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Massage Therapy Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Massage Therapy Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your massage therapy business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their massage therapy businesses.

Massage Business Plan Example

Below is an example of a Massage Therapist business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Peaceful Massage is a startup massage therapy company located in San Francisco, California. The company is founded by Daniel Young, a certified massage therapist who has been recognized for several years as one of the top massage therapists in the area. Now that Daniel has garnered a positive reputation for providing exceptional massage therapy services, he is ready to start his own company, Peaceful Massage. Daniel is confident that his reputation and massage therapy skills combined with his ability to effectively manage client relationships will help him to quickly secure a loyal client base for his new business. Daniel plans on recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running a massage therapy business including marketing and sales, accounting and bookkeeping, client reception, and record keeping.

Peaceful Massage will provide a comprehensive array of massage therapy modalities and services in a calming environment. The Peaceful Massage facility will be the ultimate choice in San Francisco for massage therapy while being the best-priced option in the area.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Peaceful Massage will provide:

  • Acupressure
  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Pregnancy Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Swedish Massage
  • Thai Massage

Customer Focus

Peaceful Massage will target anyone in San Francisco looking for a calming massage. The company will target people with chronic pain or injuries that could benefit from massage therapy. Peaceful Massage will also target athletes and people with active lifestyles. No matter the client, the clinic will deliver the best communication, service, and prices.

Management Team

Peaceful Massage will be owned and operated by Daniel Young. He has recruited an experienced administrative professional, Barbara Lewis, to be his office manager and help run the day to day operations.

Daniel Young is a graduate of Monterey Peninsula College with an associates degree in massage therapy. He has been working at a local spa for more than eight years as a certified massage therapist. Daniel’s expertise in various massage therapy techniques and effective communication skills have allowed him to develop a loyal client base.

Barbara Lewis has been an administrative assistant for over ten years at a local health spa. Daniel relies strongly on Barbara’s diligence, attention to detail, and focus when organizing his clients, schedule, and files. Barbara has worked in the health spa industry for so long, she understands all aspects required in running a successful massage therapy business.

Success Factors

Peaceful Massage will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of certified massage therapists who will be able to assess each client’s massage therapy needs and provide the modality that will work best for them.
  • Comprehensive menu of services to cater to a wide range of clients from those in chronic pain to those just looking to relax.
  • Peaceful Massage offers the best pricing in the area. The pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Peaceful Massage is seeking $250,000 in debt financing to launch its massage therapy business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the clinic space and purchasing massage therapy equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Massage therapy clinic build-out: $50,000
  • Equipment, supplies, and materials: $20,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $160,000
  • Marketing costs: $10,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Peaceful Massage.

Company Overview

Who is peaceful massage.

Peaceful Massage is a newly established massage therapy clinic in San Francisco, California. Peaceful Massage will be the most caring, clean, and comfortable choice for clients in the area. Peaceful Massage will provide a comprehensive menu of massage therapy services performed by experienced certified massage therapists who are experts in specific modalities.

Peaceful Massage will be able to provide soothing massage therapy techniques for optimal calming and relaxation. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in various modalities such as Swedish massage, sports massage, massage for chronic pain relief, and hot stone massage. Peaceful Massage therapists are excellent communicators in addition to being highly qualified massage experts, creating a welcoming environment for all clients.

Peaceful Massage History

Peaceful Massage is owned and operated by Daniel Young, a certified massage therapist who has been recognized for several years for his exceptional service. Daniel has worked for a local massage therapy spa in San Francisco for several years. Daniel’s tenure with the massage therapy spa has given him the skills and knowledge required to venture out on his own and start his own company. Daniel has gained the trust and loyalty of a number of clients who have expressed interest in following him to his new clinic.

Since incorporation, Peaceful Massage has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Peaceful Massage, LLC to transact business in the state of California.
  • Has a contract in place to lease the massage therapy clinic.
  • Reached out to numerous contacts to include former clients, massage therapists, and friends and family members to spread the word about his new clinic.
  • Began recruiting a staff of massage therapists, accountants, sales and marketing associates, and office personnel to work at Peaceful Massage.

Peaceful Massage Services

The following will be the services Peaceful Massage will provide:

Industry Analysis

The United States massage therapy industry is valued at an estimated $16B and is expected to grow by 2.6% this year. Additionally, the number of massage therapists in the U.S. has grown by 14% in the last decade. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reports that people between the ages of 20-64 are the highest demographic to use massage therapy services.

The primary driver for industry growth is more people becoming health conscious and looking for ways to improve their overall wellness. According to a recent survey, approximately 93% of respondents believe massage is beneficial to their overall health and wellness. A majority of people seek out massage therapy for health and wellness concerns including pain relief (43%), relaxation/stress reduction (43%), soreness (37%), injury recovery/rehabilitation (33%), fitness/wellness (30%), prevention/improve quality of life (29%), and to control headaches/migraines (28%).

The main negative factors impacting the U.S. massage therapy industry are low barriers to entry and high competition. Industry operators can be competitive by offering a unique atmosphere, in-demand services, flexible scheduling, and high customer service standards.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Peaceful Massage will target anyone seeking massage therapy services in San Francisco, California. The clinic will target people with chronic pain or injuries that could benefit from massage therapy. They will also target athletes and people with active lifestyles. No matter the client, Peaceful Massage will deliver the best communication, service, and prices.

The precise demographics for San Francisco, California are:

Customer Segmentation

Peaceful Massage will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Individuals suffering from chronic pain
  • Individuals with injuries
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals who work in high stress environments

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Peaceful Massage will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Best Bay Area Massage

Located in San Francisco, Best Bay Area Massage is able to provide a wide variety of massage therapy services for its clients. The clinic’s list of services include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, stretch massage, and trigger point massage. Best Bay Area Massage is also able to perform additional services such as aromatherapy and salt stone massages.

Best Bay Area Massage’s promise is to deliver effective and rejuvenating massages in a comfortable environment. Best Bay Area Massage’s team of experienced massage professionals assures each client receives the best care and the proper modality for their unique massage therapy needs.

Golden Massage

Golden Massage is a San Francisco-based massage therapy spa that provides outstanding massage services for its clients. Golden Massage provides comprehensive massage therapy services for clients of all ages. The company specializes in sports massage, injury/rehabilitation massage, and relaxation massage. The owners of Golden Massage are massage therapy professionals so they understand how a massage therapy spa should be managed. Clients can depend on caring staff to provide exceptional customer service throughout the process from booking an appointment and speaking with a massage therapist to determine which therapist will be the best fit to getting a massage and booking the next appointment. Golden Massage takes the stress out of finding a convenient time for a massage and the uncertainty for new clients by maintaining a flexible schedule and ensuring all staff adhere to a high standard of customer service and communication.

City Massage & Bodyworks

City Massage & Bodyworks is a trusted San Francisco massage therapy clinic that provides superior service to clients in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. They are able to provide multiple types of massage therapy services including aromatherapy, sports massage, pregnancy massage, restorative massage, rejuvenation massage, and hot stone massage. Clients can make an appointment online, in person, or by phone. Additionally, clients can come in without an appointment at a time that is convenient for them. City Massage & Bodyworks offers an array of pricing options. Clients can pay per massage session or they can pay on a monthly basis for weekly massages.

Competitive Advantage

Peaceful Massage will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of certified massage therapists who are experts in their modalities and will provide caring, supportive customer service.
  • Comprehensive menu of services that allows for a client to find the massage service that works best for them.
  • Peaceful Massage offers the best prices in the area. The company’s pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Peaceful Massage will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of skilled massage therapists that is able to provide a comprehensive set of services (sports massage, hot stone massage, pregnancy massage, Swedish massage, etc.).
  • Unbeatable pricing to its clients – Peaceful Massage does not mark up its services at a large percentage. They will offer the lowest pricing in the area.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Peaceful Massage is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Daniel Young has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to his clients. Many former clients have communicated to Daniel that they kept coming back because they were happy with the massage therapy services he was providing. Once Daniel advised them he was leaving to open his own massage therapy business, they expressed interest in following him to his new clinic and will help spread the word of Peaceful Massage.

Professional Associations and Networking

Peaceful Massage will become a member of commercial and residential professional associations such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AMTE), Clinical Massage Association (CMA), and the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). The clinic will focus networking efforts on expanding its client network.

Print Advertising

Peaceful Massage will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events and in magazines, newspapers, and direct mailers.

Website/SEO Marketing

Peaceful Massage will create and maintain an organized, informative website that lists all the services that the clinic is able to provide. The company will employ an in-house marketing director that will also manage Peaceful Massage’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that any time someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “San Francisco massage therapy” or “massage therapy near me”, Peaceful Massage will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing director will create and maintain an active social media presence on multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok to promote the clinic and attract new clients.

The pricing of Peaceful Massage will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Peaceful Massage.

Operation Functions:

  • Daniel Young will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Daniel has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
  • Barbara Lewis – Office Manager who will manage the clinic’s administration, client files, and accounts payable.
  • Charles Thomas – Staff Accountant who will provide all client accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
  • Nancy Richards – Marketing Director who will provide all sales and marketing campaigns for Peaceful Massage.

Milestones:

Peaceful Massage will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

8/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease the clinic

8/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the management team

9/1/2022 – Finalize contracts for massage therapists

9/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and initiate the marketing campaign

9/22/2022 – Begin moving into Peaceful Massage clinic

10/1/2022 – Peaceful Massage opens its clinic for business

Peaceful Massage will be owned and operated by Daniel Young. He has recruited an experienced administrative professional, Barbara Lewis, to be his Office Manager and help manage the office and operations.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Peaceful Massage are the massage therapy fees they will charge to the clients for their services. The clinic’s price range will be $30-$90 per hour.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a massage therapy business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, massage therapy equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of massage sessions per month: 200
  • Average fees paid per month: $10,000
  • Clinic lease per year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, massage therapy business plan faqs, what is a massage therapy business plan.

A massage therapy business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your massage therapy business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your massage therapy business plan using our Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Massage Therapy Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of vending machines, some examples include: Day Spa, Mobile Massage, and Medical Massage.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Massage Therapy Business Plan?

Massage Therapy Businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Massage Therapy Business?

Starting a massage therapy business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Massage Therapy Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed massage therapy business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your massage therapy business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your massage therapy business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Massage Therapy Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your massage therapy business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your massage therapy business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Massage Therapy Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your massage therapy business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your massage therapy business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful massage therapy business:

  • How to Open a Massage Therapy Business

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Massage Therapy Business Plan

business plan for massage business

If you are planning to start a new massage therapy business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our massage therapy business plan example created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing a business plan for your new massage therapy business, spend as much time as you can reading through some samples of message-related business plans.

Reading some sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for, and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample massage therapy business plan for you to get a good idea about how perfect a massage therapy business plan should look and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Massage Therapy Business Plan Outline

This is the standard massage therapy business plan outline, which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

  • Management and Personnel
  • Marketing/Sales
  • Planning/Organizing
  • Legal Structure
  • Permits and Licenses
  • Accounting & Record Keeping
  • Market Needs
  • Target Market
  • Market Potential
  • Mission Statement
  • Online/Social Media
  • People/Networking
  • Other Promotion and Publicity
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Gift certificates available
  • Monthly Personal Budget
  • Expansion Costs
  • Sources of Financing
  • Overhead Business Costs
  • Projected Profit and Loss
  • Projected Cash Flow
  • Projected Balance Sheet
  • Sales Forecast
  • Profit and Loss
  • Balance Sheet

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After  getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this massage therapy business plan example into your business plan and modify the required information and download your massage therapy business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

Download a sample massage therapy business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free massage therapy business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your massage therapy business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How to Write An Effective Massage Therapy Business Plan

Learn how to create a business plan for your massage therapy practice.

May 20, 2013

business plan for massage business

There's that line from Field of Dreams that most everybody knows, even if they've never seen the movie: if you build it, he will come. Though in the movie the phrase relates specifically to baseball, many people have since assigned a more general meaning to the expression—don't worry about the outcome, because simply making the effort will produce results.

And there is something to be said for passion driven by blind faith.

But, particularly in business, there’s also something to be said for taking the time to outline where you are now and where you want to be—and how exactly you plan to get from point A to point B. In other words: writing a business plan.

The topic of writing a business plan can bring a wide variety of reactions, most of which range somewhere between reluctance and fear. The process, however, doesn’t have to be painful. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this important business tool.

Part of the reluctance to write a business plan might come from some misconceptions surrounding the practice. Many people think of these documents as long and complicated, taking days and months to write and finalize. But that doesn’t have to be the case, according to Kelly Bowers, a licensed massage therapist in Washington, D.C.

In fact, for most massage therapists, a one-page business plan is probably sufficient. “What most of us think of when we say business plan is what I call the standard or large business plan, but it’s not what most of us are going to want to work with,” she says. “We’re going to want to work with a simplified form of the standard business plan.”

To get to a clear understanding of how elaborate your business plan needs to be, Bowers suggests asking yourself some basic questions: How specific are your goals? How long-range are they? Are your goals ambitious? Are they a stretch? Do you really just want to make enough money to live comfortably and peacefully? Do you already know how much money that will take?

Also, consider your own personality. Are you a planner, for example? Do you tend to live in the moment or are you always looking down the road, thinking about where you want to be in two, five or 10 years?

“The more you want to move outside the simple or outside your comfort zone, the more you’ll benefit from having a business plan,” Bowers says. “If you are a planner, you will benefit from a business plan. If you tend to be overwhelmed by too many choices, a business plan can help you stay focused.”

Bowers quickly cautions, too, that simple isn’t going to work for everyone, and she encourages massage therapists to remember this rule of thumb: “The more people that are engaged in your practice and the more of someone else’s money you’ll be asking for, the more involved your business plan needs to be,” she says.

When Bowers decided to leave her job as a technical writer and pursue massage therapy full time, she started having lunch with a group of women who were starting their own businesses. “They were all big proponents of using business plans,” she says. “They kept pushing me to write one.”

Bowers didn’t follow their advice right away, however. Then, finally, she took herself on a business retreat one January and worked her way through Jim Horan’s “The One Page Business Plan,” a book her friends she lunched with had recommended to her.

She learned a few lessons from her first attempt. “My first business plan was, ah, optimistic, to say the least,” she recalls. “It turns out that making $50,000 a year requires more than writing it down confidently in your business plan! But I was hooked on the process.”

Some of why writing a business plan is helpful comes from being able to clarify your vision. “Having a clear sense of my personal vision and my practice’s mission has made a big difference for me,” Bowers explains. “It’s given me a clarity and focus I probably never would have found otherwise.”

In addition to more focus, writing a business plan gives Bowers a way of evaluating any new opportunities that might arise. “Does this opportunity I’m considering or being offered line up with my mission and vision?” she asks herself. “There are a lot of things I could do as a small business. But, as a very small business, I want to focus my time, energy and money on those things that help me bring my vision to life and fulfill my mission as I understand it.”

Bowers has advice that is quick and to the point for those reluctant to start writing a business plan: “Give up any idea that you aren’t smart enough or educated enough to write a business plan,” she says. “If you’re smart enough to do the work, then you’re smart enough to explain it in a business plan.” That’s not to say you might not need a little help, Bowers adds.

First, relax a little. You might find a different perspective helpful, like thinking of writing a business plan as having a conversation. “A business plan, at its most basic, is a conversation,” Bowers explains. “The conversation might be between you and an investor or business partner. For most of us, it’s a conversation we’re having with ourselves.”

Bowers elaborates on this idea, suggesting you look at the business plan as a kind of conversation between your present self and future self. “These two selves are working out what they want to build together and how they’re going to move that thing from today to the future you want to have,” she adds.

You might also find that imagining yourself sitting with a friend describing what you envision your practice looks like is a good way to approach writing a business plan. “Imagine describing, with passion, the practice you want to have,” Bowers says. “Imagine the two of you brainstorming what it would take, in some detail, to make that happen. If you wrote that down, you’d have a basic business plan.”

Remember, too, that writing a business plan shouldn’t be something you do once and never revisit. “As long as your business is alive, your business plan needs to be alive,” Bowers explains. “That means you need to be looking at and updating your business plan regularly.” For Bowers, that happens every January, when she takes her annual business retreat.

Writing a business plan might not be at the top of your priority list—and that’s OK. You don’t have to dedicate months to the process. But engaging in the process of putting your plans in writing can be a great exercise, and help you increase business and clarify your own vision. “I think getting clear on your vision and mission are the two biggest benefits of a business plan,” Bowers says. “Writing a business plan is a way to tell the story of your passion and how you’re going to make that passion sing.”

Anatomy of a Massage Therapy Business Plan

Though many massage therapists may not need to create an in-depth standard business plan, knowing what this document comprises is a good idea. You also might find that at least some of these elements will be included in your own business plan, no matter how simple.

Executive summary . Here, you’ll summarize the key points of the rest of the plan. “It lets you highlight the exciting parts,” says Kelly Bowers, a licensed massage therapist in Washington, D.C.

Company description . This description tells people what kind of practice you’re creating. You can detail the legal structure of the company, for example, as well as how management will work, if you’ll have a management team in place. “This is also a summary of things you’ll get into in greater detail later in the plan,” explains Bowers.

Product/service . Obvious, perhaps, but in this section you’ll detail what products or services your practice will offer.

Target market . When thinking of who your target market will be, Bowers suggests thinking of these questions: Who is going to buy your products or services, and why would they buy your products and services?

Competitive analysis . No matter how simple you make your business plan, you should have a good idea of who in your area may serve as competition for business and clients. “Who is already selling your product or service?” Bowers asks. “How are you going to be able to compete with them?”

Marketing and sales plan . Here, you are going to outline how you’ll reach potential clients and get them to buy your product or service. In today’s world, there are a lot of different ways you might choose to market your practice, so take some time to think about what might work best for you.

Related: Marketing Tools for Massage Therapists

Operations plan . How does your company run? Where is your practice located? What equipment do you need? All of these are questions you’ll answer in this section, Bowers says.

Management team . If you plan on setting up business with other people, or going into business with a fellow massage therapist or someone from a complementary profession, you’ll need to outline leadership roles. Who will be in charge, for example?

Development plan  and milestones . This section will work through some of your future plans, as well as how you’ll measure if you’re on track or not. You might also think about exactly how you plan to grow your practice, if growth is indeed a goal.

Financials . Money is sometimes the last thing you want to talk or think about when you’re excited about starting your own business, but especially if you’re looking for investors or need a loan, you’ll need to have a good idea of where you’re starting financially, what you expect to make and what you’ll need to spend in overhead, for starters.

“Each of these sections answers specific questions about business,” explains Bowers. “Even if you aren’t writing a standard business plan, it’s worth it to at least look at the questions and think about them.”

Business Plan Mythbusting

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for 10 years, you can probably benefi t from writing a business plan. To help you get over any hesitation you might feel, we’re busting some of the common myths that seem to surround this practice.

No. 1: You need a formal business education to write a business plan—False.

“For the kind of businesses most of us are running, what we need is a guide that is written to our level of business knowledge,” explains Kelly Bowers, a licensed massage therapist in Washington, D.C. Now, she adds, you might have to look up a few terms in the dictionary, but if you have a solid vision for your practice, that’s the important piece to the business plan writing puzzle.

Related:   It's Your Business: Understanding Business Concepts | 3 Credit Hours

No. 2: You should never start a business without writing a business plan—False.

Contrary to what some people might think, writing a business plan doesn’t have to be the fi rst thing you do when you’re thinking of starting your own practice. Much of what a business plan is designed to do is give you a clear direction and focus your efforts. “When you want to get clear with yourself about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you’re going to do it, a business plan can help,” explains Bowers.

But, Bowers says, though many people come out of school believing they know what their practice will look like and the types of clients they’ll work with, many don’t really know. “For a lot of us, it makes more sense to write a business plan after we’ve been in practice a year or three,” she says. “A few years of practice will tell us what our reality actually looks like, making writing a more realistic business plan easier to do.”

Times of change, too, are natural places to create a business plan. “Times of change are great times to work on a business plan to help you chart your new course,” says Bowers. “If you’ve worked in a spa for five years, for example, but now want to go out on your own, that’s a good time to write a business plan.”

There is one caveat to this advice, however: “If your starting point is a big plan that requires borrowing money, bringing in partners and things of that nature, your fi rst step should be to write a detailed business plan,” Bowers explains.

No. 3: Business plans are all about numbers and money—False.

“The heart of a business plan, any business plan, is what you want to build (vision) and why it’s worth building (mission),” Bowers says. “Everything else in the plan needs to be detailed enough to help you get there.”

That’s not to say you don’t need any information about financials, because you will definitely need to have an idea of what you want to make and what you’ll spend. “This information only needs to be as detailed as you personally need it to be,” Bowers says.

Related Resources

Massage therapy journal 3 tips for starting a massage practice.

When you first start thinking about opening a massage therapy practice, your natural inclination might be to focus primarily on the positive aspects of business ownership.

Continuing Education Attracting Business Clients: Part I-Start-up & Retention

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How To Create A Massage Therapy Business Plan

August 9, 2023

business plan for massage business

Starting a massage therapy business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. That’s why a lot of massage therapists choose to go into business for themselves. You might think all you need is a place to work and your and in some respects, that’s true. However, if you want your business to reach its full potential, you need a massage therapy business plan .

In most cases, you don’t need a whole lot of capital to start a massage therapy business. Service based businesses usually don’t have a lot of overhead, especially when your hands are the most valuable pieces of equipment. If you’re working as an independent massage therapist, your business plan doesn’t need to be too complex. It just needs to lay out your intentions, goals and a plan for reaching them.

If you plan on bringing in partners, hiring staff or borrowing money, then your business plan will need to be more extensive. Your lenders will want to see your business plan before offering you any sort of financing. You don’t need a business degree to create a business plan . If you need help, there are a lot of free resources available. For additional resources check out the SBA or find and work with a business mentor.

It’s never too late to create a business plan for your massage therapy business. If you’ve been in business for a while and you don’t have one, now’s the time to create one . In fact, you should be reviewing your business plan on a regular basis.

What’s The Biggest Thing To Consider Before Creating A Massage Therapy Business Plan?

Creating a massage therapy business plan requires aligning your life goals and business expectations. Get clear on what you want in life. Then, craft a plan to support your desired lifestyle and fulfill financial obligations, without exceeding your physical limitations. Plan for balance, happiness, and sustainability.

When you’re a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the tasks of taking care of clients and keeping the clinic clean. Sometimes you get so busy, the business becomes a part of who you are. So, before you start creating a plan for your massage therapy business, you first need to have a plan for your life . 

It’s important to know what you want your days, weeks and years to look like before you throw all your time and energy into your business. Your massage therapy business should support the lifestyle you want and help fulfill your financial obligations. Get clear on what your business needs to provide you, before you create a plan for your business.

Your massage therapy business plan needs to be realistic. So, be honest with yourself about how much time you can invest into your business, what you’re physically capable of, as well as what your true motivations are. There are no right or wrong answers here. 

business plan for massage business

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Massage Therapy Business Plan

  • What are your current financial obligations, and how do you expect them to change over the next 1, 5, 10+  years?
  • What are your current family and social obligations, and what changes do you anticipate in the future?
  • What sort of lifestyle do you want to have?
  • How much free time do you need to be happy and healthy?
  • When do you want to retire? 
  • If you could create the perfect weekly plan for yourself, what would it look like?
  • What are your health needs, and what does your overall well-being require?
  • What sort of fulfillment do you want to get from your work or business?
  • What contributions do you want to make to your family, community and the world?
  • What are your core values? What’s most important to you?

You’ll be spending A LOT of time in and on your business. So create the culture, work ethic and identity of your massage business intentionally . Ideally, your business reflects your own values and intentions. Don’t waste the opportunity to create the perfect workplace. Your massage therapy business plan will lay out how exactly you intend to do that, plus a whole lot more.

How To Create A Massage Business Plan That Supports Your Goals

Once you’re clear on what your business needs to provide you, it’s time to create some goals, if you haven’t already. Your business plan needs to be realistic; so keep your personal needs, abilities and limitations in mind when creating goals for your business.

Also, it’s not enough just to have goals. You need a specific, actionable plan for achieving them AND a deadline for getting them done. This is exactly what your massage therapy business plan is for.

One of the best goal setting strategies is the creation of SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.

Here’s an example of a SMART goal.

Within 2 years, my clinic will gross $75,000 annually by treating a total of 83 clients a month, with an average cost of $75.00 per session.

Let’s break this goal down. This is what makes this goal a SMART goal.

  • SPECIFIC :   $75,000 annual gross income
  • MEASURABLE:  83 clients a month at $75 a session
  • ACHIEVABLE:  83 clients a month is a realistic number of clients for a full time therapist to see
  • RELEVANT:  How much money you make matters
  • TIMELY:  This goal will be reached within 2 years

Once you have a goal like that, you then need to create an actionable plan that will attract enough clients to your business to reach those numbers. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! 

For every idea, plan or goal you create, you also need to create a strategy and a timeline for turning those ideas into accomplishments.

Every goal you set for your business should help create the work culture you want, reflect the identity of your brand, and add value to yourself, your business and your customers. If it doesn’t, you need to rethink your strategy.

Each goal needs a plan and a timeline. Having these benchmarks gives you something to measure your progress against.

Your goals should cover a variety of different timelines. Set short term goals that serve your needs today and lay the foundation for achieving bigger goals. Mid term goals help you reach new levels of growth and success over the next 1-3 years. Your long term goals will guide you toward achieving what you ultimately want to create.

Once you have a list of short term, mid term and long term goals, you’re ready to start creating your massage therapy business plan.

business plan for massage business

What’s Supposed To Be In Your Massage Therapy Business Plan?

The purpose of creating a business plan for your massage therapy business, is to have a written explanation of:

  •  WHAT your business is
  •  WHY it exists
  •  WHO it helps
  •  HOW it works
  •  WHERE it is going

You can make this as simple or complex as you need. The ultimate goal is to create a plan that you are convinced will work.

How extensive your business plan needs to be depends on how many hands are in the mix. You’re primarily creating this plan for yourself. In some cases, there may be people you need to share your business plan with. If that’s the case, you need to elaborate more than you would otherwise. 

10 Essential Things To Include In Your Massage Therapy Business Plan

Follow this list step-by-step to create your massage therapy business.

1. Executive Summary

This is a summary of your entire business plan. If someone reads only one section of your business plan in order to understand your overall strategy and identity, it should be the executive summary. The executive summary highlights the most important details of all the other sections in your massage therapy business plan. This section could be a few paragraphs or a few pages, depending on the depth of the plan you’re creating. Tip:  Write this section first to create an overall plan for your massage therapy business. Then build out each individual section using the executive summary as a guide. ALTERNATIVELY, you can write the executive summary last by simply combining the most important details from all the other sections.

‍ 2. Overview & Objectives

In this section, you deep dive into the mission of your company. First you describe your brand, which is basically “who” your company is and who it serves. Then you list out what your company plans to accomplish right now and in the future. This is a good place to highlight goals, values and your target market. All the details about who your ideal clients are and the value your business provides its staff, clients, vendors and the community can be included here. Be specific. Use this section to create a niche and a purpose for your massage therapy business. Tip:  Now is a good time to take a look at the SMART goals you created. Include the goals you created for your business here. Focus on the goals that are geared towards your mission, style and purpose. The financial goals will go in a different section.

3. Products & Services

This is perhaps the easiest and most straightforward piece of your massage therapy business plan. List out every service you offer and what it costs. If you sell products, include them here too. Explain what each product and service is, what it does, and the benefit it provides.

