How to Start a Massage Business
Starting a massage business is no more difficult than any other business and can be a rewarding career choice. Massage therapists have particular needs that other businesses do not face.
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Instructions
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What Type of Business Do You Want?
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Decide what type of business you want to run. Should you focus on chair massage, outcalls, or would you rather have clients come to a clinic space? This decision will not only outline the equipment needed for a successful business, but also the type of setting necessary and type of clients to target in a marketing campaign.
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Focus on what massage modalities would best serve the clients. Most therapists master anywhere from two to four modalities to use on clients, but more can be learned if a therapist wishes to offer a wider variety of massage styles.
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Decide whether or not to sell products related to massage. The up-front costs to stock products such as massage lotions, moisturizers, or implements can be significant, but the profits can be substantial. Initially choosing not to stock products for sale when you start your business does not mean you cannot stock products later. You can also decide to make some of your own products, although it may not be worth the time taken away from massaging to concoct a batch of foot scrub or a custom-made massage lotion.
Locating and Operating Your Business
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Pick an underserved area to set up shop. The massage industry is an exploding field, with storefront clinics and home-based practices springing up all over the country. In some areas, there are more massage therapists than there are clients, meaning a new business will likely face a struggle to survive. By focusing on an area that is not inundated with therapists, your business stands a better chance of surviving.
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Set up your clinic space depending on the type of treatments you will perform. However, every type of massage practice needs a lobby, a separate treatment room, and a space for storing supplies and confidential records on each client.
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Determine who your target audience is, and tell them you are there. Take an aggressive approach to marketing. Have business cards printed with all the information a potential client needs to contact you. Placed ads in local newspapers, on the radio or even on television, bearing in mind the cost for each type of ad. One good venue for massage therapists to advertise is a free weekly paper found in most communities. Short ads can often be placed for free or at low cost. Each therapist should always carry a stack of business cards to hand out at every opportunity. Offering a discount is a good way to get the word out, too.
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Keep records on clients and finances. Develop client record forms and a simple spreadsheet for income and expenses. Often these forms can be found for free online or are available through an association like the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, or the American Massage Therapy Association.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared for long hours. Be aware that it can take up to six months before you begin to see steady clientele. You may be forced to step out of your comfort zone when looking for new ways to attract customers or find new markets for your services.
