Start a Massage Therapy Business: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you interested in starting your own massage therapy business? If so, this guide is for you! In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to get your business off the ground. We will cover topics such as how to choose a location, how to market your business, and how to hire and train employees. So whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, read on for all the information you need to make your massage therapy business a success.

Table of Contents


What is a Massage Therapist business?

A massage therapist business is a service-based business that provides professional massage services to clients. The most common type of massage therapy business is a standalone clinic, which is typically owned and operated by a single massage therapist. These businesses may offer a variety of different types of massages, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage. Some massage therapists may also offer additional services such as facials, waxing, and body wraps. In addition to operating their own clinics, some massage therapists also work as independent contractors, providing mobile massage services to clients in their homes or workplaces. Massage therapist businesses may be small or large, but all businesses must adhere to state and local regulations governing the practice of massage therapy.


Why would I want to start a Massage Therapist business?

So you’re thinking about starting a Massage Therapy business? Perhaps you’re a recent graduate of a Massage Therapy program, or maybe you’ve been working as a Massage Therapist for years and are ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. But why start a Massage Therapy business in the first place? Here are four compelling reasons to consider:

You’re the Boss

As a business owner, you get to call the shots. You get to decide what services you offer, what days and hours you work, how much you charge, who you hire…the list goes on. Being your own boss comes with a lot of responsibility, but it also affords you a tremendous amount of freedom and flexibility. If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss, owning a Massage Therapy business is a great way to make that dream a reality.

You Can Be Your Own Best Advertising Campaign

When you own your own business, there’s no need to wait around for someone else to give you permission to promote yourself. You can get creative and design your own marketing materials, post about special offers on social media, hand out business cards…the sky’s the limit! And since word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of advertising, happy clients will do some promotion for you just by telling their friends and family about their great experience at your business.

You Can Help People Feel Better—Physically and Emotionally

As a Massage Therapist, you have the opportunity to really make a difference in people’s lives. Giving someone relief from pain or helping them relax and de-stress can have an amazing impact on their overall health and well-being. What could be more gratifying than that?

It Can be Financially Rewarding

While there’s no guarantee that owning your own business will make you rich overnight, it definitely has the potential to be quite profitable. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the median income for self-employed Massage Therapists was $58,420 in 2017. And since you control how much you charge per session, there’s always potential to increase your earnings as your business grows.

Starting your own Massage Therapy business can be a rewarding experience on many levels. From being your own boss and having control over your career to making a positive impact on people’s lives—not to mention the potential financial rewards—there are plenty of reasons to give entrepreneurship a try. So what are you waiting for? The time is now!


How do I start a Massage Therapist business?

Are you looking to start your own business? Are you passionate about massage therapy? If so, starting your own massage therapist business may be the perfect option for you! There are a few things you’ll need to do in order to get started, but with hard work and dedication, you can make your business a success. Here is a guide on how to start a massage therapist business.

How to start massage therapist business

Define Your Niche

One important aspect of starting your own massage therapy business is to define your niche. What kind of massage therapy do you want to provide? There are many different types of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, and Trigger point therapy.

Once you have decided on the type of massage you want to offer, you need to think about who your target market is. Are you hoping to attract athletes? Senior citizens? New mothers? Families? Once you have a good understanding of your target market, you can start to marketing your business in a way that will appeal to them.

For example, if you are hoping to attract new mothers, you could offer infant massage classes or postpartum massages. By defining your niche and understanding your target market, you can set your business up for success from the start.

Create a Business Plan

Any successful business venture begins with a well-crafted business plan. This document serves as a roadmap, detailing the course of action you intend to take in order to achieve your business goals. If you’re thinking of starting a massage therapist business, here are some key points to include in your plan.

First, you need to research the competition. Find out who else is offering massage therapy services in your area, and what they’re charging for their services. This will give you a good benchmark to start from when setting your own prices.

Next, you need to determine what type of massage therapy you’ll be offering. Will you specialize in a certain modality, such as deep tissue or Swedish massage? Or will you offer a more general range of services? Once you know what services you’ll be offering, it’s time to start developing your marketing strategy. How will you get the word out about your business? Will you run ads in local publications? Or maybe you’ll start by canvassing local businesses and letting them know about your services.

No matter what route you decide to take, remember that developing a detailed business plan is essential for any new business venture. By taking the time to map out your goals and strategies, you’ll increase your chances of success as a massage therapist.

Find Funding for Your Business

When starting a business, it is important to find the right funding to get your business off the ground. There are a few options for funding a massage therapy business. One option is to take out a small business loan. Another option is to find investors who are willing to invest in your business.

You can also look into grants that are available to small businesses. The key is to do your research and find the best option for your specific business. Once you have found the right funding, you will be on your way to starting a successful massage therapy business.

Get the Necessary Permits and Registrations

If you’re thinking about starting a business as a massage therapist, there are a few important things you need to do first. First, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper permits and registrations.

