Massage therapy is a great way for individuals to relax and receive medical treatment. Service-minded entrepreneurs can better meet the needs of these clients by starting a massage business dedicated to helping clients relax and reduce their pain. However, establishing a massage practice can be overwhelming and stressful in itself.
To help you avoid that stress, we’ll guide you through the process. In this article, we’ll cover how to start a massage business in ten steps:
Although you may feel intimidated by all you must do to start a massage business, keep in mind that being a massage therapist is extremely rewarding. You’re able to see the tangible impact of your care on your clients’ well-being and continuously grow by learning a variety of massage techniques. If that appeals to you, then read on!
Massage therapy is regulated in most states, so you must obtain licensing and certification. Each state has its own regulations and requirements. For example:
Usually, you’ll need to:
Note that the massage therapy license is different from the massage business license. The former is a professional certification, whereas the latter is a permit to run a business. You’ll need both to start your own massage practice, but more on that later.
On top of obtaining massage certification, you may also wish to join a massage therapy association. Expert advice is very helpful for massage therapists just starting their businesses, as they won’t have years of experience backing their decisions. By joining an association like the Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), you can network with other therapists, obtain business advice, hear about new opportunities and trends, and even learn industry secrets—all of which will help you further develop and improve your business.
The next step you need to take to start a massage business is to lay out your business plan. This will give you a concrete idea of what you want your business to look like and what you want to accomplish.
In your business plan, you should:
With this plan in hand, you can concretely lay out your vision for the business and determine its feasibility. This document will be the foundation of your massage practice, guiding you to success and profitability.
After you’ve nailed down the details of your business plan and confirmed that this is what you’d like to pursue, it’s time to start bringing your massage practice to life. To start any business, you must fulfill the legal requirements of your state.
Some of the tasks you can expect to complete include:
As a massage business owner, it’s also a good idea to purchase liability insurance. Since you’ll be touching your clients and manipulating their muscles, you’ll want to protect yourself if a client tries to sue you. In some states, this insurance is required for all massage businesses.
Before you move any further, you’ll need to set up your finances. Although this may feel intimidating, keep in mind that your finances aren’t set in stone and you can make adjustments to ensure that your business is a success.
To set up your finances, you should:
You’ll also need to think about how you’ll acquire the funding to start up your business. There are many paths you could take with this, including:
Additionally, it’s helpful to come up with the pricing for your massages at this stage. Based on the budget you’ve created for your expenses and the recurring costs you’ll incur, you can determine prices that are realistic and affordable for clients but also help you reach a certain level of profitability.
This step is a bit more fun than the last few, yet no less important. Your massage business’s name and branding are two main ways that your community and clients will distinguish your practice from all others. That’s why it’s crucial to be thoughtful while you’re making your choice.
Here are some tips:
Although capturing the essence of your business within a single name and color palette may be intimidating, remember that you can always adjust and change both. Businesses undergo name and branding changes all the time—for example, Nike used to be called Blue Ribbon Sports.
You can operate your massage business out of a few different locations, such as:
Each of these options has benefits and drawbacks that you need to consider before you make your choice. You can also be flexible with your massage business operations by offering outcall bookings as an add-on. For example, you might run your practice out of your home but offer outcall bookings as well to capture clients who don’t wish to have their massage at your place of living.
Common items that massage therapists purchase for their practices include:
Ensure that the items you purchase align with the aesthetics and branding that you decided on. If your brand has a focus on being natural, for instance, then you’ll want to purchase wood or bamboo furniture. You can even take it further by purchasing plant-based linens and oils and cruelty-free lotions and creams. Plus, you can purchase potted plants for an extra touch of green.
Although massage software is not technically necessary for running a massage business, the right solution will greatly elevate your business’s operations. These tools can help your practice in a variety of ways, empowering you to:
Although massage therapy software can be a significant investment for a business that is just starting, it’s essential for therapists who are serious about developing their business. The right solution will streamline your business’s operations, freeing up time in your day and making it easier for you to handle any obstacles that arise.
One of the most essential parts of running a business is marketing your products and services effectively. After all, it’s no use if you offer great massages but can’t get anyone in the door. To ensure success with your massage business, you’ll need to establish a marketing strategy.
Common channels that businesses use to market their products and services include:
When you first establish your business, you may not have the bandwidth to manage marketing on multiple different platforms. However, as your business grows, you must diversify your marketing strategy. We recommend focusing on your website and local business listings first and then branching out to social media and email afterward. Once you reach a certain level of profitability, then you can consider paid advertising.
After you’ve set up your business, it’s time to focus on building a loyal customer base. Provide exceptional massages and customer service so that clients leave with a positive experience, helping to secure their repeat business. Make sure to communicate with them by sending appointment confirmations and reminders. And, clearly outline any steps they must take before their appointment, such as filling out intake forms or providing insurance information for massage billing.
Incentivize client loyalty by implementing a reward and referral program. This type of program has two parts:
While acquiring new clients is important for growing your business, it’s more efficient to retain your existing clients to maintain your practice’s financial stability. Don’t overlook the potential connections you can nurture and create through existing relationships!
Additionally, encourage clients to leave feedback on what they think you could improve. One way to do this is by asking them to fill out a feedback form after their appointment. Earnestly consider the feedback you receive and implement suggestions that would improve your massage business.
Starting any type of business is challenging for new entrepreneurs, but it can be very worthwhile. Massage therapy is a rewarding career, and for service-minded individuals, can be extremely fulfilling. With the steps outlined above, you’re well on your way to establishing your own massage business and achieving success.
If you’d like to learn more about running a successful massage business, check out the following resources: