The Massage and Spa Success Podcast

Gael Wood
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Elevate your massage or spa business with advertising & marketing ideas, massage business planning tips, and mindset management. Join Gael Wood, founder of Massage and Spa Success courses and events, a Massage Magazine All Star, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee for casual conversations, and simple strategies for success!

  1. Client Screening Tips + Rejuvology with Mia Towndrow

    SEP 10

    Client Screening Tips + Rejuvology with Mia Towndrow

    🎙️ Episode 14: Client Screening Tips + Rejuvology with Mia Towndrow Hosted by Gael Wood Massage Therapist | Business Educator | Podcast Host In this episode of the Massage & Spa Success Podcast, Gael shares client screening tips based on her own experience restarting a successful house call massage business — with over 30 bookings lined up this fall! If you’ve ever worried about how to avoid awkward, uncomfortable, or downright unsafe client interactions, you’re not alone. Gael walks you through her simple, effective screening system that helps ensure her clients are respectful, legit, and a great fit — without wasting hours or overthinking. Whether you're a new therapist or shifting into private practice, this system will help you feel more confident, clear, and in control of your schedule and safety. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why text inquiries can be trickier to screen — and how to handle them The exact message Gael sends to screen new clients How a quick Google search can give you the peace of mind to say yes — or the red flag to say no How requiring deposits and full intake forms sets a professional boundary Tips for screening Airbnb/hotel requests vs. couples and groups Why it’s not your fault if you’ve had a creepy client situation — and how to stop blaming yourself If you’re booking your own clients (especially house calls), this episode is a must-listen. 💡 Bonus Segment: Success Spotlight with Mia Towndrow UK-based therapist Mia Towndrow shares her passion for Rejuvology — a holistic facial rejuvenation technique developed by skin expert Abigail James. Mia reveals: How offering Rejuvology helps clients deeply relax AND improve their skin Why adding new services reignited her love for her work The power of reconnecting with your purpose (and your income goals!) Her best advice for therapists thinking about branching into new techniques 📍Links & Resources: 🎧 Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast app 🧾 Leave a voice comment or question for Gael: [SpeakPipe Link] 🌐 Follow Mia on Instagram: @purewellbeingtherapy 🔗 Learn more about Abigail James & Rejuvology: [Insert link] 🧰 Want help building your own thriving massage business? 👉 Check out the Massage & Spa Success Club

    21 min
  2. Red Flags in Massage Texts + Alexandra’s Burnout Recovery Story

    AUG 27

    Red Flags in Massage Texts + Alexandra’s Burnout Recovery Story

    💡 Episode Overview We’re back after a summer break! In this episode, Gael dives into three red flags in massage text communications that every massage therapist should watch for — and shares exactly how she handles them in her practice. Plus, stay tuned for a Success Spotlight with Alexandra Paroulek-Bergbauer, a massage therapist who rediscovered her passion after burnout, a tough review, and chronic pain. 🧠 What You’ll Learn The 3 most common red flags in client text messages How to use Gael’s simple screening reply template Why it’s okay to say no — and how to do it with confidence Real talk: burnout, bad reviews, and bouncing back stronger How Mayan Abdominal Therapy helped one therapist fall back in love with her career 🔑 Episode Highlights 💬 Red Flags in Massage Texting Short, vague texts: Examples: “Are you available?”, “Massage tonight?” Why these are a potential issue How to set boundaries before checking availability Early mention of “full body” massage: When it’s totally normal vs. when it raises concerns How the phrase is sometimes used by seekers of non-legit services Late-night or last-minute inquiries: What separates a respectful same-day request from a red flag What to say when you don’t want to book someone immediately 📌 Pro Tip: Use a standard screening message that protects your boundaries while inviting legit clients to move forward. Gael’s Screening Template: "Hi! Before I confirm appointments, I have a quick check-in process to make sure I’m the right fit for you. Please let me know your full name, what type of massage you’re looking for, and whether you’ve received a professional massage before. (If requesting a house call: your general location as well.) I’ll need this info before I can check availability. Thanks!" ✨ Success Spotlight: Alexandra Paroulek-Bergbauer, L.M.T. From Burned Out to Reignited Background: 14 years in practice, prenatal/postpartum focus, based in Boca Raton, FL. Challenge: Chronic back pain, imposter syndrome, and a scathing review had Alexandra questioning her career. Breakthrough: She switched chiropractors, reduced her schedule, and found new inspiration in fascia work and Mayan Abdominal Therapy. Advice to Therapists: Take burnout seriously — it may not be your career, it might be your current setup. Invest in CE that reignites your passion. Reflect on your original “why.” Don’t let one bad review define your worth. “It wasn’t just about massage burnout. I was a parent of two young kids and feeling burnt out from life. But once I reconnected with what I love — helping women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond — I got excited about massage again.” 🔗 Resources & Mentions ✅ Massage Marketing System: Includes Gael’s client screening templates, replies, and done-for-you content 💬 Gael’s Facebook thread on “full body” massage red flags (linked in the episode description) 🎓 Mayan Abdominal Therapy CE courses — check your area for upcoming offerings! 🙌 Be Featured! Do you have a story, a service, or a fresh idea you’d love to share with our community of massage and spa pros? Gael is now booking Success Spotlight segments! 👉 Send her a message at support@elevatewithgael.com 🎧 Subscribe & Connect 🔔 New episodes every Week — hit Subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. 🎁 Free downloads + business tools: massageandspasuccess.com