Depending on your state, you may need to obtain a license or certification in order to practice massage therapy. You’ll also need to register your business with the appropriate government agencies.

Once you have all the necessary permits and registrations in place, you’ll be ready to start marketing your business and attracting clients.

Find the Training You Need

Before starting a massage therapist business, it is important to get the proper training. There are many different types of massage, and each one requires its own set of skills. The most popular type of massage is Swedish massage, which uses long, smooth strokes to promote relaxation.

Deep tissue massage is another popular option, which uses deeper pressure to relieve muscle tension. There are also specialized types of massage, such as sports massage and pregnancy massage. To become a certified massage therapist, you will need to complete a training program that covers all of these different techniques.

Once you have the necessary skills, you will be ready to start your own business and begin helping clients feel their best.

Find Your Location

It is essential that you carefully choose the location for your massage therapy business. The location of your business will play a significant role in its success or failure. There are three main factors to consider when choosing a location for your business: foot traffic, parking, and accessibility.

Foot traffic refers to the number of people who walk past your business each day. A high foot traffic location will ensure that potential customers are aware of your business and can easily drop in for a massage. Parking and accessibility are also important considerations. If customers have to park far away or struggle to find your business, they are likely to go elsewhere.

For these reasons, it is essential to choose a location for your business that is easily accessible and has plenty of foot traffic. With careful consideration of these factors, you can choose the perfect location for your new massage therapy business.

Get the Required Equipment

Any business, whether it is a small family operation or a large corporation, requires certain essential equipment in order to function. The same is true of a massage therapy business. There are some tools of the trade that are necessary in order to provide quality service and run a successful business.

First and foremost, a massage therapist needs a comfortable, sturdy massage table. This will be the surface on which clients will receive their massages, so it is important to choose one that is both comfortable and durable. In addition, a therapist will need lube, lotion, and oil in order to reduce friction and provide a more pleasant experience for clients.

Finally, a therapist should have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology in order to provide safe and effective treatments. With these essential pieces of equipment, a massage therapist can be well on their way to starting a successful business.

Hire and Train Staff

Before you can start your massage therapist business, you will need to hire and train staff. There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring employees. First, you will want to make sure that they are certified and licensed to practice massage therapy. You can check with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork to verify certification.

In addition, you will want to make sure that your employees have liability insurance. This will protect you from any potential legal problems that may arise from their work. Once you have found qualified employees, you will need to provide them with training.

This should include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. You will also need to develop policies and procedures for your business, such as how to handle appointments and payments. By taking the time to hire and train qualified staff, you will be setting your business up for success.

Market Your Business

Starting your own massage therapy business can be a daunting task. There are a lot of things to consider, from finding the right location to marketing your business to potential customers.

However, with careful planning and some hard work, you can get your business off the ground and on its way to success. The first step is to find a good location. Look for a place that is convenient for potential customers and that has enough space to accommodate your needs.

Once you have found a suitable location, the next step is to start marketing your business. You can do this by creating a website or distribute flyers in local businesses. You can also offer free consultations to potential customers to show them what your business has to offer. With some dedication and effort, you can start a successful massage therapy business.


How much does it cost to start a Massage Therapy business?

If you’re thinking about starting a massage therapy business, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost. The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. The cost of starting a massage therapy business will vary depending on factors like the location of your business, the type of massage services you offer, and whether you plan to work from home or rent office space.

In this section, we’ll break down some of the major costs associated with starting a massage therapy business so that you can get a better idea of what you can expect to spend. Armed with this information, you’ll be one step closer to making your dream of owning your own business a reality.

The Location of Your Business

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when starting a massage therapy business is where your business will be located. If you plan to work from home, the cost of setting up your home office will be relatively low. However, if you’re planning to rent office space, the cost will be higher. The price of commercial real estate varies widely depending on factors like the location and size of the space.

The type of massage services you offer

Another factor that will affect the cost of starting your massage therapy business is the type of massage services you plan to offer. If you’re only planning to offer Swedish massages, for example, you won’t need to invest in expensive equipment or trainings. However, if you want to offer specialized services like deep tissue massages or hot stone massages, you’ll need to account for the cost of additional training and any specialized equipment required to perform those services.

Whether you plan to work alone or hire staff

If you’re planning on working alone, the start-up costs for your business will be lower than if you’re planning on hiring staff. In addition to the salary you’ll need to pay your employees, you’ll also need to factor in the cost related to employee benefits and workers’ compensation insurance.

Starting a massage therapy business can be costly, but there are ways to save money. One way is by working from home instead of renting office space. Another way is by offering only Swedish massages at first and expanding into other types of massages as your business grows. Lastly, if possible, try to avoid hiring staff in the beginning and only hire employees when absolutely necessary. By following these tips, you can keep your start-up costs low and increase your chances of success as a new business owner.


How do I find customers for my Massage Therapist business?