Don’t forget to include things like spa packages and membership plans. Now’s the time to think through what you’re able to offer by yourself or if you need a team of practitioners to provide the services you want to offer. Tip:  If you have designed a massage therapy website , you probably already have a list like this. Copy the list from your website to save time.

4. Massage Therapist & Practitioner Staffing

If your massage therapy business is a solo practice, you can skip this part of the business plan. If you plan to hire a massage therapist or other practitioners, you need a detailed plan for that. That goes here. This section is for listing the members of your team, their roles and responsibilities. You can include a short bio for each person that highlights their background, education and expertise.

One of the most common things massage business owners debate is whether to hire employees or have independent contractors . The decision is up to you, but it will impact your business model.

Tip:  Before you hire anyone, create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all the tasks that need done in your business. Document SOPs in writing and use them to train new team members. ‍

5. Business & Compensation Model 

After carefully considering multiple wellness business ideas , you must settle on a single business model. That business model may be a membership based massage franchise, multi-disciplinary practice, or just a solo-practitioner. Whatever it is, describe the structure of the business and how it’s organized in this section.

Also, explain how you’ll compensate your staff (and yourself). Outline the details of the pay structure for practitioners , admin staff, contractors, ect. Include things like commission, tips and salaries. You should also create a plan for how you’ll implement pay increases over time and the benchmarks for being eligible for a raise.

Tip:  Consider short-term abilities and long-term objectives before making a decision about business and compensation models. It’s hard to change structure down the road, so start where you want to end up. If you can’t afford to start there, create a plan for how and when you’ll transition later.

business plan for massage business

6. Sales And Marketing

In this section, explain how you will sell your services and promote your massage therapy business . Break down exactly how you’ll reach the clients your business was designed to serve, and how you will get them to buy from you. List all your massage marketing strategies , and then explain how you will implement them. Include things like your company website, social media marketing, email marketing, networking, paid advertising and so on. Also consider the massage marketing software tools you will need to make this happen, and make a budget around them. Tip:  Think about the ideal client you described in your Overview and Objections section. Consider what this person’s struggles, desires and spending habits are. Then build your sales and marketing plan around that.

7. Competitive Analysis

Every business has some sort of competition. In this section, make a list of all your competitors. Make note of who they are, what they do and who their customers are. Next describe how you intend to compete with these businesses. Set yourself apart by describing what makes your business different from competing companies. This may be something that makes you unique, better or more specialized than the competition. Tip:  Other massage therapists are not your only competition. What other services or products may your potential clients be using instead of massage therapy?

8. Operations

This section breaks down how you do what you do. Organize everything involved in running your business here. Including, but not limited to, how you interact and engage with clients, maintaining your office space, and how you write your SOAP Notes. Go into detail about everything. Explain how your business takes care of laundering linens, keeping the office clean, answering the phone, greeting clients, filing intake forms, and the methods of payment that are accepted. Write out all of the things you’ll do to manage your client files, or simply indicate if you’ll use a program like ClinicSense to stay organized and automate the work for your business. Tip:  If you make this section a detailed step by step guide, you can use it to create training manuals for staff later.

9. Tech Stack To Run Your Business

Technology will be instrumental in managing and growing your business. List the software you’ll use for things like scheduling, charting, review collecting, and marketing in this section. Create a plan for leveraging technology to streamline your processes, cut costs, improve productivity, and increase sales. 

 Your technical stack of tools might include: Scheduling Software, Accounting Software, Marketing Software, EMS & Charting software, or an all-in-one software solution for massage businesses .

Tip:  Research the wide variety of medical spa software available to you. Choose one that fits your budget and the needs of your practice. Make sure it’s a system you’re comfortable using and easy to use for client communication.

10. Financial Analysis

This section is all about the numbers. Create a budget for your massage therapy business , and list the details here. Be realistic, and plan for unforeseen setbacks. In addition to your current budget, you should also include future projections. As your business grows, its financial blueprint will change as well. It may not be possible to have exact numbers for future year sales, but it is possible to create future financial sales goals and estimations. Tip:  Review your SMART goals, and use the ones that relate to money here. Create benchmarks for your financial progress.

What Do You Do When Your Massage Business Plan Is Finished?

A business plan isn’t something you do just once. Your business will change overtime. As things change, you’ll find that some parts of your business plan are no longer in line with your current goals. That means you need to update your massage therapy business plan on a regular basis.

Now that you have a business plan for your massage therapy business, you can use it to keep your business on track. It’s easy to waste time thinking up the same ideas again and again. All your ideas are now written down and organized. So now you can focus on getting things done, rather than wasting time thinking about how to get things done.

Use your business plan as a guide and a reference when you lose your way. It should ultimately be your map of how to get you from where you are now, to where you want to be . Maps are only effective if you get them out and study them. So don’t file your business plan away and never look at it again. Creating it is only the first step towards making it work for you.

It’s a good idea to set aside time once or twice a year to review and update your massage therapy business plan. When you do this, don’t forget to consider your own life, well being and personal goals, as well as your business goals. Make sure your business plans and your personal circumstances are still in alignment. If something is off, it’s time to make some changes.

Key Takeaways 

The effort you put into creating a business plan for your massage therapy business should inspire you to take action and reach your true potential. A business plan can keep you from wandering astray, because the plan for getting from point A to point B is already mapped out. Keep it somewhere easily accessible so that you can pull it out whenever you need it.

Use the benchmarks in your business plan as a ladder you can climb. Each benchmark is a step towards achieving your goals. With each one reached, you gain momentum. Keep climbing to reach your biggest and loftiest aspirations.

Remember, your business should be designed to support your personal goals and values. Creating a business plan is an efficient way to think through and plan exactly what needs done to have the type of business you want. Once that’s in writing, it’ll be clear what your next action steps are, no matter where you are in your journey.

Your business plan should be dynamic, which means it changes with you and your massage practice. As you execute your plan, you and your business will undoubtedly evolve. That means you need to periodically make the time to sit down and update your massage therapy business plan. You don’t need to start completely over each time. You only need to revise the parts that are out of date. That part will be easy, because by then you'll really know what you’re doing.

Ready To Start Building Your Massage Therapy Business? We Can Help!

ClinicSense is an all-in-one software solution designed to help massage therapists manage and grow their business. We help you lay the foundation for your practice by giving you the tools you need to get your practice off the ground and keep it running smoothly for years to come. 

We’ll help you get more clients with online scheduling, collecting & publishing reviews, and digital marketing. You’lll make a good impression with automated appointment reminders and digital intake forms. You’ll save time by using ClinicSense features to automate daily admin tasks.

Best of all, ClinicSense is designed to grow with you. We offer multiple pricing plans and packages Choose the plan that fits the needs of your business right now, and upgrade as your business grows. Try it for FREE and cancel anytime.

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Massage Therapy Business Plan Template

If you want to start a massage therapy business or expand your current one, you need a business plan.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their massage therapy businesses.

Below are links to an example massage therapy business plan template :

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Massage Therapy Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my massage therapy business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Massage Therapy Business Plan.

What Is a Massage Therapist Business Plan?

A massage therapy business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your massage therapy business. A business plan provides details about your business concept, competition and target customers.  It also presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for a Massage Therapy Business?

If you’re looking to start a massage therapy business, or grow your existing massage therapy business, you need a business plan. A business plan will show your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. Your Massage Therapy Business Plan should be updated as your company grows and changes.

What Are the Sources of Funding for Massage Therapy Businesses?

Massage Therapy businesses are usually funded through small business loans, personal savings, credit card financing and/or angel investors.

MASSAGE THERAPY BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

  • Massage Therapy Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan
  • 10. Appendix
  • Massage Therapy Business Plan Summary

Start Your Massage Therapy Plan Here

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How To Start a Massage Therapy Business: Step-by-Step Guide

09 Jul, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

Are you passionate about the art of healing touch and looking to transform your skills into a thriving business? Starting a massage therapy business can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling venture. It allows you to share your expertise and provide much-needed relief to individuals , offering the potential for financial independence and the freedom to be your own boss. However, like any other entrepreneurial endeavor, launching a successful massage therapy business requires massage therapists careful planning, dedication, and a solid understanding of the industry.

In this guide, we will explore the essential steps and considerations involved in starting your massage therapy business, from creating a business plan to building a client base and establishing a solid professional reputation. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey in massage therapy, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to turn your passion into a flourishing business venture.

How To Start a Massage Therapy Business

If you are interested in starting a massage therapy business, there are a few steps you need to go through, including:

Get your training, education, and licensing

Before embarking on your journey to start a massage therapy business, obtaining the necessary training, education, and licensing is crucial. Research reputable massage therapy schools or programs that offer comprehensive training in various techniques and modalities. Completing a recognized program will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge and provide credibility and assurance to potential clients. Additionally, ensure that you fulfill the licensing requirements mandated by your jurisdiction, as each region may have specific regulations and certifications needed to practice legally.

Decide what your niche will be

decide-what-your-niche-will-be

Differentiating yourself in the massage therapy industry is essential for standing out and attracting your target market. Determine your niche by considering your unique strengths, interests, and the needs of your potential clients. Specializing in a specific type of massage, such as sports, prenatal, or deep tissue, can help you build expertise and develop a loyal client base. By honing in on your niche, you can effectively market your services to a specific audience and establish yourself as an expert in that area.

Analyze the market and competitors

Conducting thorough market research is crucial to understanding the demand and competition in your local area. Identify other massage therapy businesses and practitioners in your vicinity and analyze their offerings, pricing, target market, and reputation. This research will help you identify market gaps and determine how to differentiate your business. Additionally, understanding the needs and preferences of potential clients will allow you to tailor your services and marketing efforts accordingly, giving you a competitive advantage.

Create a business plan

A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap for your massage therapy business. Outline your business goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. It will provide clarity and direction and serve as a tool to attract investors or secure financing if needed. Your business plan should include the following:

  • Information on acquiring clients.
  • Pricing strategies.
  • Promotional activities.
  • The estimated costs of starting and running your business.

Choose a location

The location of your massage therapy business plays a significant role in its success. Look for a space that is easily accessible, preferably in a high-traffic area, such as a shopping center or business district. Consider parking availability, visibility, and proximity to complementary businesses, such as health clubs or wellness centers. Additionally, ensure that the space meets the necessary zoning and licensing requirements for operating a massage therapy business.

Choose a name

An important branding decision is selecting a compelling and memorable name for your massage therapy business. Your business name should reflect your values, target market, and the services you offer. Conduct a search to ensure the name is not already used and check if the domain name is available for a website. Aim for a unique, professional, and easy-to-pronounce name that will help you establish a strong brand identity.

Form a legal entity

Establishing a legal entity for your massage therapy business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC (limited liability company), provides legal protection and separates your personal and business assets. Consult with a lawyer or accountant to understand each entity type’s legal requirements and benefits. Register your business with local, state, and federal authorities and obtain any necessary permits or licenses to operate legally.

Set up your finances and figure out your pricing

set-up-your-finances-and-figure-out-your-pricing

Proper financial management is crucial to the success of your massage therapy business. Set up a separate business bank account to separate your personal and business finances. Determine your pricing structure based on your experience, location, market demand, and the cost of running your business. Consider offering different packages or membership options to incentivize repeat clients. Additionally, implement effective bookkeeping practices to accurately track your income, expenses, and taxes.

Acquire permissions and insurance

Ensure you have obtained all the necessary permissions and insurance for your massage therapy business. Check with your local authorities to understand any permits or licenses required to operate legally. Also, obtain liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients in case of any accidents or injuries during your sessions. Insurance provides peace of mind and adds credibility to your business.

Get your tools

Investing in high-quality massage tools and equipment is essential to provide clients with a professional and comfortable experience. Consider the types of massages you offer and the tools required, such as massage tables, oils, lotions, bolsters, and hot stone sets. Research reputable suppliers and compare prices to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

Start marketing yourself

Building a strong client base requires effective marketing strategies. Create a professional website that showcases your services, credentials, and testimonials. Utilize social media platforms to share valuable content, engage with potential clients, and promote special offers. Network with local businesses, fitness centers, and healthcare providers to establish referral partnerships. Consider offering introductory discounts or hosting special events to attract new clients. Implementing a combination of online and offline marketing tactics will help you increase visibility and reach your target audience.

In conclusion, starting a massage therapy business can be a fulfilling and lucrative endeavor for those with a passion for healing touch. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from obtaining the necessary training and licensing to analyzing the market, creating a business plan, and setting up your finances, you can pave the way for a successful venture.

Remember to choose a niche, select a suitable location, and establish a strong brand identity through a well-chosen name and legal entity. Additionally, acquiring the required permissions and insurance, investing in quality tools, and implementing effective marketing strategies will help you attract clients and build a thriving practice. With dedication, expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, you can embark on a rewarding journey as a massage therapy business owner.

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How to Create a Massage Therapy Business Plan + 3 Examples

Nov.17.2022

Here’s how to draft a business plan that will keep powering your massage business forward for years to come

You have the vision and the talent necessary to turn your ambition into a thriving enterprise. But if you don’t know how to write a business plan for massage therapy, you may be in danger of skipping the most important steps of starting your massage business . We know, we know; you didn’t get into this line of work to spend your time perusing spreadsheets and strategic statements. Thankfully, it may take less than you think to lay out a massage therapy business plan that will set your business up for success for years to come.

Why do I need a business plan for my massage therapy business?

You need a business plan for your massage business because it is the foundational document for your new enterprise. It shows others (and reminds yourself) how you’ll start and build your business today, next month, a year from now, and beyond. A massage therapy business plan will help you set goals for the milestones you wish to reach and make changes to best achieve those goals. And, in the most practical and financial of terms, if you want to convince investors to seed money into your business, they will expect nothing less than a spotless business plan.

6 steps for creating a massage therapy business plan

Now that you know why you need a massage therapist business plan, here’s a clear list of steps to follow to make your own, complete with real-world examples.

Step 1: Craft an appealing executive summary

Think of the executive summary as the grand opening to your business plan. It’s the first impression you make on a reader, which means you should highlight the most engaging parts of your business. Let people know what you intend to accomplish, both fiscally and in the context of the local community. Explain why you’re excited and don’t be afraid to go big in your vision.

The way Elements Massage uses its About Us page to let potential customers understand its unique vision is one great massage therapy business plan example to follow. The franchise emphasizes the quality of massages it offers, backed up by the four pillars of the “Elements Way” that inform its every service. You feel like you know exactly what drives this business even before you step through its doors.

Step 2: Define your day-to-day

You know you want to start a massage therapy business, but what will your daily work look like? Will your business be part of a day spa, offering a range of additional experiences like facial treatments and saunas? Will it be a mobile business where you bring your materials to clients’ homes or offices, meeting customers where it’s most convenient for them?

Answering these questions early will help both you and potential investors determine what kind of funding you may need to create a feasible business. For instance, it costs a lot more to open a brick-and-mortar location staffed by fellow massage therapists than to do business out of your trunk.

Step 3: Identify your clientele 

What kind of customer are you trying to serve with your massage therapy business? Here are some specific questions to ask while envisioning your ideal clientele.

How old are they?

What do they do for a living?

Where do they live?

What’s their annual income?

What life stage are they in?

Once you start identifying these specific elements, you can create a customer persona. This will be an essential tool to return to throughout your process as you consider how best to meet the needs of the people interested in your services.

Keep in mind that your ideal customer may change as your business develops, and the conditions around them may evolve, too. Take note of the way Massage Envy created campaigns that targeted previous customers who stopped receiving massage therapy during the pandemic , showcasing why it might be time to get a massage again. By identifying its clients, Massage Envy always knows who to get the message out to. 

Step 4: Carve out your niche

Massage is a broad umbrella. Specialists can perform Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, shiatsu massage, and many more types of service. What kind of experiences will your particular business specialize in, and what kind of clientele will be more inclined to use them?

Go back to your customer persona here and see how that shapes who your planned services will cater to versus the type of clients you most want to have. This is also a good time to begin considering how you will handle booking for your appointments . It’s the first point of interaction many clients have with your brand, so you want to make sure it’s one that leaves them excited to come in and continue the relationship, rather than exhausted and glad this part of the process is done.

Step 5: Pick the perfect location

If you’re planning to go the brick-and-mortar route, your choice of location is paramount. Return once more to your customer persona: What kind of storefront, and what kind of area, will serve best for attracting your ideal client? A trendy downtown location will mean high foot traffic and plenty of opportunities for drop-ins, but that won’t do you much good if most of your services require scheduling in advance.

If you’re planning to operate in clients’ homes and offices instead, determine how broad of an area you’ll serve. You can only go so far for a client before it no longer makes business sense, but reaching out to massage business contacts in nearby areas could help you set up a mutual beneficial referral arrangement. Whether brick-and-mortar or mobile, be sure to research your competition in the area before setting up shop.

Step 6: Get cozy with a spreadsheet 

OK. We can’t put off talking about it any longer. Your massage therapist business plan also needs a detailed accounting of your finances. You might need to take out loans, apply for grants, or even tap into savings to get a business off the ground before investors will bite, and that’s OK — as long as you plan for it ahead of time. Success isn’t guaranteed overnight, so it's important to plot out best and worst case scenarios for at least a few years in advance, based on ranges for your potential income as well as rent, utilities, and other ongoing expenses.

Turning to another brand name in the space, MassageLuXe’s financial reporting reveals detailed information for new franchisees and their upfront investment . The report breaks down the low and high end of expected expenses across categories, which is helpful for arriving at estimates for your own business even if it won’t be part of a franchise.

It’s never too early to start planning how to make your business even bigger and better. Get your free copy of The Ultimate Growth Playbook for Beauty Businesses today.

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How to Write a Massage Therapy Business Plan

Creating a solid business plan is a fundamental step for massage therapists interested in starting their own massage therapy business. A written business plan is more than just a formal document; it’s a practical and useful blueprint that can help ensure the growth and stability of a new massage business, laying the foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refocus your business, a well-crafted plan will help clarify your vision, establish goals, and attract funding.

What is a business plan?  A business plan is a comprehensive document that details your business objectives, marketing strategies, the services and products you offer, your financial forecasts, and the steps you plan on taking to achieve your business goals. This practical tool serves as a roadmap, helping to guide your decision-making as you start, manage, and expand your massage business. A good business plan isn’t just a static document that you create and file away, but a dynamic blueprint that evolves with your practice, reflecting changes in the market, client needs, and your own professional growth.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key components of a successful massage therapy business plan. You’ll learn how to articulate your vision, identify your target market, create an executive summary, analyze the competition, and develop effective marketing and financial strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to craft a plan that resonates with your unique business goals and drives your massage practice towards a prosperous future.

Why Massage Therapists Need a Business Plan

Many massage therapists, whether solo practitioners or members of a group practice, might view the idea of creating a business plan as either overwhelming or unnecessary. Yet, the reality is quite the opposite. A business plan, even basic one, is an  important tool  for a new venture. Even if you don’t need to secure funding or meet formal startup requirements, a written business plan will help clarify your vision and strategy for starting a new massage business .

A massage therapy business plan template acts as a strategic guide. It helps you navigate through the entrepreneurial aspects of your practice, something that goes beyond the core massage skills commonly taught in massage training programs. This plan provides a clear picture of where you are now, where you want your business to go, and most importantly, how you’ll get there. Even a simple, one-page plan can keep you on the right track for success.

How a business plan will benefit massage therapists

  • Clarity in Goals : The act of creating a business plan will help you define what you want to achieve, both in the short and long term.
  • Financial Planning : Essential for understanding your financial needs, from startup costs to long-term financial projections. It can help ensure a profitable business.
  • Marketing Strategy : Assists in identifying your target market and how best to reach them, a key aspect for any growing massage business.
  • Operational Guidelines : It sets the operational workflow of your practice, from client appointments to massage therapy services offered.
  • Risk Management : Highlights potential challenges and how to avoid them, a crucial factor for sustainability.
  • Funding and Investment : Essential if you’re looking to secure loans or attract investors.

Remember, your business plan is a living document. It should be revised and updated periodically to reflect the changing needs of your growing massage practice.

*Understanding massage business plans can also enhance your readiness for the FSMTB massage licensing exam. Practical information about the business of massage is covered in the Guidelines for Professional Practice content area of the MBLEx .

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Components of a Massage Therapy Business Plan

7 Key Components of a Business Plan

While there’s no one-size-fits-all format, there are certain key components common to the best business plans. Here’s a breakdown of these seven essential elements:

  • Executive Summary : This section provides a brief yet comprehensive overview of your entire business plan. It is designed to give readers, like potential investors or partners, a quick snapshot of your own massage therapy business. The executive summary outlines & summarizes the essence of your business, and includes your key business objectives, the core services you offer, your mission statement, a financial overview, and a brief summary of your plans to grow and succeed in the market.
  • Business Description : Here, you detail what your massage therapy practice is all about. Describe the nature of your business, the business structure (solo practice, partnership, etc.), your market position, the specific types of massage services you offer, and unique aspects that set your practice apart. Discuss your business model, whether it’s home-based, a leased commercial office space, or mobile massage business. This section should also outline your business goals and the needs in the market that your business aims to fulfill.
  • Market Analysis : This section involves researching the massage therapy industry. It includes a competitor analysis, client demographics, your ideal client & target market, and market trends. It’s where you demonstrate your understanding of the market landscape and how your business fits into it, highlighting opportunities for your massage practice. Knowing your market helps tailor your services and marketing efforts effectively.
  • Organization and Management : This part of the plan outlines the operational structure and management team of your business. If you’re a solo massage therapist, it might just be you. If your team is larger, describe the roles and responsibilities within your practice, including who manages the business, any staff members you plan to hire, and how your business is legally structured.
  • Services Offered : Here, list and describe the massage therapy services you provide, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue, hot stone massage, cupping therapy , corporate chair massage, sports massage, or any special techniques or approaches you use. This section can also include information about pricing, package deals, or membership plans. Explain how your services meet client needs and stand out in the market.
  • Marketing Plan : This is your strategy for attracting and retaining clients, and turning your clients into raving fans or your business. Outline how you plan to market your massage therapy services , including advertising methods, branding, promotional tactics, customer engagement strategies, and online presence strategies, such as social media marketing and a business website. Discuss how you will establish a strong brand presence in your local area or online.
  • Financial Planning : In this final section, present your financial projections and funding requirements. This should include detailed budgets, projected income statements, and cash flow estimates. Explain how you plan to ensure the financial health of your massage therapy business, covering aspects such as pricing strategy , revenue projections, financial goals, and potential funding sources. Even for small practices, understanding the numbers is crucial for sustained growth and stability.

Remember, there’s flexibility in how you approach your plan. Whether it’s a traditional multi-page document or a lean one-pager, the goal is to create something that serves your needs and guides your decisions. A business plan should clarify your goals, fitting seamlessly into your professional life.

Focus on  SMART goals  – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. You are probably familiar with SMART goals from your massage SOAP note documentation, but as a reminder, setting SMART goals means setting goals that are clearly defined ( Specific ), can be tracked and assessed ( Measurable ), are realistic and attainable ( Achievable ), align with your business objectives ( Relevant ), and have a defined timeline for achievement ( Time-bound ). By setting clear, attainable goals with specific timelines, you help turn your vision into actionable steps. This approach ensures that your own business plan becomes a living guide, steering your massage therapy practice toward success with clarity and purpose.

Executive Summary of Massage Business Plan

Executive Summary

The  Executive Summary  of your massage business plan is like the cover of a book; it sets the stage for what’s inside. It’s a snapshot of your business, capturing the essence in a concise, compelling manner. Here’s some elements of an effective executive summary:

Role and Structure : The executive summary should be the opening section of your business plan. It needs to be succinct, ideally just one page. Think of it as an elevator pitch in written form. It should briefly touch upon every crucial aspect of your business plan, giving readers a taste of what to expect.

Summarizing Key Aspects : Start with your business’s  mission statement  – a clear declaration of your massage therapy practice’s purpose and its core values. Then, highlight the key components of your plan: your business model, market analysis, offered services, massage marketing strategy , and financial outlook. Remember, clarity and brevity are your allies here.

Vision and Mission of the Company : Your vision is where you see your massage therapy practice in the future – it’s aspirational. The mission, on the other hand, is about the present – how your business operates and serves clients today. Both should reflect your passion for massage therapy and your commitment to client well-being.

Short- and Long-Term Goals : Outline clear, attainable goals. Short-term goals might include immediate objectives like securing a certain number of clients per month or launching a website. Long-term goals could involve expanding your service offerings, opening a new location, or becoming a recognized name in the massage therapy industry or in your community.

Remember, the executive summary is your chance to impress and engage potential readers, be they investors, partners, or even employees. It should reflect the essence of your massage therapy practice, its ethos, and its path forward. 

Massage Therapist Preparing Room for Client

Business Description

In the  Business Description  section of your business plan, you’ll paint a detailed picture of your practice. This is where you describe what your business is, who it serves, and how it stands out in the massage therapy industry. be sure to include the following information:

  • Detailing Your Business : Start with the basics – the name of your massage therapy practice, its location, and the range of massage therapy services you offer. Describe your approach to massage therapy and how it benefits your clients. Are you focusing on sports massage , therapeutic massage, aromatherapy massage , reflexology, general relaxation massage and spa treatments, medical massage , or a combination of different types of massages? What booking systems and massage software will you use? How will you communicate and follow-up with your clients? What massage forms and documentation will you use? This is your chance to showcase your expertise and passion for massage therapy.
  • Business Structure and Organization : Are you a solo practitioner, or do you have a team? Discuss your business’s legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, etc.) and the organizational framework. If you have a team, mention their roles and how they contribute to the practice’s success.
  • Vision and Mission : Your vision should depict where you see your business in the future, while your mission should reflect your day-to-day operations and commitment to clients. This could include your dedication to holistic health, personalized care, or integrating innovative massage techniques.
  • Unique Value Proposition : What sets your massage therapy practice apart? Maybe it’s your specialized techniques, exceptional client care, or a unique therapeutic environment. Your unique value proposition is what makes your business stand out in a crowded market.
  • Independent Practice : You have full control and flexibility but also bear all the responsibility for management and growth.
  • Partnership:  In this model, two or more therapists come together to run the business. This collaboration can pool resources, share costs, and bring diverse skills to the practice. Partnerships require clear agreements on roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing.
  • Mobile Massage Service:  Mobile therapists travel to clients’ homes, offices, or events to provide services. This model offers flexibility and convenience for clients but requires therapists to manage travel logistics and carry equipment.
  • Contract Work:  Massage therapists can work as independent contractors for various businesses, such as hotels, cruise ships, or corporate offices. This model offers a variety of work environments and client types but may involve irregular hours and less job security.
  • Home-Based Practice:  Therapists can set up a massage room and office space in their own home. This model can reduce overhead costs and offer a comfortable setting for clients, but it blends personal and professional spaces.

Each of these models has different operational, financial, and lifestyle implications, and choosing the right one depends on the therapist’s personal preferences, professional goals, and resources.

In making your decision, consider your personal goals, work style, and the kind of massage business you envision. Your choice will shape the nature of your practice and your path to success.

Market Research concept for Massage Business Plan

Market Research and Analysis

Effective market research and analysis are critical for any massage or bodywork business. This process helps you understand your market environment, ensuring your services meet the needs and preferences of your target audience. The following items belong in this section of your massage business plan:

Conducting Market Research for Massage Therapy : Start by gathering data on the local massage therapy market. This can be done through online research, surveys, and observing local massage therapy practices. Look into industry reports to understand broader trends in the massage therapy industry. Key questions to explore include the most sought-after massage styles and the average pricing in your area.

