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
