If there’s one page on your massage website you shouldn’t overlook, it’s your About page. According to massage website expert Gael Wood, it’s often the most-visited page on your site. Why? Because it’s where potential clients go to decide if they trust you.
That means your About page shouldn’t just be a list of credentials or modalities. Yes, your training matters—but people want to know who you are and why you do this work.
In an article I wrote for Massage Magazine, I dig into how to make your About page more effective. A few highlights:
Start with your “why.” Why massage? What do you love about it? That’s what builds connection.
Avoid the laundry list. Instead of stacking credentials, tell a story your clients can relate to.
Build trust. Help visitors feel what it’s like to be on your table—safe, seen, cared for.
Bonus tip: You can use ChatGPT or other AI tools to help shape your About page—but be careful. AI can sound stuffy, overly repetitive, or just off. It’s a great tool to get started, but always go back and make it sound like you.
Because in the end, your About page is a trust builder—and trust builds business.
You need a real website to make you look professional, sell your service and help in Google’s local search results. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be nice, inexpensive and easy to build and update. That’s why I am suggesting a web host service. It’s the cheapest way to build a website and it’s not hard to do.
What is a Web Host?
A web host provides storage space and the technologies for a website or web pages to be viewed on the Internet. The web host services I recommend in this article provide free website builders.
Wait! How about just using a website builders like Wix and Weebly? Both are good options to create a website. But if you want to save money, have more control over your website and have additional websites at no extra charge, then go with one of the affordable web hosting services in this article.
Affiliate Partners
Before we get started, know that the links in this article are affiliate links. So, if you buy through a link, I get one-time commission, but you won’t get charged more if you do. And if you do, thanks for supporting my work! Your support (through affiliate sales) is how I keep this blog running. By the way, if you need help with anything I recommend, please reach out to me at mark@makethemostofmassage.com. I am here to help all the time!
Bluehost vs DreamHost vs WP Engine
Below I compared three web host providers, Bluehost, Dream Host and WP Engine, in areas that are most important to me (and most small business owners I know who are non-techie): affordable web hosting/builder, support (phone, email, chatbox), domain name option, and free website builder.
The results are below. At the end of this article you can see who I use and recommend.
Bluehost
Basic Hosting Package
Price: $2.95/month (promotional rate for the first term), $8.99/month upon renewal.
Email: Included with the hosting plan.
Domain Name Purchase: Yes, includes a free domain for the first year.
Customer Support:
Phone: Yes.
Chatbox: Yes.
Email: Yes.
Free Website Builder: Yes, includes the Bluehost Website Builder.
DreamHost
Shared Starter Plan
Price: $2.59/month (if paid annually), $4.95/month if paid monthly.
Email: Not included by default (email is an additional $1.67/month per mailbox).
Domain Name Purchase: Yes, includes a free domain for the first year.
Customer Support:
Phone: No (Phone support is available for an additional fee).
Chatbox: Yes.
Email: Yes.
Free Website Builder: Yes, includes the Remixer Website Builder.
WP Engine
Managed WordPress Hosting – Startup Plan
Price: $20/month (promotional rate for the first 3 months), $30/month upon renewal.
Email: Not included (WP Engine does not provide email hosting services).
Domain Name Purchase: No, domain names need to be purchased separately through a domain registrar.
Customer Support:
Phone: Yes, available 24/7 for Startup plan and higher.
Chatbox: Yes.
Email: Yes.
Free Website Builder: No, but includes premium themes from StudioPress.
Summary of Features
Feature
Bluehost
DreamHost
WP Engine
Price (Basic Plan)
$2.95/month (promo), $8.99/month (renewal)
$2.59/month (annual), $4.95/month (monthly)
$20/month (promo), $30/month (renewal)
Email
Included
Additional $1.67/month per mailbox
Not included
Domain Name Purchase
Yes, includes free domain for 1st year
Yes, includes free domain for 1st year
No
Customer Support (Phone)
Yes
No (available for additional fee)
Yes
Customer Support (Chat Box)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Customer Support (Email)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Free Website Builder
Yes, Bluehost Website Builder
Yes, Remixer Website Builder
No (includes StudioPress themes)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Bluehost
Advantages: Affordable promotional pricing, includes email, free domain for the first year, comprehensive customer support options, and a free website builder.
