Even though you may see this time as a forced vacation, massage therapists can take this opportunity to turn their lives around. Would you rather come out of this with nothing to show, or use this situation as a chance to better your life, better your team, better your massage practice? No matter who you are, you’ve undoubtedly complained you just don’t have enough time to do the things you want to do. Well then, as massage therapists, let’s make the most out of it now, shall we? Here are 11 ways you can improve your massage business for the better.
1. Download an eBook
There are literally tons of free or low-cost eBooks available to download from the Internet. While some people may choose to download directly to an eReader like their Kobo, you certainly don’t need one. With Amazon, for instance, you can read eBooks directly from your PC by downloading their Kindle software. If you’re interested in some good reading and want to up your business game, then why not choose some books on new, interesting massage techniques that you’ve always wanted to learn more about them. Or, how about even some top-sellers on how to market your massage business and increase income?
2. Create a social media plan
If you’ve yet to use social media for your massage practice, then there’s no better time then right now. Sign up for the most popular platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter. These apps are super simple to use, just follow the prompts to create an account. Next, think about what content you want to share with your followers. Consider the types of cases you typically see at work, since that’s an excellent place to start. Do you see golfers, office workers, athletes, children or seniors? Narrow down the kind of injuries and issues they typically have and write up some simple content that you believe would appeal to them, like a basic stretching routine for lower back pain or steps on how to use a tennis ball for trigger point pain. Also, create Facebook and Google Plus business pages to make it easy for potential customers to find you.
3. Pre-sell massage gift certificates
It’s always a good time to buy a gift certificate for a massage! Whether it’s for a birthday, a special gift, a holiday, or 
even a way to tell your employees that you truly appreciate them, there’s no reason why you can’t pre-sell your services right now. Worried none of your clients will be interested? Why not make the prospect of buying your gift certificates more enticing by offering a special deal? It could be a 2-for-1 sale or a discount like 15% off or more. Make it interesting for clients, so they’re truly tempted by your offer. Also, take this time to design some really original gift certificates, be it by using an online designer or on your own.
4. Learn a new modality
Think it’s impossible to learn a new modality while stuck at home? Think again! At The Barefoot Masters, we offer various unique CE courses like Ashiatsu Floor, Ashiatsu Bar Basic, Ashiatsu Barefoot Seated Massage, Bamboo Massage, and Fijian Massage. Some of these are is on sale, to not only up your massage game, but also save your hands. Between online classes and home classes that are NCBTMB CE approved, there’s no need to leave your house to add another technique to your portfolio.
5. Earn your CEUs at home online
Aside from learning a new modality from home, you can also take the opportunity to earn CEUs needed to complete 
requirements. At the moment, there are several sales on courses that can increase your knowledge and boost your modalities. With free access to Zoom – an online videoconference platform – you can even video-chat live with an instructor who can answer questions and give you clear guidance. To keep costs low, search for sales that make earning CEUs more affordable.
6. Refresh your website
If it’s looking a bit stale or simply has outdated information, then here’s a chance to refresh your website. Use this time to improve your massage practice. Work with a website developer, hire a content writer to add more blogs or go at it on your own by following YouTube tutorials. Research other websites that offer the same business to give you some ideas on what you’d like to do to make your content more relevant.
7. Write a blog about your favorite client
Running out of ideas for your blog? Why not choose some of your favorite clients and write about their issues and 
your plan to resolve them. Already helped someone feel better? Then write about that! Share your knowledge so other therapists can learn and get new ideas about how to help their customers. Make sure to get permission from your clients before using their names or simply leave their names out of the post.
8. Ask for testimonials
Call or email your clients to ask for testimonials. Use them to add to your website, newsletter, or pamphlets. It’s also a great opportunity to ask your clients to add a positive review to your Google Plus and FB pages.
9. Check-in on your regular clients
Although you may not be physically treating them right now, it’s always a nice touch to let your regular clients know you’re still thinking about their health. You’ve heard of the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Well, in this case, do the exact opposite. In doing so, your clients will appreciate the gesture and remember you once it’s possible to come back and get a treatment.
10. Send an email out to all your past clients
Without a doubt, it’s the perfect time to contact all your past clients via email to catch them up on current events. 
While you might not be able to treat anyone right now, let them know what’s been going on in the past few months. New modalities you’ve learned, courses you’ve taken, if you’ve changed locations or added one… there’s really a lot you can tell them. Also, let them know what your plan is coming up. Keep them in the loop now, so they’ll remember you in the next few months and request your services again. Lastly, if you’re considering having a discount on gift certificates or services, you can attach that information in your email too.
11. Start making a list of everything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had time.
Now that you’re forced to take it slow, really think about all the things you’ve put off doing. Make a list, prioritizing them according to how easy they are to do right now. Not sure where to start? Download our Brain Dump Mapping Guide to set you off in the right direction. Now is an excellent time to learn, grow, and make a positive change in your life!
Michelle D. Mace an LMT of over 20 years, is the founder of The Barefoot Masters®. We develop unique massage CE that save the hands of therapists. With over a dozen courses to choose from, there is something for everyone. For more information: TheBarefootMasters.com or get on our Email List to get informed about massage issues or for upcoming classes.
