Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72195
Our best marketing tool is utilizing media relations to generate editorial coverage and radio promotions. Editorial coverage is garnered through development and maintenance of personal relationships with appropriate reporters and editors. These personal relationships allow us to break through the mass of unsolicited pitches reporters receive, so that our unique story is heard. In addition, we secure trade opportunities through the promotion departments of local radio stations, primarily providing gift certificates as prizes for listener promotions. As a tool, media relations has proven to be very effective with gift certificate sales and bookings during holiday seasons, promoting new service launches, and overall branding. Daired Ogle Arlington, Texas My best marketing tool is definitely my clients. It's a well-known fact that word-of-mouth advertising is the best. Not only does it secure for you an almost instant rapport, being that the recommendation is coming from a trusted source, but it also saves you time, effort, and money. Through my clients, I have gained new clients and new markets in which to share massage. I have been invited into homes for parties, to job sites, and to various trade marts all on client recommendation. I love working in this manner. With the old client having positively shared his or her experience, the initial meeting with the new client seems more like seeing an old friend after many years rather than a courtroom dance trying to convince a judge and jury. There's an instant connection based on an "on-lease" trust factor shared between the old client and the new client. Less tension means both parties are more relaxed going into a session, and thus ensuring maximum therapeutic benefit, which means the circle of friendly referral will confidently and positively continue. COREY DEYAMPORT PEARL, MISSISSIPPI A new, free online scheduling tool, Genbook, has helped my orthopedic massage practice tremendously. It helps me book lots of new clients every week, and old clients are booking more frequently. I have more room to breathe and don't have to play e-mail or phone tag anymore because its BookNow button is so easy to use. I also love that it lets me receive customer reviews. MORGAN SUTHERLAND WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS Postcards are the best marketing tool available today. I mail them to all of my clients before their birthday month and offer $10 off the price of any session as a special birthday gift to them. My clients are grateful and the response has been amazing. After I sent them out, within the first month I paid for the printing and postage costs. Postcards are inexpensive and cost less to mail than regular envelopes. They are easy to customize to fit your specific business, can be very eye- catching, and have room for you to write a personal note to your client. I also have designed postcards for referral thank yous, new client follow- ups, and as reminders of my services. I would highly recommend this personal touch to all other therapists. DIANNA LYNN PLAINFIELD, ILLINOIS Hands down, the best marketing tool for my practice has been happy clients. This requires a large toolbox, but when they are satisfied and nurtured, they do the marketing for you. You can spend all the money in the world on flashy websites, large signs, commercials, and direct mail, but if your clients aren't satisfied, you will have no retention. AMANDA HARPER MOBILE, ALABAMA Business cards everywhere I go. The fitness center where I work provides general business cards that I carry also, but through the nearly free business card websites, one can be creative and create a card that really reflects who you are. If you're excited to hand out your card, your enthusiasm will be transferred. You just never know what situation you'll be in when you meet your next client out in the community. ALYSON SWANSON SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA massagetherapy.com—for you and your clients 31