We’re in a profession that requires a certain level of intimacy between practitioner and client. Frankly, the fact that we require people to disrobe can make building new clientele difficult. But you can help minimize that barrier by giving people access to you before they even call to discuss booking an appointment: let them get to know you online.

Massagetherapy.com receives nearly 70,000 unique visitors a month looking for information about massage. Powered by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), this community education website includes a referral service to help match potential clients with bodywork practitioners in the area. Consumers can search for massage practitioners by modality, zip code or city/state, or by name.

Massagetherapy.com’s Referral Service has been remodeled recently to ensure ABMP members and consumers are getting the most from this free service. Now, ABMP members get their own informational page as part of the referral program. You can even choose your own URL by adding your name or business name at the end of the website address: www.massagetherapy.com/get-a-massage/janedoe. In addition, you can build your profile to give your listing more emphasis by including these optional fields:

•  A photo or business logo.

•  Company name.

•  Street address.

•  Alternate address.

•  Phone number.

•  Website.

•  Email contact form.

•  Website link.

•  Up to 10 bodywork techniques/areas of expertise.

•  Your own text: about you, your services, scheduling, monthly special, whatever you want.

•  Online scheduling option.

Members can customize their referral listing in a few simple steps:

1. Go to www.abmp.com.

2. Log in using your six-digit member ID and password (if you don’t know your password, click “Forgot your password?” and it will be emailed to you).

3. Hover your cursor over Your ABMP Account.

4. Select “Update online referral services listing.”

To be included on Massagetherapy.com’s Referral Service, ABMP members must have a referral phone number and/or an email address on file with ABMP, as well as licensing information in some states.

 Lara Evans Bracciante is director of information services for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at
lara@abmp.com.