Analyzing Local Demand and Competition : Assess the demand for local massage therapy services. Are there specific groups of people who are more inclined to seek massage therapy, such as athletes, office workers, or older adults? Then, analyze your competitors. What services do they offer? What are their pricing strategies? Are their appointment books and parking lots full? Understanding your competition helps you find your massage niche and identify opportunities to differentiate your practice (more on this in the next section). 

Understanding Client Demographics : Who is your ideal customer? Create client profiles based on factors like age, gender, lifestyle, and health needs. For instance, sports massage will be more popular among athletes, while deep tissue massage could appeal to those with chronic pain. Understanding these demographics helps in tailoring your services and marketing efforts.

Determining What Customers Value : What are clients looking for in a massage therapy session? It could be relaxation, pain relief, or a therapeutic experience. Some might value convenience, such as online booking or flexible hours, while others might value low cost, still others might prioritize the skill and experience of the massage therapist. Knowing what your target customers value most allows you to structure your services and customer experience to meet these expectations.

In summary, market research and analysis enable you to make informed decisions about your massage therapy businesses. It guides you in developing services that resonate with potential clients, setting competitive prices, and crafting effective marketing strategies. Remember, understanding your market is an ongoing process that can significantly contribute to the success and growth of your massage therapy practice.

Elements of a Massage Business Plan Concept

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis, also called  competitive analysis , is a critical component in your massage business plan. In order to provide services that are  different and better  than your competitors, you must first understand what they offer. This analysis helps you position your business strategically in the market.

  • Identifying the Competition : Start by identifying who your competitors are. These could be other massage therapists, wellness centers, or spas in your area. Consider both direct competitors, who offer the same services as you, and indirect ones, who cater to the same target audience but with different but related services (e.g., chiropractors, physical therapists, yoga studios, acupuncture clinics, fitness centers, and spas specializing in esthetician services).
  • Analyzing Competitor Strengths : What are your competitors excelling at? It could be their marketing strategies, the variety of massage therapy services they offer, their pricing, hours of operation, or their customer service. Understanding their strengths can help you learn from them and identify market gaps.
  • Determining Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) : Your UVP, sometimes referred to as  Unique Selling Proposition  (USP), is what makes your massage therapy practice stand out. It could be your specialized massage techniques, exceptional client care, or a unique approach to holistic wellness. Think about what you can offer that your competitors don’t. This could be something as simple as extended business hours, a unique massage therapist specialization, or a more client-centric service model.
  • SWOT Analysis : A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a tool used to evaluate these aspects of both your business and your competitors’. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors, like your skills or limited marketing budget. Opportunities and threats are external factors, like a growing interest in wellness or new competitors entering the market.

A thorough competitor analysis helps you to understand where you fit in the massage therapy market. It guides you in making informed decisions about how to outpace your competition, either through improved features, competitive pricing, or unique services. By knowing your competition, you can craft strategies that leverage your strengths and capitalize on market opportunities.

Massage therapist providing deep tissue massage therapy services for client.

Description of Your Massage Therapy Services

This section of your massage therapy business plan describes and showcases the services you will offer in your practice. It’s crucial to give a detailed breakdown of the services you offer, ensuring they align with market demands and your unique skill set.

Types of Massage Services : Commonly offered services include:

  • Traditional Swedish Massage : Known for its relaxing and rejuvenating effects, it’s a popular choice for clients new to massage.
  • Deep Tissue Massage : Ideal for clients with chronic pain or muscle tension, focusing on deeper muscle layers.
  • Sports Massage : Targeted towards athletes, this massage focuses on areas strained by repetitive sports activities.
  • Hot Stone Massage : Utilizes heated stones to provide a unique, soothing experience, perfect for stress relief.

Additional Services and Products : Consider offering complementary services or products that enhance the massage experience. This could include aromatherapy, reflexology, assisted stretching, or selling wellness products like essential oils or ergonomic pillows. Offering a range of products and services allows for a more holistic approach to client care.

Customizing Services : Tailoring your services to meet the specific needs of your clientele is crucial. This could involve offering personalized massage packages, focusing on specific client groups like pregnant women or the elderly, or even integrating alternative therapies. Your expertise and understanding of client needs are what will make your massage therapy services stand out.

In describing your services, focus on how each service addresses specific client needs and the benefits they offer. For instance, emphasize the stress-relieving qualities of traditional Swedish massage or the injury-preventive benefits of sports massage. The goal is to paint a clear picture of what clients can expect and why they should choose your services.

Massage therapist providing chair massage for marketing and promotional campaign

Marketing Plan and Client Acquisition Strategies

A well-thought-out  sales and marketing plan  is essential for attracting and retaining clients in your massage therapy business. By leveraging a mix of traditional and digital marketing techniques, you can build a strong client base and grow your practice. Consider discussing the following in this section:

  • Online Presence and Social Media : In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial. Start by creating a user-friendly website that highlights your services, background, and client testimonials. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your visibility in search results. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent tools for connecting with potential clients and referral partners. Share engaging content, health tips, and special offers to keep your audience interested and informed.
  • Email Marketing : Collect email addresses from your clients and website visitors to keep them updated about new services, massage specials and promotions , and health tips. Regular newsletters help keep your practice top-of-mind and encourage repeat visits.
  • Networking and Community Involvement : Building relationships within your community can be a powerful marketing tool. Attend local events, join business associations, or offer workshops to showcase your expertise in massage therapy. Partnering with other health professionals like chiropractors or physiotherapists can also provide valuable referral opportunities.
  • Client Referral Programs : Word-of-mouth is a potent marketing tool, especially in the wellness industry. Create a referral program that rewards clients for bringing in new business. This could be discounts on future visits or special packages.
  • Promotions and Loyalty Programs : Offering introductory discounts to new clients or loyalty programs for regular ones can help in client retention. Tailor these offers to encourage repeat visits and long-term engagement with your massage therapy services.

Remember, the most effective marketing strategy is one that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your business values. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and be ready to adjust your strategies to meet the changing needs of your market and business.

Massage therapy team at successful practice

Financial Planning and Management

Effective financial planning and management are the backbones of a successful massage therapy business. Understanding and managing your finances ensure the stability and growth of your practice. Consider adding the following items to this section of your plan:

Budgeting Basics : Start by creating a budget that outlines all your startup costs, such as rent, massage equipment and supplies , marketing expenses, and getting the best massage liability insurance you can. Once your business is operational, keep track of ongoing expenses like utilities, payroll, and maintenance. Budgeting helps you keep finances under control and plan for future investments.

Revenue Streams and Pricing Strategies : Your main revenue will likely come from the massage therapy services you offer. Consider diversifying your revenue streams by selling related products or offering workshops. When setting prices, research local market rates to remain competitive yet profitable. Adjust your pricing strategy based on your expertise, service quality, and client demand.

Managing Expenses : Keep your expenses in check by regularly reviewing and optimizing them. This might mean negotiating better rates with suppliers, reducing unnecessary expenditures, or investing in energy-efficient equipment.

Financial Forecasting : Develop financial forecasts to predict future revenue and expenses. This helps in setting realistic financial goals and preparing for any potential financial challenges.

Organizational Structure : If your massage therapy practice involves a team, clearly define the organizational structure. Outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member, including management, administrative staff, and other massage therapists. A well-defined structure ensures smooth operations and effective team collaboration.

Management Team Responsibilities : If you have a management team, their responsibilities might include overseeing daily operations, managing finances, creating massage policies and procedures for efficient operations, developing business strategies, and handling problems like client no-shows and missed appointments . Ensure that each team member understands their role and its impact on the business’s success.

Remember, financial health is crucial for the longevity of your massage therapy practice. Regular financial reviews and adjustments will keep you on track towards achieving your business goals.

Concept of Business Model Canvas

FAQ About Creating a Massage Business Plan

Are there any easier & simpler alternatives to creating a traditional business plan.

Yes, there are simpler alternatives to creating a traditional, lengthy business plan, especially useful for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs like massage therapists. Here are a few alternatives:

  • Lean Startup Plan : This format focuses on summarizing the key elements of your business on a single page. It typically includes sections like key partnerships, activities, resources, value propositions, customer relationships, channels, customer segments, cost structure, and revenue streams. It’s great for clarifying your business idea and making quick adjustments as your business evolves.
  • Business Model Canvas : Similar to the Lean Startup Plan, the Business Model Canvas is a strategic management template used for developing new business models or documenting existing ones. It’s visual and allows for easy understanding and adjustments.
  • One-Page Business Plan : As the name suggests, this plan condenses the business plan into a single page, focusing on the core aspects of your business, such as your vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and action plans. It’s ideal for small businesses that don’t require detailed plans for investors or banks.
  • Pitch Deck : Originally used for startups to present their business idea to potential investors, a pitch deck is a brief presentation that provides an overview of your business. While not a full business plan, it covers key aspects like the business concept, market, revenue model, and growth strategy.
  • Action Plan : This is a straightforward list of steps you need to take to achieve your business goals. It’s more of a task list but organized in a way that aligns with your strategic objectives.

These alternatives are less time-consuming and can be more practical for small businesses or when you’re in the early stages of conceptualizing your business. They provide enough structure to guide your business decisions without the complexity of a full business plan.

How do I create a unique value proposition for my massage therapy business?

Creating a unique value proposition (UVP) for your massage therapy business involves identifying what sets your services apart from others in the market. Start by assessing your skills, specialties, and the aspects of massage therapy you excel at. Maybe you specialize in sports massage, deep tissue techniques, lymphatic drainage massage , or holistic wellness approaches. Consider the client experience you offer – perhaps it’s your personalized care, the tranquil ambiance of your therapy space, or your flexible scheduling. Your UVP should clearly communicate how these unique aspects of your service offer value to your clients. For instance, if your specialty is in therapeutic massage for athletes, your UVP could focus on your expertise in sports-related injury prevention and recovery. The goal is to articulate why a client should choose your services over others.

How can I identify and target my ideal clients for massage therapy services?

Identifying and targeting your ideal clients or customer demographic involves a few key steps:

  • Analyze Your Services : Look at the types of massage therapy you offer and consider who would benefit the most from them. For example, sports massages may appeal to athletes, while relaxation massages might attract working professionals or parents.
  • Research Your Market : Understand the demographics of your area. Are there sports clubs, corporate offices, or wellness communities?
  • Survey Existing Clients : If you already have clients, ask them for feedback. What do they value in your service? This can give you insights into your appeal.
  • Use Social Media : Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can provide demographic insights based on engagement with your content.
  • Tailor Your Marketing : Once you know your target demographic, customize your marketing efforts to speak directly to their needs and interests.

How long should a typical massage business plan be?

The length of a typical massage therapist business plan can vary depending on the complexity of your business model and your specific needs. However, for most independent massage therapists or small practices, a plan ranging from 10 to 20 pages is often sufficient. It should be detailed enough to cover all essential aspects – including market analysis, financial planning, and marketing strategies – while being concise enough to remain clear and actionable. Remember, your entire business plan should be a practical tool, not just a formal document, so focus on clarity and relevance over length.

How do I conduct a thorough market analysis for my massage therapy business?

Conducting a thorough market analysis for your massage therapy business involves several key actions:

  • Identify Your Target Market : Determine who your potential clients are based on demographics like age, gender, occupation, and lifestyle.
  • Analyze Competitors : Assess other massage therapy services in your area. What services do they offer, and what are their pricing strategies?
  • Understand Client Needs : Conduct surveys or interviews to understand what clients look for in massage therapy services.
  • Evaluate Market Trends : Stay informed about the latest trends in the massage therapy industry, such as popular techniques or wellness integrations.

This research will help you tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your market and position your practice competitively.

Can I write a business plan for my massage therapy business by myself, or should I hire a professional?

Yes, you can write a business plan for your massage therapy businesses yourself, especially if you have a clear understanding of your business goals and the massage therapy market. Many massage therapists create their own business plans using available templates and guides tailored to small businesses. However, if you find financial aspects, like revenue forecasting or budgeting, challenging, or if you are planning to seek significant funding, consulting with a professional can be beneficial. They can offer expertise in creating a detailed, compelling plan that aligns with investor expectations. Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level with business planning and the complexity of your massage therapy practice.

How do I choose the right location and setup for my massage therapy practice?

Choosing the right location for your massage therapy practice is crucial for attracting clients and ensuring a comfortable environment. Consider the following:

  • Accessibility : Look for a location that is easily accessible by public transport and has ample parking.
  • Visibility : A spot with good visibility can attract walk-in clients.
  • Demographics of the Area : Ensure the local demographics align with your target market.
  • Competition : Avoid areas saturated with massage therapy services unless you offer unique services.
  • Space Requirements : Ensure the space is sufficient for your operational needs, including a reception area, therapy rooms, and a waiting area.
  • Ambiance : The interior should be calming and conducive to relaxation, aligning with the overall experience you want to offer.
  • Ensure Proper Zoning : Check local zoning laws to ensure that you can legally operate a massage business in your desired area, as zoning regulations can vary significantly and impact where you can establish your practice.

How often should I update my massage therapy business plan?

Your massage therapy business plan should be a dynamic document, updated regularly. A good rule of thumb is to review and update your plan annually. However, if there are significant changes in your business, like adding new services, changing locations, or shifts in the market or regulatory environment, you should update it accordingly. Regular revisions ensure that your business plan reflects the current state of your practice and the market, helping you make informed decisions and adapt to new opportunities or challenges in the massage therapy industry.

What financial projections should I calculate for my massage business plan?

Accurate financial projections are a cornerstone of any effective business plan. Determining these projections helps you strategically plan for growth and financial stability in your massage practice. Choose financial projections that are helpful and meaningful for your individual situation:

  • Revenue Projections : Estimate your earnings from various services over a specific period.
  • Expense Forecast : Project your operational costs, including rent, supplies, utilities, and staff salaries.
  • Profit and Loss Statement : Predict your net profit by subtracting estimated expenses from your revenue.
  • Cash Flow Forecast : Monitor the flow of cash in and out of your business, crucial for managing day-to-day operations.
  • Break-even Analysis : Determine the point at which your practice’s revenues will cover its expenses.

These projections help in planning your finances effectively and are essential for monitoring the health and growth potential of your massage therapy business.

What is the importance of a SWOT analysis in my massage therapy business plan?

A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) in your massage therapy business plan provides a comprehensive overview of your business’s internal and external environment. This analysis helps you:

  • Identify your  Strengths  (e.g., specialized massage skills, unique services) to leverage them effectively.
  • Acknowledge  Weaknesses  (e.g., limited marketing budget, new presence in the market) to address or mitigate them.
  • Recognize  Opportunities  (e.g., emerging wellness trends, unmet client needs) to expand and grow your practice.
  • Be aware of  Threats  (e.g., competition, changing regulations) to prepare proactive strategies.

Conducting a SWOT analysis helps in strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring a realistic and objective view of your massage therapy business.

How can I determine the competitive advantage of my massage therapy services in the business plan?

To carve out a competitive edge for your massage therapy services in your business plan, start by pinpointing what makes your practice special. Maybe it’s your unique massage techniques or the exceptional level of care you provide to each client. Understanding exactly what your clients value most can help you tailor your services to meet their needs more effectively than your competitors. Don’t forget to showcase your professional credentials and any specialized training you’ve undertaken – these details add to your credibility. Also, weaving in positive feedback and success stories from your clients can really highlight the satisfaction and results you deliver. When it comes to pricing and packages, make sure they stand out against what others are offering, perhaps through added services or special deals. Articulating these points clearly in your business plan will not only showcase what you bring to the table but also position you as the go-to therapist for potential clients.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a massage therapy business plan?

When writing a massage therapy business plan, avoid these common mistakes :

  • Lack of Clear Objectives : Ensure your business plan has specific, measurable, and realistic goals.
  • Ignoring Competition : Failing to adequately analyze competitors can leave you unprepared for market realities.
  • Overlooking Market Research : Not understanding your target market can lead to ineffective strategies.
  • Underestimating Costs : Be realistic about your budget and financial needs to avoid financial strain.
  • Vague Marketing Plans : Your marketing strategy should be detailed and tailored to your target audience.
  • Ignoring Legal and Regulatory Requirements : Stay informed about necessary massage licenses and certifications , and local regulations.

How do I set realistic and achievable goals in my massage therapy business plan?

When crafting goals for your massage therapy business plan, first take a good look at where you currently stand – consider your skills, what resources you have, and how you fit into the market. Use the SMART method to shape your goals: be specific, make them measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – like, say, aiming for a 20% increase in clients over the next six months. Also, keep an eye on the industry norms for growth and success to make sure your targets are in line with what’s achievable in your field. It’s important to set goals that are a stretch but still within your reach, so you don’t spread yourself too thin. And remember, staying flexible is key; be ready to tweak your goals based on the feedback you get from your clients and any changes in the market trends. This way, you’re setting yourself up for growth that’s not just ambitious but also sustainable.

In what ways can I tailor my business plan to appeal to potential investors or lenders?

To make your massage therapy business plan appealing to investors or lenders, focus on these key areas. First, ensure your financials are front and center – show your revenue expectations, how you plan to break even, and the different ways you’ll bring in money. It’s also crucial to demonstrate you’ve got a handle on the market – who your customers are and what they’re looking for. Highlight what makes your massage services stand out from the crowd. Address any potential risks head-on and explain your strategies to manage them, showing you’re prepared for different scenarios. Don’t forget to talk up your own skills and experience in massage therapy, as this builds confidence in your ability to succeed. And if it makes sense for your business, lay out a clear exit plan for investors, giving them an idea of the potential return they can expect on their investment.

What key metrics should I track in my massage therapy business plan for long-term success?

Key metrics to track in your massage therapy business plan for long-term success include:

  • Client Retention Rates : Monitor how many clients return for repeat services.
  • Revenue Growth : Track monthly and yearly revenue growth.
  • Client Acquisition Cost : Calculate the cost of acquiring new clients through various marketing channels.
  • Average Service Price : Monitor the average price per service and adjust according to market trends.
  • Utilization Rates : Assess how effectively you’re utilizing your business capacity, such as therapy rooms and staff hours.
  • Customer Satisfaction : Use feedback and reviews to gauge client satisfaction.

Tracking these metrics provides insights into your business’s health and areas for improvement.

As we reach the end of our guide on creating a successful massage business plan, let’s briefly revisit the key points. Your business plan should clearly outline your massage therapy services, market analysis, financial strategies, and marketing plans. It should reflect your vision for the practice, your understanding of the market, and how you plan to stand out in the massage therapy industry. Remember, the goal is to create a plan that is both realistic and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Consider this plan a living document, one that evolves as your business grows and market dynamics shift. Regularly revisiting and updating your business plan keeps your practice aligned with your goals and responsive to new opportunities.

Now is the perfect time to start drafting your plan. Use the insights and tips shared in this guide as your starting point. Remember, the journey of building a thriving massage therapy practice begins with a well-thought-out plan. Embrace the process, and watch as your vision for a successful massage therapy business comes to life.

Additional Resources

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) : The SBA offers a wealth of resources for small business owners, including guidelines on writing a business plan, financial assistance programs, and local business workshops. While not specifically a massage organization , they provide specific tools and templates to help entrepreneurs effectively plan and operate their businesses.
  • SCORE : A nonprofit association supported by the SBA, SCORE provides free, confidential business mentoring and training workshops to small business owners. They offer expertise in business planning and can be a great source for personalized advice and guidance.
  • Bplans : This website offers a range of sample business plans for different industries, including health and wellness services. Bplans also provides helpful articles and tips on various aspects of business planning and management.
  • Entrepreneurship.org : Powered by the Kauffman Foundation, this platform offers a plethora of information on starting and running a business, including key insights into market research, funding, business strategies, and more. Visit there website to learn more.
  • American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) : While not solely focused on business planning, AMTA massage provides industry-specific resources for massage therapists, including market research, trends, and networking opportunities that can be valuable for business planning.
  • Massage Magazine Business Section : This magazine offers articles and tips specifically tailored for the massage therapy business, covering topics like marketing, client retention, and industry trends that can inform your business plan.
  • Local Chamber of Commerce : Joining your local Chamber of Commerce can provide networking opportunities, local market insights, and additional resources helpful in developing and refining your business plan.

Each of these resources offers unique insights and tools that can be beneficial in creating a comprehensive business plan for a massage therapy practice.

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How To Write A Business Plan For Massage Therapy In 2024?

How To Write A Business Plan For Massage Therapy

Whether you want to expand or start massage therapy pratice , a detailed massage therapy business plan is essential. Before you own massage therapy business you should be aware of it’s revenue and costs.

What You Will Learn

We'll go through what you need to do to create a business plan, useful tips and a free massage business plan template.

Jump to the Section You Like

What is a massage therapy business plan, why does your massage therapy need a business plan, how to write a massage therapy business plan, key elements of a good massage therapy business plan, massage therapy business plan sample free.

A business plan is a document that describes the financial, administrative and marketing aspects of running a massage therapy businesses. It includes things like financing and start-up costs, market research and competitive strategies to grow your business.

In addition to a description of your business and a clear plan of how you will market and develop your products and services, and a description of your target market, you will also want to include a summary of the plan itself (more on this later).

You should also include a plan for supporting your technicians and massage therapists, including massage therapists needs and any training or support they will receive.

Market research is essential whether you are developing a business plan for medical massage therapy or setting up a luxury massage therapy. In addition to the mission and vision, the business plan should include clear business objectives, a sample budget and information on current trends in the industry.

You can review the plan regularly, make changes as necessary and use it as a guide to help you manage your massage therapy, make informed business decisions and ensure you achieve your success goals.

Your management team can use the plan to help you forecast future sales and profitability, adjust massage therapistsing or advertising strategies, and review financial projections at a glance.

Let's face it, every owner or manager needs a business plan - and it's not just limited to the massage therapy industry.

This plan is a living, breathing document that will help you make financial projections and decisions that will affect your customers and massage therapists - it's as important as your massage therapy's techniques.

Whether you need help raising loans, attracting investors, deciding which massage therapy services or products to promote, or even how to reach out to a new potential clientele, a solid financial plan and strategic vision will make everything much easier.

A sound business plan is not only the key to ensuring success to, it is also a blueprint for the future of your massage therapy. A vision and mission statement can help you brainstorm and hold team meetings, and can even form the basis for designing your massage therapy's rewards structure and loyalty program.

It's a way to make sure you stay on top of your game and meet the changing needs of your customers.

If you're wondering how to write a business plan for your massage therapy, you're not alone - these documents are actually as unique as the massage therapy's owners, customers and massage therapists. Much depends on the size and location of your business, but there are some common elements.

They always include an executive summary (overview), outlining the target market and services. They also include information such as projected sales and break-even points (sales and marketing plan), expected massage therapy fees and an overall financial plan.

For new massage therapy, all start-up costs should be included and an explanation of how financing will be obtained. If you are operating an existing luxury massage therapy, the contents of the business plan should include some financial highlights, such as whether you are achieving your goals and what your future objectives are.

Let's now look at all this in more detail.

How Do You Start a Massage Therapy Business Plan?

Whether you're dealing with potential investors or just planning your next round of equipment purchases and technician training, your massage therapy business plan will be useful.

It will give you a clear picture of your business finances and structure, keep you focused on your long-term goals and allow you to keep your mission in mind when considering decisions.

Gather Information

Research other massage therapy and businesses in the area, research the services you need to offer e.g. hot stone massage, deep tissue massage or other therapeutic massage , and decide on a target market (or how you can expand into new markets).

Know Your Limits

Sit down and make a list of issues that could affect your business in terms of cash flow, start-up costs, or time and training. Make sure you include them in your budget and financial plan.

Set Clear, Measurable Goals

Start by analysing the market to find out what the break-even point is for each service, and set targets based on these profits and costs.

Expert tip: massage therapy software can help you track your team's performance, offer online booking with digital SOAP forms and more.

Find Your Niche

What makes your massage therapy stand out, especially among all the other businesses? If you can offer unique selling points that appeal to specific customers (such as traditional swedish massage, sports massage), create a marketing plan to reach those customers.

Save Time With Free Templates

There are many examples of massage therapy business plans and free templates available online, and there are advantages to using them. Simply adapting existing business plan templates rather than creating a completely new business plan from scratch can save a lot of time (and stress).

Consult an Expert

This applies to the business plan of a large massage therapy business as well as a sing massage therapist. The more professional everything looks, the better.

Hiring a consultant to review the draft plan, the financial aspects and even help with the concept and marketing plan can go a long way, especially if you plan to use it to raise finance and attract potential investors.

This is where you make your first impression to potential investors and others who will help manage or run the massage therapy. Make sure it includes your massage therapy business name , logo and contact details.

Every business plan should be organized, and a table of contents helps. Clearly divide everything into sections to make it easier to find information.

Executive Summary

First impressions are crucial, especially if you are trying to get funding. A clear and concise summary is very useful. Remember to include.

Massage Therapy Mission Statement

This should set out your business objectives and plans to achieve them. Stating where you want your massage therapy to be in the future, even years from now.

Business Concept

Outline your massage therapy concept - for example, medical massage therapy focusing on specialized and licensed massage therapist experience. Briefly describe what you are planning.

Key success factors (what do you need to make your massage therapy work?).

Business Description

  • Briefly describes your business and services. Be sure to include details of your location
  • The massages you currently offer (and any new massages you would like to offer your clients).
  • Staffing information (e.g. number of technicians and support massage therapists).
  • A breakdown of your market research and competitors (including how you differ from these massage therapy or companies).

Target Customer

Explain who your target customers are and why. Take into account.

  • Which demographic groups does each service appeal to?
  • Do these people live, study or work nearby?
  • Why you have chosen them (massage businesses often base future decisions such as massage therapist training, product sales, equipment and décor on their clientele).
  • What the average customer wants/needs (and how you can help them).
  • How are you different from other massage therapists in the area?

When developing your plan, consider a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) to better understand all of this.

Competitive Analysis

Know the market you plan to enter and how you can succeed in it.

  • Who are your competitors?
  • Where are their massage therapy located? Are they nearby?
  • What facilities do you have in common?
  • How do you differ from each other?
  • How do your costs and prices compare?
  • Do you compete for the same clientele?
  • How do you attract new customers and keep them coming back?

Management Plan

A business plan for a massage therapy explains exactly how everything works, including:

  • The management structure (this may be simpler if it is a small massage therapy, or more complex if it is a large chain with several locations).
  • Massage Therapy Business strategy (including key objectives, targets to be achieved and projections of future success and how you will achieve them).
  • Massage therapists needs (how many people you need and what their roles are).

Products and Services

This information will help potential investors understand your massage therapy's sales and revenues, as well as projected costs and profit margins. Be sure to include the following information.

  • Massage therapy services offered e.g. relaxation massage, hot stone massage, sports massage etc.
  • Any products you use for clients during the treatment
  • Your retail products all the services you offer

It is a good idea to break down the prices of each product listed here, along with their costs and profit margins (if you are an existing massage therapy, you can also include information on customer demand for each product).

Marketing Plan

How do you plan to reach new customers and expand your customer base? What is your advertising plan with costs? This may be a rough outline, but make sure you have done your background research and have a solid plan.

  • Your massage therapy marketing plan (how you plan to reach new customers).
  • Any sales and promotional plans (how you plan to drive sales and retain and reward customers).
  • Your advertising strategy (this can include low-cost and free methods, such as newsletters or social media, as well as paid advertising for your massage therapy).
  • Defining the brand and its image (and reputation if it is an existing massage therapy or chain).

This applies to the massages you offer and the products you sell, including.