Disadvantages: Higher renewal rate the second year.
DreamHost
Advantages: Low initial cost, includes a free domain for the first year, and has a free website builder.
Disadvantages: Email is not included in the basic plan, phone support is not included by default.
WP Engine
Advantages: Premium managed WordPress hosting, includes 24/7 phone support, high-quality support, and premium StudioPress themes.
Disadvantages: Higher cost, does not include email services, and no free domain name.
My Pick(s): Best Web Host for Small Businesses
If I were starting up and/or trying to run on a shoestring budget, I would go with DreamHost. It is the cheapest hands down both initially and over the long haul. The Live Chat support should be adequate to handle any questions.
That said, most of my websites are on Bluehost, and I would recommend this service, too. They check all the boxes, and I have been satisfied with them for the past 10 years. I’m not sure if DreamHost had a comparable hosting service to Bluehost 10 years ago. If they did and were cheaper than Bluehost, I probably would have gone with them for my small business because every penny counts when you are starting out. Ultimately, I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.
Once you pick your web host, you may want to read How to Craft the Perfect” About Page” for Your Website, an article I wrote for Massage Magazine. Two professional business writers gave me their expert advice on creating an About Page that is engaging, informative with a clear call to action. Their insights have helped me create About pages that have gotten positive feedback from customers.
Final Thoughts on Websites and Saving Money
The mindset of a small business person early on has to be about saving money whenever possible. Sometimes that means more work is involved because you’ll have to do things yourself, like building a website.
That said, you can say thousands of dollars over time–and you can also learn tangential things along the way, like how to optimize your website (also saving you a lot of money). So, investigate all ways you can save money. Finding cheap massage insurance, and renting a room are good places to start.
How to Build a Professional Massage Therapy Website
How do you quickly build a massage website (or a blog) that brings in clients without paying for a web designer and a SEO expert?
(1) Pick a website host/builder.
(2) Keep the massage website design simple and write engaging content.
(3) Do basic (not complicated or time-consuming) SEO for a local search.
Easier Than You Think – Why DIY is the Best Option
Knowing what to do (the three things I just mentioned) is the hard part.
Doing the actual website is the easy part.
But before we get into the specifics, I have to tell you that my massage website history has left me more scarred than my childhood.
Just joking, ma.
You did good!
My Massage Website Trauma
Early on, I bartered with programmers for my website. Let’s just say that things never got done in a timely manner—or at all!
My business suffered big time because I didn’t have control over my website.
About 10 years ago, I did my first Do-It-Yourself (DIY) website.
The experience was mildly better than working with a disinterested designer.
Unfortunately, the website builder I was using was clunky and not straightforward.
At the end of the day I had a website, but I had to put in an insane amount of hair-pulling-out hours to get it done.
But it’s not like that now.
Website builders nowadays are simple to use and the end product looks great.
Still with me on the DIY website?
Good.
Now let’s address the next thing that may be freaking you out.
Blog or Website?
You may have read that you need a blog for your website.
You don’t.
Engaging content and basic SEO will carry the day.
However, if you want to have a serious blog because you like to write or you want to provide more information to your clients (and potential clients) or it’s part of your marketing strategy, go here.
If you just need a website or if you need a website with a blog playing a minor role (1 post per month) then you’re at the right place.
Before we get started, you need to know that links in this guide are affiliate links.
So, that means if you purchase through a link I get a commission—but you don’t pay more for going through a link.
Affiliate commissions support my work, and I appreciate and count on the support. But no matter if you purchase through my link or not, I’m here to answer any questions about websites. Just email me at mark@makethemostofmassage.com
Okay, let’s get crackin’!
