Finding your POD

Finding your point of difference

Unfortunately, clients aren’t always loyal. They will cheat on you and visit other massage therapists but finding your point of difference is more likely to keep them coming back to you. One way to create this point of difference is to offer add-ons to your treatment. Not only does it enhance the client experience, but it also increases your income. Think of the original Macca’s model, “would you like fries with that?” and take it to a whole new level.

Not sure what you can offer? Below is a list of five spa enhancements to get those ideas flowing.

Foot Treatments

Targeted foot massage can help release strain and tension on the body. The feet carry the weight of the body and are under daily stress. Foot massage is a safe treatment and can be given to a wide variety of clients. A good foot massage, with an optional foot soak beforehand, is an easy add-on to a massage session.

Scalp Massage

Many clients need to release cerebral tension — after all, most people are constantly using their brain, and most people carry tension or stress in their head and neck. Simply massaging the scalp assists in releasing that tension and stress. If your client suffers from headaches or migraines, this massage technique can help aid in blood circulation to prevent those issues.

Hand Treatments

We all need caring touch, and for tired hands that are constantly typing on a computer or mobile phone, a simple hand massage can help stressed-out individuals relax, increase range of motion and improve strength. Hand massage can also benefit clients with arthritis by reducing pain. Adding on an additional 20 or 30 minutes to the massage session with a soothing hand cream will help relieve the stress and strain in your client’s hands.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy speaks to the olfactory senses. Particular scents can remind people of positive memories or sensations, and this, in return, will enhance a client’s treatment. Of course, the essential oils used in aromatherapy also works on a molecular level. If you use essential oils, its properties can have calming or healing effects, depending on the particular oil.

For instance, if your client is stressed out, consider adding lavender oil to a diffuser so they can smell the product during their treatment. Consider having a wide variety of essential oils and let the client pick out whatever appeals to his or her senses.

Hot & Cold

This spa treatment speaks to body temperature. Adding heat helps relax muscles as well as assist in lengthening muscle fibres for deeper massage work. Adding cold therapy can address strains and sprains and reduce inflammation.

Hot therapy may be administered using heated massage stones, topical heating lotions or heat packs. Cold therapy may be administered using cold stones, cold packs, or topical cooling products.

These simple upgrades will add a luxurious touch to your client’s sessions and may even inspire you to create signature service packages to add to your menu.