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Bodywork Buddy Blog

Bodywork Buddy: business management software for the solo therapist that keeps you organized and makes tax time a breeze.

Showing posts with label online scheduling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online scheduling. Show all posts

Sunday, September 29, 2013

New Microsite Design!


We're excited to announce our newly launched microsites for Bodywork Buddy members.  (The microsite is the online scheduling page where clients can schedule.)

The new design includes many features that we feel will benefit your massage business.  Not only does it offer online scheduling, it's also customizable.

As we know, a picture is worth a thousand words.  The new microsite design has been built with this in mind!

Here's a few of the features:


  • Edit your own text to tell prospective clients more about you.

  • Choose our stock images or upload your own images to add to your services.

  • Choose your own keywords for better SEO. (Search Engine Optimization)

  • Automatically assigned a Google Analytics ID to track your microsite visits.

  • Choose our stock images or upload your own to add to your client testimonials.

  • Choice of massage videos provided by Ryan Hoyme.

  • 100% MOBILE FRIENDLY.

  • Add "Schedule Online" button to your existing website or embed the scheduler into your website. (This isn't a new feature, but is definitely worth mentioning).

  • Or use the microsite as a standalone website. (You could even use your own domain name).

Below is an example of the new design using the embed feature:













Here's a quick video tutorial detailing how to customize your microsite.
For the clearest quality, choose 720p HD from the settings by clicking on the gear icon at the bottom of the video and watching in full screen mode.

Friday, August 16, 2013

How Your Menu Might Be Scaring Your Clients Away


I never used to put much thought into my service names on my menu.  I would just list them as the modality and amount of time.  But after a while, I started to realize a few things.  Not only do clients not know all the different modalities (and really, how could they?), but they appreciate a simplified menu that makes it easy to choose which service to request.
According to Psychology Today, the more choices we have, the more difficult the decision.  It's human nature to shy away from things we don't know and instead choose the path of least resistance.   When a menu looks too complex and complicated, massage clients will naturally choose the cheapest and easiest option.  (Swedish massage, anyone?) 
It's our job to communicate our services clearly and help our client choose the best service for them.  
Here are some tips that I have found helpful for clients when scheduling:
  • Rather than list your modality names, create descriptive names that illustrate how they will make your clients feel, or what problem they will solve for your clients.

    Which looks more appealing - Column A or column B?


    And this list is just using some pretty basic modalities as examples. Imagine a menu with things like Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy...!  A lot of clients don't know what those names mean.  Make it easy for them with descriptive names.
  • Take your favorite service or combination of services and call it your "signature massage".  Put this at the top of your menu list, and mark it with an asterisk of *Recommended.  I'm willing to bet that 90% of your new clients booking online will schedule this service regardless of what it is.
    (Thanks to Ginger G. for this great tip!)
  • Have a non-massage friend look over your menu.  Do they have an easy time choosing a service knowing nothing about massage and being a complete bodywork newbie?
  • Have an option for clients to choose a "completely customized session" based on their needs that day.  They can just choose the time allotment (or have it for a set amount of time only - even better - LESS choices!).  This is also a great way to make clients feel like they get a 5 star treatment knowing that you are "creating" a session just for them.
Think of it like going to get your car serviced at the shop or getting a car wash. Notice how the car washes usually have a "recommended" service?  And the maintenance shops have "winter tune-ups", etc?  

What creative spins have you put on your massage menu to simplify the process for clients?  Comment below with any tips you have to add to our list.




Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 14 years. www.BodyworkBuddy.com 

Monday, February 4, 2013

How Client Importing With Bodywork Buddy Will Ease Your Stress



How's your 2013 shaping up so far? We're discovering that a lot of therapists find January to be the perfect time to get started using Bodywork Buddy. (Although, any time is a great time to get more organized, right?)

If you've been thinking of making the switch, but are dreading inputting all of your clients into the system - you're in luck. Bodywork Buddy has always had the ability to import contacts via v-card, but now we have the added ability to do contact imports for you.  No need to convert the files to v-card.


Simply contact us, send your file and let us know what scheduler you're coming from, and we will do the import for you. Simple as that. Bodywork Buddy is excited to offer this free service to our members.



Tweetable: Any time is a great time to get more organized, right?






Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.
www.BodyworkBuddy.com


Export pic: freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, September 3, 2012

Series: How To Set Your Massage Referral Program On Fire / Part 5



Last week's tip to set your referral program on fire was to give great service.  That brings us to #5 in this 10 part series.