    29 min
  3. How to Talk to Grieving Massage Clients — Book Review by Gael Wood

    MAY 5

    How to Talk to Grieving Massage Clients — Book Review by Gael Wood

    In today’s heartfelt book review episode, I’m diving into How to Talk to Grieving Massage Clients by Aimee Joy Taylor. This essential guide belongs in every massage therapist’s toolkit, offering practical communication tips, deep emotional insight, and compassionate, scope-appropriate strategies for supporting clients who are experiencing grief. Aimee, a massage therapist with nearly 20 years of experience, also holds a psychology degree and has worked as a grief counselor. Her expertise, combined with her personal story, makes this book a thoughtful and credible resource for any bodywork professional. Whether or not you specialize in grief massage, this book will help you show up ethically, sensitively, and kindly for your clients—especially when they’re going through life’s toughest moments. ✨ Key Takeaways: Why this book is a must-have for every massage therapist. How to support grieving clients without stepping outside your scope of practice. What to say—and what not to say—to clients dealing with loss. The science behind presence, nervous system regulation, and “holding space.” Tools for staying grounded and maintaining emotional boundaries. 💡 Favorite Chapters: Chapter 2: What to say and how to say it in a way that’s kind, supportive, and professional. Chapter 3: What not to say, and why common platitudes can unintentionally cause harm. 📚 Get the Book: 🛍️ Available Now in the eBook Bundle! If you’re listening during launch week, grab Aimee's book plus 13 more in my limited-time eBook Bundle: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/2025-ebook-bundle-sign-up-page  📥 After the Bundle? Visit https://griefmassage.org to purchase the book and explore Amy’s courses on grief massage, including online and live options. 📌 Resources Mentioned: Aimee Joy Taylor’s Website:griefmassage.org eBook Bundle Sale May 4-8, 2025: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/2025-ebook-bundle-sign-up-page 👂 Tune In & Share: Have you supported grieving clients in your massage practice? What helped you the most? Let me know on social or tag me in your story when you listen. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review—it helps others find the podcast and keeps the inspiration flowing.

