3 Powerful Tips to Increase Word-of-Mouth Referrals
The most powerful form of marketing is word-of-mouth referrals. This is true regardless of the size of your company or marketing budget. As a massage therapist, when you generate referrals, your clients become your sales force. A recent Neilsen study revealed that 92% of consumers trust referrals from family and friends more than any other type of advertising. We’ve compiled 3 surefire tips to increase your word-of-mouth referrals to expand your client base.
Tip #1: Share Your Story
Whether you’ve always wanted to be a massage therapist since you first started thinking about a career, or you’ve been going to a massage therapist yourself to improve your health, or you’re a fifth generation massage therapist in your family – share that founding story with your clients! They will appreciate you taking the time to tell them that heartfelt underpinning of your business. Your clients will share your engaging and inspirational story with their friends, colleagues, and family members.
Tip #2: Create A Memorable Experience
Your goal should be to create a memorable experience for your clients that is worth bragging about! You want them leaving feeling refreshed, relaxed, reenergized and ready to rebook. To make this happen make every appointment professional and individualized. Don’t allow any interruptions or distractions, look at your clients in the eyes when you great them, and give each client your undivided attention. Don’t be distracted on what’s happening on the other side of the door while you are in a session with a client. You’re receptionist will handle the phone calls and walk-ins while you are with a client. Be sure to not overbook so that you don’t have many clients waiting for their appointments.
Create a welcoming and relaxing environment for your clients by making your waiting room appealing and comfortable. Offer organic teas, free bottles of water, have current wellness magazines on hand, play soothing music, and have the calming aroma of vanilla.
Tip #3: Show Your Gratitude
Let your clients know that you appreciate them. You can do this verbally, in writing, or with gifts. When they fill out the form upon their first visit you’ve captured their birthdate. Send them a card with a coupon or a gift card enclosed. Send each client hand written thank you notes after their first visit.
You are building long-term relationships with your clients and not simply looking to have them come to you for one massage therapy session. Make them feel welcome and appreciated so that they will look forward to coming back. Everyone wants to feel like the most important person at some point. Make each client feel that they are the most important and favorite client of yours!
“People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
What strategies do you use to increase word of mouth referrals?