I would like some assistance to promote a medical spa business. I have done the local newspaper advertisement, direct mailing, supermarket receipts, and direct mailing. I have dropped off business cards with local businesses. Any other cheap marketing tips???
As a web developer, I have to suggest that you get a professionally designed web site! This is the new age of business, and will help you promote your business and services to a wide variety of clients.
You might want to read some of our articles on how a web site can be beneficial to your site: http://www.onyxlogix.com/launc...
Please note, that a web site is not free. You may need someone to design it, plus monthly hosting and registration which costs around $6/month.
Good Luck!
Sawan
OnyxLogix
Sit down and write out a profile of your customers. What similar likes, characteristics, activities are there in the group? Is there a particular type of activity that those who purchase from you also like to do? Figure out where your customers are most likely to be, and what they are most likely to be doing when they aren't at your spa. Then you want to get your name and your firm somehow into that area or that activity where you can often find your customers participating.
Does your community offer a new move-in welcome kit? You could put a coupon in there. Are your customers involved in the local schools' PTAs? Donate some stuff for their PTA activities. Door prizes get a lot of positive attention.
What about the local support groups for people struggling to overcome problems? Some complimentary service give-aways or discounts might be just what they need to cheer themselves up.
There are plenty of marketing opportunities usually if you just look for them. So far, you've tried typical, marketing avenues, that are somewhat impersonal. Word of mouth is the cheapest and the most effective for most businesses. Figure out how to get your firm in your customers' daily conversations. Go where your customers go, and network with them every chance you get. Just remember that you have to be careful about promoting your business too hard in these non-traditional venues. Sometimes there are peddler, solicitor guidelines that have to be followed.
Rolaine
I certainly agree with Rolaine, creating an ideal customer profile is a powerful tool in your marketing plan. Additionally, good marketing doesn't have to be expensive and the best marketing is satisfied customers. There are several strategies that can maximize the value of a good referral but the best, is still, to ask for it. If you have any satisfied customers, call them back and do a quality satisfaction survey.
When you find they are happy with the services you've delivered, ask them if there's anyone they know that could benefit from your services and if they would mind giving you a recommendation. It's surprising how often we don't ask for the referrals (for many reasons), and equally surprising how often they're willing to give it.
Additionally, often you'll find you're customers have been thinking about calling on you, and you'll end up with another sale.
I also recommend that you install or use a good CRM (such as Sugar) and an affiliate program to track referrals. It allows for the creation of rewards programs, and helps you track your customers.
A Medica Spa is a very personal item therefore, you need to show your clients! My favorite place takes care of me with spray on tans, botox, and massage, and a token free product plus referral dollars. Two words for you - OPEN HOUSE! I strongly recommend you have an open house to introduce your Medical Spa to the community. Fax and drop off flyer invites to all your local medical practices, cosmetic dentists (partner up) and businesses located near you. Schedule it right after work hours like 5pm - 7:30pm. Offer snacks, drinks, door prizes (ask your product vendors to donate to the door prizes). You can even have a few products reps setup a table to help you (and them) sell at your open house. If you are a medical spa that carries products, I'm sure you can get one of your suppliers to pay contribute to the funding of snacks and drinks too. One of my best friends has a very successful dermatology practice (mostly cosmetic) by having an open house once per quarter. Special hint - ask a client to bring a friend and receive a free cleanser or etc. As I said, you are in a very personal business so referrals are going to be key for your success!
A very inexpensive and successful approach is to sign up with http://www.spavelous.com. For $500 for one full year of services, they help to market your spa not only on the internet, but in your neighborhood. They will build your new clients through their weekly newsletter
A very inexpensive and successful approach is to sign up with http://www.spavelous.com. For $500 for one full year of services, they help to market your spa not only on the internet, but in your neighborhood. They will build your new clients through their weekly newsletter "Now You Are in The Know", they have RSS feeds for Spa Deals, They have all the latest on spa news, and the owner will give you a consultation each month to help you with your business. In addition, if you do not have a web site they will do a 5 page site for you and host it for a year all included. Not only that, but they help you to retain and increase the current clients by doing e blasts for you. The majority of people are finding their spas on line. Join the new technology and let Spavelous help you. You can't beat the price. Just one client and it paid for it self that is a great ROI. Return on your investment.
Find a mentor and take their advice! It's as simple as that! i knew nothing about online marketing when i started my business just a little over 3 months ago.
But with the help of a very good team and nightly training I've learned how to market any business online to millions of readers for less than $4 a year!
I've learned that it doesn't take alot of money to get results just a little hard work , dedication, and patience and every thing will fall in place!
Happy Holidays! I hope your Thanksgiving was Great! You know there's more holidays to come, with traveling back and forth to family and friends, it can be a little tricky with gas prices going up, up, up. It will be about $4.00 a gallon soon.(Ba-Hum Bug) But be of good cheer, There is a way to lessen the pains at the pumps.
www.cindi930.mybpi.com
"You're Welcome"
You could partner with related businesses and promote your services through them. Some of the complementary businesses that I can think of are Clay Studios, Hair Salons, gifts and novelty stores etc. I run a photo collages (http://www.collagist.com) business and majority of my customers are women and I was thinking of doing something like this to promote my business through complementary businesses hence the idea. If you are interested, I would be happy to discuss further.
Best
Collagist ~ do more with your pictures ~
Being a member of the local Chamber of Commerce has been a great plus for my business along with being active in the community and Chamber functions! Also, find something that offers more value to your prospective customers. With the issue of MRSA as a hot topic, there are solutions available that could give you an advantage. Check out www.envirocleanair.info
Good Luck!
gurnackle
Consider what your "service" really is. What are you delivering/providing to your clients? An opportunity for them to heal themselves? A mini-retreat?
Once you know what your particular niche is, the marketing gets easier and more effective. As was stated earlier, knowing your demographics is important, and equally important is knowing exactly it is you have to offer.
For example, while I am in the pr industry, I specialize in news coverage for clients involved with arts, culture, and community.
In a case such as yours, I would want to determine what your "news" is and then find ways to link into the media. Consider the traditional venues (advertising, chamber mixers, etc.) they are all good vehicles... but, also, consider your place in the news - e.g., are you an expert who can offer expert advice/comments about a timely health issue? This can increase your credibility in the community you serve. And credibility goes a long way when it comes to personal health care.
Best of luck to you!
