How to Become a Self Employed Massage Therapist

A massage therapy business offers flexible hours and enjoyable work.

Massage therapists provide valuable services for busy professionals and stay-at-home parents who need a break from the pressures of day-to-day life. As a self-employed massage therapist, you'll provide therapeutic or relaxation message sessions in a calm, private environment. Competition, plus licensing requirements, can make starting and building a successful massage therapy practice a lengthy task. But simple strategies can help you build a profitable, enjoyable business.

Things You'll Need

• Massage space
• Massage table
• Sheets
• Blankets
• Massage oils
• CD player
• Candles
• Incense
• Fliers
• Brochures

Instructions

1. Review the massage therapist licensing requirements for your state (see Resources). Most states require massage therapists to complete coursework and pass a state-mandated exam before providing massage therapy services to clients. Complete the coursework and exam as required by your state.

2. Check with your local small business development office to determine the registration and licensing requirements for your massage therapy business. Your state, county or city may require registration and business licenses for regulation and tax purposes. Complete all registration and licensing applications before you open your doors for business.

3. Rent or lease an enclosed space where you can perform massage therapy services. Unlike other types of businesses, massage therapy requires little space -- you can lease or rent a space as small as 100 square feet in a professional services building. You may also use a spare room in your home to keep costs down while you're building your business. Some massage therapists also visit clients' homes and hotel rooms to perform massage services.

4. Purchase equipment and supplies for your massage therapy space. You'll need a massage table, sheets and blankets, and massage oils. Other items, such as a portable CD player for playing relaxing music, plus candles and incense, can enhance your clients' massage experiences.

5. Start a website to promote your massage therapy business. Include the types of massage services you offer and your contact information, as well as photos of your massage space.

6. Print fliers and brochures for your massage therapy business. Include your contact information, website address and hours of operation so clients can contact you to schedule massage therapy sessions. Hang the fliers and brochures on community bulletin boards and distribute them to retail stores to build awareness of your business.

7. Print and hand out business cards at malls, shopping centers and other high-traffic areas. You can also offer free neck massages at fairs, malls and retail store events to build visibility for your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Supplement your marketing with coupons that provide a discount for an introductory massage session. This encourages people to experience a massage without paying full price. Satisfied customers will typically schedule future massage sessions at your normal rate.

• Ask clients for referrals -- this helps you build your client base while minimizing advertising costs. You can provide discount coupons your current customers can pass on to referral clients to encourage referrals to contact you.

• Check local zoning laws before providing massage therapy services in your home. Zoning laws may prevent you from allowing clients to visit your home if you're in a strictly residential area.

References

• "A Massage Therapist's Guide to Business"; Laura Allen, NCTMB; 2011
• "The Magic Touch"; Meagan R. Holub; 2009

Resources

• Massage Register: Massage License Requirements by State