Sherrie Tennessee, director of education at SpaSOS, discusses how technology is revolutionizing and empowering solo massage therapists and estheticians.
Technology is transforming the spa industry, providing innovative solutions for massage therapists and estheticians who operate as solo entrepreneurs. With the rise of wellness technology, these professionals can now leverage cutting-edge tools and software to improve their online presence, streamline their operations, and enhance their service offerings. From virtual consultations and personalized treatment plans to online education and content creation tools, wellness technology is helping solo therapists stand out in a competitive market and provide a more customized experience to their clients. In this article, we will explore how wellness technology is set to transform the spa industry and how solo entrepreneurs can use these tools to elevate their businesses to the next level. The following list doesn’t include all the opportunities to incorporate wellness technology. However, the options are a great entry into the concept of wellness technology.
1. The first and one of the most important in the guest interactions is the development of a streamlined booking and scheduling, especially for Millennial and Gen Z clients. As a solo therapist, managing appointments and scheduling can be time-consuming and challenging. Wellness technology provides online booking and scheduling tools that can automate this process and make it more efficient for therapists to manage their appointments. Though this is far from a new concept. There have been numerous advancements in the offerings. With online booking, therapists can easily manage their schedules, reduce the risk of overbooking or double-booking, and provide clients with a seamless booking experience.
2. After the lockdown of 2020, the need to meet face to face has lessened and led to the rise of virtual consultations. Wellness technology can help massage therapists and estheticians provide virtual consultations to their clients. By using telehealth tools, such as video conferencing and secure messaging, therapists can offer remote consultations, discuss treatment plans, and connect with clients from anywhere in the world. Virtual consultations also enable therapists to expand their client base and offer their services to clients who are unable to attend in-person appointments.
3. Next, with the demand for personalized experiences, the ability to develop a customized treatment plan sets locations apart from competitors. Wellness technology can assist massage therapists and estheticians in developing and deliver customized treatment plans. Therapists can create custom wellness programs tailored to their client’s needs and goals using wellness apps and software. Personalized treatment plans can include customized massage or skincare routines, nutrition plans, exercise regimens, and other wellness practices. By offering customized treatment plans, therapists can differentiate themselves in the market and improve their clients' overall wellness.
4. The ability to take online education and training is near and dear to my heart, as it enhances my skills. The same is true for a solo entrepreneur; staying up-to-date on the latest massage and skincare techniques and trends can be challenging. Wellness technology provides online education and training tools that allow therapists to expand their knowledge and skills without attending in-person classes. By using online courses, webinars, and training modules, therapists can learn new techniques, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and improve the quality of their services.
5. The opportunity to create a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system with minimal investment adds revenue. By building strong relationships with clients is crucial for solo therapists, as it can lead to repeat business and positive reviews. Wellness technology provides client relationship management tools that allow therapists to track client preferences, schedule follow-up appointments, and send personalized messages and promotions. These tools enable therapists to improve client communication, provide a more customized experience, and build stronger, long-lasting relationships.
6. Lastly, the ability to develop original content creation and marketing, minus the need and significant expense of a marketing firm, levels the playing field. As a solo entrepreneur, creating content and marketing their services can be challenging. Wellness technology provides content creation and marketing tools that allow therapists to develop and publish engaging content that resonates with their target audience. By using social media management tools, blogging platforms, and video creation software, therapists can create and share informative and engaging content such as videos, blog posts, and social media posts. They can also use hashtag research tools to optimize their content for visibility and discoverability. Additionally, wellness technology can assist therapists in self-publishing books or e-books, which can serve as a valuable resource for clients and help establish the therapist as an authority in their field.
By using these tools and others, massage therapists and estheticians can improve their online presence, attract new clients, and establish themselves as thought leaders in the industry. In summary, wellness technology provides massage therapists and estheticians who operate as solo entrepreneurs with tools and solutions to streamline their booking and scheduling, expand their client base through virtual consultations, and develop personalized treatment plans. By embracing these technologies, solo therapists can enhance service offerings, improve business performance, and stand out in a competitive market.
About Sherrie Tennessee
Sherrie Tennessee has 20 years of experience in spa and wellness education and training. Sherrie is a keynote speaker and has authored three books. She has designed, developed, and facilitated training programs at several well-known locations, including Johns Hopkins University, MedImmune, Johnson and Wales University, Sandals Resorts International, and Mandarin Oriental. Sherrie has a bachelor of science in biology and an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship and is currently a Ph.D. student at William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
You can also meet Sherrie and attend her educational sessions at the upcoming International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference in Las Vegas.