In these difficult economic times many massage therapists are finding themselves engaging in massage classifieds to market themselves and their specific services to the community. While many Americans find massage to be a luxury reserved for the rich and well-to-do, many others are aware of the much needed benefits of this ancient art.
Benefits of Massage
The benefits of massage include: increase in circulation, slowed respiration and induced relaxation, increased digestion, excretion of waste products/toxins, and elimination of hypertonic muscles. Massage therapists are marketing themselves in local newspapers, the internet, health and fitness flyers and magazines, gyms, chiropractic offices, health and rehabilitation offices, and physical therapy centers. Multi-disciplinary practices are realizing the benefits to their patients and incorporating the services into their established treatment plans. The techniques offered include, but are not limited to, effleurage, petrissage, roulement, tapotement, cross friction massage, trigger point release, Cranial-Sacral therapy, Shiatsu, Reflexology, rain-drop therapy, and various other energy techniques.
Marketing
Massage therapists can market to the specific groups in which they want to focus their practice, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, athletes, or spa clients. They can offer incentives through the massage classifieds such as discounts and/or promotional certificates to bring new clients through the doors. However, many marketing groups still teach that the best way to market oneself is not to advertise but by asking your existing clients/patients if they know of someone that you can help like you have helped them. Referrals are always the best form of bringing in new clients to any practice.