  • How you intend to introduce and market these products
  • Why these services/products will benefit and attract customers.
  • Sales targets and target values
  • Your expected income from massage therapy services and retail sales
  • Cost estimates and financial plans for massage therapists training or equipment purchases

Financial Plan

This explains the initial costs of your massage therapy and plans for turning a profit as soon as possible or the costs and financing of any expansion/improvements and projected profits. Be sure to include:

  • Financial statements (in particular the profit and loss account).
  • Assumptions (projected costs and resources needed to cover them).
  • Projected profits and losses and profitability margins.
  • The massage therapy's balance sheet (also known as the "book value", which reflects the true value of the current business).
  • A breakdown of all liabilities, including loans and debts.

This information should be reviewed by an expert before the final plan is drawn up. He or she can check for any discrepancies and give useful advice.

Do not miss our post on massage franchise .

Operational Plan

This plan describes how your massage therapy will operate and includes.

  • The head office (if you have several massage therapy, where the head office is located).
  • A breakdown of the management structure

Additional Information

Please include here any additional information that you think is important to potential investors or management. For example.

  • Other documents
  • Policies and statements

If you need to refer to them in the main body of the plan, you can attach these documents as annexes at the end of the plan.

We know that developing a business plan for your massage therapy can take a lot of time, and hiring an expert to write the entire plan can be expensive. We have tried to help you by creating a free massage therapy example.

Your massage therapy free template will look like this.

Massage therapy business plan sample

Creating a business plan for your massage therapy doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning, it can be a rewarding process that helps you set new goals and decide on the best strategy to achieve them.

How to write a great business plan https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel3/46/14446/00660335.pdf

What do investors look for in a business plan? A comparison of the investment criteria of bankers, venture capitalists and business angels https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0266242604042377

Anatomy of a Business Plan: A Step-by-step Guide to Building the Business and Securing Your Company's Future https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id

Business Plan For Massage Therapy

About the author Bartek Kulasza

Bartek Kulasza creates informative content that focuses on efficient business management. He covers salon software, marketing and sales, budgeting and reporting, salon design and equipment, inventory management, growing customer base, helping businesses optimize operations, enhancing customer experience, and increasing profitability.

  • Business Plan For Massage Therapy

Process Street

Massage Therapist Business Plan

Identify target market for massage therapy services, research on industry trends and competition, define the types of massage therapies to be offered, establish pricing strategy for different services, draft initial business plan, approval: initial business plan.

  • Draft initial business plan Will be submitted

Identify suitable location for the clinic

Plan for massage therapy equipment purchase, obtain necessary licenses and permits, develop marketing and promotional strategy, establish operational policies and procedures, hire and train massage therapists, set up an appointment scheduling system, create a system for recording client details and history, establish safety and hygiene protocols.

  • 1 Disinfection and sterilization
  • 2 Hand hygiene
  • 3 Waste management
  • 4 Emergency procedures
  • 5 Comfort measures

Establish a customer service strategy

Plan client retention strategies.

  • 1 Loyalty program
  • 2 Referral program
  • 3 Special offers
  • 4 VIP membership
  • 5 Customized newsletters

Approval: Marketing and Promotional Strategy

  • Develop marketing and promotional strategy Will be submitted

Approval: Operational Policies and Procedures

  • Establish operational policies and procedures Will be submitted

Review and revise the final business plan

Take control of your workflows today., more templates like this.

Massage Therapy Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Looking to start a massage therapy business but don't know where to begin? If so, you'll be glad to know that there is a comprehensive and easy-to-follow template & guidebook that makes starting your business a breeze. The #1 Massage Therapy Business Plan Template & Guidebook will provide you with the tools and resources you need to create your own successful massage therapy business. Learn more about this must have plan and see how it can help you get started right away.

Nick

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Massage Therapy Business [11 Steps]
  • 10+ Best & Profitable Massage Therapy Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Massage Therapy Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your massage therapy business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your massage therapy business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a massage therapy business:

Our mission at ABC Massage Therapy is to provide the highest quality of massage services that promote health, wellness, and relaxation for all of our clients. We strive to create an environment where our clients can experience deep relaxation while they receive personalized massage treatments. We are committed to using only the best products and techniques in order to ensure that our clients get the most effective and beneficial massage experience possible.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Massage Therapy Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your massage therapy business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your massage therapy business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your massage therapy business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your massage therapy business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

business plan for massage business

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a massage therapy business?

  • Massage table or chair
  • Massage oils
  • Towels/sheets
  • Portable heater/air conditioner (if necessary)
  • Business license
  • Certification and/or degree in massage therapy

5. Management & Organization of Your Massage Therapy Business.

The second part of your massage therapy business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your massage therapy business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Massage Therapy Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a massage therapy business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a massage therapy business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your massage therapy business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your massage therapy business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your massage therapy business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

business plan for massage business

Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a massage therapy business.

A business plan for a massage therapy business is essential for setting clear goals, outlining the resources and cost needed to reach those goals, and evaluating progress along the way. It also serves as a roadmap for starting and operating a massage therapy business, as it lays out the steps needed to ensure success. Additionally, because lenders, investors, and other stakeholders may need to review the plan in order to make decisions or provide support, having a thorough and well-thought-out business plan is important.

Who should you ask for help with your massage therapy business plan?

It is advisable to seek professional help when developing a business plan. Look for an experienced business consultant who specializes in massage therapy businesses. They will have the expertise and experience necessary to guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive and successful plan.

Can you write a massage therapy business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a massage therapy business plan yourself. You will need to research the market and come up with a sound strategy for growing your business. You will also need to identify who your target customers are, determine your pricing strategy and create a marketing plan. Additionally, you will need to develop an operational plan that outlines how you will manage all aspects of your business including staffing, scheduling, accounting and quality control. Finally, you may want to consult a financial advisor or accountant to help you create a financial model that reflects the goals and objectives of your business.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How to Start a Massage Therapy Business

The first step to starting a Massage Therapy Business is getting certified. Most states regulate massage therapy so that some form of certification is required to become a massage therapist. Next, you will need to decide how you wish to market your establishment. Do you want to focus more on injury recovery or stress relief? Will you be paid directly by clients or through insurance plans? Lastly, you must acquire a base of loyal clients.

Learn how to start your own Massage Therapy Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Massage Therapy Business Image

Start a massage therapy business by following these 10 steps:

  • Plan your Massage Therapy Business
  • Form your Massage Therapy Business into a Legal Entity
  • Register your Massage Therapy Business for Taxes
  • Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  • Set up Accounting for your Massage Therapy Business
  • Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Massage Therapy Business
  • Get Massage Therapy Business Insurance
  • Define your Massage Therapy Business Brand
  • Create your Massage Therapy Business Website
  • Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your massage therapy business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

  • What are the startup and ongoing costs?
  • Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Massage Therapy Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your massage therapy business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a massage therapy business.

There are a number of investments you’ll need to make before opening your doors. First, you’ll need a work space. Rent can run anywhere from $750/month to thousands, depending upon location and size of the space you need. Most landlords require first and last month’s rent as a deposit, so plan on budgeting for at least two months.

Hopefully, you already have a massage table and bolsters, but if you don’t, now is the time to buy. It’s not necessary to purchase the most expensive table, which could cost upwards of $900; but you will want to invest in a solid, quality table, an investment of at least $300. If you plan on offering standard massages, you’ll also need to purchase a few bolsters and wedges, which will run you another $150. When you start to offer more specialized massages, like pregnancy massage, you’ll want to save up for additional bolsters, setting you back another $250.

Your customers will need clean sheets and a blanket to keep them warm during their session. To avoid hours of laundry every day, most therapists purchase several days worth of sheets. At $35 per set, this can easily be one of your largest initial expenses.

Many massage therapists offer special services, such as hot stone massages and essential oils. Consider the services you plan to offer and invest accordingly. Large bottles of lotion cost over $250, so if you’re not 100% sure which product you love, opt for the smaller bottles until you’ve made your final decision.

To help reduce rent, many massage therapy entrepreneurs choose to share their workspace with chiropractors or physical therapists. This not only reduces monthly overhead costs, it ensures a steady flow of clients through an ongoing referral program.

Lastly, don’t be tempted to forego purchasing an insurance policy. You’ll hopefully have a steady flow of customers coming into your facility; don’t put your business at greater risk by going uninsured. While your premium will be fairly inexpensive, cost is dependent upon the city and state you live in, location within the city, size of the business, and your experience level.

Read our massage therapy business purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you'll need to start a massage therapy business, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.

What are the ongoing expenses for a massage therapy business?

In addition to the standard overhead, you should have an insurance policy in place. Sheets should be laundered, lotion should be fully stocked, as should brochures and business cards. Don’t forget to incorporate continuing education expenses into your annual budget as well.

Who is the target market?

As a massage therapist, you have a distinct advantage over many business owners - you offer a service everyone values. The ideal client for your business is dedicated to holistic healing and will help spread the word about how your services stand out above the rest.

How does a massage therapy business make money?

Will your business be geared more towards offering a relaxing retreat or one where your clients come to get relief from chronic pain? As the owner of a massage therapy business, you have the unique opportunity to heal, and make a great living doing it.

While you can offer treatment packages, most massage companies bill per session. Those who accept insurance simply collect the insured’s co-payment and bill the rest directly to the insurance company. Should you choose not go the insurance route, offer your customers a little relief by accepting credit card payments for your services. Shelling out $60-100 per session is a luxury; do what it takes to keep those clients coming back month after month.

Additionally, some entrepreneurs offer more than just their services, profiting from offering goods such as Biofreeze, essential oils, books, and CDs. If you choose this avenue, just remember, there’s nothing worse than leaving a massage, only to be bombarded with someone wanting more money.

While the numbers vary by region, the national average massage therapists charge is $60 per hour. If you plan to accept insurance, discuss the fee structure with each company to ensure the allowable amount meets your facility’s needs.

How much profit can a massage therapy business make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary for massage therapists is $37,180. This number varies greatly, depending upon additional certifications, specializations, and your office setting.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While you’re in the business to heal, you’re also in it to make money. Here are a few ways you can increase the profit of your new business.

  • Offer multiple payment options. Many consumers will find another place to go if your business doesn’t accept credit cards.
  • Accept insurance. This opens your business up to a whole new set of clients that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
  • Work nights and weekends. Make yourself available during the times your customers need you most.
  • Accept gift certificates. Studies indicate consumers spent $130 billion on gift cards in 2015, with almost $1 billion going unused.
  • Offer spa packages. If your vision is a more spa-like atmosphere, increase your earning potential by partnering with individuals to offer a bevy of spa services.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your massage therapy business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Most states regulate massage therapy, requiring some form of certification in the form of licenses or diplomas.

  • Click here for more Information on state-specific massage therapy licensing requirements

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. more information about local licenses and permits:

  • Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
  • Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Informed Consent Agreement

It is recommended to provide clients with informed consent agreements to decrease legal liability and encourage transparency.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional Informed Consent/Release of Liability form for your massage therapy business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Health Insurance Eligibility

Some massage therapy businesses chose to market their services with more of a therapeutic emphasis. If this is the case, you will probably come across consumers seeking to reimburse you for your services using their health plans. If this is the case, it is essential to make sure their health insurance covers therapeutic massages by massage therapists. Some plans require that massages are performed by licensed physical therapists. If massage therapy is indeed covered by insurance, you must fill out a health insurance claim form to receive payment.

  • An example insurance claim form

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Massage Therapy Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Massage Therapy Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a massage therapy business

While word of mouth will be your greatest marketing tool, there are other things you can do. Build relationships with the medical professionals in your community. Many will refer clients to you and allow you to put your literature at their front desk.

No matter what route you take for your massage business, social media is the most affordable way to share information that specifically targets your demographic.

How to keep customers coming back

Aside from a marketing strategy, your best way to attract and retain clients is through your healing skills and affordable pricing. If your customer walks out of the facility feeling refreshed, they’ll not only come back, they will tell everyone they know.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is perfect for those who feel that they are blessed with the power to heal others with their touch, as massage therapists spend their days using their hands to alleviate the physical, mental, and emotional stressors of others. While it can be taxing on the body, the rewards come back ten-fold. Opening your own massage studio will only fuel that ardor for healing clients in both mind and body.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a massage therapy business?

As an entrepreneur, your daily tasks will extend beyond massage. Clients must be scheduled and payments processed. There will be sheets to launder, client notes to complete, and product orders to place.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful massage therapy business?

While healing hands and a gentle heart are the most critical skills you must possess, obtaining your national certification  from the National Certificate Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork should be a consideration. They offer a number of specialty certifications that will enhance your career and your Board Certification credentials will put you a step above the rest.

It’s also critical that therapists consistently seek out new healing practices through continuing education. Aside from fulfilling your continuing education requirements, you stand to learn from and network with the industry’s leading professionals. Therapists can attend CE classes through their local massage schools or travel for national and international courses. The NCBTMB’s website is a great resource for finding CE classes, as they maintain an updated list of available courses on their website at all times.

What is the growth potential for a massage therapy business?

Due to the intimate nature of the business, most massage therapy business owners choose to keep their companies on a smaller, more local level. However, if your vision is to expand to have multiple locations (and employees) across the city, there is nothing preventing you from finding large-scale success.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

Whether you decide to have a staff of therapists or run your office solo, you’ll want to hire an accountant for bookkeeping. As the business grows, you’ll want to hire someone to perform the office duties you don’t have time for. You could hire an assistant for minimum wage or participate in your state’s apprenticeship program, where the individual obtains their license at the end of the program.

Useful Links

Truic resources.

  • TRUiC's Massage Therapy Business Purchasing Guide

Industry Opportunities

  • American Massage Therapy Association
  • Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals

Real World Examples

  • Independent massage therapy business
  • Large massage therapy franchise

Further Reading

  • 3 Tips for Starting a Massage Practice

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

  • 212 best farm names

How to Start a $100K/Year Massage Business (Step-By-Step Guide)

January 5, 2021

How to Start a $100K/Year Massage Business (Step-By-Step Guide)

Do you want to start a business in a growing industry that makes money nearly anywhere you go? Are you good at getting personal and physical with clients? Then it might be time to look into starting a massage therapy business.

To help you get started, we interviewed Pam Christenson of Synergy Massage Therapy in New York City.

She began her career nearly ten years ago and has made $100k annually over the past 8 years from her own private and group practices.

Even with a pandemic, her business is still going at a great pace in 2020. Her insights on how to start a massage business and what you can do to make your business successful are powerful and won’t disappoint!

You don’t have to be in the Big Apple to make big money doing massage therapy. Follow Pam’s advice and the steps we’ve presented in our guide on how to start a massage business.

1. Make a Plan

Man writing a business plan for massage business

Before starting a massage therapy business, you must make both short and long-term plans of action that will ensure your success in the industry.

There is a lot to think about, but starting a massage business isn’t as complex or expensive as many other business ideas.

How Do I Start a Massage Business?

For your plan, let’s lay out the steps required to start a fully licensed and certified massage therapy business.

Start-up costs range from $6k to $10k, which is very low when compared to other businesses. Where you attend massage school and your choice to work from home or in an office are the top factors in determining the cost.

We’ll explore all of those options in the next sections, but first, let’s list out the costs to open your business.

If you’re a first-time entrepreneur, starting a business from scratch can feel a bit overwhelming. Buying an operational massage business can cost more but takes less time and work to get started.

Start-up Costs

  • Training and Education
  • Massage Room Décor
  • Deposit (if you’re opening an office)
  • Equipment and Supplies (table, oils, stools, and sheets)
  • Accountant or Accounting Software (QuickBooks)
  • Marketing Materials

Ongoing costs

  • Lease (if renting an office)
  • Laundry and Cleaning
  • Website, Phone, Internet

2. Purchase Equipment

Man in a massage clinic

We asked Pam about her largest ongoing expenses and she stated:

What Equipment and Supplies Do I Need?

Massage therapists require specific equipment and supplies for operation. It’s important to get high-quality equipment to provide the best care for your clients.

The equipment may seem expensive when you’re first starting, but be sure to prioritize quality over quantity.

Choose Safety

The other factor to note when choosing your equipment is safety. Clients view massage therapy as a business that’s both safe and relaxing, so your space and equipment should reflect those standards.

However, you also have to protect your own body.

If your massage business is mobile, then you’ll require a foldable table you can safely transport between locations (not too heavy to carry, but strong enough to bear weight).

Protect Your Body

Choose equipment that is sturdy enough to hold your client’s weight, but also adjusts in height so you can protect your back while working.

In addition, your oils and lotions must be safe for use, and your space should be clean and sterile with a calm and relaxing ambiance.

Here’s a list of equipment and some online massage therapy suppliers. You may find local suppliers in your area with a quick web search or through a professional association (Step 2):

  • Massage Table
  • Massage Chair
  • Linens and Towels (Have enough to change between each client)
  • Oils, lotions (You may get a discount from a supplier if you purchase in bulk)
  • Candles and Music
  • Laundry and Cleaning Equipment
  • Carrying Equipment

If you can’t find a local store that sells massage equipment, there are a lot of affordable online suppliers who ship anywhere in the U.S.

Take a look at Body Work Mall , EarthLite , and the Massage Warehouse . You may find some special offers if you time it right!

3. Licensing and Certification

Business license and certificate approval

If you’re thinking about starting a massage business, most likely you have some experience or are even already certified. But if you’re brand new to massage therapy, let’s look at the process step-by-step.

License or Certification?

First, every state (except Kansas, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Vermont, as of 2020) has different rules and regulations for massage therapists.

And there may be local laws at the city or county level that require fees or background checks for licensing and certification.

For example, the state of Minnesota has no laws governing massage therapy, but the city of Plymouth, Minnesota has an extensive application process that requires a criminal background check.

Always be sure to check with your local governing authority (county clerk) before opening your business.

Defining License or Certification

Often, there is a question of whether a state requires a License or Certification and how to define both terms. To simplify, a license or a certification are both legal terms used by governing bodies to regulate the practice of massage.

In both scenarios, you must prove you’ve completed the minimum classroom and hands-on training hours, safety training (CPR) requirements, and passed any required exams.

Some states also have ongoing education statutes like any other medical profession. You can check on all of the requirements for your state using this Interactive Licensing Map .

4. Training and Education

Massage therapy is a skilled, credentialed profession that takes a great deal of training and education to master. As stated, this is to protect both the client and the therapist.

Any entry-level position at a massage clinic will require that you’re certified by an accredited institution.

Also, you’ll need an education certification (along with training hours) to obtain the proper licensing and practice certifications from most governing bodies.

The best course of action is to find a school recognized as accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

The department site doesn’t have a list of massage schools, but you can search their database to determine accreditation. Here are some of the top massage schools:

  • National Holistic Institute
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • Myotherapy College of Utah
  • Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy

The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is the only accrediting institution in the US dedicated to massage therapy.

Any school accredited by COMTA is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are other accrediting boards out there, but the COMTA seal of approval is an easy indicator of an excellent school.

Board Certification Training and Specialization

Man undergoing training for specialization

Another option for certification is to take your training one step further and become board certified. You don’t have to be board certified to be licensed. However, board certification shows clients you’re totally dedicated to the trade.

The only board certification in the US is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork ( NCBTMB ).

The board requires you to be certified by one of their assigned schools, pass an exam, and pass a criminal background check.

Another way to take your massage therapy education and credentials to the next level is to specialize in a particular area of practice. Here are some of the most common specializations and services offered through the NCBTMB:

  • Sports Massage
  • Military Veteran Massage
  • Oncology Massage
  • Clinical Rehabilitative Massage

Good therapists study new techniques and work on ways to master their craft.

If you want your business to be successful, be sure to look into some of these extensive certification and specialization programs, and always continue learning.

5. Location: Home or Office?

Massage room with two beds

With your certifications and licenses in order, you can start legally practicing as a massage therapist. It’s a good idea to get some more experience at a clinic to see how to run a business before you venture out on your own.

However, when it’s time to branch out, you have some important business decisions to make before you start. Are you going to practice from home or at an office? And what steps do you need to take to make it happen?

How do I Start a Massage Business from Home?

Starting a massage business from home has a lot of advantages and disadvantages to weigh. First, you need to assess whether you have the space you need to work from home.

You Need a Big Room!

A home massage therapy business requires an extra sizable room you can convert into therapy space. The common areas of your home where clients pass should also be consistently cleaned and maintained.

You will also need to assess the safety concerns around clients knowing where you live and inviting them into your home.

Don’t Forget the Other Tasks

Last, you will be responsible for all of the other jobs that go with running a full clinic.

Meaning it will be your responsibility to sanitize all equipment and linens for each use, answer the phones to book appointments, and restock your supplies.

Save Money and Be Free

Saving money as funds for massage business

However, you will save a lot of money on start-up and operating costs as your revenue will be mostly profit without having to pay rent or maintenance fees on an office.

You also have the freedom to book clients at whatever time you want, and you can also run a mobile business even with a home office.

It’s necessary to complete all the other business registration and marketing tasks we map out in the next sections to open a home clinic.

But if you want to massage from home, it’s a great solution for therapists who want to keep their expenses low and have more freedom with their time.

How do I Start a Massage Business at an Office?

When we say “start a massage business at an office,” it doesn’t necessarily mean at your own office.

Though it’s possible, we don’t recommend it when you first start, especially if you don’t have the funds. Pam explained in our interview.

Rent a Room

Many beginning massage therapists rent out rooms from other business owners, and it’s a common practice in the industry.

In fact, if or when you open your own clinic, much of your revenue will come from other therapists renting space in your office. This, in essence, is how you start a massage business at an office.

You also save money by beginning your private practice this way, as Pam explained:

Purchase Later

Once you’ve grown your business enough, you can take on the expenses tied to owning your own office, but don’t do it until you have extensive experience in the industry.

Pam had years of experience and was booked three months in advance before she expanded her practice.

Where Do I Rent a Massage Therapy Space?

When you’re looking to rent a space, the best place to start is by contacting local massage practices.

They’ll want to see your credentials and experience are up to standard, so be sure you’ve put in the work before you contact other clinics.

Another way to find a space is through membership in a professional massage therapy association. It’s a great way to network with other therapists and business owners.

You can also get a lot of expert advice from people who have been in the business for a while. Here are the key massage therapy associations in the U.S.

  • American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
  • Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

You may have to pay to be part of the association, but the opportunities from membership could be well worth the minimal fees.

6. Business Registration

Man filling out application form for business registration

Once you’re certified and know where you want to start your massage therapy business, it’s time to register your business at the state, federal , and local levels.

Work with an accountant to determine which business structure (sole proprietorship, limited partnership, limited liability company, or corporation) will work best for your business.

What Type of Business is a Massage Business?

Traditionally, most massage therapists operate as sole proprietors , but many are changing their business structure to LLCs or S-Corporations to protect themselves from legal pitfalls and other tax liabilities.

Local Registration

After registering your tax structure, check with your local regulatory agency (city hall, county clerk) to see if your business requires a license specific to operating a massage therapy business.

Every city has its own rules and regulations.

It’s important to note that this is where being a member of a professional association comes in handy. Members in your area will know the local laws so you don’t have to spend time speaking to government officials.

7. Insurance

Once you’ve secured your business registration, you must obtain liability insurance for your practice.

It’s a necessity for any massage therapy business to protect you from a potential claim of liability from a client. Should a client sue you, the insurance would cover expenses related to the suit (court, damages, etc.).

Insurance is typically a necessity to get a license as a massage therapy business, but not always. Hopefully, you never have to use it!

The massage therapy associations we mentioned offer liability insurance for their members, but you can also check with any certified insurance agency about their business liability policy offers.

Personal Health Insurance

Besides liability insurance, it’s important that you cover yourself with your own health insurance.

Being a massage therapist is a physically demanding job. Having health insurance covers your potential health needs and ensures that you’re in top shape to keep the business running.

You may also want to invest in disability insurance just in case something happens and you cannot work. Being self-employed means that you’re the muscle behind the operation, so it’s smart to cover yourself in case of injury.

8. Write a Business Plan

Business plan creation

With your equipment list, certifications, licenses, structure, registration, and liability insurance secured, it’s time to put these elements into a clear roadmap on how you intend to run and grow your new business.

This plan is more complex than the initial planning and research you used to get started.

A formal business plan is essential because you use it as a resume to show others that you’re serious about your operation and intend to grow.

Also, a business plan is necessary if you intend to apply for any small business loans to help start or expand your business. Your plan should contain these sections:

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Description
  • Market Analysis
  • Marketing Plan

If you need help putting your business plan together, the U.S. Small Business Administration has an excellent guide to keep you on track.

The start-up costs for a starting massage business are low, but you still need to come up with the funding.

Following Pam’s advice to avoid debt, you won’t want to apply for a loan at first, or at least wait until you have an established customer base and want to expand your business.

Personal Funds and Business Loans

Instead, most massage therapists pay for school and their start-up costs out of pocket. Many of the accredited schools from the resources above offer payment plans to help students navigate financially through school and training.

Also, it is common for clinics to pay students for services while training, but not all do it. It’s important to do your research when weighing your options for where you wish to train.

However, when you’re ready to open or expand your business, the Small Business Administration has loan programs with lower interest rates than commercial banks.

Zero-Interest Credit Card

Alternatively, with good credit, you could also apply for a credit card under a delayed interest program and pay off the card before the interest kicks in.

Just be sure to have a solid business plan in place to pay the card off. It’s not the best option but works if you have no money to start.

To learn more about raising capital for your business, watch our two-part video series on funding startups .

10. Marketing

Making of marketing plan massage business

The lifeblood of any new massage business starting out will be its marketing plan. We asked Pam how she attracts customers to her business to gain some insight on the subject. She said:

Massage is a business where word of mouth is king. Because it’s is such an intimate and experiential practice, massage therapists often rely on customers bragging to others about their skills.

It’s one reason customer service is so important, and we’ll cover that in the next section.

However, there are other effective ways of marketing your business.

Your website is a portfolio and marketing resource that shows customers everything about what they can expect from your services. It can also serve as a digital business card that contains all of your contact information.

Most business owners aren’t web designers, and if you’re working on a small budget you may not be able to afford a webmaster.

However, your site doesn’t need to be very complex. You only need to showcase your services, certifications, and contact information. To do this you can use a basic website creation service like:

  • Squarespace

These services help you obtain your domain name and hosting service. They also have preformatted templates you can use to set up a clean and professional website.

Scheduling Applications

If you’re tech-savvy, you can also integrate scheduling applications into your website so customers can easily book appointments with you. Here are some of the top apps out there for scheduling:

  • Hubspot Meetings Tool

Social Media

Use of social media for business

Another way to market your services is through social media. Be sure to encourage customers to like and follow your social media pages and leave positive reviews on platforms like Facebook and Google.

Social media is also a great way to interact with customers. Always respond to compliments and comments on your feed.

It helps to create more personal relationships with clients, and they’re more likely to recommend you to their friends.

11. Customer Service

We asked Pam about the best tips on being successful in the massage therapy business, and she responded:

Thus, the most important aspect of any massage therapy business is customer service. It’s the one thing that is guaranteed to get clients talking to their friends and family about your services.

So here’s a list of tips to help you provide fantastic customer service.

Create a stress-free environment.

People seek a massage therapist to help relieve pain and ease tension. Your space should reflect that intention.

Keep your hygiene in check.

You’re going to be in close proximity to clients. Be sure you’re odor-free and pleasant to be around. That means you may need to rethink your habits if you’re a smoker!

Be personable, but don’t be pushy!

Learn how to read your customers. Sometimes they won’t want to talk and just to relax. Don’t force small talk.

Give clients self-care tips.

