all in one envelope) offering an additional 30 minuted free when they book a 1 hour session. I thank them for their business and ask if they could help me continue to grow by giving the special offers to others, though I tell them they can take advaneforum.xxxe of it themselves as well.

That said, I LOVE your website!!! Really made me wish we were in the same state even so I could make an appointment! :grin:

(Sorry I don't have any ideas for working events.)

 

[Mintee]

Marketing my new practice

FWIW, I give out about 15 full hour gift certificates per year. I try to send them (gift certificates) to people I think will appreciate them or need to sample my work... ie: a doctor's office I have not worked with before, someone who I have never seen who referred me a client, and even elderly clients who I have talked to on the phone about some other something (maybe they called my office about something else, etc.).

Recently I sent 8 full gift certificates to a small animal rescue center, for the ladies who helped re-locate their location. I have been following them on facebook for a while and know of them from another contact.

Hope that gives you another idea about providing gift certifcates to people.

Since I know how many I give on an average, it keeps me in check to make sure I really think about who I give these too and when I give. Usually they will expire anywhere from 1 - 3 months.


05/25/11 & 06/06/11 - Updated and corrected + typos corrected.

 

[Erica]

Marketing my new practice

I wrote elsewhere:

Do free chair massages at the local Earthfare. Festivals are usually too busy in my opinion and you won't get very many serious folks. The earthfare has worked great for me

 

[clade]

Marketing my new practice

Matt, sounds like you're off to a great start! I think going around to various businesses in your area and offering complimentary massage to the owners is good idea. However, I would just shorten that hour and offer a 1/2 hour. I can't even begin to tell you how much business I've received by giving one or two 1/2 hr gift certificates to local business owners whose businesses compliment mine. Not only have they referred me clients, but they have become clients as well! Giving free short sessions is a great way to introduce others to your work. One caveat is that I only have given gc's to those who are business owners in my community, you have to know WHO to give the gc's in order to reap the benefits and you're already doing just that!

Having photos of your office is also a good idea. When giving chair massage at an event, I've found that the closer you are to your business locale, the more likely your chair clients will become office clients. I write that b/c I've done a LOT of chair massage and the only time that chair clients have become office regulars is when I was offering the chair massage in the neighborhood where my office was located, I've also had pic's of my office and think that really helps. If the location of the event isn't close to your office, I would not give free chair massage, but charge for it. Chair massage clients rarely become your paying clients, unless your office is in their neighborhood. Chair massage is a great way to introduce folks to massage, but when the time comes for them to find a therapist, they're going to look for what's convenient. Now, there are exceptions to the rule, but those are few and far between. Believe me, I've seen chair massage growing around the country and people are lining up and paying today when even a few years ago people would walk by and look in confusion at a massage chair.

It's also not necessary to give away a free hour massage every hour of an event. Just offer one free hour massage drawing for the event, not eight. There's no need to give away that much massage. You have an email list, a contest to lure them in, set up on your facebook--- you really are getting it together!

 

[i H.S.P.]

Marketing my new practice

I would agree with Kathryn in that the place you do your chair massage MUST be in the close neighborhood. They must be the same people who would come to you. The whole foods where I did mine was 1/2 block from my office - so I got many of them. I got esp alot of guys because I have a real firm touch (and Im hot if I do say so myself). But I think that most guys like it deep and very few women can do it (or so Ive been told)

The other point that I liked giving them away, was that it was an easy way to meet people in the neighborhood. I met the guy who painted my house. I met a mechanic. I met a woman whom I have become friends with. So....

Any way, Good luck

 

[Kelly- RIP MJ]

Marketing my new practice

I got esp alot of guys because I have a real firm touch (and Im hot if I do say so myself). But I think that most guys like it deep and very few women can do it (or so Ive been told)

I wouldn't say that either the owner or I are 'hot' and we have many male clients. I'm a little confused there, as most of the successful MTs I know don't base anything on their looks. And what you've been told is wrong. I've had plenty of deep massage from women. The other girl at the shop does the deepest work of anyone I've ever had work on me.

 

[Tyson&Chino]

Marketing my new practice

Well, I do know for sure that being "hot" is not part of my marketing plan! Not sure how we got there.....
Anyway - thank you all for your responses and suggestions. Pride is this weekend. I have almost everything gathered that I need. Last year there were 55,000 in attendance. I can't possibly accommodate chair massage for this large of a number, not to mention that it is outside in a tent - and with the humidity in Indiana it will likely be like a steam bath. I just want to get my name out there and expand my email list. I will let you all know how it goes!

 

[Willow Born 2.2.10<3 (:]

Marketing my new practice

Tranquil.

Again looking at the data from many different reports>>looks and appearances do matter. From the doc who does or does not wear a tie. To wearing hand made boots if you work in Texas (sign of success). to physical appearance.. Once the client is "in the door" then ability takes over.

