1. Set Up Online Booking/Scheduling
Are your clients able to view your schedule and book their own appointments online, at any time—even late at night or on weekends? They should be. Set up your own free account at MassageBook (www.massagebook.com/abmp), where ABMP members get special enhanced practice management features at no additional charge. Anything that makes it easier for your customers to find you and book an appointment can result in more bookings and more revenue.

2. Build a Custom Website
A professional website for your practice is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. You get a free, fully hosted website as part of your ABMP membership—use it! It’s easy to do, even if you’re a beginner. ABMP’s Website Builder (www.abmp.com/members/site) guides you through building your own custom website, using professionally designed templates and prewritten content. Your website can be up and running in about an hour.

3. Ask Clients to Rebook Before They Leave
How do you get clients to rebook? Just ask! This is sometimes a sticking point for massage therapists who often prefer to let their hands do the talking and shy away from behavior they may consider pushy. But sometimes, word-of-mouth marketing and customer referrals aren’t enough. If you’re looking to beef up your schedule, be sure to ask every client you see when they’d like to rebook. Give them the opportunity while they’re still in awe of their session. You might be surprised how easily many clients say yes and start to check their calendars.

4. Add Retail Items
Are you faithful to a brand? Do you have any favorite products you consider superior to others on the market? You’re the perfect spokesperson already—why not make a little extra cash for it? When you’re passionate about a product, selling its benefits to others is easy. Reach out to those brands you love and ask for wholesale pricing on the items you want to sell. Eventually, you can even add them to the online storefront on your custom website. They’ll sell themselves without you ever having to make an in-person sale, but you still get commission!

5. Start a Blog and Increase Your Presence on Social Media
Take advantage of the free avenues you have to promote your practice online. Blogging and other social media channels provide the perfect opportunities for you to get your name out there and attract new clients without having to spend a penny. Financial gains from blogging and social media can be less immediate and less tangible than the other topics we’ve discussed here, but a positive online reputation pays off in a big way in the long run.
Many times, when people think about starting a blog, their initial thoughts are, “But I don’t have anything new or interesting to say.” That’s simply not true. Each of us has a unique background, and we all bring something slightly different to the table. Creating a blog and making frequent posts that insert you into the current conversation around the massage and bodywork profession will give clients a personal insight into you and what makes your practice different. The more your voice comes through in your online presence, the more likely clients are to trust you with their wellness.

6. Write Off Business Expenses
Did you know you might be able to claim tax deductions for continuing education, massage supplies, and business mileage? Keep receipts for everything you buy related to your practice. Come tax time, speak with an accountant to see what legitimate deductions you can make. (ABMP members get discounts on tax preparation services from H&R Block; log in to www.abmp.com and click on “Discounts” to learn more). The savings you are entitled to may surprise you.