Might make some enemies with this post...
Lets read his post between the lines.
tf8252 said:
Let me simplify this discussion by stating that Marketing massage is no different than marketing ANY OTHER PRODUCT. PERIOD.
This is what I want MT's who read my website to believe because I know practically nothing about the massage industry.
I should clarify where I "sit" before I go on about where I "stand" on this issue. I'm NOT A PRACTITIONER - I'm a Marketer. One who's very passionate about this industry for personal reasons, but that's for another topic.
I have recieved massage in the past and may or may not know someone personally who is a MT.
The trouble is (from my experience) that too many new therapists are not getting good training on how to market themselves or pay someone else to do it.
Why not pay me to do it!
Marketing is SIMPLE: "Make the Phone Ring"
Will this make you successful? No.
Marketing get's the client to your table ONE TIME ONLY - the rest is up to you. If you're not good at what you do they won't come back.
So, if you dont start rolling in dough after you pay for my services, it is your fault because you are a bad MT, not my fault because I am a marketer and my ideas did make your phone ring, so I did my part.
By the way, the Yellow Pages is NOT marketing - it's barely advertising. Its a gamble. Unless you've got thousands to spend on the biggest ad in there with space for lots of information.
I live in a large metropolis with thousands of MT's who advertise in the Yellow Pages. The yellow pages cost a lot of money where I live.
In your marketing you've got to start educating your prospect about the benefits of massage.
I will sell you the same information all the other guys are selling, except I will word it differently. Please buy my program.
Robert Collier, one of the all-time greatest copywriters said there are 6
major motives for human action:
โข Love
โข Gain or Greed
โข Duty
โข Pride
โข Self-Indulgence
โข Self-Preservation
If you think about it, you'll see that Masage encompasses TWO of these powerful motivators...
I hope all this stuff impresses you enough to buy my program.
$60.00 for an hour of the kind of pleasure I get on the massage table is THE BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT! But if I've never had a massage, I don't know that. Tell me this!!
Speak to me (or write) in a way that allows me to create images in my mind of this relaxation or healing.
I can sell you copywrite if you would like, that will be an extra charge.
That's not even mentioning the cleansing benefits that massage brings from helping my body remove toxins built up in my soft tissues.
TELL ME ABOUT THAT?
Tell your clients about massage myths that havent been proven but are still taught. It may get an extra person on your table.
Did you know that over 250.000 people every week are searching for a massage therapist in their home town in the US alone???
Buy my program, I can tell you how to get them on your table.
They're hungry for this information!
The majority of US citizens have never had massage and know nothing about it. Tell them what ever it takes to get them in by you.
But as an alternative practitioner, you've got tough competition for this MULTI-BILLION pharmacuetical industry, and if you don't think that's your competition, you not understanding your whole opportunity in the marketplace.
Every day people go home an turn on the TV and I see 12-20 Pharmacuetical commercials bombarding them with the "wonderful benefits of the simple little pill" (blaaaaah!)
Personally, I prefer alternative types of medical services. Buy my stuff.
So let's make some changes and start talking benefits.
* Get rid of brochures that look like restaurant menus.
* Dont' talk to me about Swedish & NMT and CST and other industry jargon...that' means nothing to me.
* Reach me with Inviting images that depict the benefits you offer (relaxation, peace, health, strenght, vitality
Let me tell you what you shouldnt be doing with your advertising. I may or may not tell you what you should do because I am not really sure what you should do, after all, I am not in the massage industry, I am only a marketer.
Talk to me about ME - and what you can do for ME.
Please give ME money. Buy my stuff.
Take a lesson from the pharmaceutical industry - it's wise..they've SPENT BILLIONS creating ads that are perfectly designed to motivate their audience.
I'm sorry if this is a little harsh, but I'm sharing this because I care deeply about this industry and the success of all practitioners.
I hope it's taken in the spirit that's it's been offered.
There's a battle to be fought for the health and wellness of our neighbors and for their minds...it's time to use the best weapons we have in the fight!!
I want your money. Thank you for your time.