Marketing your massage business is more than word-of-mouth advertising. It is about knowing where you are and where you are going to get to where you want to be. Does your marketing plan have measurable goals that you can follow?
Understanding your product or service is part of developing an effective marketing plan. There are general features of a therapeutic massage therapy treatment such as the massage table, draping sheets or towels, massage oil, lotion, or cream product and many more. Comparatively, all automobiles have the same features such as a steering wheel, brake pedal, gas pedal, and others, but what it is that is setting them apart are the features.
Some features can also be benefits such as increased circulation, aids in the recovery of muscles due to exertion and fatigue, reduces muscle spasms, tension, and cramping, and the many other benefits of receiving a therapeutic massage. But what other benefits can make your service valuable to your consumer? Is it that you put socks on your clients' feet after a foot reflexology treatment? People will generally buy benefits, not just features. It's the difference between buying a Corvette Stingray sports car or a GM Sierra 4x4 pickup truck.
Who do you sell to? Everyone, you say. Perhaps that is not the best strategy. By utilizing the marketing techniques in transparent marketing, it will allow you to define your target market consumer and identify what you should advertise as well as where to advertise to get the best bang for your buck.
In very general terms, consumers are attracted to therapeutic massage therapy or spa treatments for three reasons - stress reduction, pain management, and wellness and pampering. What category do your clients fall under? After gathering data on your target market - perhaps even from your own files - you will be able to identify why certain advertising attempts work and why others fail terribly. Designing your advertising plan accordingly will save you time and money in unsuccessful marketing attempts.
Also advertising in methods that your target market is already familiar with will greatly increase your success in reaching your perspective and hopefully - soon to be - current and future consumer. By understanding your product and your consumer, you can make your therapeutic massage therapy business a success. |