    12 min
  4. Massage Marketing and The Massage Customer Journey

    MAR 19

    Massage Marketing and The Massage Customer Journey

    Feeling like your marketing isn’t working? You’re not alone! Many massage therapists expect instant bookings, but marketing is a process. In this episode, we’re diving into the six stages of the massage customer journey, so you can understand where your potential clients are and how to move them toward booking and loyalty. If you've ever thought, "I went to a networking event, but I didn't get any bookings!"—this episode is for you. Discover why awareness, consistency, and nurturing your audience are key to long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The 6 stages of a massage client’s journey (and what to do at each stage). ✅ Why brand awareness is just as important as getting bookings. ✅ How to market to clients in different phases (awareness vs. decision vs. loyalty). ✅ Why people don’t always book right away and how to keep them engaged. ✅ How to turn first-time clients into lifelong customers. The 6 Stages of the Massage Customer Journey: 1️⃣ Awareness – When potential clients first discover your business (social media, networking, ads). 2️⃣ Consideration – They start researching options (reading reviews, comparing services). 3️⃣ Decision – They choose a therapist and book an appointment. 4️⃣ Experience/Post-Purchase – The service itself & ensuring they feel great about their choice. 5️⃣ Loyalty – Encouraging repeat visits, memberships, and long-term retention. 6️⃣ Advocacy – When clients love you so much, they refer friends & leave reviews! Key Takeaways: 💡 Clients often need to see your business multiple times before they book. 💡 Your marketing is working—even if people don’t book immediately! 💡 A strong new client experience helps increase rebookings & referrals. 💡 Different marketing messages work better for each stage of the journey. Action Steps: ✔ Identify where your clients are in their journey and adjust your messaging. ✔ Be consistent with your marketing—don’t give up too soon! ✔ Make booking easy to remove friction in the decision phase. ✔ Follow up with new clients to increase retention and loyalty. Resources & Links: 🔗 Join the Massage & Spa Success Club: ElevateWithGael.com 🔗 Send me your podcast topic ideas! Leave a voice note here. 🔗 Follow me on Instagram: @GaelWood 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review & share with a fellow massage therapist! 🎧 Subscribe & Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Access Your Free Toolkit! Unlock the Massage and Spa Success Free Toolkit, which is filled with valuable resources to help you elevate your business! Visit this link to get started: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-massage-and-spa-success-free-toolkit  Do not forget to subscribe to the Massage and Spa Success Podcast for more expert interviews, helpful tips, and actionable business strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your therapist friends!

    19 min
  5. 10 Ways to Advertise and Promote Your Massage Therapy Business for Free

    MAR 8

    10 Ways to Advertise and Promote Your Massage Therapy Business for Free

    10 Ways to Advertise, and Promote Your Massage Business for Free or on a Shoestring Budget Host: Gael Wood Podcast: The Massage and Spa Success Podcast Episode Summary: Welcome back to another episode of the Massage and Spa Success Podcast! Gael shares 10 practical and budget-friendly marketing strategies in this episode to help massage therapists attract new clients without breaking the bank. If you're looking for ways to grow your business for less than $25-$30 per month, this episode is packed with actionable tips that you can implement today. Gael is currently launching a new house call massage business on a budget and is using all the strategies she teaches inside the Massage and Spa Success Club. She discusses how time and effort can replace money in marketing and why staying consistent is the key to building and maintaining a steady clientele. If you’re struggling to attract enough clients, the issue might not be your skills—it’s just that not enough people know about you yet! Key Takeaways: Business Cards & Printed Marketing Materials – The power of old-school marketing: business cards, rack cards, and postcards. Learn where to leave them and how to use them effectively. Tap into Your Personal Network – Reach out to friends, family, and social contacts to spread the word about your services. Free Business Listings – Get listed on Google My Business, Facebook, LinkedIn, and local directories to increase visibility. Create a Simple Website – Why having a website matters, even a one-page site, and how you can do it affordably. Social Media Presence – How to use Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups to attract new clients without spending all day online. Volunteer & Get Involved Locally – Chair massage at events, teacher appreciation days, health fairs, and community gatherings can be great ways to gain exposure. Optimize Your Google Business Profile – Keeping your Google listing updated and leveraging reviews to increase your local ranking. Attend Local Networking Events – How to connect with other business owners, wellness professionals, and potential referral partners. Cold Calling & Business Outreach – Contacting local hotels, B&Bs, gyms, and businesses to offer mobile massage services or workplace wellness packages. Connect with Other Massage Therapists – Build relationships, trade services, and create a referral network within your profession. Resources Mentioned:✅ Massage and Spa Success Club – Join for just $29/month to access weekly coaching calls, marketing templates, and business growth resources.✅ New Client Attraction Bootcamp – Available inside the Massage and Spa Success Club, this program helps you get more clients fast.✅ Free eBook: Massage and Spa Success Guide – Download your copy for more marketing tips! Take Action! Try one or two of these free marketing ideas this week and track your results! Have questions? Send a voice memo (link in the show notes) or email support@elevatewithgael.com. Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success! Links & Contact Info:🔗 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club  ]📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook  📧 Email Gael: support@elevatewithgael.com 🎙️ Send a Voice Memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL  If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps spread the word to other massage and spa professionals looking to grow their businesses. Thanks for tuning in, and see you in the next episode!