Clients always appreciate tips they can use to take care of themselves between sessions. It will never be as good as your services, but it keeps them feeling great and more inclined to book regularly.

12. Financial Goals and Massage Business Profits

Man viewing finacing goals for massage business

The last step before starting your new massage therapy business is to set clear financial goals.

To calculate your goals, revisit your business plan and add up your expenses to weigh them against the price of your services. The number left over is your profit.

If you’re not sure of what to charge, here is a great resource tailored for massage therapists.

On average, massage therapists should shoot for a profit margin of 20%.

Cancellation Policy

There are also other tactics you can use in the massage industry to keep your financial goals on track. Pam gave us some great insights on this topic:

It’s common practice for massage therapists to require a credit card hold for bookings with a cancellation policy in place.

That way, if a client doesn’t show or cancels an hour before the session, you can still recoup some of the lost income. However, use this tactic with discretion.

Can you make good money as a massage therapist?

said Pam. And that number is achievable even if you’re not a massage therapist in New York City. Undoubtedly, the answer to the question is yes!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the average annual salary for a massage therapist at over $42k a year.

If you’re running your own business, that number can rise quickly. It’s all about the effort you put into running your business.

13. Take Care of Your Body

It’s up to you to take care of yourself, so you can take on as many clients as you can safely handle. Sometimes that means telling clients you can’t get to them until next week.

This tactic will keep you healthy and working, and that’s how you achieve financial goals and keep your business profitable. Play the long game!

Follow our guide on how to start a massage business and you’ll be on your way to making over $100k a year in no time!

Can you think of anything we missed that would make a massage therapy business successful? Leave a comment below.

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How to Start a $100K/Month Window Cleaning Business

If you're considering getting into the field, you'll want to hear what Martin Skarra has to say about how to start a window cleaning business.

Martin decided he wanted to buy a window cleaning business for around $400K, and a year later, he doubled the company’s revenue. In this helpful how-to, he shares his business, marketing, and communication strategies for running a successful window cleaning business.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] We'll share the industry outlook and business planning tips, as well as tips for registering a window cleaning company, buying cleaning supplies, marketing, and more. It’s all aimed at helping you save money while you start your business.

Case Study: Seattle Window Cleaning

Learn how to start a cleaning company, learn about the window cleaning industry, step 1. write a window cleaning business plan, step 2. register the window cleaning business, step 3. get a window cleaning business license, step 4. get business insurance, step 5. open a business bank account, step 6. create a pricing guide, step 7. buy window cleaning supplies, step 8. market your window cleaning business, step 9. provide window cleaning services.

  • Conclusion [/su_note]

Window cleaner on a lift working on high rise windows with a search bar that reads "Seattle Window Cleaning" hovering in the foreground

Martin Skarra graduated from business school and wanted to buy a business. He started looking for a service company that was already successful but provided opportunities to improve.

He spent 18 months looking for a small business opportunity that had opportunities to improve branding, adopt technology, and increase profitability. That’s when he found Mercer Island Window Cleaners. He bought it for $400K and started making changes.

First, Martin changed the business name from Mercer Island Window Cleaners, among other brands the company operated under, to Seattle Window Cleaning. This single change helped improve the company’s rank on search engines, jumping to the top three with more than 1,000 searches per month.

He updated the website, automated the business, improved the marketing, and hired more people. These changes helped him double the revenue in less than a year.

Watch his story below:

Does Martin’s story inspire you to be your own boss and start a window-washing company?

Starting a window washing business or any cleaning business can be a high-paying endeavor, but most business owners spend a lot of time and energy learning on the job.

What if you could skip all the guesswork and get straight to making money?

We partnered with Cristobal Mondragon to create a cleaning business course that gives you everything you need to start cleaning business operations. We’re so confident you’ll love the full course that we provide a 90-day refund policy.

Check out our FREE cleaning business course to get a preview of what you’ll learn.

How much do window cleaners make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , window cleaners typically get paid between $12 and $29 hourly, or a salary of $25,950 to $58,780 per year.

You might pay your window washing employees by the job, by the hour, or commission. In 2022, Martin told us:

[su_quote] The guys make $12 base pay, and then they get 15% commission above that. So if they do a $100 job, they get $15. The guys are making between $35 and $40. [/su_quote]

If you want to know how much you can make by starting a window cleaning business, keep reading.

How much do window washing business owners make?

Most window washing business owners pay themselves a salary, which is approximately $100K per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . You can pay yourself less if you make less, but the IRS likes going after business owners who don’t pay themselves a competitive wage.

While many local window cleaners don’t make that much, starting a window-washing business can be pretty profitable. Martin told us:

[su_quote] I have about 20% to 25% profit margins but am reinvesting for growth. [/su_quote]

That means he could be making as much as $22,500 per month. Sound good? Learn more about starting your own window cleaning business.

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

Cleaning business owner holding a sponge in one hand and a bucket of cash in the other

As long as you have the vehicle, starting a window cleaning company costs under $1K. All you need to start a window cleaning business is:

  • Window cleaner
  • Extension pole
  • Business license
  • Limited liability company (LLC) or other business structure

If you have to buy a vehicle, you can still do it for under $5K. Martin took a different route and found a great window cleaning business opportunity. He told us:

[su_quote] I paid around $400K for the business, but the beauty of the U.S., you have something called SBA loans, which are loans from a commercial bank guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. And they let you buy a business with up to 90% leverage. [/su_quote]

His down payment was around $40K.

Now that you understand the financials, let’s look at how to start a window washing business.

How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

You will need to follow a seven-step process to start your own window cleaning business.

According to Harvard Business Review , taking the time to write a business plan increases the probability of success by 16%. A business plan is normally required to take out SBA loans, too.

To write a window cleaning business plan, you'll want to:

  • Brainstorm cleaning business ideas.
  • Establish goals for your business.
  • Create a budget.
  • Create your pricing strategy.
  • Write your marketing plan.

Check out our interview with Mike Andes, a successful business owner and franchisor, about writing a business plan.

Let's start by discussing business ideas.

Brainstorm Cleaning Business Ideas

Window cleaning businesses typically have three types of window washing clients they accept:

  • Residential clients: Residential window cleaning services focus on a target market, typically homeowners in zip codes with high median wages.
  • Commercial clients: Small business owners and building owners often look to commercial window cleaning services. You may focus on buildings like offices, shopping malls, hotels, and apartment complexes.
  • High-rise clients: A high-rise window cleaning company operates on skyscrapers and has more safety and insurance requirements than other types of window washers.

Since residential and commercial window cleaners have fairly similar requirements, many businesses will accept both commercial and residential clients. Check out our blog about more cleaning business ideas here .

Once you decide what your business is going to focus on, you need to establish your goals.

Establish Goals for Your Cleaning Business

Seattle Window Cleaning owner Martin Skarra standing on a residential street in front of one of his vans holding and pointing to a chalkboard sign that reads "Unique Business Goals"

Every business owner has different goals for their window washing business. The average revenue per employee across the industry is only around $67K, so you probably aren't going to make $1M per year as a single-person business.

You should consider:

  • How much do you want to earn?
  • Do you want to be a home-based office or rent office space?
  • How wide of a service area do you want to serve?
  • When you're ready to retire, do you want to be able to sell the business or pass it on to your kids?
  • Do you want the business to be in a single location, or would you like to expand through corporate-owned stores or franchising?
  • Do you want to hire employees?

You'll want to document all this early because they will impact your pricing guide, insurance, software requirements, marketing, business licenses, and practically every decision you make when opening your own business.

Create a Budget for the Window Washing Business

You'll need a budget to run your window cleaning business successfully. Martin told us:

[su_quote] I'm hoping long term, [margins] are gonna be in the 20% to 25% range. So that's roughly a third, 35%, 40% is gonna be your technicians, and then there's another, roughly 30% in the overhead and insurance. [/su_quote]

The breakdown would look something like the table below for a solo entrepreneur. Just multiply the highlighted cells by the number of employees to alter projections when you hire employees.

Create Your Pricing Strategy

You’ll need to figure out how much to charge for window cleaning. You can quote bids for potential customers using the following business models:

  • Per Pane: This business model uses the number of window panes to establish how much to charge. The window cleaning cost will normally be $4 to $15 per window.
  • Square Footage: Some residential window cleaning companies charge based on the square footage of the windows or the home. These are good for tract homes where cleaning windows doesn’t require a lot of guesswork.
  • Time and Materials: This business model is good for commercial properties and custom homes because you can estimate based on factors like ladders, screens, and other features. Companies normally charge $80 to $150 per hour.

Most small businesses call around to figure out what the local market normally charges.

Seattle Window Washing uses a tool called ResponsiBid that makes it easier to provide instant quotes, but BookingKoala ’s layout is better (in my opinion) and the cost is less. Chris discusses it in our blog about how to start a cleaning company

Write Your Marketing Plan

Martin Skarra standing in front of a large residence with a lime green hose over his shoulder pointing to a smart phone showing UpFlip’s How to Get Clients for a Cleaning Business blog post

Now it's time to establish how you're going to market your business. You should establish:

  • Marketing channels you want to use: Digital, print, radio, and TV are all options. Most opt for digital and limited print.
  • Monthly marketing budget: How much do you want to spend on marketing, including blogs, ads, and print media?
  • Physical products to market your business: You'll want vehicle signs, business cards, and door hangers. Some people also use mailers.

Martin told us:

[su_quote] When we're at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards and it says, ‘Hey, we're just cleaning the neighbor's windows, we'd love to do some work for you too! [/su_quote]

Learn more about finding cleaning customers here .

You’ll need to choose a business name and register the business. Check that the name is available as a web domain, social media handle (on all platforms), trademark, and as an actual business name.

Two common business structures are LLCs and corporations. Both have their benefits, which you can read about in our business structure guide . Make sure to talk to a business attorney before you register.

You'll also need to get tax permits and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

You'll need to look up your local county clerk or business license department to verify what business licenses you’ll need. Licensing requirements vary by location, but common requirements are:

  • General liability insurance
  • Workers compensation insurance
  • Security bonds
  • A licensing fee

The window cleaning license cost will normally be between $100 and $500 , but I have seen some locations where a business license costs a percentage of the previous year’s or quarter’s revenue.

If your location requires insurance, you'll need to get it before the license.

Check out our blog on how to get a cleaning business license . We even walk you through how to get your EIN from the IRS.

Business owner at a minimalist desk space using a tablet to search for business insurance options from Simply Business

You may need to get insurance before you offer window cleaning services. Even if insurance for window cleaners is not required, you should protect your business assets. I normally suggest Simply Business because they are quick, easy, and affordable. They compare window cleaning insurance for most types of business insurance, including:

  • Professional liability
  • Business owner policies
  • Auto insurance
  • Workers’ compensation

Make sure you get insurance that will protect your personal and business assets.

You'll want to keep your business and personal assets separate. Business expenses are tax-deductible, but personal expenses are not. A business bank account makes it easy to keep personal assets separate from your business expenses. Apply online or at your local credit union.

Small banks tend to have better approval rates than major banks when you apply for a business loan, so start building a relationship early.

Most window cleaners will also want a business credit card to pay for overhead costs like gas and cleaning solutions. If the bank approves you at the same time you open your bank account, you'll be able to use it for start-up costs.

You'll need to make it easy to provide price quotes to potential clients. Customer service representatives and your window cleaning team will benefit from having an easy way of providing estimates.

This is especially critical if you provide other services to existing customers. Martin told us:

[su_quote] Window cleaning is super seasonal. We do that in the summer and then trailing into September. Late August, it starts to quiet down quite a bit. [/su_quote]

They also offer gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, power washing, and Christmas light installation to provide year-round services for their target audience.

You might want to consider a similar approach to build relationships with existing and potential clients. It will help cover overhead costs during slow months. Check out our cleaners pricing guide for inspiration.

As mentioned previously, you should consider Responsibid or BookingKoala, but you can also use an Excel spreadsheet and script to provide window cleaning job quotes.

Check out our 7-Figure Cleaning Business Blueprint course to get the business skills, systems, and processes you need to run a profitable cleaning company. It will make day-to-day operations way easier.

You can buy window cleaning supplies on Amazon. You'll want to get:

  • Cleaning solution

Window cleaning equipment might also include a pressure washing setup .

Check out our window cleaning business start-up kit on Kit . Combine it with the pressure washing kit for diversified revenue streams and power window washing capabilities.

UpFlip masterclass landing page on a desktop computer at a workstation overlooking a cityscape

Martin told us he attempted every type of marketing and found three that work well.

  • Referral programs
  • Send a mailer to five neighbors of each customer

He explained:

[su_quote] I spend about $3,000 per month [on marketing]. We just use regular Google Ads. And then we also do a five-round automated with the cards that go out and to all the neighbors. When we're at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards. [/su_quote]

Check out our cleaning course to get templates for mailers, automations, and ad platforms.

You might also want to create social media accounts and join local business directories, like Angi (formerly Angie's List), Yelp, and Thumbtack. These provide leads and add to your authority.

You've started a window cleaning business, but now it's time to serve customers. If you offer other services like pressure washing, offer this to your customers to increase the revenue per trip. You already use similar cleaning solutions and towels—cleaning tools are pretty interchangeable.

Be careful when cleaning window panes. If you accidentally break a window pane, immediately pay for someone to come out and fix it. Accidents happen, but a quick, honest response can help build a good reputation even when you have accidents.

Now you know how to open a window cleaning business. We discussed how Martin runs his home window cleaning company and what to expect when you enter the industry.

Local service businesses, like window cleaners, can serve both residential and business customers to make a great living. To make a window cleaning business profitable, don’t offer $99 window cleaning unless you are in a place with a low cost of living. Window cleaning jobs require time and money, and you need to make money to stay afloat.

How much is window cleaning in your area?

406 Creative Nail Salon Names (2024)

Did you know there are over 56K nail salons in the U.S.? You need a great nail salon name to make your business stand out.

We’ve compiled a list of over 400 nail salon name ideas to help you find inspiration for your nail business name. In addition, we provide naming tips and information about how to register your nail salon business name once you’ve chosen one.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] Click on any of the links below to jump straight to the nil salon name ideas you want to see.

What Makes Good Nail Salon Names?

30 nail salon names, 30 nail salon name ideas, nail salon names and logos, 30 good nail salon names, 22 funny nail salon names, 30 press-on nail business names, 30 nail art salon names, 30 french nail salon names, 26 classy nail salon names, 30 catchy nail salon names, 30 cool nail salon names, 26 creative nail salon names, 30 professional nail salon names, 32 personal nail salon names, 30 location-based nail salon names, how to register your nail salon.

  • Next Steps After Naming Your Nail Salon [/su_note]

Young business owner standing in the middle of her nail salon

Good nail salon name ideas normally include some or all of the following:

  • Use a memorable name: The easier it is for potential customers to remember your nail salon name, the more people are likely to contact you.
  • Make it personal: Choose names that appeal to your client base and how their nails will make them feel.
  • Include keywords: Including words like nail , salon , studio , gel , boutique , and other words relating to your nail business can help with SEO and an immediate understanding of what your company does.

Keep reading for lots of nail business name ideas.

Woman holding clipboard standing inside of Polished & Poised nail salon

Consider some of these nail salon name ideas before you name your nail business.

1. Perfectly Polished 2. Artistic Touch Nail Salon 3. Glamourous Nails Studio 4. Whimsical Nail Wonderland 5. Elegant Tips & Toes 6. Beautifully Buffed Salon 7. Enchanting Nail Boutique 8. Chic & Unique Nails 9. Radiant Nail Reflections 10. Blissful Nail Haven 11. Divine Nail Creations 12. Serene Nail Sanctuary 13. Lavish Nail Oasis 14. Opulent Nail Emporium 15. Charm’s Nail Art

16. Majestic Tips 17. Exquisite Nail Salon 18. Gel Nails on the Square 19. Allure Nail Atelier 20. Flawless Nails Salon 21. Sassy & Classy Nails 22. Vivid Nail Dreams 23. Dreamy Nail Escape 24. Sparkling Nails 25. Royal Nails 26. Delicate Nail Delights 27. Dazzling Nails 28. Posh and Pampered 29. Enchanted Nails 30. Blissful Nails

Pro Tip: Using an adjective like perfect , artistic , glamour , whimsical , elegant , or beautiful along with nail , nails , or salon can be a great way to come up with good nail business name ideas.

Closeup of rainbow and stars nail art manicure

There are plenty of other nail business name ideas. Consider some of these.

1. Polished & Poised 2. Gilded Tips & Toes 3. The Painted Palette 4. Mani Matchmaker 5. Blissful Digits 6. The Buff & Polish Bar 7. Bubbly & Beautified 8. The Polished Peacock 9. Glitter & Grace 10. Serene Sips & Tips 11. Brushstroke Brilliance 12. The Nailing Project 13. Bohemian Bliss Nails 14. Wink & a Mani 15. Classy Claws

16. The Tipsy Touches 17. The Quirky Cuticle 18. Polished to Perfection 19. Luxe & Lacquer 20. The Nail Foundry 21. The Pampered Paw 22. Fingertip Fantasy 23. The Art of Manis 24. The Royal Mani 25. Zen Polish 26. Vibrant Varnish 27. The Polished Posse 28. The Nailery 29. Nails, Chromified 30. Brushed with Brilliance

Pro Tip: Once you find nail business names you like, make sure they are available as web domains and trademarks.

The best nail business name will also work well with a logo. Think about what the logo would look like for each of your potential nail salon names.

Your nail business name and logo will be used on everything from your website to invoices and will help potential customers remember your company. 

You might want to choose a good nail salon name idea from the list below.

1. Rose Nail Lounge 2. Azure Nails & Spa 3. Willow Nail Studio 4. Sunbeam Nail Salon 5. Ocean Breeze Nail Retreat 6. Crimson Nail Boutique 7. Silk Nails & Beauty 8. Moonlit Nail Haven 9. Golden Nail Palace 10. The Nail Sanctuary 11. Pearl Nail Bar 12. Vixen Nail Emporium 13. Midnight Nail Lounge 14. Serendipity Nails & More 15. Sapphire Nail Oasis

16. Emerald Nail Studio 17. Ruby Red Nails 18. Aura Nail Atelier 19. Lavender Nail Boutique 20. Crystal Nail Creations 21. Mystic Nail Spa 22. Coral Nail Paradise 23. Diamond Nail Haven 24. Enchanted Nail Escape 25. Charm Nail Studio 26. Secret Nail Hideaway 27. Orchid Nail Emporium 28. Ruby Nail Artistry 29. Siren Nail Sanctuary 30. Aurora Nail Boutique

Nail salons can sprinkle some humor into the name for their nail services. Consider some of these funny nail salon business name ideas.

1. Punny Nail Shack 2. Nail it or Bail it Salon 3. The Nailinator 4. No Pain, No Polish 5. Nailed It! 6. The Fingernail Follies 7. Funny Fingers & Twinkle Toes 8. The Nail Nerd 9. Tipsy Tips Nail Bar 10. Claws for Celebration 11. The Mani-Mirth Manor

12. The Polish Parody 13. Snip ’n’ Snark Nail Salon 14. Whiskers Nail Den 15. Hilarious Hands 16. Nails & Nonsense 17. Cuticles Nail Club 18. Chuckle Nail Chalet 19. Tickled Pink Nail Bar 20. Puns & Polish Parlor 21. The Cuticle Cabaret 22. Sweet Feet Nail Boutique

Pro Tip: Nail business name ideas can incorporate some humor by using puns or alliteration. Figuring out what works for you and your clients’ senses of humor can make picking a name an even more exciting venture.

When your nail business is a pressing matter, you might consider a company name from this salon name ideas list.

1. Press-On Perfection Boutique 2. Instant Glamour Press-Ons 3. The Quick Fix 4. Ready-to-Wear Nail Haven 5. Snap & Go Nail Emporium 6. Press-On Paradise Salon 7. Insta-Nails & More 8. Elegance Press-On Studio 9. Pop & Press Nail Oasis 10. Fast & Fabulous Nails Inc. 11. Click & Stick Nail Bar 12. Peel & Play Press-Ons 13. Nail It Easy 14. Instant Chic Press-On 15. Peel, Press & Wow

16. Ready in a Snap 17. The Quick Press-On Studio 18. Click & Chic Nail Boutique 19. My Pop-On Polish 20. Insta-Glam Nailz 21. Simply Press-Ons 22. Click & Go 23. Snap-On Nail Shack 24. Click & Charm 25. Ready, Set, Glam! 26. Press-On Perfection 27. Click & Carry 28. Quick Glam Nail Quarters 29. Snap & Show Nail Retreat 30. Insta-Chic Nail Club

Pro Tip: Including keywords related to press-ons in your nail names is a great way to let people know that your nail artists focus on providing quick service.

Nail salon client picking out a manicure color

Nail art is one of the most complex types of nail services in the competitive beauty industry. Consider some of these unique nail salon names to let people know you specialize in artistic nails.

1. Artistic Touch Nail Gallery 2. Creative Canvas Nail Studio 3. Masterpiece Manicures Salon 4. Vibrant Nail Atelier 5. Brush & Blush Nail Artistry 6. Palette & Polish Haven 7. Artistic Aura Nail Emporium 8. Canvas & Color Nail Lounge 9. Chromatic Creations Nail Spa 10. Brushstroke Nails Sanctuary 11. Artisanal Nails & More 12. Dreamy Nail Oasis 13. Eclectic Elegance Nail Gallery 14. Muse & Manicure Nail Chalet 15. Abstract Nail Retreat

16. Bohemian Nail Boutique 17. Kaleidoscope Nails & Spa 18. Serene Nail Emporium 19. Fusion of Colors Nail Atelier 20. Artistry Avenue Nail Sanctuary 21. Chromatic Canvas Nail Lounge 22. Vivid Visions Nail Gallery 23. Dreamy Designs Nail Spa 24. Enchanted Easels Studio 25. Palette Nail Haven 26. Rainbows Nail Chalet 27. Whirls Nail Boutique 28. Imagi-NAILS Oasis 29. Brush & Bling Nail Emporium 30. Abstract Nail Atelier

Pro Tip: Nail businesses specializing in nail art should use a unique nail business name that includes words relating to art like artistic , brush , canvas , or whatever style of art you specialize in.

French nails provide an elegant look, and you should have an equally unique nail salon name, especially if you specialize in French tips. Consider some of these nail company names for your French nail services.

1. Chic Clous Nail Salon 2. Elegance en Blanc Nail Parlor 3. Parfait Poli Nail Lounge 4. Ooh La La Nails & Spa 5. Belle Beauté Nail Boutique 6. L'Art de L'ongle Nail Studio 7. Blanc Brillant Nail Atelier 8. French Finesse Nail Haven 9. Rêverie de Roses Nail Retreat 10. Charme Château Nail Chalet 11. Magnifique Manicures Salon 12. Lueur de Luxe Nail Emporium 13. Parisian Perfection Nail Sanctuary 14. Beauteous Blanc Nail Gallery 15. Douceur de Diamant Nail Spa

16. Élégance Éternelle Nail Lounge 17. La Beauté Blanche Nail Boutique 18. L'Éclat d'Argent Nail Oasis 19. Doux Douleur Nail Atelier 20. La Fleur Fleurie Nail Pavilion 21. Charmant Ciel Nail Hideaway 22. Belle et Bien Nail Studio 23. Delicate Digits Nail Salon 24. Joie de Vivre Nail Emporium 25. La Lune Lumineuse Nail Boutique 26. Finesse Française Nail Retreat 27. L'Amour en Blanc Nail Chalet 28. Lumière de Lune Nail Lounge 29. La Vie en Rose Nail Spa 30. Doux Désir Nail Atelier

Pro Tip: Everything sounds just a little sexier when you use the French language. Consider beautiful French words to give your nail salon name some mystique.

Closeup shot of a glittery blue and pink-with-blue-flowers nail art manicure

Nail business names can reflect class to help present a high-end reputation. Consider some of these classy nail business names.

1. Classique Couture Nail Salon 2. Opulent Obsessions Nail Atelier 3. Sophistique Salon & Spa 4. Eclat Elite Nail Lounge 5. Regal Reflections Nail Boutique 6. Luxe Legacy Nail Studio 7. Prestige & Polish Nail Parlor 8. Grandeur Nail Emporium 9. Decadence Nail Retreat 10. Noble Nails & Spa 11. Haute Heritage Nail Chalet 12. Majestic Manicures Salon 13. Refined Radiance Nail Haven

14. Timeless Temptations Nail Oasis 15. Exquisite Elegance Nail Gallery 16. The Nail Pavilion 17. Elegant Edge Nail Boutique 18. Polished Panache Nail Studio 19. Sovereign Styles Nail Atelier 20. Elite Nail Lounge 21. Regency Refinement Nails 22. Magnificent Manicures & More 23. Royal Ritz Nail Retreat 24. Grandiose Nail Emporium 25. Prestige & Panache Nail Studio 26. Elegant Nails

Pro Tip: Once you have the perfect cute nail salon name, consider how you will make the atmosphere a match.

Unique nail salon names should stand out from the pack. Consider some of these catchy nail salon business names.

1. Glam Pop Nail Studio 2. Sparkle & Shine Nail Bar 3. Chic Flicks Nails 4. Trendy Tips & Toes 5. Sizzle & Spark Nail Lounge 6. Lush Luxe Nails 7. Bliss & Bling Nail Haven 8. Dazzle Drive Nail Emporium 9. Radiant Nail Retreat 10. Urban Edge Nail Boutique 11. Vivid Vibes Nail Palace 12. Funky Fingers & Toes 13. Groove & Glam Nail Club 14. Pizzazz & Polish Nail Spot 15. Mod Manicures & More

16. Pop & Polish 17. Hip Hop & Nails 18. Glitz & Groove Nail Junction 19. Flash Nail Studio 20. Fab Fusion Nail Oasis 21. Snazzy Nail Salon 22. Bold & Beautiful Nails 23. Verve & Vogue Nail Plaza 24. Funky Nail Chalet 25. Bounce & Bling Nail Salon 26. Snazzy Nail Lounge 27. Finesse Nail Retreat 28. Chic Clicks Nail Boutique 29. Groove & Glisten Nail Emporium 30. Trendy Tints & Tips

Pro Tip: The best nail salon names are colorful and catchy. Think about your brand identity and brand values when considering nail name ideas. Then use fun adjectives to make the name unique and memorable.

