Economic shifts are challenging for any small business. Massage therapy practices are no different. A careful review of your existing marketing plan and advertising strategies could aid in keeping your practice moving forward.
Clients come in a wide variety as the services offered. A tight pocketbook with little discretionary funds will test the value that the client places on your services.
For instance, a person that perceives your services as a necessary health and wellness benefit will sacrifice other less important purchases, such as going to the movies, to receive your services. If your services are viewed as a luxury service, the client will balance the purchase of your services with other perhaps less expensive services or items.
Where the client places your services will depend upon how well you understand your target market and how well you communicate your massage therapy services to them.
Marketing Your marketing strategy should effectively communicate the value that you provide the client. It should highlight the benefit that clients receive from your services. Your client should be reminded of that benefit each and every time that they receive your services.
One method to enhance your services in this regard is to provide additional resources for after your service. Abetted, massage therapy benefits are generally temporary and require repeat sessions to develop upon that benefit.
Provide your client with additional resources that he/she can utilize at home.
For example, offer handouts on complementary therapeutic exercise, sample packets of stress-reducing bath salts, or research on the benefits of drinking more water or stretching before exercise.In a tightening economy, these added features become more important. Consumers will continue to purchase from an establishment were they are "getting their money's worth".
Advertising Advertising techniques for many massage therapists include a marketing strategy based primarily on word-of-mouth advertising. While word-of-mouth advertising is an excellent source for new clientele; other advertising techniques should be utilized to retain your existing clientele.
It is a well-known fact, that gaining a new client is more expense than retaining an existing one! For that reason, retaining clientele in a any economy is a matter of practicing good marketing techniques.
Recognizing and rewarding repeat clients is an excellent method for assisting those that are struggling to remain with your practice due to increasing financial burdens.
For example:
Provide additional service benefits in the form of an add-on treatment, such as an European facial, aromatherapy, or foot scrub, to a standard treatment, such as Swedish massage, is an excellent service strategy.
Offer a packaged service with a reward through the purchase of five massages, the sixth one free.
The possibilities are endless and require only a bit of imagination. Your clients will appreciate your courtesy and will in turn, reward you by repeat business that will more than pay for itself in the long run.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 View other articles written by Cherisa Chapa(302)
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