The Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Massage Business at Home

May 11, 2017

There are plenty of reasons why people want to become a massage therapist. Through relaxing music, an atmosphere to match and therapeutic touch, massage therapists have the opportunity to have a creative career. To top it off, it’s the type of career that can be started up from home by individuals. A career in massage from home can help you to achieve the work-life balance you’ve been looking for, so if you’d like to get started on creating the ideal career from home, there are few things you will need to consider when you are getting started.

1. GET QUALIFIED

Your qualifications are one of the first things you’ll want to organise to get started, to make sure you’re giving your clients proper, professional and safe massage treatments. Do your research on what type of qualification best suits you, as there are many different options depending on the type of massage you want to specialise in. The Certificate in Whole Body Massage is a great qualification to obtain to improve your massage skills, conveniently run on the weekends to complement your busy schedule. Not only will you be able to display your qualification with pride, but you’ll also have a complete understanding on how to provide massages to your clients and ensure that you reduce injuries. With the right qualifications, you will be able to provide the best service for each of your customers.

2. BECOME A MEMBER

If you want to gain some extra credibility, becoming a member of an association is an excellent idea. Many massage associations require their members to have certain qualifications before they’re allowed to become a member. A couple of different associations include the Massage Association of Australia and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists. You will also need to get your Professional Indemnity Insurance, which can be obtain through the insurance partners of these associations. As well as this, some of your clients may not be able to get a rebate for your service unless you are a member of an association.

3. REGISTER AN ABN

When you’re running your own business, one of the first steps required is to have an ABN (Australian Business Number). It’s a relatively simple process and can be completed online. Not only can you do it online, but it’s also free to register an ABN. The Australian Business Register has all the information you need to know, whether you are entitled to an ABN and which business structure is best for you.

4. DECIDE ON A BUSINESS NAME

This step is often the fun part for many people when setting up a business. But, as creative as you might want to be, it’s important to think carefully about the name you choose. You want to have a creative name that reflects you and your business, but you also want it to be catchy and easy to remember. Unusual spellings are usually not ideal, either. Keep it simple, but unique and easy to remember. Registering a business is also a relatively simple process, but be sure to have a couple of business names on hand in case any of your first preferences are taken or refused.

5. START YOUR MARKETING

Some people often forget about this step or they don’t make the most of their marketing efforts. When you’re marketing a new business, it’s important to remember that you will need to invest both time and money into it. However, it’s also important not to throw your money around and waste it. Spending more money on marketing also doesn’t mean that you’ll make more money. If you choose your marketing scheme correctly and put your money in the right areas, you will find success.

6. BUILD A WEBSITE

One of the first steps to your marketing plan is to build a website. With so many people searching online for services, a website is going to help you be seen online. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a website, and there are in fact many websites out there offering you the ability to build a free one, such as WordPress. WordPress is a great starter option as it is easy to use, offers a free version and you don’t need any coding experience. WordPress also has built in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) functions.

7. START ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media marketing is a great place to start to get the word out about your new business. Just like everyone searching online for services, many people find out about local businesses through friends on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The key to good social media posts is consistency. If you overload your accounts with several posts a day, people are going to feel like you’re spamming them with information and simply unlike or unfollow your business. A post or two a week is all that is required, but be sure to keep things relevant and entertaining.

8. FURNISH YOUR CLINIC

Although it may be more professional to have a commercial clinic, there’s no reason why you cannot have a professional clinic from your own home. It’s important to try and separate your home life from your business life, which can sometimes be difficult to do from your home. But, a few simple adjustments can help to make your clinic at home as professional as possible.

Have a separate room – If possible, have a separate room that is just for your massage therapy work and for your clients. It would be ideal to have a separate entrance to the clinic if possible. This way, clients will only be entering the clinic and avoiding your personal home. With a bathroom in the next room just for clients, this will also help both your family and your clients to be safe and comfortable.

Clearly marked parking – Depending on the layout of your home and the parking spaces available, having a clearly defined area for your clients to park helps them to know that they’re in the right place and that they’re welcome to park in a certain area. Off street parking is best, but if it isn’t possible, the correct signage can help your clients identify your business.

Decorate accordingly – Your clinic needs to be comfortable and relaxing, and this can all be achieved through the right massage room design. With neutral colour schemes on your walls and within your decorative items. Think about different items for the different senses; soothing music, natural accents such as stone and wood, soft sheets and scented candles with natural essential oils. All of these items can help your clinic to feel professional and relaxing.

UTILISING YOUR HOME SPACE FOR MASSAGE

After following some of these basic steps, you’ll soon find that you are running your own massage therapy business from home. Not only can you have a business that is completely yours with the freedom to choose certain aspects of your business, but you could find that work-life balance that you have been looking for.

Cameron Aubrey

Cameron Aubrey has over 20 years experience in the massage industry, and leads the team as Course Director at Discover Massage Australia. Cameron holds a Diploma in Remedial Massage, and his expertise runs across a large range of massage techniques, particularly sports, Swedish and whole body massage.