Massage therapists know word of mouth is their best form of advertising. But it’s not just friends who can sing your praises. Getting these referrals can build your business, too.

70%
Medical Doctor
70% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to a medical doctor’s recommendation for massage. Which doctors can you create a professional relationship with? Find a letter of introduction you can use at www.abmp.com/members/biz_fit/sample_referral_letter.pdf.

59%
Physical Therapist
59% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to a physical therapist’s recommendation for massage. Find local physical therapists who do not already have MTs on staff, and become their manual therapist of choice.

45%
Exercise Trainer
45% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to an exercise trainer’s recommendation for massage. You might already practice in a setting that employs personal trainers. Reach out and make this a win-win relationship for both of you.

41%
Brother or Sister
41% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to a recommendation from a sister or brother. Make sure your clients have plenty of your business cards to take with them so they can refer Uncle Joe to you, too!

40%
Close Friend
40% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to a recommendation from a close friend. MTs have long known this is their bread and butter when it comes to word-of-mouth advertising. Consider upping the ante and rewarding those clients who frequently refer friends to you with a free service or discount.

25%
Health-related newspaper or magazine article
25% of massage consumers* would give a lot of importance to an article’s recommendation for massage. Have you shared Body Sense magazine with your clients? It’s a beautiful, easy-to-use education tool designed specifically for you to give to your clients. Go to www.abmp.com/bodysense to share it today!

*Based on ABMP’s 2015 Consumer Survey, conducted by Harstad Strategic Research, Inc.

Karrie Osborn is senior editor at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com.