Okay, so here are the tools I use for my websites, blog and massage business.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I get a commission if you purchase something through one of these links.
You don’t pay more because it’s an affiliate link. And if you do go through one of my links, I want to give you a huge thank you for supporting me so that I can continue to keep this DIY massage website cranking.
Here’s what I use for my businesses.
Online Schedulers
I use Vagaro. I had been using Massagebook. Even though I liked Massagebook for the most part, it was a bit clunky and glitchy, especially the phone app.
The big reason why I switched to Vagaro was that it allowed me to set the “time in between each client” different for each therapist. For instance, in Massagebook there was only a global setting for “time in between clients”. So that meant that all massage therapists had to have the “same time in between clients”, 15 minutes or 30 minutes, etc. In Vagaro, one therapist could have 15 minutes in between clients and another could have 30 minutes in between clients.
Overall, I found Vagaro to be less glitchy and easier to use than Massagebook, but you really have to assess your needs and pick the online scheduler that best meets your needs and fits your budget. I wrote this article for Massage Magazine that will help you decide which online scheduler is best for you: 12 Questions That Will Help You Choose The Best Online Scheduler.
Websites
I have 6 websites through BlueHost.
Bluehost is a website hosting company that has website builder options. There website building option is WordPress. The reason you would use a website hosting company, like BlueHost, is if you were going to build more than one website. Then you would save a good chunk of money because WordPress is “free” and you’re basically just paying for website hosting.
However, you don’t need a hosting company, like Bluehost, to build a website. Website builder companies like Weeby and Wix do the hosting themselves. So, if you built a website on Wix or Weebly you wouldn’t have to seek out a web hosting company, too.
If you’re not tech savvy, go with a website builder like Weebly or Wix. I’ve used them and they are solid website builders and easy to use. More about them in this website guide.
If you are going the WordPress way, I like Bluehost because they’re inexpensive (especially if you plan on having more than one website) and they have adequate customer phone support, 24/7.
Blog
This blog/website is a WordPress website hosted by BlueHost, but instead of using a free theme (website design) which would be fine when you’re just starting out, I use a paid-for-theme.
The theme is called Effectus and is created by DIYthemes. I think it cost me about $100.
I’ve had next to zero problems with this theme. And when I had a question, DIYthemes was very responsive via email.
I assume their latest theme, Focus, is the same high quality.
Here’s my guide if you want to start a blog: Do-It-Yourself Blog Guide
Email Marketing
Mailchimp is my email marketing service. I like Mailchimp because they have a free version that you can use right away.
Massage Equipment
I love massage tools because they save my hands and body. I use both wooden and plastic tools.
Wooden Massage Tools
For wooden tools I go to Matt Johnson. He makes each wooden massage tool he sells.
So, if your hand is petite or large, he can customize the handle size and stem length.
Awesome sauce!
He’s extremely reasonable for what he is offering. His prices range from $15 to $30 minus shipping.
Just email me if you want a custom massage tool from him and I’ll put you in touch with him.
Plastic Massage Tools
Merrill Lund has created some fantastic massage tools that are especially good if you’re working attachments and hard-to-get-to-spots.
Though the tools may look intimidating because some have no handles and some have multiple stems, they are very user-friendly.
This is his website.
My favorite (for now…lol) is the Effleurage T-bar (pictured above).
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