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Website
Step #1: Pick a Website Host/Builder
If you already have a website, skip to Step #2. If not, you next need to consider a domain name for your website.
Choosing a Domain Name
First, you want to own your domain name because you need to control your business name online.
Guess what? If you have a “free” massage website through a professional organization, like AMTA, ABMP, or Massage Magazine, you may not own the domain name to your website. If that’s the case and you decide to leave that organization, you don’t take the domain name (and potentially the website) with you.
Sometimes, depending on the professional organization’s relationship with the website provider, your domain name may be a subdomain of the professional organization you’re with or the website provider they use. For example, your URL may look like this: www.ashleysmassage/massageprofessionalorganization.com.
That means your website address will not match your business name. This doesn’t look good to clients and it makes marketing/advertising complicated.
I know this firsthand. A while back, I had a free website through Google. My website was okay looking (not really according to my wife, Lisa), but my website URL made things waaay complicated.
For instance, was I really going to put www.markliskeymassage/googlesites.com on my business cards? Actually, I did. It looked crappy and no one ever went to my website.
The sad thing is that I knew better, but I wanted someone else to take care of all the details, like getting the domain name.
Why?
I guess it’s pretty much the same answer for everybody. Fear of the unknown.
That’s when you start imagining all the things that could possibly go wrong, like Omg, I just bought MarkLiskeySucksAtMassage.com instead of MarkLiskeyMassage.com!
But, seriously, you’re not gonna screw it up.
Picking a domain name is easy with Weebly and Wix or any website builder company. You just need to come up with the ______.com name.
If your massage business is your actual name, you’re domain name is likely to be available.
If you’re business name is different than your actual name and someone already owns that domain name as a .com, you’ll be alerted and alternatives will be suggested.
For example, if your business is Jones Massage and jonesmassage.com is taken, then available alternatives might be jonesmassage .net or jonesmassage.biz.
Yes, .com is preferable because it’s most familiar to people, but .net will work. Our Berwyn, PA USA office is a .net and does fine in the local search.
You could also try adding a word or changing your business name if you business name is not available as a .com.
For example, if your business name is Great Relief Massage and greatreliefmassage.com is taken, you could try greatreliefmassagetherapy.com.
Don’t get too far away from the business name that you want on your sign and/or what is your legal business name, but there is room for experimentation.
Get a Real Real Domain Name and Build Your Website
How do you get a real domain name? Go with a web host service. It’s the cheapest way to build a website and it’s not hard to do.
What is a Web Host?
A web host provides storage space and the technologies for a website or web pages to be viewed on the Internet. The web host services I recommend provide free website builders.
Wait! How about just using a website builders like Wix and Weebly? Both are good options to create a website. But if you want to save money, have more control over your website and have additional websites at no extra charge, then go with one of the affordable web hosting services in this article.
Picking a Website Host/Builder
This post that I wrote, Cheapest Way to Build a Website, will provide you with my recommendations and give you all the information you need to pick the web host that is best for you.
Now, let’s build a website.
Step #2: Design a Simple, Effective Website
Ultimately, the design is not what’s going to bring in clients.
Okay, you don’t want an god-awful, ugly design that repels clients.
But if your website is simple and clean, you’re good content will carry the day.
Also, “simple” is a huge time-saver.
You’re not going to be spending gobs of time trying to get a template design do exactly what you want it to do.
For an effective website, you only need these tabs (pages): HOME, ABOUT, and SERVICES.
Nail the simple but professional design, knock the content out of the park and you’ll have a website that brings in clients.
Once you’ve picked your template or theme, it’s time to…
Write engaging content.
When I say “write engaging content” I mean write 3 pages–About, Services and Homepage–that make the potential client want to pick up the phone and call you.
Let’s start with your About Page.
About Page
I’m just going to say this: You’re About Page is freakin’ important.
Why?
Because the customer wants to know who’s doing the rubbing.
And the About Page is your opportunity to gain the trust of the potential customer.
It’s also where you can stand out from the competition–especially the massage spas.
The faces on their About Page are always changing.
