Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1505456
82 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k s e p te m b e r/o c to b e r 2 0 2 3 essential skills | BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS Making Your Massage Business User-Friendly A Seamless Process Means Happy Clients—New or Returning By Allissa Haines User-friendly. It's a term often used in technology spaces referring to a particular piece of software and how easy it is to be learned and used. It's a helpful concept to consider when you are thinking through the inner workings of your massage business, but where does user-friendliness start? It starts—and ends—with making every part of your massage business easy to use. From searching and scheduling to physically finding your office and paying for your services, every step should be as easy and obvious as possible for your clients. THE SEARCH Be easy to find. If a client searches your name or the name of your business on the internet, you want your website to come up on the first page of results. Ideally, your business will display on the map if someone searches Google or Apple maps for "massage." If that's not happening, be sure you have an active Google Business Profile (business.google.com) and an Apple Business Connect listing (apple.com/business/ connect). Both of these services are free, and having complete profiles will increase your chances of showing up in a search for practitioners in your area. WEBSITE When a potential client lands on your website, make it clear you are the right massage therapist for them. It should be easy to understand what you offer, who you can help, and what kind of appointment will meet their needs. Keep your website simple. Put the services and prices on one page and have obvious buttons to get to your booking page. Make it easy to find your contact information, hours, and office address on the website. BOOKING PROCESS It should be a simple process for clients to schedule online. If you don't use online scheduling, be sure to provide clear instructions on how to contact you to schedule an appointment. The confirmation email or text should include a link to your online intake forms; if it doesn't, let the client know if they should arrive to their appointment early to fill out forms in person. Be clear about the payment types you accept as well as your cancellation policy. If you send a reminder email or text, PIXABAY/PEXELS TAKEAWAY: Having a user-friendly business—from your website organization to your treatment room instructions—will keep clients coming back.