Referral Fire Starter Tip #5: Gather Client Testimonials
One of the most powerful tools you can have at your disposal when working to gather referrals is client testimonials.  Last week I wrote about easy ways to get testimonials from clients, but this post is more about why you should be using testimonials.  Testimonials from satisfied clients work in a few different ways to strengthen your referral program:

  1. They make the existing client more committed to you. If their name and/or face has appeared on your website, in a direct mailing piece, or in a newsletter, they are going to be much more invested in your success. They’ll want you to succeed and be willing to help make sure that happens by referring friends, family members, and acquaintances to you.
  2. They hold more weight with referrals. When a potential client sees a whole page full of quotes and testimonials from existing clients, it further cements the idea that you’re someone they want to do business with.
  3. They help with “cold” leads, too. The next best thing to a direct referral is a “cold” lead who sees page after page of satisfied, smiling clients. Why do you think so many plastic surgeons and weight-loss experts use before-and-after photos? THEY WORK!

Gathering client testimonials can be a little bit daunting, unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, and in what format. Here are some tips:
  • For websites, video testimonials are great, but not necessary. A text quote is fine, and as many people are hesitant about appearing on-camera, they’re often much easier to get from your clients.
  • If you use online scheduling, many of these services include collecting reviews or testimonials from your clients.  It doesn't get any simpler than this!
  • If you don't use online scheduling, make it easy for clients to give you a testimonial by having a questionnaire for them to fill out. The better sense they have of what you need, the better they’ll deliver.  Create a simple questionnaire with questions like: "how do you feel when you need a massage?"; "how do you feel after a massage?"; "what do you like most about Cindy's massages?"; "would you refer a friend to Cindy? Why or why not?".  Remove the questions, string the answers together in to a paragraph - and there you have a testimonial.
  • Make it a habit to ask for testimonials. Once someone refers a few client your way, follow up. Say, “You seem to really like our services – and we love you! Would you be willing to record (or write) a short testimonial we can use in our marketing materials?”
  • Edit judiciously. Some people will go on and on. It’s great that they’re so excited, but the reader or viewer just wants the main points. Cut where necessary.
  • Reward them for helping you out. If you’re using their image and/or words to get more business, they should be rewarded for doing so. But don’t make it a straight, “Give me a testimonial and I’ll give you a free treatment;” that could be seen as bribery. Instead, send them a small thank-you well after the fact, or put them in a drawing to win a larger item.

Testimonials are a great addition to any marketing program, and will make your current referral program even stronger.

Exercise for this week: gather at least 2 testimonials from clients!

Series wrap up:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4




Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Easy Ways To Get Client Testimonials


How To Get Testimonials - The Easy Way


Have you been wanting to get testimonials from your clients,
but aren't sure how to go about doing it?
Here's some simple ideas on how to make it happen:


Abundant testimonials are actually everywhere. You might not need to actually ask for testimonials. If you listen, you will find out that great testimonials are part of everyday conversations with your clients. Did Joan just mention that she's never felt better after her massage?  Did Robert email you to thank you for the relief he's gotten from low back pain from your massages?  If it sounds and looks good, then you can probably use it. Be sure to get permission from the person. I've actually seen my name and words on a company's Facebook page that they never asked my permission to use.  Not. Cool.
Change the wording. "Testimonial" can be intimidating. Your client might think they need to write a flowery, long-winded account of your services.  Honesty is all that's needed.  Words like review, feedback, comments, etc all take the pressure off.

massage software Make it easy for them.  Have a feedback form or guestbook on your website.  Leave a feedback journal in your massage room.  I've even seen a massage room that had a beautiful glass vase full of notes left by clients.  That way, people can leave you comments when they're still drunk from their massage.  *Tip: put a few notes in there to start, so no clients feels like they're the first to leave a comment.
*Shameless plug: Bodywork Buddy just added a feature that automatically emails your clients and asks them to leave a review after their massage.  You then have the option to publish it to your online scheduler.  It doesn't get any easier than this, seriously.



Give a prompt. Clients sometimes struggle with where to start. It's better to ask questions like "how do you feel after your massage?" and "what do you like best about our services?".




Do you already have a system in place for collecting client testimonials?  What works well for you?  Do you use those testimonials on your website and other marketing?  (Because you should!)






Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com


                                                                             photo: freedigitalphotos.net






Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Tips To Focus Your Marketing


After my recent post on The Worst Thing I Ever Did For My Massage Business, a fellow therapist asked me to elaborate on how I got my "in" with the large corporation in my town.

For starters, I didn't approach the company itself.  In fact, they already have a massage therapist on contract in their fitness center (offering chair massage only).  But I happen to know that a lot of their employees never use the fitness center, and therefore might not even be aware chair massage is available there.  