Your About Page face never changes.
It’s always you delivering the same great massage and customer care for each client in your own unique way.
Here’s what ours looks like for PressurePerfect. Search to see what your competition in the area is saying on their Services page.
Don’t make it complicated. Just describe your services in a way that’s welcoming, but not overly sales-y.
And if you’re confused about how much you should charge, check out this article: How to Much Do I Charge?
So, you now know or have an idea of what you want to write on your website.
The last thing to do is…
Step #3: Basic SEO for Local Search
The Local Search is the search result that comes up first on the screen when someone types in “massage” in the Google search box.
You want to come up in the top 3 in the local search for “massage” in your area.
Why?
Because that is what automatically displays without the user having to click “More Places”.
There are some basic things you need to do to start ranking higher in the Local Search.
If you have a place to do massage, you’ll want to claim your business at Google My Business (GMB). GMB, a list of local businesses, appears at the top of the screen when someone searches for a term, like “massage”.
So, first, you want to be on that list.
Second, you want to rank as high as you can on that list. This article will help you optimize your GMB page.
That’s all you need to do for now.
You have a welcoming massage website that’s going to start ranking in the local search.
Now you can start to concentrate on other important marketing things and we can tweak your website as we go.
How do you get your massage business website in front of potential clients without being an SEO expert or spending $500 to $2500 to have an expert build your website?
You make your website relevant by creating content that engages viewers and answers viewers’ questions.
A massage video is a great way to engage viewers and Google rewards you for engagement.
But I’m crappy on camera, Mark.
Hey, have you seen my videos? Not about to win an Emmy anytime soon here.
Here’s the thing, if your content is solid, people will overlook your crappiness on the camera.
By the way, if you really hate being on camera, you can get someone else to demonstrate what you’re explaining. You just do the narration.
Or you can ask a health/wellness colleague if they would do a video that you could show on your website.
For example, you could ask a PT or a personal trainer to demonstrate back stretching exercises.
Which brings us to the next question: What should the video be about?
Massage Video Content
Here’s what it shouldn’t be about: You demonstrating your general massage.
It will be a yawn, trust me.
And nothing about what the client on the table is experiencing at the moment will be conveyed to the viewer.
So, no massage video on my massage business website, Mark?
Do a massage video. But answer a massage question that your viewer may have.
In other words, give the viewer information that can help her out right now.
Here’s a question that I get often: How do I massage my shoulder/neck area?
If you work with cyclists you might want to do a short video on self-massage for quads and IT bands.
If you focus on relaxation clients you could do a video on self-massage for the head and jaw muscles before bed.
Or you could demonstrate how to use relaxing essential oils.
When you’re coming up with a question to answer just make sure it’s relevant to clients who would use your massage services.
Don’t do a video on tibialis posterior self-massage if you focus on relaxation massage.
Once you have your question, the next step is to answer the question in a concise (2 to 4 minutes) and informative way.
Answering a Massage Question
This step requires research, rehearsal and possibly a script.
If you a pick a topic that you’re well-versed in you obviously cut out a lot of the research time.
I find that writing out and practicing what I’m going to say helps me a lot when it comes time to doing the video.
However, no matter how many times I practice in front of the mirror everything changes as soon as that cell phone camera starts rolling. (Yeah, you don’t need a fancy video recorder.)
My voice constricts. I suddenly move like the tin man. And I’m positive that 7.6 billion people are watching me through Rob’s cell phone camera.
So, be prepared to do re-takes.
Once you have a video that you don’t hate, upload it to YouTube.
Uploading Your Video to YouTube
If you haven’t put a video on YouTube, here’s what you do (steps are from WikiHow):
Save the video to your computer.
Sign into YouTube. (If you don’t have a YouTube account, you’ll have to create one.)
Click the Upload button.
Select a video file.
Click Open.
Enter a title and description.
Adjust additional settings.
Click Save Changes.
Then you’ll simply copy the URL address of your YouTube video into your website.
Here’s how I do it for my massage business website on Weebly.
