Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day, it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on your massage practice, attract new clients, and reward loyal ones.
Held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this day is designed to encourage consumers to shop small and support local businesses like yours.
But here’s the secret: you don’t need to slash prices or offer deep discounts to take advantage of the buzz. With the right marketing ideas, you can create offers that drive traffic and build long-term relationships.
Why Small Business Saturday Matters for Massage Therapists
This isn’t just a day for boutiques and cafes. People are actively looking for local services and experiences to gift or enjoy themselves, and a massage fits both categories. Whether you run a solo practice or manage a team, Small Business Saturday can become a powerful way to boost visibility and revenue before the holidays.
High-Impact Marketing Ideas for Small Business Saturday
1. Promote Limited-Time Gift Card Bonuses
Offer a bonus with every gift card purchase, like “Buy a $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card.” These promotions make great gifts while incentivizing future bookings. Keep the bonus valid for a shorter window (e.g. January–March) to fill slow season gaps.
2. Launch a ‘Thank You’ Client Appreciation Week
Instead of one-day sales chaos, turn the week of Small Business Saturday into a celebration for your clients. Offer complimentary add-ons like aromatherapy, hot stones, or mini hand scrubs for anyone who books during that week. It encourages bookings without discounting your core service.
3. Collaborate With Other Local Businesses
Team up with nearby small businesses like yoga studios, coffee shops, or boutiques to create gift bundles or cross-promote each other. Example: a “Relax & Sip” package that includes a massage gift card and a free latte from your favorite café.
4. Host a Wellness Pop-Up or Open House
Set up a calm, inviting corner in your studio or a local event space with mini chair massages, essential oil samples, or posture tips. Offer booking discounts only for attendees who book on-site. You could also livestream parts of the event on Instagram or Facebook to build FOMO.
5. Run a Local-Only Flash Sale (With a Twist)
Make it exclusive. Create a VIP list just for your email subscribers or social media followers and offer early access to your Small Business Saturday special. This builds urgency and rewards your most engaged fans.
Easy-To-Execute Tips to Make the Most of the Day
- Update your Google Business Profile a week prior with fresh photos, special hours, and your SBS offer.
- Schedule email reminders once a few days before and once on the morning of Small Business Saturday.
- Use Instagram/Facebook Stories to showcase behind-the-scenes prep or testimonials from clients talking about why they support small businesses.
- Create Canva graphics for your offer and post across platforms for brand consistency.
- Include urgency: “Only 25 gift card bonuses available!” or “First 10 bookings get a free upgrade.”
Keep the Momentum Going
What happens after Small Business Saturday is just as important. Make sure you:
- Send follow-up emails to thank buyers and encourage early rebooking.
- Use automated reminders for gift card recipients to book in the new year.
- Track which promo or channel brought in the most results to refine for next year.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to do everything. Pick 1–2 promotional ideas that align with your brand and audience, then go all in. Small Business Saturday is a chance not just to earn more but to connect deeper with your community and remind them why supporting small means something.
And if you’re tired of last-minute promos that don’t convert, maybe it’s time to build a repeatable marketing system that works year-round.
Ready to build that kind of strategy? Visit scalingwellness.com to get started.