I too, know many women (myself included) who give deep kneading massages. But from the comments I have heard (and read here) that is not the norm. :undecided:

good luck Matt

 

[flutterby]

Marketing my new practice

With regard to the "hotness" factor and its impact on marketing, yes it is true that SOME clients will seek out a Massage Therapist (or Doctor or whatever service provider) to whom they have a physical attraction. However, I think to MOST clients this really isn't a significant factor. That said, ETHICAL Massage Therapists do not use sexually suggestive methods of marketing their practices NOR do they behave in such a manner toward potential (or existing) clientele.

Hopefully, this thread can now be returned to its original direction.

Matt, I hope all goes well for you this weekend and that this even is a springboard to a long, successful career!

 

[Gret37]

Marketing my new practice

I got esp alot of guys because I have a real firm touch (and Im hot if I do say so myself). But I think that most guys like it deep and very few women can do it (or so Ive been told)

Hey Pete, I am sorry if I feel that I have to defend myself. I am new here and may have typed before I thought. I never said that I use sexually suggestive methods. I don't and I take offense if that is what you are suggesting which I am sure it is not meant to be - although it sounds like it.

My practice is about 80% male which is the opposite of most, I think. I have firm boundaries with draping and do not allow any sexual talk, etc. I think that the first time guys try me instead of the person down the street is that I do look young and athletic and used to be a model. They stay with me because I give a great massage.

For Matt giving chair massages: You will gave to agree that if he dresses in holely jeans and is barefood and looks like a hippy, he will get a different visit than if he looks and dresses professionally with hair combed, etc. ???

 

[========]

Marketing my new practice

I got esp alot of guys because I have a real firm touch (and Im hot if I do say so myself). But I think that most guys like it deep and very few women can do it (or so Ive been told)

Hey Pete, I am sorry if I feel that I have to defend myself. I am new here and may have typed before I thought. I never said that I use sexually suggestive methods. I don't and I take offense if that is what you are suggesting which I am sure it is not meant to be - although it sounds like it.

My post wasn't meant to be viewed as an accusation nor was I suggesting YOU were doing anything improper. However, you did state "and Im hot if I do say so myself" in relation to how (male) clients are drawn to your practice. While you may (or may not) be doing anything unethical (and honestly, either way it's hardly MY business), you do seem aware that perhaps some of your male clients might be coming to you because they find you attractive.

That said, historically when sexually suggestive means of attracting clients are discussed, topics have a habit of being hijacked away from their original purpose (in this case, the OP wanting ideas to help his new practice) and get mired in debates about ethical vs unethical behavior. I was hoping to cut that off at the pass.

I'm sorry you feel so self-conscious...

 

[Pompal 09.]

Marketing my new practice

Hi Matt!

I just checked out your web page and I loved the simplicity of it. It loaded quickly and was Very easy to navigate. I also liked the nice pictures of yourself you choose share.

 

[happybunny101]

Marketing my new practice

Matt, your page is lovely.
One small thing, on your what to expect page, proofread it closely.
I caught a "you" for "your" where you are writing about your arm will be lifted for you.

Can you tell I spent all weekend writing boilerplate? :

Good luck at PRIDE!

 

[Ramer T]

Marketing my new practice

For Matt giving chair massages: You will gave to agree that if he dresses in holely jeans and is barefood and looks like a hippy, he will get a different visit than if he looks and dresses professionally with hair combed, etc. ???

[/quote]
In my day job I manage accounts for Fortune 500 companies. I know the importance of dressing and presenting myself professionally; however this has nothing to do with being "hot."

Matt, your page is lovely.
One small thing, on your what to expect page, proofread it closely.
I caught a "you" for "your" where you are writing about your arm will be lifted for you.

Can you tell I spent all weekend writing boilerplate? :

Good luck at PRIDE!

Thank you so much. I have made the correction to the site. You are awesome!

Hi Matt!

I just checked out your web page and I loved the simplicity of it. It loaded quickly and was Very easy to navigate. I also liked the nice pictures of yourself you choose share.

Thank you! I have spent a lot of time putting things together. I tried to keep things as simple as possible. I truly appreciate your kind words

 

[:bbq:]

Marketing my new practice

I wanted to update you all on how things went at Pride. It was a very long but productive day. I made some good contacts and gathered several email adresses. I have learned one lesson - if I gather emails at a festival in the futre I am going to find a way for people to type their email address into my computer or iPad. When I got home I could not read 20% of the emails.
I entered the emails into my database on Sunday and I sent out a newsletter on Monday. I have already received some feedback and a couple of appointments as a result. Overall I am very pleased with the outcome.
On a much sadder note, one of my classmates from massage school has passed away. She was only 50 years old and hear death was very sudden. She had a heart attack. I'm picking up another classmate later today to attend her funeral.