Owner-operator sitting at a gel manicure station and pointing to a sign that reads "Nail Palette" hovering behind her

1. Frostbite Nails 2. Rebel Polish 3. Ice Cold Tips 4. Razor’s Edge Mani 5. Urban Matrix Nails 6. Neon Pulse Nails 7. Chrome Crush Nails 8. Arctic Aura Manicures 9. Stiletto Nails 10. Electric Elegance Nails 11. Midnight Mirage Manicures 12. Thunderbolt Tips 13. Cosmic Nail Creations 14. Tropical Wave Nails 15. Nova Nail Studio

16. Quantum Quirk Nails 17. Blaze & Ice Nails 18. Cyber Chic Nails 19. Aurora Borealis Nails 20. Nail Palette 21. Eclipse Elegance Nails 22. Celestial Sleek Nails 23. Zenith Nail Pro 24. Stellar Shimmer Mani 25. Ignite & Inspire Nails 26. Enigma Nails 27. Supernova Nails 28. Matrix Manicures 29. Pulse Perfection Nails 30. Sleek Nail Story

1. Chromatic Nail Odyssey 2. Kaleidoscope Nail Nirvana 3. Celestial Mani Universe 4. These Whimsical Nails 5. Voyage Nail Escapade 6. Friends, Family, Nails 7. Euphoria Nail Soiree 8. Illusionist's Nailscape 9. Artisanal Nail Fantasia 10. Surreal Salon Odyssey 11. Mirage Manicures & More 12. Ethereal Nail Adventure 13. Fantasia Fingers & Toes

14. Symphony of Style Nail Soiree 15. Divine Digits 16. Enchanted Nail Extravaganza 17. Reverie Nail Soiree 18. Mirage Magic Mani 19. Surreal Nail Nirvana 20. Artful Nail Voyage 21. Dreamy Delight Mani Adventure 22. Radiant Reverie Nail Oasis 23. Whimsy & Wonder Nail Gala 24. Celestial Canvas Nail Odyssey 25. Ethereal Essence Manicures & More 26. Surreal Nail Serenade

Manicurist smiling at the camera while completing a basic manicure

1. Elite Nail Creations Co. 2. Premier Nail Innovations Company 3. ProNails Solutions Inc. 4. Eminent Nail Artistry Co. 5. Signature Nail Designs Company 6. Apex Nail Studio 7. Prime Polish Pro Co. 8. Paramount Nail Solutions Company 9. Apex Artisan Nails Co. 10. Vanguard Nail Crafters Company 11. Executive Edge Nail Designs Co. 12. Noble Nail Studios Inc. 13. Precision Nail Art Co. 14. Sovereign Nail Coatings Company 15. Regal Nail Aesthetics Co.

16. Superior Nail Art Company 17. Pinnacle Nail Artistry Co. 18. Empyrean Nail Creations Company 19. Distinctive Nail Innovations Co. 20. Supreme Nail Solutions Company 21. Eminent Nail Atelier Co. 22. Vanguard Nail Artisans Company 23. Prominent Nail Crafters Co. 24. Illustrious Nail Designs Company 25. Noble Nails Co. 26. Paramount Nail Artistry Company 27. Sterling Nail Solutions Co. 28. Royal Nail Studios Inc. 29. Top Tier Nail Designs Co. 30. Premiere Nail Artisans Company

If you never intend for your nail business to expand beyond yourself, your name might be the best nail salon name. Alternatively, you could name your salon after a loved one or person who’s inspired you. Consider some of these examples:

1. Bella’s Lavish Nails 2. Lily’s Beauty & Nail Boutique 3. Olivia’s Elegant Nail Lounge 4. Emily’s Opulent Nail Oasis 5. Ava’s Sophisticated Nail Salon 6. Sophia's Artistic Mani 7. Amelia's Magnificent Manicures 8. Mia’s Artisanal Pedi 9. Artistic Nail Salon by Gloria 10. Evelyn's Haute Nail Haven 11. Harper’s Exquisite Nail Designs 12. Chloe’s Stylish Nail Studio 13. Scarlett's Chic Nail Creations 14. Grace's Nail Stop 15. Nora's Nail Retreat 16. Riley’s Noble Nails

17. Cherry’s Nail Zenith 18. Zoe's Lush Nail Lacquer 19. Aurora’s Nail Spa 20. Kaylee’s Luxe Nail Lounge 21. Hanna’s Lavish Nail Locale 22. Bonnie’s Nail Garden 23. Violet's Polished Toes Nook 24. Pen’s Vivid Nail Varnish 25. Hazel’s Nail Design Emporium 26. Eleanor’s Nail Hideaway 27. Luna's Luminous Nail Nook 28. Brooke’s Stylista Nail Salon 29. Savanna’s Blissful Nail Boutique 30. Carly’s Nail Palace 31. The Nail Pallete by Muriel 32. Bobby’s Manicure Addicts

Pro Tip: Nail shop names with your first or last name in them might create an expectation that you’ll be working with all the clients. If you intend to sublet to other nail technicians, you might not want to use your own name.

Good names for nail salons can be as simple as providing a location indicator. Just be careful when choosing a name for nail business operations. If you get too specific you might have to change the name if your shop front moves to another location.

1. Central Park Nails 2. Sunset Strip Salon 3. Broadway Beauty Co. 4. Golden Gate Glamour 5. Beverly Hills Nails 6. Magnificent Mile Manicures 7. Hollywood Hills Nail Studio 8. Times Square Tips 9. Rodeo Drive Nails 10. Mile High Mani-Pedi 11. Miami Beach Manicures 12. Vegas Strip Salon 13. SoHo Chic Nails 14. Napa Valley Nail Retreat 15. Santa Monica Shoreline Salon

16. Sunset Boulevard Nails 17. Alamo City Artistry 18. Windy City Nails 19. Bourbon Street Beauty Co. 20. Silicon Valley Salon 21. Riverwalk Nail Studio 22. Music City Manicures 23. Emerald City Elegance 24. Rocky Mountain Retreat 25. Key West Kanvas 26. Palm Beach Polish Co. 27. Ocean Drive Oasis 28. Liberty Bell Nails 29. Painted Lady on the Promenade 30. Hollywood Boulevard Beauty

Pro Tip: Including the city, county, or references to local landmarks can be a good way to indicate your new nail salon is a local business. Make sure to check keyword volumes to see what people are searching for before choosing the best local indicator.

UpFlip’s Start Your Business blog on a laptop

After you have found some unique nail business names, you’ll need to:

  • Perform a Name Check: Check for available domain names, trademarks, and social media accounts.
  • Get an LLC: You’ll want to register your creative name as an LLC.
  • Get Your Business License: Your business will need a license to operate legally.

Learn more about starting a business .

Next Steps After Naming Your Nail Salon

There’s still a ton to do after brainstorming and choosing from your favorite nail names. You’ll want to make sure you’re licensed and insured, find a great location, and start marketing to your target audience.

What kind of nail name ideas do you like?

21 Best Mobile Business Ideas (for 2024)

Some people love being on the go, experiencing new places, and networking. The best mobile business ideas all require traveling. 

Want to know the best part? Every mobile business idea on this list has the potential to make you rich! Find out how number 13 on our list made a 19-year-old a millionaire.

We discuss the characteristics of a mobile business and different types of mobile business ideas, then give you examples of different types of mobile businesses. 

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

Click on any of the links below to jump straight to the mobile business idea that looks good to you.

What is a Mobile Business?

Types of mobile businesses, top 2 most profitable mobile business ideas, 9 mobile service business ideas, 6 mobile truck business ideas, mobile businesses for corporate events.

  • Hit the Road and Make Some Money [/su_note]

business plan for massage business

There are a couple of things that people can mean when they talk about a mobile business model. It can mean either:

  • A portable business that doesn’t have a fixed location, either because it goes to customers’ homes or because it operates out of a truck, cart, or other vehicle
  • A business enabled by wireless technology like a smartphone app or Bluetooth connection, also known as an m-business

Many businesses fit both of these definitions, while other mobile businesses are just one or the other. What all mobile business ideas have in common, though, is that they don’t rely on a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront to connect with customers. 

Even beyond the two broad categories of mobile businesses above, there are many different forms this type of venture can take. Some of the most common include:

  • In-home mobile service business - These mobile businesses travel to a customer’s home to provide a service. Examples include house cleaning, interior designers, private chefs, pet sitting, or other businesses that serve customers in their own homes.
  • Business truck - Running out of a truck or cart is an obvious way to turn a business mobile. This is the best option when the business requires equipment that’s otherwise not easily portable, like a food truck or mobile pet groomer. 
  • Pop-up business - These businesses interact with customers face-to-face outside their homes in a temporary location, like a short-term stay in a commercial space or a booth at a market, fair, or festival. 
  • App-based business - These can be businesses that customers engage with only online, like an SaaS company or a mobile company that allows customers to book a service through an app, such as a shuttle or delivery service business. 

Whatever type of business you open, mobile businesses offer a lot of benefits. They often have a lower initial investment, for one thing, since you don’t need to worry about a commercial space. It’s also very convenient for customers to have a business come to them and lets small business owners go where their customers are rather than needing to attract customers to a specific location. 

Wondering how to start a mobile business? Check out the options on this mobile business ideas list to learn about some of the best mobile businesses to start.

#1. Mobile Car Detailing

Average Annual Revenue: $73,100 Average Profit Margins: 16.1% Startup Costs: $500-$5K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0% Best for: Car lovers and experts, detail-oriented entrepreneurs with customer service skills

A mobile car wash or detailing business hits the sweet spot for many aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s affordable to start, doesn’t require special licensing or experience, and is a convenient way to offer customers an in-demand service. 

If you want to offer even more value to customers (and diversify the revenue streams in your business plan), you can offer other vehicle services, like a mobile oil change business or on-site car wrapping. 

You can also make substantial revenue from just offering mobile detailing services. GoDetail was started with $500 and now makes more than $900,000 in revenue, with 60% margins. Hear how Alan Tursunbaev started his mobile business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riTWH_MG6Uc"]

#2. Vending Machine Business 

Average Annual Revenue: $182,100 Average Profit Margins: 4.3% Startup Costs: $2K-$10K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5% Best for: People with strong networking and sales skills, system-oriented entrepreneurs who like driving, those looking for flexibility and passive income potential

Vending machines are almost like money printers—as long as you have the right machines in the right locations. Adam Hill, who makes over $58K a month in vending machine revenue, says a single machine can earn upward of $2,000 a month. Now imagine having two, three, four of those.

The best part is you can operate your vending machine business from virtually anywhere. All you need is enough space to store your snacks, drinks, or whatever else you’re selling. Intrigued?

We were, too! We pestered Adam until he agreed to spill the beans and take us behind the scenes of his vending machine empire. The best part? UpFlip readers get free access to his vending masterclass .

You can also hear his insights in this video interview: 

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_Y-O1nosw"]

#3. Mobile Pet Grooming Services

business plan for massage business

Average Annual Revenue: $73,533 Average Profit Margins: 11.5% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1% Best for: Dog lovers and experts, salon and grooming professionals, empathetic and detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

There are millions of pet owners in the United States, and that number grew substantially during the pandemic. That’s part of what’s grown the pet grooming industry to more than $5.3 billion in 2021 , and it’s projected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.09% through 2030. 

A mobile pet grooming business is a unique and convenient way to tap into this fast-growing niche market. It gives busy pet owners an easier way to take care of their animals on their own schedule. Any time you can make customers’ lives easier, you’re on your way to running a successful business. 

There are a few ways to start a mobile pet grooming business. One option is to buy a business truck where you groom the animals. You can also schedule time in an apartment building common area or other communal space close to your customers, which can be one way to save money on the initial investment if you’re starting with a tight budget. 

#4. Cell Phone and Electronics Repair

Average Annual Revenue: $560,320 Average Profit Margins: 5.7% Startup Cost: $500-$5K Time To Revenue: 1-3 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4% Best for: Electronics experts, DIY makers and fixers, repair pros, and system-oriented entrepreneurs with a sharp eye for detail

People today rely on their electronic devices more than ever before—and have more of them. This has driven steady growth in the electronics repair and maintenance industry, a sector that’s expected to more than double in value over the next 10 years. 

Operating as a mobile business is an excellent way to stand out in this niche. Instead of customers needing to take their broken phone or device to a shop, you go to them and either fix the device on-site or pick it up and bring it back when it’s repaired.

Joe’s is a device repair service that was started with about $45 and grew to seven figures of revenue in less than five years. Part of this growth was driven by offering mobile repair services in addition to in-store services. Find out how Joe Pilat grew his business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqce8NAZWYw"]

Another way to grow your repair business revenue is by offering other electronics-oriented services. For example, you could provide mobile tech support for businesses with remote workers, or buy broken electronics then repair and flip them for a profit. 

#5. Mobile Bike Repair Services

Average Annual Revenue: $726,530 Average Profit Margins: 4.5% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.2% Best for: Mechanics, avid cyclists, hands-on and mechanically minded entrepreneurs

Between rising fuel costs and growing interest in sustainable living, bikes have seen a resurgence in popularity. While cars are still the most common form of transportation, 11% of U.S. commuters biked to work in 2023, roughly double the figures from 2019, and that doesn’t include the millions of people who ride a bike for fun. 

Those figures put a bike repair service among the most profitable mobile business ideas to start today. Bike repair equipment and spare parts are portable enough to offer mobile bike services using a personal vehicle if you don’t have the budget to invest in a truck. 

#6. Airport Shuttle Service

business plan for massage business

Average Annual Revenue: $1,522,430 Average Profit Margins: 6.9% Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M Time To Revenue: 6-18 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7% Best for: Skilled drivers with strong organization and time management skills

The air travel industry is back in full swing, and that presents an opportunity for prospective mobile business owners: getting people to and from the airport. 

Even people who normally drive or take public transportation often seek out a designated shuttle service for trips to the airport. For longer trips, it’s often cheaper to pay for a shuttle than for parking, while luggage can be a hassle on subways or buses.

The main expense to start an airport shuttle service is the vehicle you’ll use. If you’re just buying one, it’s often best to invest in a passenger van that will accommodate multiple travelers with their luggage. A solo entrepreneur can start off with a single van then reinvest their profits into more vehicles as they grow their mobile business.

#7. Cleaning Business

business plan for massage business

Average Annual Revenue: $74,880 Average Profit Margins: 6.7% Startup Costs: $1K-$30K Time To Revenue: 1-6 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%   Best for: Detail-oriented and organized entrepreneurs, neat freaks, people who like working with their hands

The demand for cleaning services has skyrocketed in recent years. Between Airbnb and Vrbo creating an enduring need for rental-specific cleaning services and people’s heightened requirements for hygiene and cleanliness brought on by the pandemic, the industry is on track to be worth more than $10 billion by 2026 (seriously!).

Cleaning services have transitioned from a luxury to a need, and that shift is allowing cleaning business owners to achieve six- and seven-figure earnings quickly. Our friend Chris Mondragon, for example, is pulling in over $125K a month from his cleaning business, Queen Bee Cleaning.

If you’re after a mobile business idea, this is definitely one to look into as you won’t need an office, just enough space to store your cleaning supplies. In collaboration with Chris, we created a free cleaning business masterclass that takes you from A to Z and covers everything you need to get started. Gain free access here .

Chris also talks about starting Queen Bee Cleaning in the YouTube video below:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcYIYdqegGA"]

#8. Clothes Cleaning Services

Average Annual Revenue: $311,220 Average Profit Margins: 22.1% Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M Time To Revenue: 6-18 months Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.1% Best for: System- and detail-focused entrepreneurs

If you’re looking for mobile business ideas with a low barrier to entry, a laundry or dry cleaning service can be a great option. Individuals aren’t the only customers who will appreciate the convenience of pickup and drop-off laundry. You can also find customers in other local businesses that use towels and linens, like restaurants and Airbnbs. 

The cost to start a mobile laundry service can be as low as $2,000 or as high as $35,000 or more, depending on the size of your business and the services you offer. If you have the budget, investing in one or more commercial washers and dryers will allow you to clean more clothes faster, though you can start off using your home equipment or even a public laundromat if you’re starting on a shoestring. 

#9. Delivery Services

Average Annual Revenue: $131K Average Profit Margins: 3.6% Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7% Best for: Organized and system-driven entrepreneurs with strong communication and customer service skills

Online shopping exploded during the pandemic, and while the eCommerce share of the retail sector has cooled from its 2020 peak, consumers still appreciate the convenience of at-home delivery. 

Starting a mobile business in delivery services isn’t just a way to capitalize on this trend, but it also lets you help other local businesses get their products to customers. That was Adam Haber’s goal when he started Trellus, and in less than two years they’ve made more than 35,000 deliveries for their more than 300 merchant partners. Hear how he built his company in this podcast:

There are also lots of unique mobile business niches that you can focus on as a delivery company. Some of the most in-demand options include: 

  • Becoming a personal shopper 
  • Grocery delivery business
  • Courier service for packages and important documents
  • Print delivery service
  • Newspaper or magazine delivery

#10. Party Bus Business

business plan for massage business

Average Annual Revenue: $689,656 Average Profit Margins: 8.8% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7% Best for: Outgoing and social entrepreneurs, people with event planning and party planning experience

Do you like to party? Why not take that on the road? Starting a party bus is a unique mobile business idea with the potential to be very profitable. The average party bus rental costs about $700 for a four-hour trip, and you can grow that revenue even further if you have multiple buses people can rent. 

You can have a lot of fun getting creative with a party bus business. If you live in a city with an active nightlife, you can offer bar crawls or brewery tours as part of the package. You can also change up the decorations to offer theme parties, or partner with other local businesses like wineries or distilleries for mobile tastings. 

#11. Mobile Yoga Business

Average Annual Revenue: $243,063 Average Profit Margins: 7.2% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8% Best for: Yogis, fitness instructors, physical fitness trainers

Yoga and Pilates are popular forms of exercise for many Americans. Tech companies, music festivals, and affluent people all have yogis come out to their sites to help people stay in shape in a manner that helps build self-control and confidence without straining the body too hard.

The average studio makes $143K per year, according to IBIS World Report OD4185 .

business plan for massage business

#12. Mobile Coffee Business

Average Annual Revenue: $865,800 Average Profit Margins: 5.8% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% Best for: Baristas, customer service pros, morning people, coffee lovers with strong time management and communication skills

A good portion of the population starts every day with coffee, so why not start a business that brings their favorite beverage right to them? Like a food truck, a coffee truck or coffee cart is much cheaper and easier to start than a brick-and-mortar cafe and can be a great small mobile business on its own or as a gateway to starting your own permanent space.

The main expense to start a mobile coffee business is the truck itself. You can save money by instead starting with a coffee trailer, which you can get for as little as $10,000 if you buy one used.

#13. Truck Delivery Service

Average Annual Revenue: $131K Average Profit Margins: 3.6% Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7% Best for: Commercial drivers, people with strength and stamina who like physical work

We mentioned delivery services as a business idea earlier, but doing it with a full truck expands your options and is enough of an industry on its own to warrant a separate section. 

A trucking service can be either local or nationwide, depending on the scope and size of your business. Having a large truck lets you haul heavy, large objects that most people can’t move on their own—things like heavy machinery, appliances, or furniture. 

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to start a trucking business, either. Mikael Sant started Sant Lines when he was just 19 and brought in $150,000 in revenue in his first three months. Hear how he got started in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8TnsjDRXUE"]

#14. Mobile Billboard Trucks

Average Annual Revenue: $697,840 Average Profit Margins: 13.5% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: -7.3% Best for: People with sales and marketing skills, proficient networkers, advertising professionals

Cars are still the most popular way to get around in the United States. People spend a lot of their time on the road. This is what makes billboard trucks a great mobile business idea, giving other local businesses a new way to get their brand in front of customers.

Outdoor advertising, like mobile billboard trucks, has seen an 11% increase over the past five years, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. The best part is you can combine a billboard business with another mobile business idea, like a delivery service, to get even more revenue out of every trip your drivers take.

#15. Mobile Hair Salon Truck

Average Annual Revenue: $51,380 Average Profit Margins: 5% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9% Best for: Beauticians, barbers, hair stylists, style and fashion experts

If you love cutting and styling hair, starting your own mobile salon can be an excellent mobile business idea. Running your business out of a truck lets you use the same chairs, sinks, and other equipment you would in a brick-and-mortar while also giving you the flexibility to go to customers where they are. 

A mobile salon can also operate in a range of niches. For example, you can specialize in doing hair for special events, like proms or weddings. 

Now, unlike many of the mobile business ideas on this list, you do need a cosmetology license to legally operate a mobile salon. Make sure to research the licensing requirements for your state when you’re writing your salon’s business plan.

#16. Mobile Farmers Market Truck

Average Annual Revenue: $112,644 Average Profit Margins: 3.4% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8% Best for: People with strong networking skills, entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability and farm-to-table food

Turning a truck into a mobile farmers market lets you bring people fresh vegetables, fruit, and meats straight from the farm, and that’s a win-win. You can support local farmers, help people eat healthier, and grow your own business, all at the same time. 

The first step to starting a mobile farmers market is to connect with the local farms that will provide your inventory. While you’re writing your business plan, decide if you’ll buy their products wholesale or sell their products on a commission basis.

#17. Mobile Clothing Boutique

Average Annual Revenue: $141,492 Average Profit Margins: 5.3% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5% Best for: Fashion designers, stylists, people with retail experience, business acumen, and communication skills

The eCommerce fashion industry is booming, especially resale and secondhand apparel, a sector that grew by 24% just in 2022 . The main downside of online fashion stores is that customers can’t feel the clothes or try them on before they buy. 

Mobile boutique stores are the best of both worlds. Customers can get up close to the clothes and make sure they fit, just like in a brick-and-mortar retail boutique store. At the same time, operating as a mobile business means you don’t have to rent or buy a storefront in a high-traffic area to connect with buyers. 

The first thing to decide when you’re writing your business plan is whether you’ll focus on new or second-hand clothes. You can also make your items available for people who can’t get to your truck by pairing your mobile boutique offerings with an eCommerce storefront. 

#18. Food Truck Business

Average Annual Revenue: $41,040 Average Profit Margins: 6.4% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 3+ months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% Best for: Chefs, bakers, cooks, and others with restaurant industry experience, foodies with customer service skills

Like catering, food trucks are a more affordable way to start your own business in the restaurant industry. While a new food truck can cost $100,000 or more, you can find used trucks for half that price or less or start with a food cart if that’s still outside your budget. 

Kyle Gourlie started his food truck, the Vet Chef, in 2016, and within a year was already one of the most popular trucks in Western Washington. Learn how he grew his food truck business in this interview: 

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCnE13BaQlk"]

#19. Mobile Photography Services

Average Annual Revenue: $50K Average Profit Margins: 7.3% Startup Costs: $1K-$10K Time To Revenue: 1-6 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3% Best for: Photographers, videographers, and visual artists who are excellent communicators

A photography business is a natural fit for a mobile business model because most of the things people want to have photographed don’t happen in a studio. Running a mobile business lets you keep costs low while meeting your customers where they need you. 

Like other options on this list, there are a lot of niches you can focus on in this industry. The event photography business has rebounded from its 2020-21 slump, and taking photos for weddings and corporate events can be a highly lucrative business in 2024. 

Another way to differentiate your photography business is to offer drone photography services that let you take sweeping panoramas and overhead shots. This opens up potential clients like real estate agents who need full shots of properties they’re listing. 

Mile High Productions turned their expertise with drone photography into a $35,000-a-month business. You can hear how they started and grew in this YouTube interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUcv1HAAbns"]

#20. Catering Services

Average Annual Revenue: $124,410 Average Profit Margins: 5.5% Startup Costs: $1K-$100K Time To Revenue: 6-18 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0% Best for: Cooks, chefs, and foodies with strong communication and customer service skills

When people need to feed the attendees at corporate events or special events like a wedding, a catering service is the go-to way to do it. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to start your own business in the food industry. The average initial investment for a catering business is $30,000—not chump change, by any means, but much lower than the 6- or 7-figure investment to start a brick-and-mortar restaurant. 

A mobile catering business can take a few forms. Many mobile caterers rent commercial kitchen space to prepare the food. Others may use on-site kitchens in event spaces or at customers’ homes, or use mobile kitchens similar to food trucks.

The right option for you will depend on your startup budget, the type of food you make, and the kinds of events you plan to cater. These are all questions to ask yourself as you’re writing the business plan for your new mobile food business. 

#21. Event Planning

Average Annual Revenue: $34,380 Average Profit Margins: 12.2% Startup Costs: $500-$5K Time To Revenue: 3 months Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0% Best for: Strong networkers, great party planners, outgoing and social entrepreneurs

Event planning is a great mobile business. An event planner can organize music events, corporate events, sporting events, weddings, and other parties. The largest segment of the industry is corporate events. Make sure you have connections with other professionals in the corporate events sector if you are going to plan events, as you’ll be responsible for hiring them.

Hit the Road and Make Some Money

Now that you have some mobile business ideas, it’s time to take one of them and turn it into a career. Check out our business hub or courses for more in-depth walkthroughs on how to start a mobile business.

Which mobile business idea sounds best for you?

business plan for massage business

HOW would you sell that successful business ? What websites would you use to market to a business buyer? I have had a day spa business in a timeshare resort location for 15 years, where I have offered services to owners returning year after year. The timeshare needs the day spa amenity for a gold level rating and will allow me to replace my services with another therapist/business in the same space, selling my turn-key business to them. How would I get that information out to possible buyers?

business plan for massage business

Can you recommend a good brand for the massage tools? Thanks!

How many days is the business registration procedure? Can I do this online? Thanks!

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business plan for massage business

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Massage Practice Builder

You Know How to Massage, Now Learn How to get Clients

August 8, 2015 By Julie Onofrio 1 Comment

Massage Business Plans

massagebusinessplans

It really doesn’t have to be anything fancy unless you are planning on building a large office/spa and hiring other massage therapists.   For just starting your basic massage business, start with the basics and start where you are.  It doesn’t take much money to start a business, but it will take time and energy to get clients in the door and coming back.

The basic steps for creating a massage business plan are: 1. General Overview : Vision/Mission/Purpose and Values Statement. A vision statement is a few sentences that sums up what you see is possible in your business. It pulls you forward when the going gets tough and keeps you on track.

A purpose statement will talk about the things you will need to learn or become in order to fulfill your vision. You might need to take classes in marketing, website design, public speaking, massage techniques or whatever.

The mission statement will outline the specific steps you need to take to fulfill the vision and purpose. (Think about the phrase – ‘on a mission’) 2. Who Will Your Clients Be? Who is Your Ideal Client? What does your Ideal Massage Business Look like? It is not only about demographics but what your client values. 3. How will You Get Clients? Marketing, advertising and work of mouth is how you will get clients. Creating a marketing plan that is in tune with your vision and mission statements will allow you to make better decisions about your business and clients. 4. Financial Projections – what will your expenses be and how much do you plan to make?

5. Marketing Analysis. Doing a Marketing Analysis will help you understand what people want or if they even do want massage services. You can start by actually going door to door in your neighborhood and asking people for their feedback on specifically designed questions about massage. You can also do market research by using some keyword search tools and find out how many people are looking for massage online in your area.

Business Plan Manual How to Write and Market a Business Plan

Sample Massage Business Plan at Yahoo! Answers

Futurelmt.com Complete Business Plan outlines by Cherie Sohnen-Moe

“A massage business plan serves many functions and it can dramatically increase your chances of success.  It’s a powerful declaration of your goals and intentions, a written summary of what you aim to accomplish and an overview of how you intend to organize your resources to attain those goals.

Business Mastery: A Guide for Creating a Fulfilling, Thriving Business and Keeping it Successful

“It is simply not possible for two businesses to serve the same client’s needs equally.  One will be a better fit that another; the best fit produces a perfect client or customer working with the perfect provider.”

Attracting Perfect Customers: The Power of Strategic Synchronicity by Stacey Hall, Jan Brogniez

“A Business Plan is a Strategy Document.  It defines who your company is, what business you are in, the goals you have for yourself and your business, and how to accomplish those goals.”

– Building A Business the Buddhist Way by Geri Larkin 

Reader Interactions

May 20, 2016 at 11:47 am

Hello my name is Erli and I am managing and working also like a therapist in a hotel that have an external massaget place and I found your informations very helpfull about my career that is on a good going road. Thank you!

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Massage Therapy Business Plan Example

Jun.14, 2018

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business plan for a massage therapist

Table of Content

Massage therapy practice business plan for your own salon

Are you planning to start a massage therapy business ? Well, massage therapy business is a profitable business that offers healthcare related services to help heal people from some ailment or help them in soothing their muscle soreness, improving their sleep, boosting their immune function, enhancing their mental skills, aiding headache sufferers, alleviating depression, and reducing stress and anxiety. And considering the present situation, where every second person is in depression, this massage therapy business plan has a lot of market.

