Like with most other occupations, starting your own massage therapy business takes more than just learning the skills of the trade. Here are five tips for making it a success.
Having a massage therapy license is essential to building initial trust and rapport with potential clients. A license signifies that you've had the proper training in an accredited massage program. Most US states now require licensing and some require national certification as well.
Decide where the business will be located. Many beginning massage therapists choose to work for themselves out of their home to reduce rent and other business expenses. Others may opt for sharing office space with another practitioner while still others may choose to do on-site massage at client homes or business'.
Invest in a quality massage table or chair, linens, lotions and oils, audio and other supplies of the trade. Massage tables can be expensive and should be chosen carefully. Most therapists will purchase one while they are still in school, but once beginning their own practice, may determine that a higher quality table is needed. Assess the need for the massage table to determine what type to buy. For instance with a mobile massage practitioner, a lightweight aluminum framed table may be a better option than a heavier duty model.
Adequate massage therapy literature is important to have on hand to supply to clients in-office or to mail to them. Business cards, brochures, letterheads and other literature can be purchased at massage supply companies or easily designed on a home computer with a graphics program.
Massage therapists have a lot of competition. Though the turnover rate for MTs is quite high due to repetitive stress injuries and burnout, large quantities of massage students join the ranks each year. Promoting your business through a variety of marketing techniques is essential to do every week to ensure client retention and to attract new business.
Number 3 is so important. I left a great therapist because her table was terribly uncomfortable. Such a shame because she was really a great healer but would not invest more in her tools.
Great list. My teen daughter wants to go to massage therapy school after high school. I'm sure she'll find this interesting too.
select one here...