Being a masseur is an open profession and does not have a protected title. This means that anyone can start their own massage practice and become a masseur. However, this doesn't mean that you don’t need to take courses or get training. Massage is a skill. It's essential to know what you're doing to maximize the effectiveness of your massages.
There are many different types of massages, and therefore, many types of masseurs. Most masseurs don’t stick to offering just one type of massage throughout their careers but expand their range of techniques over time. If you want to become a masseur or massage therapist, it's important to decide which direction you want to take. Are you interested in sports massage or more in holistic massages? Do you want to work in a spa or start your own massage practice? These are all important questions to clarify before exploring different training options. It’s crucial to have a clear overview of what to consider when becoming a masseur. Below, we outline 7 steps you can follow to become a masseur:
1. Explore Your Options
You've decided to become a masseur or massage therapist, and you likely already have an idea of which direction you want to take. Are you drawn to the world of holistic massage, or do you prefer working with athletes, perhaps massaging them at sporting events? Do you want to work in a wellness centre offering various types of massages, or would you rather focus on providing chair massages as a freelance therapist?
Think about what your ideal workday looks like. Do you want to work from home, setting up a dedicated massage room, or do you prefer travelling to your clients? Or maybe a combination of both? The key is to stay true to yourself so that you enjoy your work and can best serve your target audience.
2. Research Massage Training Programs and Courses
Now that you have a clearer direction, it’s time to figure out the steps you need to take to get there. Which training program or course is best suited for you? Look into different professional associations for masseurs—there are many, such as NGS, BMS, or the Belgian Massage Federation. Some are specialized in certain areas, like chair massages or reflexology.
Most professional associations require you to complete an accredited massage course before you can join. It’s worth researching this now. Generally, courses recognized by these associations are of good quality.
3. Enroll in a Massage Course or Training
Choose the course or training that aligns with your goals. It’s also recommended to start practising massage while you're still learning. After all, the best way to learn is by doing. You can ask friends or family members to act as your practice clients, or team up with a classmate to exchange massages. As a beginner, it’s also helpful to receive massages yourself, not just to experience relaxation, but also to understand how various techniques feel to the recipient. This insight will help you refine your skills and become a better masseur.
We recommend combining your training with steps 4 and 5 to help you start working as a masseur sooner.
4. What Do You Need as a Starting Masseur?
Depending on where and how you plan to work, you’ll need a few basic supplies. These include:
- A massage table: There are many different types of tables available, each with unique features. We have a detailed blog post to help you choose the right one.
- Accessories for your massage table, such as disposable covers, sheets, and towels.
- Massage oil: Consider what’s important to you when choosing an oil. Are you looking for natural ingredients with pleasant scents? We recommend Verana massage oils.
As you progress, you can gradually add more tools, such as a knee bolster, oil warmer, hot stone set, saddle stool, cupping tools, and more. However, these aren’t necessary when you're just starting out.
5. Start Giving Massages
Now that you have the basic knowledge and tools, you’re ready to start massaging. It can be a little intimidating to charge €60 per hour when you’ve only just completed your course (or are still working on it). You don’t have to start with this rate if it feels uncomfortable. Instead, begin by charging a small, symbolic fee, like €5 or €10 per session, and gradually increase the rate as you gain more experience and confidence.
Another option is to offer a limited-time opening discount to friends and family, which allows you to practice while building your client base. Tip: birthdays are the perfect opportunity to promote your services and attract new clients!
6. Create a Business and Marketing Plan
Once you've completed your course and have your first paying clients, it’s time to focus on building your business! Start by writing a business plan—tools like the Business Model Canvas can help. In your plan, define your target audience. Who is your ideal client? Where can you find them? This leads into your marketing plan: how will you attract clients?
Be sure to have a website with your contact information and service details. You might also want to create a Facebook page or Instagram account. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow your business, so make sure your clients are satisfied and encourage them to recommend you to others.
7. Make Yourself Known
Now it’s time to make yourself visible to potential clients and grow your business! Think about both online and offline visibility. You could post on social media, but don’t underestimate the power of local newspaper articles or flyers. Keep your target audience in mind and continually promote yourself. Stay active on platforms like Facebook, write blog posts, and engage with your local community.
Building relationships with local physiotherapists can also be a great way to gain referrals, as many physiotherapists focus less on massage and may recommend you to their clients.
The key is to remain active, visible, and continually develop your skills. Attend new massage courses, learn new techniques, and continue to grow your practice!
