by Jason T.
What Clients Look For in Your Ad
Pictures. All clients (current, potential and former) always look at the pictures. Your pictures not only talks about you but the experience a client can expect. R & X rated photos imply an erotic massage experience to the potential client so make sure your pictures and your ad are consistent with what you want the customer to know about you and what you offer.
*Be realistic.
*It is absolutely OK to be honest in your ad.
*Avoid spending the entirety of the ad talking about yourself.
The three previous points blend together. If you prefer to work on those who are height/weight proportionate, etc., you can be compassionate and still market towards those you want to: i.e. "For the active man," "For the athlete," "For the gym-conscious." Choose keywords. The reality is not all clients are gym-goers, young, athletes, or in good shape. Be realistic in knowing your potential customer base, aka "your audience." Be honest with yourself and in your ad on whether you can give "each and every" client a positive experience. If you pride yourself on working on anyone with respect and without judgment, that is a character trait that deserves display: "All are welcome." "All ages, races and body types." Again, choose keywords.
It's a competitive market so the masseur's ad should not just have his pictures, the ad should be inviting to those that read it, to those you want to read and respond to it. So avoid spending the entire ad talking about you, your gym routine, workout schedule, etc. Your ad, like a resume, should tell your future employer (the client) what he can expect from you and he already knows you're hot. He saw the pictures first.
Engage with Your Client
As soon as a client arrives, engage with him, as it helps you focus on the person inside. Ask questions, listen and you'll find out rather quickly if he wants to talk. If he's shy, being discreet or just ready to fall into the bliss of your bodywork. Be careful of the disconnect; try to stay in the moment.
This is especially important if you wish to nurture a repeat customer. Maybe he peeks up to gaze at you but he catches you staring off into the corner. You might be thinking about errands, projects, future sessions, etc. Quite often, the man on your table is thinking 'He's bored' or 'He'd rather be somewhere else.' Some take that moment as a silent judgment against them. Doesn't matter how the session ends, the likelihood of a tip, a positive review or a repeat customer has greatly diminished.
Be Prompt
Some masseurs offer or insist on out calls. Always allow for travel time. Make a point to ask if there is specific details or instructions involved in arriving at the client's location. Mapquest and Google maps will not tell you about parking, traffic or road construction that creates detours, etc. The client is excited about your pending arrival. Tardiness can erase the possibility of a tip, a positive review as well as repeat business. Things happen in everyday life but always always always give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If you must be late or cancel with short or no notice, how you remedy the situation can turn a bad situation into a positive one or make it worse.
Ending a Session
If you want a client to return, a business card is key. It sits in his wallet, next to his money, his credit cards, his access. He will think of you and he will not need to be on the internet where your picture is surrounded by a growing number of fit muscular men to contact you. A firm handshake is fine but a solid hug can solidify a positive experience in the client's mind. By the end, you know your client intimately so you will know which is appropriate.
Thank Him
Thank him for choosing you. Thank you for his review privately by email and on the site (if possible.) Reply to all reviews especially those with criticism. We all have an off day. Ask for a chance to show that client you can do better, you've acknowledged his concerns or even that the client was completely wrong. What matters is potential & repeat clients will respect your positive attitude and openness and will often disregard negative feedback.