Bells & Whistles In Your Massage Studio
(and why they’re worth it)
Welcome back to another Monday with the Mavens. We created the Massage Mavens blog to connect with and educate self-employed massage therapists working to grow as business owners.
It can be lonely working for yourself – and we’re here to remind you that while you’re in business for yourself, you don’t have to be in business by yourself.
While we cater our content to independent MTs, all massage therapists are welcome here; whether you run your own independent massage therapy studio, you contract in a clinic, work in spa, or you are still in school.
Dressing up your studio- and your services.
Massage is such a fun industry. We all try to carve out and occupy our own little space along the Relaxation-To-Rehabilitation Spectrum. But there’s one universal truth that applies to all of us. (Unless you are a 100% orthopedic practitioner with a sterile, clinical-style room – where you leave the lights on and don’t bother to play any music.) That truth is that your clients are always partly there for the bodywork, and partly there for the experience.
There is no use in denying it.
Clients want to step out of their daily lives and into a space where they are seen, heard, and prioritized – that’s why they seek out massage.
Now here’s my own two cents: Lean in to it. It will help you stand out from the crowd. Make your studio feel like the most important person in the room by going above and beyond to anticipate their needs (and fulfill them) before anyone even has to ask. Most won’t. Those who do will make an impression. And - gasp! - as a note to you ortho-heavy therapists; helping your clients feel pampered and at-ease does not in any way diminish your ability to also help them navigate their injury rehab process.
The non-negotiables every bodyworker should have available to their clients:
- Water
- Mints
- A restroom somewhere in the building
- First Aid Kit
And additional things to consider:
- A small snack like trail mix for clients to take with them
- Makeup wipes for the women who have to go back to the office
- Hot tea for before or after
- Hair ties
- Bobby Pins
- Dry Shampoo
- Tampons
- Eye covers
- Weighted pillow for period cramps
Almost every client will notice that you’ve thought to include these details, but ultimately, most will not utilize them. This means they’re incredibly affordable to stock and supply.
And the occasional client who does come in with extra bad cramps, or has a meeting to attend right after their session will 100% remember that YOU are the therapist that went the extra mile to accommodate their needs without even batting an eye.
Thanks for stopping by!
As always, we’d love to hear how our content has helped you improve either your studio, your mindset, or your revenue as a self-employed massage therapist.
Rachel Martin, LMT, is an independent massage therapist living in Denver Colorado. Having built her solo massage studio to capacity, she now spends her free time helping other massage therapists do the same. Check out Six Figure Studios, Queen Street Marketplace, and The Techy MT to learn more.