So, before you move on to opening your therapy clinic, you will have to prepare a comprehensive business plan for a massage therapist which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. If you are wondering how to write an effective business plan for a massage therapist then here we are providing you a sample physical therapy clinic business plan of a startup named ‘HealCo Relaxing Center’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the massage therapy business.

HealCo Relaxing Center will be a licensed massage therapy center located in the Manhattan borough of the New York City. The business will be started in an existing therapy center which ceased to function two months ago.

2.2 Management of Massage Salom

HealCo Relaxing Center will be a sole proprietorship owned by Susan Frank. Susan is a licensed massage therapist from Florida who has been in this industry for the last ten years. Due to her extensive experience in the industry, Susan knows everything about how to open a massage business .

2.3 Clients of Massage Salom

We will provide therapeutic massage to the people with ailments so as to help them cure faster, and relaxation massage to relax the people who are in stress, depression or anxiety.

2.4 Target of the Massage Salom

The massage business plan  or massage therapy center outlines the company’s three years target as follows:

2.5 Keys to Success

  • Professionalism : We’ll maintain a professional approach as well as good boundaries between therapists and the clients.
  • Individual Attention : We’ll go the extra mile to customize the experience of our clients according to their preferences.
  • Client Satisfaction : We’ll ensure that our clients are always satisfied with us and leave our center in a fully relaxed state.

Massage Salom Summary

3.1 company owner.

HealCo Relaxing Center will be a sole proprietorship owned by Susan Frank. Susan is a licensed massage therapist from Florida who has been in this industry for the last ten years. Susan is adept in a variety of massage styles, and in tailoring each massage to the specific needs and preferences of clients. She is particularly expert in Integrated Breathing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Reiki, Watsu, Reflexology, and Acupressure.

3.2 Why the Massage Therapy Business is being started

The massage therapy business plan is being started due to Susan’s passion to serve the society by using her exceptional physical therapy skills. The second reason is to make profits in this industry by providing unparalleled massage therapy services to the clients.

3.3 How the Massage Therapy Business will be started

The first thing to do before you start thinking about how to start a physical therapy business is to develop a business plan for a massage therapist . You can also take help from this massage business plan template . After this phase, you can start executing the planned steps. As the next phase, Susan will procure and enhance an existing therapy center in downtown Manhattan which ceased to function two months ago. Since the facility was previously used as a therapy center so the cost of inventory is cut down and the biggest expense will be incurred on the renovation work. The costs for the startup are as follows:

The detailed startup requirements are given below:

Services for customers

After you have planned how to start up a massage therapy business, the next step is to plan what services will you provide to your clients.

This step is extremely important because all the subsequent things will depend on your services so make sure to plan it before starting your own physical therapy business . HealCo Relaxing Center will be a massage therapy center that will provide therapeutic massage to people with ailments so as to help them cure faster, and relaxation massage to relax the people who are in stress, depression or anxiety. We will provide following types of therapies and massages to our esteemed clients.

  • Riekie Therapy
  • Aroma Therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • PDSD Therapy
  • Driving Therapy
  • Physiological Therapy
  • Mobility Therapy
  • Gym Therapy
  • Water Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy
  • Reflexology
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Deep Tissue Work Sports Massage
  • Traditional Swedish Massage

HealCo Relaxing Center will operate 24/7 to attend to clients round the clock. We will also offer home services to the clients who are severely ill or can’t make it to our center due to their busy routine. To further facilitate our clients, we will arrange transportation facilities for them and allow them to make reservations online via our website or our official App.

Marketing Analysis of massage therapy business

The most important component of an effective business plan for a massage therapist  is its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Susan acquired the services of marketing experts to help her through this phase. It is only after this stage that a good physical therapy clinic business plan could have been developed. If you are starting your therapy clinic on a smaller scale then you can carry out the marketing analysis of your business plan for a massage therapist yourself by taking help from this massage business plan sample or other massage therapy business plan examples available online. On the other hand, if you are starting on a larger scale, you can seek help from marketing experts and can develop your own massage business plan template . In any case, you should pay special attention to this part of your physical therapy business plan .

Business plan for investors

The four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis are to identify the current market trends, identify your target audience and potential clients, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products and services.

5.1 Market and Industry Trends

Market trends can be analyzed in various ways such as by manual surveys, online research or even from guessing the pattern from any sample physical therapy business plan available online. You can also take help from the marketing trends given in this massage business plan template . Massage therapy industry generated about $12.1 billion in revenue in 2015 while it is expected to reach $16 billion this year. On average, the revenue growth is projected to increase at the rate of 3.6 percent per year through 2020. There are more than 300,000 massage therapists present across the United States and their number has increased from 14 to 19 percent over the course of just 4 years from 2011 to 2015. The number of American adults who had a massage at least once between July 2015 and July 2016 is roughly around 50 million. Furthermore, the number of therapists is increasing throughout the United States as well as in Manhattan. These stats show massage therapy has a lot of market and any massage business plan in this industry can prove to be immensely profitable provided that you plan and market it successfully.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

A good massage business plan sample also categorizes its target market into various groups or segments after which different strategies are devised to target each group in accordance with its specific needs and requirements. Our target market is the residential community as well as the working-class community living or working near us. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $40k to $50k while nearly 10% people have incomes even around $100,000. There are currently more than 738,000 households in Manhattan out of which 17.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.2% are married couples living together and 12.6% have a female householder with no husband present. 59.1% are non-families, out of which 48.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential clients. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Clients Needing Therapeutic Massage

This category includes all those clients who need therapy for some medical purposes such as for relieving pain or chronic health issues. The therapy is done by using advanced techniques such as trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage. The clients lying in this category will make the biggest contribution to our revenue since they frequently need therapy on a regular basis as a part of their medical treatment. This category is further divided into following groups:

  • Clients with injuries: This group includes those clients who have incurred an injury in some accident or by any other means. They need therapy as a part of their medical treatment, for proper muscle repair and for relieving severe pain. This group may include individuals from all age groups and backgrounds. Sportsmen and athletes are also included in this group who regularly take therapies for addressing the minor/major injuries they usually face.
  • Clients with chronic illnesses: This group includes those clients who are fighting with or have just recovered from chronic illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, backbone problems or other similar ailments. This group mostly include the senior citizens.
  • Clients with disabilities/issues: This group includes those clients who have either some sort of disability like Down’s syndrome and Autism, or the clients who have other body problems like posture and weight issues. This group mostly include children and teens.
  • Expectant mothers: This group includes expectant mothers who are prescribed to take a therapeutic massage (both Prenatal and Postnatal Massage Therapy) for addressing any issue with them while they are in labor or after their delivery.

5.2.2 Clients Needing Relaxation Massage

This category includes all those clients who just want to relax after a hectic day at work. Relaxation massage can greatly reduce the anxiety and depression of a person thus this massage is very popular with the working-class community especially the senior level executives of various businesses who often lead a stressful life. This massage is relatively simpler and straightforward as compared to the therapeutic massage and includes classic Swedish massage techniques along with a mud or cream application, a sea salt or sugar body scrub, or a paraffin hand treatment to the body. Since this massage is just intended to relax the clients and isn’t as much needed as the therapeutic massage, the revenue contribution from the clients taking this massage is relatively lower. The detailed market analysis of our potential clients is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become the best massage therapy center of Manhattan within next five years of our startup. Our main massage business plan targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

  • To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
  • To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year
  • To open up a second massage therapy center by the end of three years in San Francisco, and a third one by the end of five years in Los Angeles

5.4 Product Pricing

After considering the market demands and the current competition, we have priced our services in the similar ranges as of our competitors. As of our relaxation massage, it will be charged on the basis of time, and clients can choose one of these three options—a 30-minute ($60), 50-minute ($95) or 75-minute ($135) massage. The price of every therapeutic massage will vary on the type of treatment and the condition of the patient but as a general rule, they will cost approximately 30 percent more than the relaxation massage. After analyzing all physical therapy business ideas and going through the market trends, the market demand, and the potential clients of the startup, the next step is to develop an ingenious strategy to attract those clients toward us.

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also an important component of a physical therapy business plan so it must be given proper attention before you think about how to start a massage business . That’s why Susan carried out an extensive research about various marketing strategies and went through a couple of massage business plan example templates before she decided on how to make a business plan for massage therapy along with an effective marketing strategic plans .

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

As mentioned earlier, there are more than 300,000 massage therapists located across the United States. Similarly, there are hundreds of massage therapy centers located in Manhattan and their numbers are still on the rise. To survive and excel in such competitive environment, it is essential for a startup to work on its competitive aspects which will give it an advantage over the rest of the similar businesses in the locality. Considering the importance of the competitive advantage for a startup, we have come fully prepared to enter the market.

Our biggest competitive advantage will be our high-quality and unparalleled services where the environment in which the services are offered – lighting, sounds, smells, oils and linens as well as the emotional presence of the therapist – all will contribute to the best possible experience. Our staff is highly trained and well-groomed in all aspects of therapy, and we are exceptionally adept at providing customized service to our clients. We will ensure maximum client retainage by offering them pleasurable experiences that will make them come back over and over again. We will ensure that our therapists use quality supplies (such as lotions and massage oil) and create a friendly, relaxing and welcoming environment for our clients.

In addition to providing quality services, we will launch an App where our clients can make their reservations with us or can even pay online by linking it to their bank or PayPal account. This App will also remind them of their appointments with us by sending them timely notifications. This App will make it easier for our clients to connect with us and will give us an extreme advantage over other competitors since no massage therapy center within 10 km radius of our center has launched a similar App. Lastly, we will also provide home-therapy services which is also not provided by most of our competitors.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

  • We will carry out a large-scale social media campaign for our advertisement.
  • We will establish a strong online presence by using SEM/SEO techniques.
  • We will arrange seminars and informational sessions for increasing the public awareness about health benefits of massage and therapies.
  • We will launch an App which will be used for online reservations, making payments and much more.
  • We will offer a 25% discount on our services for the first three months of our launch.

6.3 Sales Monthly

Our monthly sales, as forecasted by our experts, are as follows:

6.4 Sales Yearly

Our yearly sales, as forecasted by our experts, are as follows:

6.5 Sales Forecast

Considering our innovative app, the quality of our services, and our unparalleled client service, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted in detailed the following sales on a yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

A personnel plan, like all other plans, is an important component of an effective massage business plan . Its importance is due to the fact that the success of any business plan for a massage therapist significantly depends upon its employees. It is never easy to estimate the number and type of staff needed for a company before it is even launched therefore it is always better to seek the help of HR experts to get through this phase. However, you can have a rough idea before you decide on how to start your own massage therapy business . Susan acquired the services of HR experts to help her develop the following personnel plan for her physical therapy business model .

7.1 Massage Salon Staff

Susan will act as the General Manager of the HealCo Relaxation Center and will manage its overall operations while the company will initially hire the following people:

  • 1 Accountant for maintaining financial records of the therapy center
  • 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
  • 15 Massage Therapist for giving therapeutic as well as relaxation massages to the clients
  • 5 Exercise Physiologist for helping sportsmen, athletes and other injured persons with various exercises
  • 6 Cleaners/Assistants for cleaning the facility and assisting with day-to-day operations
  • 1 Inventory Manager for managing/procuring the stock needed for merchandise
  • 3 Drivers for providing transportation facility to the clients
  • 1 Technical Assistant for managing company’s App as well as web pages and social media accounts
  • 1 Front Desk Officer for acting as a Receptionist, receiving calls and making reservations

All the professionals needed for starting a physical massage therapy business plan  will be hired by following strict testing procedures. After the selection of employees, the Massage Therapists and Exercise Physiologists will be trained for one month under the direct supervision of Susan herself so as to enable them to provide the highest quality of services possible.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years. These salaries are estimated by financial experts and are expected to deviate but the overall expenses will be more or less the same.

Financial Plan

Just like the other plans, you must also prepare a detailed financial plan covering all financial aspects of your startup before you move on to starting a physical therapy business . The financial plan should craft a detailed map about the costs of startup, inventory, payroll, equipment, business plan for landlord , utilities and how these costs will be covered by the earned profits. Before getting to think about opening massage therapy business plan , make sure to carry out a detailed profit and loss analysis. The HealCo Relaxing Center financial plan outlines the development of the company over the next three years and is specifically developed to achieve the company’s short-term as well as the long-term objectives.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Massage Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGS capital writers specialize in business plan themes such as reiki practice business basics , small spa business plan , business plan for a beauty salon , tattoo parlor business plan , business plan cosmetics , tanning salon business plan and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

business plan for massage business

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Examples

Massage Therapy Business Plan

business plan for massage business

Going for a massage therapy session is one of the most relaxing activities that you can pay for especially after a busy day’s work. This level of relaxation must also be felt by massage therapy business owners as well as its stakeholders. This is actually possible if a business plan will be developed. In comparison with the creation of self-catering business plan examples , it is also essential for you to ensure the completion and proper presentation of the massage therapy business plan that you will develop.

  • Food Catering Business Plan Examples – PDF
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Do you need document guides and references for developing your massage therapy business plan? Fret and worry not as we got you covered with the downloadable examples of massage therapy business plan templates that we have put together in this post. Download any of these examples so you can already have an idea not only of what content to look into but also on what format to use for the document that you would like to present to your target audience.

Massage Therapy Business Plan Template

Massage Therapy Business Plan Template

  • Google Docs

Size: A4, US

Massage Therapy Business Plan Template Example

Massage Therapy Business Plan Template Example 01

Size: 899 KB

Massage Therapy and Reflexology Business Plan Discussion Layout Example

Massage Therapy and Reflexology Business Plan Discussion Layout Example 01

Basic Information That Should Be in a Massage Therapy Business Plan

Being hands-on with the operations and management of a massage therapy business can help you not just retain your existing customers but also to consider the needs and reasonable wants or demands of all your stakeholders. A massage therapy business plan can help you become more prepared when it comes to handling your business and its operations. For a massage therapy business plan to be fully maximized, you have to ensure that you will come up with a detailed, organized, and presentable document. Listed below are some of the basic information that are commonly found in every massage therapy business plan.

  • The name or title of your massage therapy business
  • The location of your business
  • The purpose of the massage therapy business plan
  • The scope and limitations of the massage therapy business plan content
  • The vision and mission of your massage therapy business
  • The specification of your long-term and short-term goals
  • The discussion of the massage therapy services, products, and/or offers that you would like to introduce
  • The list of objectives that you would like to achieve for your corporate vision to be realized
  • The description of your target market and their activities and purchasing capabilities
  • The workforce requirements of your massage therapy business in consideration to work experiences, technical skills, relevant credentials, and other deliverable
  • The segmentation of your market as well as the niche markets that you would like to focus on
  • The evaluation of the consumer demand based on the geography or demography of your market
  • The legal requirements that you need to acquire especially business permits and related licenses
  • The list of the challenges, threats, and risks that you expect to face and the countermeasures that you have prepared for your business to not fully be affected by the impacts resulting from the existence of these elements
  • The operational requirements of the massage therapy business including manpower, supplies, equipment, tools, and other resources needed every operations
  • The business regulations, policies, and protocols that you would like your workforce and other involved entities to be aware of
  • The marketing and promotional plan that you will use so you can be visible in the marketplace
  • The financial aspect of the business which includes your financial aspirations and objectives, the financial plan that your stakeholders need to look into, the resources that you will use as a part of your start-up expenses, the expected expenses of the business in a particular time duration, and the projections for business revenue to identify profits and/or losses
  • The date when you have last updated the massage therapy business plan and the reason why there is a need for updating it

Kindly take note that these details are only for referencing purposes. Hence, you can develop a message therapy business plan that works even with the addition or removal of any information to/from the list above. Just like when making a  jewelry business plan , the content of your own massage therapy business plan will still depend on the jurisdiction or decision of the management as well as the scope and nature of your massage therapy business operations.

Massage Therapy Spa Business Plan Example

Massage Therapy Spa Business Plan Example 01

Size: 100 KB

Massage Therapy Business Plan Guidelines and Documentation Example

Massage Therapy Business Plan Guidelines and Documentation Example 1

Size: 529 KB

Advantages of Creating and Using a Well-Formulated Massage Therapy Business Plan

Have you ever wondered why there are businesses within the same marketplace that do better than their competition? As an example, two juice bar businesses competing with one another do not have the same market reach, audience relationship, and profitability. Maybe one of them uses a  juice bar business plan  and is more aware on how to present the business to different types of audience. Though there are different factors and elements that can affect business operations, having a business plan is still one of the most important decisions that you can make for your organization.

If you will create a massage therapy business plan, you can experience benefits that scope not just your financial conditions but also the perception or impression of your target market toward your business and its brand. A few of the advantages that you can get if you will create and use a massage therapy business plan include the following:

  • A massage therapy business plan can help your business define its goals. You need to be directed with the things that you would like to achieve so that you can be focused on the steps that are necessary for reaching specific milestones. With the help of a massage therapy business plan, you can ensure that all your efforts and undertaking will allow you to take a step forward in realizing the vision of the massage therapy business.
  • A massage therapy business plan allows the business to prepare for the needs and demands of the operations. Through the usage of a massage therapy business plan, you can easily allocate your resources and you can identify the things that you still need to acquire. If you will have this document at hand, you can be aware of the level of your preparedness when it comes to the execution of your plans of action.
  • A massage therapy business plan can help you avoid business pitfalls specifically on areas outside your business environment. Massage therapy business plans assess your strengths and weaknesses as well as the threats and opportunities that you need to be knowledgeable about. Understanding internal and external factors that can affect your business with the help of this document can make you more careful when making and finalizing business-related decisions.
  • A massage therapy business plan can help you list down and assess your intentions. This document can set your goals accordingly and it can also summarize the things that you would like to achieve in particular time frames based on the growth and development needs of the business. If you will have a massage therapy business plan, then it will be easy for you to see the overview of how you can maximize the usage of your resources so you can get to the state or condition where you would like your massage therapy business to be at.

Spa Business Strategies and Massage Therapy Business Plan Example

Spa Business Strategies and Massage Therapy Busienss Plan Example 01

Massage Therapy and Spa Business Plan Format Example

Massage Therapy and Spa Business Plan Format Example 01

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Massage Therapy Competency Standards for Business Plan Guidance Example

Massage Therapy Competency Standards For Business Plan Guidance Example 001

Things to Look Into When Developing a Massage Therapy Business Plan

Have you ever made a  mobile catering business plan  or any other types of business plan documents? For sure, there are a lot of challenges that you need to face and go through before you can create a compelling, convincing, and effective business plan. However, this can refine and develop your senses and abilities when it comes to the drafting of a great document.

If you plan to come up with a massage therapy business plan, there are factors and elements that you have to consider so that you can ensure the high functionality and efficiency of the document that will serve as your output. Once you have decided to create a massage therapy business plan, make sure to include the following on the list of your considerations:

  • Have a general overview of what the massage therapy business plan contains. An executive summary can be very helpful when it comes to identifying the key points of your discussion.
  • Think of the entities that you will be working with. This includes your workforce, your management, your suppliers, and all the other individuals or groups who are involved in your operations.
  • Ensure that you will develop statements that encapsulate your vision, mission, goals, objectives, and values. This can build the image and the brand of your business.
  • Know how you can get the attention and approval of your desired audience or clients. Execute surveys and researches that will allow you to understand the movement of your market and how trends impact your overall massage therapy business operations.
  • Have projections when it comes to finances, expenses, and other financial aspect-related discussions. You have to think of your budget and resources so that you can identify ways on how you can make the business profitable even during lean seasons.
  • Analyze your market. Know the movement of your competition and see their efforts that work. It is important for you to be aware of these items as it will allow you to counteract and present something that can be deemed more valuable by your target audience.

Day Spa Offering Massage Therapy Business Plan Example

Day Spa Offering Massage Therapy Business Plan Example 01

Size: 296 KB

Massage Therapy Business Plan with Spa Market Analysis Example

Massage Therapy Business Plan With Spa Market Analysis Example 01

Size: 573 KB

Business Plan Template for a Massage Therapy Business and Other Establishments Example

Business Plan Template For a Massage Therapy Business and Other Establishments Example 01

Size: 628 KB

Tips to Help You Come up with an Effective Massage Therapy Business Plan

A massage therapy business plan can provide you with higher chances of successes and achievements. However, creating an amazing massage therapy business plan is not an easy task. Right now, are you finding it hard and challenging to create your own massage therapy business plan? Refer to these tips and guidelines and incorporate them in the processes involved in developing a massage therapy business plan:

  • Begin with the basics of massage therapy business plan development. You do not need to come up with an initial document that works like the best business plan out there. Keep in mind that your business plan will develop as your business and its operation progresses.
  • Always remember that you can improve the content and process specification of your massage therapy business plan through time. What is essential is for you to develop a strong foundation that can build the brand and operational management of your business. This is the reason why updating the document is very important.
  • Just like when using a  restaurant and catering business plan , do not just focus with the end picture. Allow yourself and your stakeholders to immerse on the steps that are needed to be done so that both short-term and long-term goals can be given emphasis and importance. The ownership of obligations and responsibilities are very important as this will establish the credibility of the system and the efficiency of your work operations as well as the effectiveness of your workforce.

If you will create a document that can be used as a reference within the implementation of your action plans, then you can ensure that your call-to-actions and strategies are realistic, measurable, and attainable. Use any of our template examples and develop the massage therapy business plan that you need right now.

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Setting up a Massage Therapy Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Massage Therapy Business?

Massage therapy is a type of treatment that involves stroking, kneading, rolling, rubbing and the application of pressure. It also involves posture and movement re-education.

A massage therapist uses their hands, arms and equipment to manipulate their customers’ soft tissue and muscle. Massage therapy is intended to relax and heal a person’s body or assist with stiffness, pain or an injury. Massages can also improve posture and reduce blood pressure. Massages are also used to promote both physical and mental well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.

A massage therapist usually calms the client’s nervous system and relaxes their muscles while also relieving tension and focusing on specific areas of the body that cause pain or have muscular tension.

There are hundreds of different types of massages and other body treatments. You may choose to specialise in one type or offer your clients multiple options.

Some of the most common types of massage you can offer as part of your massage therapy business are:

  • Swedish Massage.
  • Deep Tissue Massage.
  • Aromatherapy Massage.
  • Sports Massage.
  • Prenatal and Postnatal Massages.
  • Shiatsu Massage.
  • Thai Massage.
  • Reflexology.
  • Hot Stone Massage.
  • Trigger Point Massage.
  • Compression Massage.
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage.

Massages can be offered for many different parts of the body. As part of your massage therapy business, you can offer massages for:

As part of your massage therapy business, you can offer massages for:

  • The full body.
  • Back and shoulders.
  • Head and neck.
  • Hands and feet.
  • Any other part of the body that is causing your client difficulties.

You may already be a practising massage therapist who is looking to start your own massage therapy business, or you may be newly qualified. If you are considering starting up a massage therapy business, you will need to have the necessary skills and training to correctly perform massages.

As well as the necessary qualifications and massage experience, you will also need a flair for business and the commitment to making your business succeed.

Types of Customers

Determining your target customer base is an essential step when setting up your massage therapy business.

The typical customers you will attract will depend on the type of massage business you set up. There are several different ways you can run your massage therapy business.

  • Massage therapy within a spa that offers other treatments or the use of spa facilities.
  • An at-home massage business.
  • A mobile massage business.
  • A massage therapy shop.

As well as the type of massage business you run, there are several other factors that can impact your customer base.

The type of massages you offer:

If you specialise in one type of massage, this could significantly impact your typical customers. For example, an athlete may choose a sports massage whereas a pregnant woman will need a prenatal massage. Certain types of massages may require you to undergo additional training so keep this in mind.

Your price points:

The cost of your massage therapy will have a significant impact on your customer base. Some people may be willing to pay higher prices for a premium massage with additional extras and a more qualified and experienced therapist, whereas other people will be looking for a more budget-friendly massage.

Your location:

Where you are located will impact your typical customers. Most people prefer convenience so will look for a massage therapist that is close to where they live or work or is in a location that is easily accessible by car. Consider the area you are based in when determining your typical customer base.

Massage Business Cartoon

Equipment You Will Need

A massage therapy business has fewer equipment requirements than you may think. The equipment you need will be essential to the success of your business.

Higher quality equipment is recommended to ensure the comfort and safety of your customers. Massage therapy can be expensive, so your customers will expect the best equipment, tools and products.

If you set up a business that has multiple massage therapists and the capacity to treat more than one client at once, you will need to buy multiples of each piece of equipment.

Consult the list below to see your potential equipment requirements:

A massage table

A massage table is a specialist piece of equipment that is designed with both you and your clients in mind. It is raised to a height that is comfortable for you and can be moved to a lying flat or raised position. They should be wide enough and strong enough to support a range of heights and weights. Massage tables should be heavily padded, easy to clean and have a comfortable face hole. The type of massage table you need will depend on the type of business you set up. For example, a mobile therapist will need a lightweight, foldable table whereas other massage therapists may invest in an electric, hydraulic or more high-end massage table. The price of a massage table can vary significantly, from £100 to £2,000.

A massage chair

A massage chair is a type of chair that allows the massage therapist to easily treat the customer’s head, neck and shoulders. Massage chairs will have a face hole and should be padded and comfortable. Massage chairs can range from £150 to £2,000.

Towels, linens and dressing gowns

These are not only practical, but they can also enhance your customers’ experience. Ensure your towels and dressing gowns are made from high-quality material and are soft and fluffy. Linens should be soft and easy to clean. You will need multiples of each product, as they will need to be changed between each customer.

Massage bolsters and pillows

These help you to get your clients into a better position if you need to work on a particular muscle. They can support the muscle and allow it to fully relax. You will need bolsters and pillows of different shapes and sizes to support different muscles. Prices typically start at £12 for one bolster.

Massage products

This can include massage oils, lotions and creams. You will need a variety of products to suit different skin types and to cater for customers with allergies. If you offer prenatal massages, you will need specialist products that are safe to use during pregnancy. You may also need different creams and oils for different types of massage therapy.

Candles and aromas

No matter where you run your business from, you will want your massage room to smell beautiful. Candles also create a calming environment and can help your clients to relax. You will need to replace your candles regularly.

Spa music is something we all know well. It helps to create a relaxing ambience and allows your customers to view your business as a retreat. Music can enhance your clients’ mental and emotional well-being. You will need to apply for the necessary licences (we will look at this later) and pay any relevant costs.

Storage cupboards

You can choose freestanding or in-built storage areas. The price will vary depending on the size of the cupboards and any installation costs.

A washing machine and dryer

Towels, dressing gowns and linens will need to be cleaned between every client. You can expect to pay between £500 and £3,000 depending on the size, make and specification of the machines.

Cleaning materials

Some of the cleaning supplies you may require include a sweeping brush, a mop and bucket, bleach, cleaning sprays, sanitiser, cloths, sponges and other cleaning supplies. You should also supply hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities for staff and clients.

Other equipment requirements

Some of the other equipment requirements your massage therapy business may need are:

  • A large vehicle (if you operate a mobile business).
  • A till and Point of Sales (POS) system.
  • A laptop or desktop computer (for appointments, marketing and accounting).
  • Bins with closed lids.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (such as aprons, masks and gloves).
  • A CCTV system.
  • A fully stocked first aid kit.

Massage Therapy Business

Typical Pricing

When planning your massage therapy business, you will need to calculate the approximate costs of setting up and running your business.