    27 min
  6. How to Identify Your Ideal Client & Use It to Grow Your Business

    FEB 19

    How to Identify Your Ideal Client & Use It to Grow Your Business

    Knowing your ideal client is the key to effective marketing, better rebooking rates, and a more enjoyable, sustainable business. In today’s episode, I walk you through how to define your ideal client and how this knowledge will help you attract more of the right clients while reducing stress and burnout. If you’ve never created an Ideal Client Profile (or it’s been a while), this episode will guide you step-by-step so you can start attracting more of the clients you love to work with. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why identifying your ideal client helps you market smarter, not harder ✔️ How marketing to everyone can actually slow down your business growth ✔️ Simple questions to help you define your ideal client (age, income, interests, scheduling needs, and more) ✔️ How to use this information to target your marketing and attract the right people ✔️ The types of events, ads, and marketing strategies that work best for your ideal clients ✔️ Real-world examples of ideal client profiles ✔️ Why your ideal client profile can evolve over time Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Read the Full Blog Post & Grab the Ideal Client Worksheet: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/blog/your-ideal-massage-clients-the-key-to-building-a-massage-practice  📌 Join My New Client Attraction Bootcamp – Learn how to build a marketing strategy that works! https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club   📌 Connect with Me: Website: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaelwoodsuccesscoach  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/elevate_with_gael_wood/  Massage & Spa Success Club: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club  📢 Have questions or podcast topic suggestions? Leave me a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL  If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ⭐ Subscribe & Leave a Review on your favorite podcast platform! 📢 Share this episode with fellow massage & spa professionals who need help attracting their dream clients. Thanks for listening—see you in the next episode! ✨

    19 min
  7. 10 Fun Ideas for Massage Valentine's Day Promotions That Are NOT Couples Massage

    FEB 5

    10 Fun Ideas for Massage Valentine's Day Promotions That Are NOT Couples Massage

    In this episode of the Massage and Spa Success Podcast, we explore 10 creative and fun Valentine's Day promotions that do not involve couples massage. If you’re looking to boost your sales, attract new clients, and sell more gift certificates, these ideas will help you craft unique specials without the hassle of scheduling couples treatments. Whether you’re a solo therapist or simply want to diversify your offerings, these promotions will keep your business fresh and engaging! Key Takeaways & Promotion Ideas: Love Your Body: Promote self-care and self-love, focusing on individual wellness. Encourage clients to treat themselves to a massage as an act of self-care. Love Your Skin – Offer body scrubs, body wraps, paraffin wax treatments, or hydrating skincare treatments to combat winter dryness. Give the Gift of Self-Care – Position massage as a thoughtful, health-focused gift instead of the usual chocolates and flowers. Galentine’s Day Specials (Feb 13th) – Host an event for single ladies, a best-friend massage package, or a mini spa day with fun activities. Better Than Chocolate – Market massage as a calorie-free indulgence that promotes relaxation and well-being. Just Lovely Spa Packages – Create themed spa packages with fun names like "Just Lovely" to attract last-minute gift shoppers. Love Your Weekend Warrior / Athlete – Target active clients with sports massage or pain relief packages, offering session bundles for long-term benefits. Valentine’s Day Poems & Fun Marketing Copy – Use catchy rhymes or lighthearted promotional messages to attract attention on social media. Flower Power Aromatherapy – Offer aromatherapy add-ons or provide small floral gifts with treatments to create a premium Valentine’s Day experience. Love Your Feet – Design foot-focused treatments like foot soaks, scrubs, or reflexology sessions as a budget-friendly Valentine’s special. Additional Resources: Check out my blog post at ElevateWithGael.com/blog for pre-written promotional copy and marketing images you can use. Get my free ebook: The Massage and Spa Success Guide, packed with marketing ideas, business strategies, and additional income stream suggestions. Engage with Me: Have you used any of these ideas in your business? Let me know! Want to request a specific podcast topic? Send me a voice message! Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways. Connect: 📩 Visit my website for more resources: ElevateWithGael.com 🎙 Follow the podcast for more marketing and business growth tips. 💡 Need help with promotions? Check out my done-for-you marketing materials! Thanks for tuning in! Have a fantastic Valentine’s Day and happy marketing! 💕 Share Your Thoughts! Do you have questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes? I would love to hear from you! Use this link: https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL to leave me a voice message. Your ideas might even be featured in a future episode. Access Your Free Toolkit! Unlock the Massage and Spa Success Free Toolkit, which is filled with valuable resources to help you elevate your business! Visit this link to get started: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-massage-and-spa-success-free-toolkit  Do not forget to subscribe to the Massage and Spa Success Podcast for more expert interviews, helpful tips, and actionable business strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your therapist friends!