Here are some tips that I would recommend for building your clientele within a certain company.  This is assuming that you already have a few clients within this company.  Which is pretty likely if they are a large employer in your area. 

Marketing for massage therapists
  • Focus on a referral program and getting the word out to your existing clients who work at the company you want to build within.  
    Have signs up in your office and send out postcards promoting your referral program.  A monthly e-newsletter that includes info on your referral program and an easy way to forward or share that info is also a great idea.
  • Word your referral program to accentuate what is in it for the client.  
    "Want a FREE massage? Ask me about my referral program!"
    Whatever your referral program, make sure you are thanking your clients for any referrals they send your way.
  • Project positivity.
    Whenever a client asks how business is going, respond with:
    "Great! But I can always take more clients, do you have any friends who would be interested in my services?"
    You don't want to come off sounding desperate or hurting for business.  No matter how slow business is, never let that on to clients.  But also be careful to not give the impression that you're so busy that you can't take on new clients.
  • Make sure your clients know you're available for on-site chair massage in their office and for personal parties.  
    (Signs in your office, list it on your menu, promote it on your website.)
    Even though the company I'm referencing has their own MT in the fitness center, I regularly had clients want me to bring my chair to their department for special events.  This is a great way to get your hands on all of their colleagues who would be great potential clients!  They are also more likely to become a client knowing that Anne from Accounting gets a massage from you once a month.  (I'm not suggesting you tell them this, of course, but Anne will likely tell them when you're there).  So unlike regular chair massage events, this scenario is more likely to turn chair clients into table clients.
    Remember that your clients probably socialize with their work colleagues as well, so being available to do chair massage at personal parties is another great way to meet more potential clients within a certain company.  I did chair massage for about 3 hours at a party several years ago for a good client.  I gained 5 awesome, long-term clients from that party... clients who are still coming to me today.  (this was a paid event, by the way... I'm not suggesting that you give chair massage away).  It's all about what events you're working and who you're likely to meet at those events.
  • Reach out to them in their world.
    Many companies in the corporate world have an intranet that includes an e-bulletin board where employees can post things.  You can have a client (whom you trust) post an ad on the bulletin board.  A great way to do this is if you have an email newsletter, or an email special, and they can simply post that info and link back to your website and encourage people to schedule online (if you offer that service).  Or create a specific digital graphic ad to be posted - don't just make it text.  Keep in mind the clientele you're targeting and make sure it will be appealing to them.  For example, make sure it's more classy and less cutesy for an upscale clientele.  Maybe offer some kind of promotion specifically for employees of that company.
  • Use testimonials.
    Collect testimonials from your current clients within the company in question.  Ask for their permission to post their testimonials on your website and in your brochures - including their name and profession.  Having a testimonial from the VP of their company can give you tremendous credibility.
  • Know the company culture of the corporation you're marketing to.
    This will help you customize your marketing to them, and also tailor your services to them.
  • Have a privacy policy in place
    Post it on your website, in your massage room, etc. to assure your clients that their visits and anything said during them are confidential and will not be shared. (You should adhere to this regardless).  Some clients will be hesitant to refer colleagues if they think any information about their visits will be shared.  Keep in mind that the corporate world is very different from the massage world.  It can be competitive and cut-throat.  Something that might be totally normal for us could be perceived as vulnerability within their company culture.  Your clients will appreciate knowing their visits are confidential.  

If you try any of the above, I would love for you to check back and let me know how it works out for your massage business.

Have you built a clientele from a specific company?  What worked well for you?



Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Friday, June 22, 2012

Create a Mobile Friendly Website



Notice how everyone is doing everything from their phones?  This includes visiting your massage website.  Is your website mobile friendly?

Here's a video tutorial on how to create a mobile version of your website for FREE.  (There's also a paid version - very reasonably priced - if you prefer some of the extras like click-to-call and ad-free.)  Sure beats hiring a professional for $500+ to create a mobile site for you!

Once you've created your mobile site, remember to follow the directions on the site to setup a redirect so your clients will auto-magically be taken to your mobile site when visiting from a phone.



Did you find this post helpful?  What other technology tutorials would you like to see?




Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com





Monday, May 14, 2012

Set Yourself Apart From the Competition

jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you're in an area that is saturated with massage therapists, it's important to set yourself apart from your competition.  There's a few simple ways you can do this.


