Guide to Massage Scheduling Software: Top Features & Tools

Last Updated on 30 October, 2024

The massage therapy industry exceeds $32 billion in global market value and will continue to grow steadily with a projected annual growth rate of 4.4%.

With over 321,000 certified massage therapists in the US alone, capturing your share of the market requires that you provide a superior experience at every step.

If you want to grow the demand for your services, expand your clientele, and keep clients coming back for more, then you need the right massage scheduling software to help you along the way.

In this guide, we explore:

• 9 important features to get the most out of a massage scheduling software
• +7 scheduling software platforms worth considering

9 essential features to look for in massage scheduling software

Need help evaluating your options? Consider these primary features.

1. Appointment booking and payments

Scheduling software for massage businesses must include appointment booking features that allow clients to easily find a time that fits their schedule.

You and your staff should be able to manage your schedules as well, so be sure you can block off and adjust your availability at any time via the online platform.

The software should also make it super easy for clients to pay you, whether online via credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer, or in person at the time of the appointment. You should also have the option to collect payments upfront if desired.

2. Product add-ons

Another important feature to consider when choosing your massage therapy software is product add-ons. Product add-ons increase profits and enhance the experience for your clients.

Whether your little extras are hot stones, aromatherapy, or time spent in your salt room, be sure to select a platform that allows your clients to easily upgrade the massage experience with your specific product add-ons.

3. Client database

The system should also include an automatically up-to-date client database where you can find all your clients’ details, including names, contact information, previous appointments, purchase records, and more.

The platform should also include a note-taking feature so you can keep track of client specific details after a session. This will allow you to store client preferences, medical issues, and special requests.

4. Appointment notifications

We all need reminders sometimes, especially for appointments. A massage booking software should support you in this. Choose a platform that allows you to customize automated text and email reminders to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations. With a mobile client app (more on that later), you can also send push notifications to remind them.

5. Loyalty program

Offering a loyalty program allows you to give clients points for booking appointments, buying product add-ons, writing online reviews, referring friends, and posting about your business on social media. These rewards could be free products, discounts, or even free sessions.

Make sure the platform you choose does the work for you and automatically keeps track of the points.

6. Segmented marketing

Whether you are a massage therapist or run a clinic, segmented marketing can help you reach your revenue goals. The platform you choose should let you segment your clients based upon their activity.

For example, you might send special offers to clients who haven’t booked a massage appointment for two months to remind them to treat themselves.

7. Client mobile app

Because they can be big revenue drivers, nearly half of all small businesses have a mobile app. Offering a mobile app to your clients sets you apart from competitors and encourages repeat bookings. With your custom-branded app your clients should be able to book appointments, view upcoming appointments, purchase products, earn loyalty program points, and choose rewards when enough points have been earned.

Select a platform that makes it easy to launch a client app with no coding required.

8. Staff app

If you have multiple massage therapists and staff at your clinic, you’ll definitely want a staff app to support your team. Key features for your team include the ability to check their schedules, manage their availability, book appointments for clients, and clock-in when they arrive on site.

9. In-person POS

It’s also important to have a point of sale (POS) system in place for accepting in-person payments.

This will allow you to sell massage oils, aromatherapy products, and merchandise in addition to accepting payments after service if needed.

Top 7 massage scheduling software to explore

Here are some great platforms to consider when managing your massage therapy business as a single therapist or a clinic owner.

1. WellnessLiving

WellnessLiving is the ideal platform for massage clinics and spas. You get an all-in-one platform for managing client data, appointment bookings, online payments, POS, client app, staff app, loyalty programs, marketing features, product sales, inventory management, and more.

Compared to our competitors, WellnessLiving offers the most amount of features within our core plans. For instance, with our BusinessMax plan, our client app and Presence website features are included (not charged as add-ons).

2. Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is designed for individual massage therapists. It is very affordable and offers a simple, customizable online presence for managing appointments, schedules, payments, notifications and product add-ons.

It does not offer marketing or client management features, however. As you grow, you will have to purchase additional apps or upgrade to a more robust platform.

3. Vagaro

With Vagaro, you get a comprehensive business management platform for your massage clinic or spa with all the key features. You will be able to create your branded apps and the bulk of the features you need to run your business.

However, Vagaro does not offer product add-ons or review requests which can be key to improving profitability. Plus, you’ll always have to pay extra to manage your client app with Vagaro.

4. Jane App

Jane App is an affordable option if you are only looking for base functionalities such as online booking, staff scheduling, and payments—or if you require medical billing support.

This platform doesn’t have much in the way of marketing support or rewards programs, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for those features. Consider WellnessLiving or Vagaro.

5. Zenoti

Zentoi offers essential features for client and business management including booking, payments, notifications and rewards. The mobile app can be customized for easy booking and engagement with your loyalty program.

Zenoti offers a fully-featured website solution but costs considerably more than similar software providers.

6. GlossGenius

With GlossGenius you can manage appointment bookings, booking notifications, POS, automated review requests, staff management, and inventory management.

GlossGenius does not support loyalty rewards programs, custom mobile apps, or blogging so you will be missing out on some key branding features.

7. Schedulicity

Schedulicity provides an affordable platform offering appointment scheduling, email marketing, payment processing, booking notification, and inventory management features. This is a good option to consider if you plan on keeping your business small and simple.

But, if you plan on growing your business, you might look elsewhere as Schedulicity does not support a custom mobile app, online product sales, or website creation.

Looking for a platform that helps you not only manage your massage therapy business but supports your growth?

Book a demo with WellnessLiving and see our massage scheduling software in action.