9 Steps Needed to Start Your Own Massage Business

You’ve finally made the decision to do what you love the most; help others heal with massage therapy. You already know how powerful massage can be and want to share it with others.

The problem is, you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re new to the world of massage or simply want to branch out on your own, knowing how to get your business off the ground takes research.

Certification

If you’re considering starting your own massage therapy business, chances are that you’re already certified. If you are, then you’re one step ahead of the game. If you aren’t, this is a great starting point. Most states require certification, so research your state’s requirements and then choose a program that’s accredited. Proper certification not only teaches you the proper massage techniques but can also protect you legally.

Keep in mind you will need to maintain your certifications to keep your license in good standing. Depending on where you live and work, proper certification may include continuing education requirements or re-certification examinations.

Create a Business Plan

When written down, a dream becomes a plan. After becoming certified, the next step is to create a business plan. Part of becoming of your own boss means creating a realistic business plan to transform your dreams into a reality. If you aren’t familiar with business plans, you can find numerous free templates online.

Be sure to think about start-up costs and how much money will need to keep your business thriving. What type of equipment will you need? Will you go to your clients’ home or will you have a brick-and-mortar location?

Research other massage therapy businesses to get an idea of what they are charging for their services. Make sure you know your competition prior to creating both your business plan and marketing strategy.

Develop a Marketing Strategy

This step can make or break your business. Even when you’re marketing to the masses, you still want to speak to everyone as if they are the only one. When creating a marketing strategy, keep these following tips in mind:

• Create a unique logo.
• Choose a business name that piques interest.
• Build a website.
• Learn the right way to implement SEO. No one can find you if aren’t showing up on Google.
• Create an online presence. Where does your target audience hang out?

Buy Liability Insurance

Whether you’re going to the grocery store or taking a family vacation, you need car insurance to drive legally and protect yourself in case of an accident. Similar to driving, even though you follow all the rules and do things by the book when working, accidents can still happen. Having liability insurance protects both you and your business in case of an accident. When purchasing your plan, be sure to read the massage liability details. Different packages cover different items. Make sure you’re properly protecting yourself.

Register Your Company

Oddly enough, a lot of budding entrepreneurs forget to register the business, Research the different types of business entities and decide which is best for you. Some massage therapy businesses are registered as an LLC while others register as an individual proprietor. Weigh all of your options before making a final decision.

Offer Loyalty Programs

Once you get the ball rolling, it’s important to offer incentives. The competition is fierce, so you need to stand out. Offer promos and referral promotions to increase traffic.

Learn Email Marketing

Email marketing is not the same as your marketing strategy. When people land our your website, you need to reel them in and make them want to know more about you. Delve into email marketing and learn how to create captivating landing pages to capture potential leads’ email addresses.

Organize a Pop-Up Shop

Find out where you can open a pop-up shop and offer free 5-minute massages. Putting a name with a face is a great way to boost revenue and spread positive reviews.

Join Entrepreneur Groups

Surround yourself with like-minded people and learn from them. Your niche isn’t important, however, networking and learning from others is invaluable.

Be Patient

Lastly, be patient. Building a business takes time, sweat and possibly a few tears. But in the long run, it will be worth it.

Starting your own business is something many people dream about. With so many resources at your fingertips, getting started has never been easier. The key to success is putting together a solid plan and then following through. The more time you spend planning, the more likely you are to avoid potential setbacks down the road.