  • Offer a unique technique.  
    Rather than market it as the modality, present it as a solution to your client's problem.
    There are so many different techniques out there - find something that intrigues you that no one else is doing in your area.
  • Position yourself as an expert.  
    A great way to do this is to write articles on massage / holistic health / etc for your local paper.  Create a blog to educate clients on the benefits of massage.
    Send out newsletters or e-newsletters to clients.  (Writing not your forte? ABMP has a great newsletter generator for you to send to clients.)
    Speak at events, conventions, etc. that are related to health and introduce the benefits of massage therapy.
  • Take customer service to the next level.
    Offer your clients more value with exceptional service.
    Promote extras or add-ons like paraffin dip, hot towels, aromatherapy, etc.
    (More ideas in this post on 10 Simple Ways to Wow Your Clients.)
  • Offer unique business hours.Is your competition offering evening or Sunday appointments?  Set yourself apart by offering convenient times that others don't.
  • Make it easy for clients to schedule with you.
    Offer online scheduling, phone, email, text as ways to contact you.
  • Have a web presence.
    A website is a necessity, in my opinion.  Stand out from the crowd by making yours awesome. (Beautiful design, interesting content, search engine optimization, online scheduling, blog.)
    Make sure you're not making any of these common mistakes.
  • Provide a unique specialty.
    Fill a need by offering same-day emergency appointments, or longer-than-usual sessions, or short, effective sessions.
  • Create a "Signature Treatment".
    Combine your two most popular services into one beautiful treatment that no one else offers.
  • Create a niche market.
    Focus on a certain clientele.  Prenatal for pregnant women, Stress-relieving treatments for agonized executives, recovery massage for athletes, etc.

What ways have you set yourself apart from the competition?  How has it helped your business?


Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com







Monday, May 7, 2012

How to Create a Free Commercial for Your Massage Website


Have you ever heard of Animoto?   It's a cool little site where you can take video clips and pictures - add text & music - to create a free 30 second video.

It's a great tool to create a commercial about your massage practice to add to your website.  It's fairly simple - after creating an account and logging in, you can choose your pictures from several different sources including your Facebook account.  Add any text you want and choose music to go with your video... and Animoto then does the rest.

Here are some tips to create an awesome commercial:

  • Keep it short.  You can purchase a longer video, but 30 second videos are free... and really, 30 seconds is the perfect length for a commercial.  You want to entice people, not bore them with a long video.
  • Animoto has a very large library of music to choose from... however, in my opinion, not much of it goes nicely with massage therapy.  I'd recommend uploading your own music.  Keep in mind that there may be some legalities to uploading just any music... To be on the safe side, I recommend using music from ASOMAssage*.  (ASOMAssage is a music membership site with royalty free massage music - only $9.95/month membership gets you 6 hours of downloadable music each month! It's a great service, despite their use of that talking popup that I just advised against in last week's post...forum smileys)
    The music in the video below is a sampling of the beautiful massage music you get with a membership.  If you're a member of ASOMAssage and would like to use some of their music for your videos, please contact them for details.
  • Use pictures of yourself - not other therapists.  Trade with a photographer to get some nice, professional photos.
  • Remember to put your website address and phone number in the video. Direct clients to schedule online if you offer that service.
  • Post your video on your website and Facebook page.
Here's a little example of what you can do -




Have you made your own commercial with Animoto?  Post a link here so we can check it out!

*I am an affiliate with Asomassage, which means I will receive a referral commission if you signup for this service.  However, this commission does not influence the information I provide in this blog nor does it mean that you will pay more if you buy through my links.  I always provide honest opinions and reviews to share my findings, beliefs and experiences.






Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Monday, April 30, 2012

Benefits of Online Scheduling


online scheduling
Visit Bodywork Buddy for a free trial of online scheduling.




As a follow up to this article I wrote for massagemag.com about online scheduling, I'd like to hear about your experiences with this technology.


  • How has it helped your massage business?
  • What other benefits have you noticed with offering this convenience to your clients?
  • What creative ways have you used your online scheduling to generate referrals or gain new clients?
  • What would you tell other therapists who are hesitant to offer their clients online scheduling?
If you don't yet offer online scheduling, I'd love to hear why not and we can discuss those concerns in another post.





Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling
She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Online Scheduling Microsite

With Bodywork Buddy's online scheduling, you will have a microsite with all of your information where your clients can schedule an appointment with you 24/7.  The below picture is an example of what your clients will see when they schedule with you online.

Your microsite will also include links to your website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.  A map to your location and your business hours are also listed.
Your microsite will also include a QR code for your clients to scan with their phone.  This will take them to a mobile version of your microsite so they can easily schedule an appointment with you from their phone - anytime, anywhere!
We recommend printing this QR code out and including it on your business cards and throughout your massage office for clients to scan.  Have one at your desk when they checkout on a sign that says "Schedule online from your phone!"... you get the idea ;-)