    15 min
  8. Couples Treatments for the Solo Massage Therapist

    JAN 29

    Couples Treatments for the Solo Massage Therapist

    In this episode, Gael shares innovative and profitable ideas for offering couples treatments—even if you're a solo therapist or don’t have space for a traditional couples massage setup. Learn how to create memorable experiences that your clients will love while boosting your income and standing out in your market. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to offer couples treatments as a solo therapist. Creative service ideas to pamper two people simultaneously without requiring extra staff or space. A breakdown of pricing and add-ons to make these services both luxurious and profitable. Strategies to attract couples, even if you don’t offer traditional couples massages. Insights into the 2K by Valentine’s Day Challenge to help you sell gift certificates and specials. Highlights from the Episode: Foot Soak & Massage Combo: Inspired by a unique business model, Gael explains how to provide foot soaks and massages for two people with one therapist. Side-by-Side Body Wraps: Learn how to maximize your income by offering spa treatments like body wraps for couples in the same room. Spa Experiences with a Sauna or Salt Room: Turn saunas or other spa amenities into couples experiences, combining relaxation with massage sessions. Tea and Reflexology Pairings: Delight clients with reflexology sessions paired with a tea service or warm towel treatments. Couples Massage Lessons: Attract a new type of client by teaching couples how to massage each other. Gael also shares details about her course for therapists interested in teaching this unique service. Couples Massage Experience: Create a luxurious experience by alternating short massages and spa extras, ensuring both partners feel pampered. Resources and Links Mentioned: Teach Couples Massage Class: Learn how to teach couples massage with Gael’s detailed course, including lesson plans and client handouts. Check it out here! 2K by Valentine’s Day Challenge: Join this 10-day challenge to create promotions, sell gift certificates, and boost your income just in time for Valentine’s Day. Sign up here! Free Massage and Spa Success Guide: Get actionable tips and strategies to grow your business. Download here! Gael’s Blog: Find additional resources and printable copies of today’s ideas. Visit the blog here! Action Steps for Listeners: Try out one of the couples treatment ideas shared in this episode. Join the 2K by Valentine’s Day Challenge to increase your Valentine’s Day income. Leave a voicemail with your thoughts or questions about this episode  Follow the Podcast for More Ideas and Inspiration! Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow massage therapists. Have an amazing day, and we’ll see you in the next episode! Share Your Thoughts! Do you have questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes? I would love to hear from you! Use this link: https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL to leave me a voice message. Your ideas might even be featured in a future episode. Access Your Free Toolkit! Unlock the Massage and Spa Success Free Toolkit, which is filled with valuable resources to help you elevate your business! Visit this link to get started: https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-massage-and-spa-success-free-toolkit  Do not forget to subscribe to the Massage and Spa Success Podcast for more expert interviews, helpful tips, and actionable business strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your therapist friends!

    16 min
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Elevate your massage or spa business with advertising & marketing ideas, massage business planning tips, and mindset management. Join Gael Wood, founder of Massage and Spa Success courses and events, a Massage Magazine All Star, and World Massage Hall of Fame inductee for casual conversations, and simple strategies for success!

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