As a massage therapist, you know the importance of finding new customers. But where do you start? In this post, we’ll share some tips to help you find new clients and grow your business. So read on and get started today!

Define Your Target Market

Before you can start building your business, you need to know who your target market is. This can be defined as the group of people who are most likely to need and use your services. For a massage therapist, some potential target markets might include athletes, office workers, or pregnant women.

Once you have defined your target market, you can begin to tailor your marketing efforts to reach them. This might involve creating specific marketing materials or partnering with businesses that cater to your target market.

By taking the time to define your target market, you will be able to more effectively find customers for your business.

Create a Marketing Plan

As a massage therapist, one of the most important things you can do is to create a marketing plan to help you find customers. There are many ways to market your business, and the best way to reach potential customers will vary depending on your location, target audience, and budget.

Some common marketing strategies for massage therapists include online marketing, print advertising, personal networking, and word-of-mouth referrals. It’s important to remember that no single marketing tactic will be effective on its own–you’ll need to use a variety of strategies in order to reach the widest possible audience. By taking the time to develop a comprehensive marketing plan, you’ll be well on your way to success as a massage therapist.

Build a Web Presence

In order to attract customers and grow your business, it is essential to have a strong web presence. There are many ways to achieve this, but some of the most effective methods include creating a professional website, optimizing your site for search engines, and using social media to connect with potential clients.

A well-designed website can help you to stand out from the competition and give potential customers a positive first impression. Likewise, making sure your site appears prominently in search engine results will help you to attract visitors who are actively looking for massage services.

Finally, using social media to share information about your business and build relationships with potential clients can be an invaluable way to generate interest and grow your customer base. By taking advantage of these tools, you can ensure that your massage therapy business has the visibility it needs to succeed.

Use Organic and Paid Social Media

If you are a Massage Therapist, you may be wondering how to find customers for your business. There are a number of ways to reach potential customers, but two of the most effective are organic and paid social media. Organic social media involves creating content that is interesting and relevant to your target audience, and then sharing it on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Paid social media involves creating ads that feature your business and targeting them to people who are likely to be interested in your services. Both organic and paid social media can be effective ways to reach potential customers for your Massage Therapist business.

Start by finding out what local publications are available in your area. You can either do a quick Google search or ask around at local businesses.

Once you’ve compiled a list, take a look at each publication and see which ones would be the best fit for your business. There are a few factors to consider, such as the publication’s readership, circulation, and advertising rates. You should also take a look at the publication’s editorial content to get an idea of its style and tone.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, contact the publications that you’re interested in and ask about their advertising rates. Be sure to also ask about any special rates or discounts that they may offer. Then, simply place your ad and wait for the customers to roll in!

Get Involved with Local Community Organizations

If you’re a massage therapist looking for new clients, one of the best things you can do is get involved with local community organizations. By getting involved with these organizations, you’ll not only be able to find potential customers, but you’ll also be able to build relationships with them. These relationships will help you not only get more business, but also keep your existing clients coming back.

One of the best ways to get started is to look for groups that have meetings or events that would be a good fit for your services. For example, if you specialize in sports massage, you could look for youth sports teams or local sporting clubs.

Or, if you offer general relaxation massage, you could look for seniors groups or Local business networking groups. There are many different types of organizations out there, so it’s just a matter of finding the ones that are a good fit for your business.

Once you’ve found some potential customers, reach out and introduce yourself. Attend meetings or events, and offer to give mini-massages to attendees. This is a great way to generate interest in your services and build relationships with potential customers.

And, it’s also a great way to get referrals from satisfied customers. So if you’re looking for new clients, don’t forget to get involved with your local community organizations. It’s a great way to grow your business.

Network with Local Businesses

As a small business owner, it is important to network with other local businesses in order to find new customers. One way to do this is to attend local business events and meetups. This will allow you to meet other business owners and learn about their businesses. You can also offer your services to local businesses as a way to attract new customers.

For example, you could offer chair massages at a local office or provide discounts for employees of a local business. By networking with other businesses, you will be able to reach a wider range of potential customers and grow your business.

Get Listed in Online Directories

As a massage therapist, one of the best ways to find new customers is to get listed in online directories. When potential customers are searching for a massage therapist in their area, these directories will come up in the search results.

In order to get listed, you will need to create a profile that includes your contact information, business hours, and a description of your services. You may also want to include some pictures and customer reviews. Once your profile is created, you can start promoting your business through the directory’s listing service. This will help you to reach a wider audience and attract new customers.

Offer Coupons and Discounts

As a small business owner, it can be difficult to find customers and stand out from the competition. One way to attract potential customers is by offering coupons and discounts. This is an especially effective strategy for businesses that provide services that are not essential, such as massage therapy.

By offering a discount, you can show potential customers that they can save money by choosing your business. Additionally, coupons and discounts can help to create a sense of urgency and encourage people to take advantage of your services before the offer expires. With careful planning, you can use coupons and discounts to find new customers and grow your business.


About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.