Many people try to encourage comments by saying things like, “Please leave your comments.” Sometimes that works (and yes, sometimes I do that in places like Twitter), but if you really want to get them talking, ask SPECIFIC questions. Use your question in your subject lines and then ask them again in the blog post.

For example, if you’re writing about a massage technique that you think could be effective ask something like, “Would You Do This? Controversial Massage Technique” in your subject line and then at the end of your blog entry ask, “Would you ever do this?” or something similar.

Here’s something you may find interesting: BodyworkBiz provides massage business resources for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Sign up for the free Massage Marketing Tips newsletter at http://www.bodyworkbiz.com

Readers act when they can relate to the copy they’re reading or when they feel like they’re being spoken too personally.

Often, one of the best ways to make sales copy personal is to share a little bit about yourself as it related to the product benefits.

For example, if you’re writing about a massage remedy you’ve been using for years, talk about it. Or if you came to a sudden realization one day that compelled you to create/sell your product, tell them about that.

If you don’t have a personal story, share case studies of others who have had similar experiences or results using your product.

Another massage website of interest: Massage Business Ideas that work. Join the discussion.

This is a solid tactic for new massage business marketers to use in their sales funnel – but again, use your best judgment. There is no “rulebook” that says you have to follow the traditional route in placing your offerings throughout your sales funnel. Starting with a high end massage product is actually a good tactic – in some cases.

A more effective way to decide what to offer consists of evaluating what your specific niche market will bear – and what you want to “say” about yourself to your market (I.E. how you want them to perceive you.)

In other words, you don’t have to walk around for a prescribed number of months shouting “I’m a newbie”. If you have the chops – if you have the expertise your market needs (even if that’s just being a few steps ahead of the people who you want as your subscribers) – go ahead! Position yourself as that expert.

And if there’s a big enough demand for your product, you may find it surprisingly easy to command a higher price.  (Just keep in mind the actual budget of your target group.) In general, however, low priced initial offerings are a tried-and-true way to go.

The best way to create your first low priced offer? Present it as an exclusive, limited-time Special Offer in an appropriate niche forum – there’s usually a “Special Offers” section for members.  (Just make sure you observe any rules before posting your offer, and make sure you’ve actually contributed helpful posts to that community, first.)

A forum Special Offer is a valuable tactic for two reasons:
1.  It gives you feedback – and hopefully testimonials – from your ideal target group, so you can tweak anything that needs to be tweaked, or correct any mistakes people have pointed out.
2.  It provides you with that highly-prized “word of mouth” – and potential affiliates or JV (joint venture) partners.

When you release your Special Offer to the world at its “regular” price, you can be sure that the small adjustments you’ve made, the affiliates you’ve picked up and the word of mouth “buzz” you’ve started will give it that extra boost.

Help with your massage business: Get free massage marketing tips in your inbox. Subscribe to the BodyworkBiz Massage Marketing Tips newsletter.

Always have a client attraction plan, even when you’re busy. This video will discuss about how to create your business client attraction system.

Don’t wait until you NEED clients to start trying to attract them…but it can be too late by then. You constantly want new potential clients coming your way.

If you’re plate is full, you can put them on a waiting list (and ironically, a waiting list can make you seem more attractive to your prospect)…or, if applicable, you can put together a group session where you can serve a number of clients together.

If you liked this article, you may also find this of interest: BodyworkBiz provides massage business resources for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Sign up for the free Massage Marketing Tips newsletter at http://www.bodyworkbiz.com

Be different from other bloggers writing on your topic. Give your readers something to come back to and something to comment on. Remember, you’ll never please everyone…and if any debate ensues based on your opinions, it’s a good thing. People love debates and will join in or just come to lurk and enjoy.

With that said, don’t give into Blog Bullies. If someone is downright rude and insulting to you, based on your opinions, you don’t have to deal with that. I’m talking about healthy debate and sharing of opinions. That’s what gets people involved.

Resources: Looking for help in growing your massage business? Check out http://www.bodyworkbiz.com for great practice building resources and get more clients.

Why would you ever charge a measly dollar, instead of just giving away a product for free?

It all boils down to “perceived value”.  This sort of value should not be confused with what a product is actually worth: it refers to the value attached to it by each individual.

For example, someone who loves a massage is going to attach more value to massage product than a regular massage – to the point of happily paying 80 cents extra in order to get that massage product applied to their regular massage.
So am I saying that people should perceive your offering as worth only a $1? Absolutely not!

It’s just that sometimes attaching any price tag to a product can actually increase its value in the eyes of the desired customer: What they wouldn’t touch for free, they will scramble to buy for “only” $1.  In their eyes, they are getting a PAID product ridiculously inexpensively, rather than another run-of-the-mill, worthless freebie.

Will the $1 offer work with every product?

That’s hard to answer. This is where you need to use your best judgment in evaluating your market.  You need to ask yourself:

“Will a freebie or a $1 offer work more effectively in this particular scenario – and in my overall marketing plan?”

The only unchangeable factor? Your ideal potential customer should attach a greater value to your $1 offer than would any other reader.

Resources: Subscribe to the BodyworkBiz blog for great marketing ideas to help you grow your massage business.

Pay-per-click search is often text advertising, but you can also buy text ads on content websites, blogs, email newsletters and ezines, etc. Some will offer text advertising in the context of their website content (ex. your ad appears when the topic of their content is relevant to your ad), in sidebars, on classified ad pages, etc.  Text often converts better than strictly graphical advertisements, but again, do your testing. You might even find that a combination of graphics and text works best.

The specifics of text advertising will vary greatly, depending on the advertising venue. Ad lengths and guidelines will vary, so be sure to get the full details on each opportunity to make the most of it.

Text Advertising Tips: As always, write your text to the specific audience you are targeting. You’ll find more tips in the “Writing Your Online Ads” section as well.

Online resource of the week: Massage Business Ideas that work. Join the discussion.

Companies and organizations recognize that people love free stuff and that they can benefit by using free stuff promotions and giveaways to raise awareness.

Who doesn’t want to get more for their money and who doesn’t want to get something for free?  We all do, particularly if the freebie has real value.

Imagine you’re searching for a massage clinic online near your place for a regular body massage and one massage clinic is offering a free additional service, when you make an appointment with them. You’d be more inclined to at least try that brand that has additional service?  Many people would simply make the choice to buy based on that freebie offer. Even if the massage service are a bit more expensive than others.

Imagine you’re seeking information on a massage. Maybe you want get a massage and you’re looking for information on what best services they offer. When conducting your research you come across a free eBook on the topic at a massage training website. You download it, it’s full of great information and you go back to the website to purchase other massage products or services.

Freebies work because most people are willing to take them, or download them. They are your foot in the door. They also work because they add value to a potential purchase – like the one massage clinic is offering a free additional service.

If you liked this article, you may also find this of interest: Looking for help in growing your massage business? Check out http://www.bodyworkbiz.com for great practice building resources and get more clients.