Should I Use Snail Mail?

We all know that email is easier, less time consuming, less expensive for sending information to our clients instead of using snail mail. I want you to think about something though.  How many email newsletters are you signed up for?  I know so many people that have an alternate email address that they use to sign up for things so that they don't bog down their inbox.  You might be doing the same.  If this is the case, then how many people are you really reaching with your emails?

Now think about this.  How many letters or cards do you receive in your mailbox?  Probably not as many as you used to years ago. When you do get one, what are the chances that you open it?  Probably really high.  So why not send your customers some snail mail?  Chances are they are more likely to open it, and if you also send an email, you have increased your chances to be seen and to remind your clients to book their appointments.  The only negative I really see with using direct mailings is the cost associated with it, but that can be minimal if you target your list as much as possible.

During the holidays, or other special events, I like to send out a snail mail piece to my clients as well as their email.  I know that certain people don't even open my emails, but as soon as they have a flyer in their hand I get a call from them to book their appointment.  I also know that some of my clients need that extra reminder.  They may have seen the email, but as soon as they read it they became distracted at work and forgot about it until they get my information in the mail.  Once they have a physical copy of my promotion, they book their appointment online, or call.  The return on investment (ROI) of using a direct mail piece is so much higher than using email alone.


So tell me, how many times a year do you send out a snail mail piece to your clients?  Let me know when in the comments below, and on the Massage Marketing Toolbox facebook group.

Do You Have A Slow Day Of The Week?

Have you been in business for a while and noticed that every ( insert day of the week here) has been slow?  There are a couple of things that you can do to change that.

Run an ongoing promotion to entice new clients to come in for appointments on your slow day.  Need some ideas?

• Slow Down Sunday - Any 60 minute massage or longer - Get $10 off.
• On The Go Monday - Quick 20 minute lunchtime massage available.
• Soft Hands Tuesday - Half off paraffin hand dip with any massage.
• Warm Up Wednesday - Add on Hot Stone to your massage for only $15.
• Thirsty Thursday - Enjoy a complimentary tea after your massage.
• Put your Best Face Forward Friday - Special facial massage included within client's treatment at no additional cost.
• Bring a Friend Saturday - Refer a friend, get a free gift.

Simply send out an email the morning of the day before your slow day and encourage online appointments.

Other things you can do on your slowest day of the week can be:

• Catch up on all of your paperwork and laundry.  We all know this can sometimes be daunting.
• Use it as a day to encourage and award your employees for a job well done.
• Visit your competitors.  Walk over if you can and introduce yourself if you haven't done so already.  Look around their shop.  See who they cater to in their marketing materials.  
• Clean.  I don't know how many times I've been to a massage appointment and have seen cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling, or dust bunnies under the surrounding furniture.  
• Update your website.

Do you have a slow time in the week as far as appointments go?  Please share what you do in the comments.

Being Thankful

 2 Different Ways To Say Thank You To Your Clients

1. Sending thank you notes to your clients is a great way to stand out from your competition.  Marketing is basically communicating to your clients and connecting with them.  Take some time this week to send out some snail mail thank you notes to your best clients.  It doesn't have to be long.  You can keep it very simple by saying, "Just wanted to send a little note of thanks for your business."  Sign your name and enclose a few business cards.

2. Pick a month (November for Thanksgiving or your business anniversary month) and for each client that has an appointment that month, give them a token of thanks at the end of their massage.  It doesn't have to be anything expensive, just a small token of appreciation.  It could be a piece of chocolate, or a promotional item like a stress ball, or lip balm, or lotion.  If you decide to do this around the December holidays, maybe you hand them a candy cane with a bottle of water.

What are your thoughts?  Let me know what you do in your massage practice to thank your clients for their business.  Comment below or in the Massage Marketing Toolbox facebook group.