5 Customer Service Tips for Massage Therapists to Impress their Clients
Providing an exceptional massage customer service experience is key to building a successful massage therapy business, because it’s easy to do with some small changes, and most other businesses are very average at customer service. The problem is that most therapists and massage businesses put all their focus on what happens on the table, but beyond technical expertise, a welcoming environment and attention to customer service can make all the difference.
Here we will outline five tips for massage therapists to improve their customer service skills and leave a lasting impression on clients, because by focusing on how clients feel and going the extra mile to personalize their experience, you’ll much more easily be able to create a loyal customer base and set yourself apart in a competitive market.
Massage Customer Service Tip #1: Greet Clients with a Smile and Eye Contact

Make a lasting first impression by providing exceptional massage customer service – greet clients with a warm smile and eye contact, setting a positive tone for the session ahead.
As a therapist, the first impression is everything. It’s important to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your clients right from the beginning. The first few seconds of interaction can set the tone for the entire session, so it’s crucial to make a positive first impression. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is to greet your clients with a big warm smile and eye contact.
When you greet your clients with a smile, you send a message that you are approachable, friendly, and happy to see them. It’s important to remember that some clients may be nervous or apprehensive about their session, so a smile can help to ease their fears and make them feel more comfortable. A smile also creates a positive and welcoming environment, which can help to set the tone for the entire session.
Eye contact is also an important aspect of greeting clients. When you make eye contact, you show that you are present and engaged in the interaction. It’s a nonverbal way of saying that you are actively listening and interested in what the client has to say. It also helps to establish a sense of trust and connection with the client.
If possible, also try to step out from behind the counter to greet your clients as they walk in the door. But don’t worry if you can’t, simply standing up and making eye contact with a big warm smile is great.
By making these small gestures during your greeting process, you can establish a sense of trust and connection with your clients, which is crucial to a successful professional relationship. These actions create a positive and supportive environment for your clients to feel comfortable in. So don’t underestimate the power of a warm smile and eye contact – they can truly make a difference.
Massage Customer Service Tip #2: Be a ‘+2’ with Energy

Effective communication during massage appointments depends on matching your client’s energy level. Strive to be “+2” above their energy level to create a comfortable and engaging experience.
What I mean here is that if you could map everyone’s energy level on a scale of 1-10, you’d want to be 2 levels higher than your client.
Being low energy when dealing with a client is a problem, but it’s also important to not go too far above your client’s energy level as well if you want to create a comfortable and safe environment during massage appointments.
This is why it’s essential to be aware of the different personalities and energy levels of our clients. Some clients may be naturally introverted or reserved, and attempting to engage them in an overly enthusiastic manner could cause them to feel uncomfortable or even overwhelmed.
To establish a connection with an introverted or low-energy client, it’s best to start by being observant and noticing their demeanor. By taking a moment to gauge their energy level, massage therapists can adjust their own energy to match and just be above that of the client. This might mean speaking softly and calmly, allowing pauses in the conversation, and generally avoiding an overly energetic demeanor.
In contrast, if a client is more extroverted and energetic, matching their energy level can be essential for establishing a connection. In this scenario, it’s important to be willing to be a little more outgoing and enthusiastic than usual to match the client’s level of energy. By doing so, the massage therapist can create a sense of harmony and rapport with the client, making them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Matching a client’s energy level means finding a balance that works for both the massage therapist and the client. It’s about being attentive to the client’s nonverbal cues and adapting accordingly, which is so essential with massage customer service. By doing so, massage therapists can create a comfortable environment where clients feel seen and heard. This, in turn, can lead to more productive massage sessions and better treatment outcomes overall.
Massage Customer Service Tip #3: Use the Client’s Name
The most important word in the English language for your client is their name, so addressing your clients by their name is a very effective way to make them feel valued and appreciated as well as create a connection with them. If you have trouble remembering names, don’t worry, just make sure to check your calendar before each session and check any notes you’ve recorded about your last appointment so you can immediately reference them in conversation. By doing this, you are not only showing your clients that you care but also helping to create a more positive and engaging experience for them.
It’s important to note that some clients may prefer to be called by a nickname or a shortened version of their name. Ask them how they would like to be addressed at the beginning of the session to ensure you use the name they are most comfortable with. Using their preferred name can make the massage feel more personalized and enjoyable for them.
It is usually preferable to avoid using overly formal language or titles like “ma’am” or “sir.” These can create a sense of distance between you and your client, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve during a massage therapy session. Instead, use their name in a warm and friendly tone to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Massage Customer Service Tip #4: Provide a Personalized Experience For Your Clients

Show your clients that they are valued and heard by actively listening. Providing exceptional massage customer service shows you understand their needs and preferences during the consultation, creating a personalized experience that they will appreciate.
Providing a personalized experience is all about making the client feel valued and heard, which starts with understanding their clients’ needs and preferences which is done primarily in the consultation where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of their expectations and concerns.
Armed with this information, therapists can tailor the massage to meet their clients’ specific needs, whether it be using their preferred pressure or playing their favorite music. By going the extra mile to provide a personalized experience, therapists show their clients that they are valued and cared for.
Using the client’s preferred pressure is also an essential component of personalization. Some clients may prefer a deep tissue massage, while others may prefer a lighter touch. By using the client’s preferred pressure, massage therapists can ensure that they are providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Music can also play a crucial role in creating a personalized experience. Playing the client’s favorite music can help them to relax and feel more at ease. It can also create a sense of familiarity and comfort, which can be particularly beneficial for clients who may feel nervous or anxious.
By putting in the effort to understand the client’s preferences and adjusting the massage accordingly, therapists can show that they truly care about their clients’ well-being.
By prioritizing providing a personalized experience you’ll much more easily be able to differentiate yourself in a crowded market and establish a reputation for excellence.
Massage Customer Service Tip #5: Follow Up and Ask for Feedback
Following up with clients after their massage is a crucial step in maintaining a strong and positive relationship with them. This gesture shows that the massage therapist cares about the client’s experience and wants to ensure their satisfaction. It also provides an excellent opportunity to remind the client of their treatment plan and their wellness goals.
By reaching out to clients after their massage, usually 1-2 days after the treatment, therapists can also gain valuable feedback on their performance and use this information to improve their skills and tailor their service to better meet the needs and preferences of their clients.
In addition, following up with clients can help to build trust and loyalty. When a therapist takes the time to check in and see how the client is feeling post-massage, it creates a sense of care and attention that can make a significant impact on the client’s perception of the therapist and their practice.
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Furthermore, following up can provide an opportunity to address any concerns or issues that the client may have had during the session. This can help to resolve any misunderstandings and prevent potential negative reviews or feedback.
Overall, the benefits of following up with clients after their massage cannot be overstated. It allows therapists to maintain strong relationships with clients, gather feedback to improve their skills, and address any concerns or issues that arise. By going the extra mile to follow up with clients, therapists can set themselves apart from the competition and create a loyal client base.
Conclusion
To sum up, providing top-notch massage customer service is key for massage therapists to make a lasting impression and build a strong client base. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, adapting to the client’s needs, using their name, customizing the massage experience, and following up, therapists can deliver an outstanding service that will leave clients feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and satisfied.
By consistently providing excellent customer service, massage therapists can establish a reputation for being caring, attentive, and professional, which will help them stand out in a competitive market. The result will be a steady flow of happy clients who will not only return for future massages but also refer their friends and family.
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