Some of the typical costs you can expect to pay are:

Equipment costs

Your equipment costs will vary significantly depending on the size of your massage business. The larger your business, the more equipment you will need, and this will raise your equipment costs. You could spend as little as £450 on equipment if you will be the only massage therapist at your business.

If you set up a massage therapy shop, the rental costs will be your biggest expenditure. Rental costs are often calculated per square metre and can range significantly, from £500 to £15,000 per square metre annually. Expect to pay higher rental costs if you are located in a city centre or more expensive area.

Refurbishment and installation

If you open a massage therapy shop, you will likely need to refurbish or convert your premises. You will also want to decorate your premises to fit the aesthetic of your business and make it attractive to customers. Renovation costs can vary, depending on the level and scale of work required.

If you operate a mobile massage therapy business, you will need to purchase a reliable vehicle that is big enough to transport your equipment. The cost of a vehicle can vary, depending on whether it is new or used, and the make and model of the vehicle. Prices can range from £5,000 for a used vehicle. A new vehicle will typically retail from £20,000.

Replenishing products

Products such as oils, creams and candles will need to be replenished regularly. The cost of replenishing products will depend on how many treatments you give per month.

Replacing equipment and equipment maintenance

Repairs, maintenance and replacements are ongoing costs you will need to factor into your budget. Your equipment is an essential part of your massage therapy business, and without it, you would not be able to operate your business.

Running costs

Your running costs will depend on the type of massage therapy business you set up. They could include electricity, gas, water, taxes and your vehicle running costs.

Branding could include creating your business’s visual identity, a logo, your business name, and your business website. You can hire a professional to help you with branding or do some of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £10,000, depending on the level of branding you require.

Advertising and marketing

Marketing and advertising are great ways of growing your business. If you run a home-based or mobile massage therapy business, you may require more advertising than businesses that run out of a salon. It is recommended that you spend no more than 10% of your annual revenue on advertising costs. As your business becomes more successful, you may be able to reduce your advertising costs.

If you set up a massage therapy shop, you may hire staff, such as other therapists, administrative staff or cleaners. If your hire employees as permanent staff, you will need to pay your staff at least the national minimum wage of £9.50 per hour. You should also account for holiday pay, sick pay and maternity/paternity pay.

Business insurance

There are different types of insurance you can get for your massage therapy business. The monthly costs will depend on the insurance provider you choose and your coverage level.

Your coverage could include:

  • Public Liability.
  • Product Liability.
  • Employers’ Liability.
  • Professional Indemnity.
  • Personal Accident.
  • Legal Expenses.

Once you have calculated the typical costs associated with your massage therapy business, you can then calculate your pricing strategy. On average, massage therapists in the UK charge £40 per hour.

However, this price can vary, depending on several factors:

  • Whether you operate from a massage therapy shop or spa or if your business is mobile or at home.
  • The location of your business.
  • The type of massage you offer.
  • The types of products you use.
  • The training and qualifications of you and your staff.
  • Any extras you provide.

Safely Running a Massage Therapy Business

Safe practices are essential to protect you, your clients, your employees and your business.

Some ways you can safely run your massage therapy business are:

Register with an accredited body

Although not legally required, registering with an accredited body can help your business to operate more safely. It can also offer reassurance to potential customers and increase your customer base.

Accredited bodies you could choose to register with include:

  • The General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies (GRCCT).
  • Federation of Holistic Therapies (FHT).
  • Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
  • Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Purchase insurance

Although insurance is not usually legally required for massage therapists, it is recommended as it can protect you, your business and your clients. Consult the list above to determine the type of coverage you may require.

Exercise your right to terminate the treatment

If you feel threatened or unsafe or a patient doesn’t maintain professional boundaries or acts inappropriately, you have the right to terminate the treatment immediately. You could have your code of ethics visible to customers or ask them to sign a contract stating they will act appropriately. If you ever feel uncomfortable or threatened in any way, terminate the treatment and contact the police, if necessary.

Massaging

Have a ‘check in’ system in place

If you operate your massage therapy business alone, particularly if you work from home or operate a mobile business, you should have a system in place that can help to protect you. This could include giving your schedule to a trusted person and having a ‘check in’ schedule, where you make contact with someone after each treatment. You could also make your location discoverable on your phone or smartwatch so that a trusted person can locate you, if necessary.

Obtain the relevant qualifications

Although qualifications are not a legal necessity, training and qualifications can help you to ensure safe practices and make your massage therapy business more successful. You have several qualification options:

  • ITEC (Level 3 RQF) Diploma.
  • Massage therapist apprenticeship.
  • BSc Honours Degree in Sports Massage Therapy.
  • BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE can help to protect the health and safety of you, your employees and your customers. Some PPE you may require includes:

Conduct risk assessments

Risk assessments are only legally required for businesses with more than five employees. However, even if you have fewer employees, risk assessments can help you to identify any potential risks or hazards and then implement any necessary safety measures. This can help you to safely run your business.

Safely store and dispose of products and equipment

Ensure all products are stored in a temperature-controlled area and are covered, with no risk of leaks, spillages or contamination. Any particularly hazardous products should be kept away from customers. You must also dispose of products and old equipment safely.

Implement a cleaning policy

Having effective cleaning procedures is essential for your massage therapy business. A cleaning schedule and cleaning policies should be in place. Ensure you clean any equipment after each client and follow handwashing procedures.

Legal Requirements

The massage therapy industry is, surprisingly, unregulated in the UK. Although you may have fewer legal requirements to adhere to, compared to other businesses, there are still some specific legalities you must comply with:

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974)

This Act is the legal framework for promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety in the workplace. As the business owner, you must conduct risk assessments, provide hygienic facilities, report and record injuries and have relevant insurance coverage.

The Manual Handling Regulations (1992)

Manual handling is an inevitable part of massage therapy. You could be bending down, moving heavy goods and using repetitive movement. Following manual handling regulations can help to protect you and your employees from sustaining an injury or illness as a result of manual handling tasks.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (1981)

These regulations state that your business should have appropriate first aid treatment and a specified first aid trainer at all times. If you are the sole massage therapist in your business, you will be the appointed first-aider. You will need a fully stocked first aid kit, which will need to be transported with you if you operate a mobile business.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

The COSHH regulations state that you must control any substances that are potentially hazardous. You should also assess, control and reduce any risks or potential hazards and protect people from harm. This could include chemicals in the products you use.

The Data Protection Act (2018)

The Data Protection Act controls how businesses use personal information. Personal data should be safeguarded from corruption, compromise or loss. You must inform your customers about how their data is being used and only use data in a way that is lawful and fair.

The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations (2008)

The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations apply to any products or substances that come into contact with the human body, including the skin. Your business should not use any products that could harm a person’s health or contain any prohibited substances. Your business must also comply with the regulations on labelling and animal testing.

Implement health and safety policies and fire safety procedures

All businesses should have health and safety policies that help to manage health and safety in your business. They protect the health and safety of you, your customers and your business. You are also responsible for fire safety on your premises (if relevant). This could include conducting fire risk assessments and implementing fire safety measures and emergency procedures.

Register as self-employed with HMRC

Running your massage therapy business as an individual or as a self-employed person requires you to register as a sole trader. You will need to register the name of your business and keep records of all your income, profits and expenses.

Apply for a music licence

Music is usually played during massage therapy to help your customers feel relaxed. You will need to apply for a licence to play background music from the PPL PRS and pay an annual fee.

Comply with employment legislation

If you hire any staff, you must comply with all areas of employment legislation, including recruitment, pay, working hours, holidays, sickness, maternity, paternity, discrimination and dismissals.

Massage

Positives of Owning a Massage Therapy Business

A massage therapy business can be an extremely rewarding career choice in many ways.

Some of the main pros associated with starting up a massage therapy business are:

It’s a growing market

Massage therapy and other treatments are growing in popularity. More people are visiting massage therapists and demand is growing every year, making it more likely that your business will succeed.

High income potential

Massage therapists usually charge their clients high prices per hour. This gives you the opportunity to earn a high income, especially if you have a large client base and operate full time.

Opportunities to grow your business

You could expand your business by offering additional treatments, hiring other therapists or expanding your business to additional locations. If you begin by operating an at-home or mobile massage therapy business, you could grow your business by opening your own shop or spa.

You are your own boss

Being your own boss gives you the flexibility to design your business, choose the treatments you offer, and choose your operating hours. Running your own business gives you freedom and flexibility and gives you complete control.

Flexibility

Massage therapists can have flexible schedules. You can choose to work weekdays, evenings or weekends, part time or full time. You also have flexibility with the type of business you set up and how and where you operate.

High customer retention

Massage therapists help people relax and de-stress. You can also help people who are struggling with pain or injuries. Once people find a massage therapist who helps their mental or physical health and who they are comfortable with, they will usually stay loyal to them and will give you repeat business.

Job satisfaction

Improving your customers’ physical and mental well-being can be extremely rewarding. Making a difference to a person’s health while also making money and seeing your business grow can result in great job satisfaction.

Few start-up costs

A massage therapy business can be a relatively low-cost enterprise. You can set up a successful business for a low cost and keep your running costs low to help maximise your profits.

Predictable income stream

Most of your appointments will be booked ahead of time, making it easier to predict your income. You may also have customers who visit you at the same time every week, making your profits more reliable.

Gain exposure and experience

With the rise of the internet, it’s easier than ever to gain exposure. Your customers may write positive reviews online or post about your treatments on their social media. This can help you to gain more customers and increase your business.

A people orientated profession

If you enjoy face-to-face interaction and want a job where you can spend your days with people, a massage therapy business is a great career choice for you. Treating different customers every day can make your work interesting and engaging.

Be part of your local community

You could operate a successful business in your local community and offer a personalised experience to your customers. Massage therapy requires a high level of trust. You could develop strong connections with your customers and receive word of mouth recommendations.

Offer a personalised customer experience

You can offer a tailored experience and personalised consultations and treatments. This allows you to target and treat the specific areas that your customers are having problems with and tailor your therapy accordingly. Not only can this improve your customers’ experience and result in repeat business and recommendations, but it can also make your job more enjoyable.

Massage Bed

Negatives of Owning a Massage Therapy Business

However, setting up your own business can have some downsides. Some of the cons associated with starting up a massage therapy business are:

Physical strain

Performing massage therapy every day can take a toll on your body. You will likely be standing for hours every day, bending over and leaning down, which can cause strain on your body. The amount of pressure you will be applying using your fingers, hands and wrists can also result in injuries or strains. The physical demands of your job can have negative consequences on your health.

Your working hours may be limited

Because of the physical strain of your job, the number of hours you are able to work every day may be limited. This can have a negative impact on the growth of your business and your income.

Unrealistic client expectations

Some clients may think that one appointment with you is enough to cure their physical ailments, medical conditions or stress. As many massage therapists will attest, it usually takes multiple sessions for your clients to see an improvement. This could result in unhappy customers, negative reviews, and even a loss of business.

You will have a lot of responsibility

You will be responsible for running your business, ordering stock, maintaining equipment, ensuring the health and safety of your customers and employees and handling appointments and payments. You will be solely responsible for the success of your business.

Work can be inconsistent

Certain times of the year may be busier than others, with less custom at other times of the year. This can result in inconsistent profits. As massage therapy can be quite expensive, you may also see a significant drop in business during times of economic hardship or recessions.

Your business could fail

Setting up your own business can be risky. Many new businesses fail which could result in you losing money or getting into debt. Your massage therapy business could fail for a number of reasons, such as if you have a lot of local competition, you don’t plan your business efficiently, or the UK encounters another recession or period of financial difficulty.

High liability

A massage therapy business has many potential risks that could result in liability issues for you and your business. This could include employee accidents or injuries, the risks associated with using certain products and equipment and the risks of causing injury to your clients.

It can be stressful

Being responsible for the success of your massage therapy business can be stressful. Gaining clients, growing your business, ensuring health and safety and making a profit can be stress-inducing. Running your own business can be particularly stressful in your business’s first year of operation.

Motivation of employees

If you employ staff in your massage therapy business, you may find that they are unmotivated, disinterested or don’t operate to your standards. This can result in bad reviews or the loss of custom which can have a detrimental effect on your business.

High time commitment

Massage therapy businesses are often more popular in the evening and on weekends. This could result in you working unsociable hours. You also need to factor in the time you will need to spend on administrative duties. Running your business can be time-consuming.

Planning Your Massage Therapy Business

When creating your business plan, there are several considerations you will need to make:

What type of massage business are you going to set up?

Are you going to set up your own shop, operate from a spa or run an at-home or mobile business? The type of business you run will have a significant effect on your start-up and running costs, your pricing strategy and your customer base. You could change the type of business you run as your business grows.

What type of massage(s) will you specialise in?

You may choose to specialise in one specific type of massage or offer multiple massage therapies. Some types of massage, such as sports massage, may require specific training or qualifications.

Determine your typical customer base

Identifying your target customer base is an important part of your business plan. It can help you determine your price points and your location.

What are your equipment requirements?

Consult the list above to determine your equipment requirements. The equipment you require will depend on the type of business you run, and the massage therapies you offer. Calculate the cost of the equipment and whether there is any equipment you can purchase at a later date. You could also look into whether any of the equipment can be rented rather than purchased.

Calculate your start-up costs and running costs

Consult the list above to help you calculate the approximate costs of setting up and running your massage therapy business. Estimate how much initial investment you require and when you are likely to start turning a profit. Calculating your start-up costs can help you determine whether you can finance the business yourself or whether you need to source outside investment.

What is your local competition?

Consider your local competition to help you determine how to make your massage therapy business a success. Look at the type of massage therapy you offer, their pricing strategy and their advertising and marketing. You can then decide how to make your business stand out and how to attract customers.

Determine your pricing

Your pricing will depend on several factors, such as the type of massage therapy you offer, your start-up costs and running costs, your location, and your local competition.

What are your business objectives?

Business objectives are crucial for creating a successful business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your massage business and help you to create a one-year, three-year, and five-year business plan to help you grow your business.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

  • S = Specific
  • M = Measurable
  • A = Achievable
  • R = Realistic
  • T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements

Consult the list of legal requirements above and ensure you fully comply when setting up and running your massage therapy business. Failure to comply with the legal requirements could have a detrimental effect on your business.

Download our business plan

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Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business

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Starting a massage therapy business can be an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you dive in, it's crucial to have a solid plan in place. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business comes in handy!

Our template is designed to help massage therapy business owners and entrepreneurs outline their goals, strategies, financial projections, and marketing plans. With this template, you can:

  • Lay a solid foundation for your business and ensure long-term success
  • Attract potential investors or secure loans with a comprehensive and well-structured business plan
  • Streamline your planning process and save time by using a ready-made template

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your existing massage therapy business, our Business Plan Template will guide you every step of the way. Get started today and turn your massage therapy dreams into a reality!

Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business Benefits

A Business Plan Template for a Massage Therapy Business can provide numerous benefits to entrepreneurs and business owners in the massage therapy industry, including:

  • Clearly defining business goals, strategies, and objectives
  • Helping attract potential investors or secure loans by demonstrating a well-thought-out business plan
  • Outlining financial projections and budgeting to ensure profitability and sustainability
  • Identifying target markets and developing effective marketing strategies to reach and attract clients
  • Providing a roadmap for growth and expansion, including adding new services or hiring additional therapists
  • Helping with decision-making and prioritizing tasks to stay organized and focused on business objectives.

Main Elements of Massage Therapy Business Business Plan Template

ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business is designed to help you create a comprehensive and well-structured business plan for your massage therapy business.

Here are the main elements of this template:

  • Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Use custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add important information and keep your business plan organized.
  • Custom Views: Access different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to easily navigate through your business plan and focus on specific areas.
  • Timeline View: Visualize your business plan's timeline to ensure all tasks and milestones are properly scheduled and aligned.
  • Getting Started Guide: Utilize the Getting Started Guide view to get a step-by-step walkthrough on how to effectively use the template and create a successful massage therapy business plan.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business, you can confidently outline your goals, strategies, financial projections, and marketing plans to build a strong foundation for your business.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business

If you're starting a massage therapy business and need a business plan, follow these steps to make the most of the Business Plan Template in ClickUp:

1. Define your vision and mission

Begin by clarifying your vision for your massage therapy business. What do you want to achieve, and what values will guide your practice? Next, define your mission statement, which should encapsulate the purpose and goals of your business.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to outline your vision and mission statement for your massage therapy business.

2. Research your target market

To create a successful business plan, you need to understand your target market. Research the local area to identify your ideal clients, their demographics, and their needs. This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to analyze and organize your research on the target market.

3. Outline your services and pricing

Clearly define the services you will offer as a massage therapist. Consider the types of massages you specialize in, any additional therapies or techniques you provide, and the pricing structure for each service. It's important to strike a balance between competitive pricing and profitability.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track and organize your services and pricing information.

4. Develop a marketing strategy

A strong marketing strategy is essential for attracting clients to your massage therapy business. Determine the most effective channels for reaching your target market, such as online advertising, social media, or local networking. Outline your marketing tactics and budget to ensure a cohesive and consistent approach.

Use tasks in ClickUp to create a marketing plan and assign responsibilities for each marketing tactic.

5. Set financial goals and projections

Financial planning is a critical component of any business plan. Determine your revenue goals and create financial projections for the first few years of your massage therapy business. Consider factors such as operating expenses, equipment costs, and anticipated client volume to develop a realistic financial forecast.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to track and analyze your financial goals and projections.

6. Monitor progress and make adjustments

Once your business plan is complete, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as client retention rate, revenue, and marketing ROI. This will allow you to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to grow your business.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to visualize and track your key performance indicators and make data-driven decisions.

By following these steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you'll be well on your way to creating a comprehensive and effective business plan for your massage therapy business.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business

Massage therapy business owners or entrepreneurs looking to start a massage therapy business can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template to create a comprehensive and professional business plan.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to outline the main sections of your business plan, such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Financial Projections, and Marketing Strategy.
  • The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Utilize the Timeline View to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan, ensuring that you stay on track.
  • The Business Plan View provides a comprehensive overview of your entire plan, allowing you to see the big picture and make necessary adjustments.
  • Use the Getting Started Guide View to access helpful resources and tips on how to create an effective business plan.
  • Customize the Reference custom field to include links or documents that provide additional information or references.
  • The Approved custom field allows you to mark sections or tasks that have been approved by stakeholders or investors.
  • The Section custom field helps you categorize and organize different sections of your business plan for easy navigation and reference.
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Federal judge temporarily halts Biden plan to lower credit card late fees to $8

A federal judge in texas temporarily halted a plan by the biden administration to lower late fees on credit cards to $8 that was slated to go into effect next week.

business plan for massage business

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge in Texas temporarily halted a plan by the Biden administration to lower late fees on credit cards to $8 that was slated to go into effect next week.

The temporary nationwide injunction imposed by Judge Mark Pittman in the Northern District of Texas is a win for the big banks and major credit card companies, which collect billions in revenue each year in late fees and were looking to stop the proposal from going into effect. It is also a win for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which led the lawsuit on behalf of the banks.

The new regulations that were proposed by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would have set a ceiling of $8 for most credit card late fees or require banks to show why they should charge more than $8 for such a fee.

The rule would bring the average credit card late fee down from $32. The bureau estimates banks bring in roughly $14 billion in credit card late fees a year.

White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said in a statement Friday night, “We are disappointed that a court sided with House Republicans, big banks and special interests to hit pause on a critical measure to save American families billions in junk fees.”

Banks had sued to stop the lawsuit earlier this year, but they had run into a roadblock when Pittman ordered the case moved to Washington, D.C., because of the fact that few banks operate in northern Texas. However, an appeals court reversed most of Pittman's decision and ordered him to rule on the bank's request for an injunction.

While Pittman did impose the injunction, he used a significant portion of his order to chastise the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for sending this case back to him after he had already ruled that the case should be handled out of Washington. Critics of the lawsuit have called the case the latest example of judicial “forum shopping,” where a company files a lawsuit in a friendly district in order to have a greater likelihood of getting a favorable ruling.

As part of his reelection campaign, President Joe Biden has tried to highlight his administration's push to clamp down on what he calls “junk fees,” which are bank-related fees like late fees, ATM fees and overdraft fees.

"Every month that the credit card late fee rule is blocked will cost Americans over $800 million," the White House said Friday.

Banks have seen the campaign as a political battle against their business model, while consumer advocates have seen these bank fees as excessive based on the amount of risk that banks and credit card companies are taking on.

“In their latest in a stack of lawsuits designed to pad record corporate profits at the expense of everyone else, the U.S. Chamber got its way for now -- ensuring families get price-gouged a little longer with credit card late fees as high as $41,” said Liz Zelnick with Accountable.US.

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IMAGES

  1. Massage Therapy Business Plan Template

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  3. Massage Therapy Business Plan: How To Write One w/ Sample & Template

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  4. Massage Business Plan Template Free Elegant 25 Best Ideas About Massage

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  5. Craft a Winning Massage Business Plan for Success

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  3. Forehead Wrinkles Massage Plan

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  5. Secret Networking Strategies for Massage Therapists!

  6. Save This Massage Business Growth Framework

COMMENTS

  1. Massage Therapy Business Plan Template (2024)

    The clinic's price range will be $30-$90 per hour. The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a massage therapy business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, massage therapy equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

  2. Massage Therapy Business Plan: Guide & Template (2024)

    If you are planning to start a new massage therapy business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our massage therapy business plan example created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.. Before you start writing a business plan for your new massage therapy business, spend as much time as you can reading through some samples of ...

  3. Write a Massage Therapy Business Plan

    No. 1: You need a formal business education to write a business plan—False. "For the kind of businesses most of us are running, what we need is a guide that is written to our level of business knowledge," explains Kelly Bowers, a licensed massage therapist in Washington, D.C.

  4. Massage Therapy Business Plan

    A well-developed massage therapy business plan can attract investors or secure financing by effectively demonstrating its potential for sustainable growth and profitability. It provides a comprehensive market analysis showcasing the demand for massage services in a particular location, identifies a clear target market, and outlines a compelling ...

  5. How To Write A Great Massage Therapy Business Plan

    Creating a massage therapy business plan requires aligning your life goals and business expectations. Get clear on what you want in life. Then, craft a plan to support your desired lifestyle and fulfill financial obligations, without exceeding your physical limitations. Plan for balance, happiness, and sustainability.

  6. Massage Therapy Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Massage Therapy Business Plan Template. If you want to start a massage therapy business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their massage therapy businesses.

  7. Massage Therapy Business Plan PDF Example

    The Plan. Our massage therapy business plan is crafted to include all essential elements required for a well-rounded strategic blueprint. It details the practice's service methodologies, marketing approaches, market environment, competitive analysis, management structure, and financial projections. Executive Summary: Offers an overview of ...

  8. How to Start a Massage Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Determine your business plan. The first step you need to take to start a massage business is to lay out your business plan. This will give you a concrete idea of what you want your business to look like and what you want to accomplish. In your business plan, you should: Establish goals and objectives.

  9. How To Start a Massage Therapy Business: Step-by-Step Guide

    A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap for your massage therapy business. Outline your business goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. It will provide clarity and direction and serve as a tool to attract investors or secure financing if needed. Your business plan should include the ...

  10. How to Create a Massage Therapy Business Plan + 3 Examples

    6 steps for creating a massage therapy business plan. Now that you know why you need a massage therapist business plan, here's a clear list of steps to follow to make your own, complete with real-world examples. Step 1: Craft an appealing executive summary. Think of the executive summary as the grand opening to your business plan.

  11. How to Write a Massage Therapy Business Plan

    Summarizing Key Aspects: Start with your business's mission statement - a clear declaration of your massage therapy practice's purpose and its core values. Then, highlight the key components of your plan: your business model, market analysis, offered services, massage marketing strategy, and financial outlook.

  12. How To Write A Business Plan For Massage Therapy In 2024?

    A business plan for a massage therapy explains exactly how everything works, including: The management structure (this may be simpler if it is a small massage therapy, or more complex if it is a large chain with several locations). Massage Therapy Business strategy (including key objectives, targets to be achieved and projections of future ...

  13. Massage Therapist Business Plan

    In this task, you will create a draft of your initial business plan for the massage therapy business. Consider including sections on the executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing strategies, operational plan, and financial projections. The business plan will serve as a roadmap for your business and help you secure ...

  14. Massage Therapy Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    The #1 Massage Therapy Business Plan Template & Guidebook will provide you with the tools and resources you need to create your own successful massage therapy business. Learn more about this must have plan and see how it can help you get started right away. Written by: Nick. Updated on: January 22, 2024.

  15. How to Start a Massage Business: Everything you Need to Know

    3. Create a business plan. You might think that it is an unnecessary step and skip it. But that could cost you a lot in the long run! A massage business plan is a document that describes in detail how a business defines its objectives and how it plans to achieve them. You can document the vision that you have for your business through a ...

  16. How to Start a Massage Therapy Business

    STEP 2: Form a legal entity. The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your massage therapy business is sued.

  17. How to Start a $100K/Year Massage Business (Step-By-Step Guide)

    Step 8: Marketing Your Commercial Carpet Cleaning Companies. Marketing is done to make money, but it costs a substantial amount of money. The SBA suggests spending 8% of the desired revenue on marketing. If you want to make $100k/year, you need to spend $8,000 a year on marketing.

  18. Massage Business Plans

    The basic steps for creating a massage business plan are: 1. General Overview: Vision/Mission/Purpose and Values Statement. A vision statement is a few sentences that sums up what you see is possible in your business. It pulls you forward when the going gets tough and keeps you on track. A purpose statement will talk about the things you will ...

  19. Massage Therapy Business Plan Example

    Massage therapy practice business plan for your own salon. Are you planning to start a massage therapy business?Well, massage therapy business is a profitable business that offers healthcare related services to help heal people from some ailment or help them in soothing their muscle soreness, improving their sleep, boosting their immune function, enhancing their mental skills, aiding headache ...

  20. Executive Summary of a Massage Therapy Clinic: Template & Example

    Example: Serenity Wellness Spa & Massage Clinic aims for a projected revenue of $1.2 million annually, targeting a 20% EBITDA profit margin. Investment in top-quality massage equipment and a strong focus on personalized client care, complemented by wellness program offerings and community engagement, drives anticipated growth and profitability ...

  21. Massage Therapy Business Plan

    For a massage therapy business plan to be fully maximized, you have to ensure that you will come up with a detailed, organized, and presentable document. Listed below are some of the basic information that are commonly found in every massage therapy business plan. The name or title of your massage therapy business. The location of your business.

  22. How to Start a Massage Therapy Business

    Business objectives are crucial for creating a successful business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your massage business and help you to create a one-year, three-year, and five-year business plan to help you grow your business. Your business objectives should be SMART: S = Specific; M = Measurable; A ...

  23. Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business

    ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Massage Therapy Business is designed to help you create a comprehensive and well-structured business plan for your massage therapy business. Here are the main elements of this template: Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress ...

  24. Massage Therapist Insurance: Cost And Types You Need

    Massage therapist insurance is a type of small business insurance policy that includes a handful of coverage types that cater to the particular risks that can impact certified massage therapists ...

  25. U FOOT SPA

    1 review of U FOOT SPA "This is a nice, clean, and relaxing spa. The walls are of pink salt. I got a foot massage and it felt great! The foot massage is in the side open space. They have private massage rooms which I plan to return for a body massage. Pressure was just perfect for what I needed. The ladies are nice. They don't speak much English but can give basic info.

  26. Federal judge temporarily halts Biden plan to lower credit card late

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge in Texas temporarily halted a plan by the Biden administration to lower late fees on credit cards to $8 that was slated to go into effect next week.