Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Massage Business

Whether you are new to the profession or have been practising for a while, starting your massage business is possible. By following the step-by-step guide below, you can create your natural therapy practice and provide wellness for the surrounding community.

Obtain Certification and Specialise

To ensure that you provide professional services to your clients, begin by obtaining certification from an accredited institution, including our IICT Approved Training Providers. Do your research on the types of qualifications available and focus on acquiring the skills.

As a qualified massage therapist, you will have an opportunity to draw in clients for your new business. However, if you are already a practising massage therapist, settle on the services you wish to offer at your facility. There are numerous massage therapy services but focusing on specific massage therapy treatments will help you create a detailed business plan and obtain the necessary capital before setting up.

Align Yourself with a Professional Organisation

Becoming a member of a recognised professional body is an excellent way to build your credibility. Organisations such as the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) provide membership benefits and Insurance for massage therapists.

Never forgo insurance before starting your business practice. There are plenty of affordable premiums that will provide cover for professional malpractice in the line of work. Lastly, being a member of a professional organisation such as the IICT assures your clients that they can entrust you with their wellness.

Create a Business Name

Finding a business name is part of creating your brand. Have fun with it and create a list of names you can work with. Create a massage business name that is unique, easy to remember  and read.

Go for names that appear professional and present your massage therapy business. Try to work with shorter names that you can incorporate in your website domain. Before settling on the business name, do a Google search to ensure that your domain is available so that you can purchase it.

Register Your Business

Once you are confident that your business name is available, register your business. The Australian Government offer a Business Registration Service where you can apply for your key business and tax registrations in one place. 

As you register your business, you also have to select if you are going to register for GST, set-up a company and obtain any necessary permits and licenses.

Select Your Working Location

You can choose to either work from home or rent an office space. Working from home means that you will enjoy the majority of your profits since you will not incur rent charges. However, without an extra room in your home, renting might be your only option. If you settle on working from an office, start planning early. Look for an ideal and relaxing location to set up your office and also account for the overhead rental costs. Working from an office is suitable if you plan to employ other massage therapists and serve more clients per day. As you design your office space, ensure that it aligns with the OHS guidelines.

If working from home or an office is not suitable, go for a mobile massage business plan. In this case, you only need a vehicle to transport your equipment to the client's home instead of renting space. As long as you plan your appointments ahead of time, you will provide massage therapy services professionally.

Furnish Your Massage Therapy Business

Purchase the equipment you need to run your massage therapy business. A standard massage table, table bolsters, and wedges will work if you offer standard massages, but you will require a separate table for special services such as pregnancy massages.

Remember to also find clean blankets and sheets for each massage therapy session and have a laundry services plan. Other items such as hot stones and essential oils depend on the type of massage therapy services you choose to offer.

Market Your Business

Once you are done creating your business, it is time to tell people that you exist. The following are some fundamental elements you should consider when creating a marketing plan.

1. Create a Massage Website

You do not have to break the bank for a website when you can create one for free using platforms such as WordPress. However, if you wish to own a domain, there are numerous online services you can use to create a website. You can go with freelance coders or seek a marketing agency within your city. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and provides clients with information about your services and contacts. You can also include an online booking service and customer care.

2. Set Up Your Social Media Profiles

Social media channels are a great inexpensive way to reach your clients. Sign up on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Create informative, entertaining, and engaging content to share with your audience. However, avoid bombarding potential clients with information. Instead, go for one post daily, or two posts a week to keep your social platforms active.

If you are too busy to market your business, look for affordable marketing services from a professional. A professional marketer will help you go into details and find solutions to questions such as:

• Who are your target clients?
• What massage therapy solutions does your business provide?
• Why should your clients seek your massage therapy services?
• How can your clients contact you?

Whichever the case, do not stop marketing your business once you have customers. Marketing your business is just as crucial as providing professional massage therapy services.

3. Read our Online Guides for Massage Therapists

We have a range of great resources for massage therapists to help grow their business. Our guides include:

• Successfully Advertising Your Massage Business Online
• 4 Ways to Effectively Market your Art Therapy Business on Facebook
• A Guide to Designing Your Holistic Massage Room
• 7 Steps to Starting your Career as a Massage Therapist
• Everything you Need to Know About Becoming a Massage Therapist
• What 8 Qualities Make a Good Massage Therapist?

Succeeding in Your Massage Therapy Business

The key to leading a successful massage therapy business lies in good planning and proper implantation of business and marketing strategies. To ensure that you are always in business, obtain all necessary permits and certifications and align yourself with a recognised professional body such as the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).