The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Massage Therapy
Starting a side hustle as a massage therapist in New Zealand is a fantastic way to share your healing skills and generate extra income. Whether you’re offering treatments in Auckland, mobile massage in Wellington, or wellness sessions in Christchurch, this guide provides practical tips to help you attract clients and manage your schedule alongside your main job.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand Local Wellness Needs
Different regions in NZ have their own wellness cultures, with urban areas favouring spa treatments and smaller towns leaning towards therapeutic, mobile massage services.
Weirdly enough, offering specialised services like sports massage or prenatal care can set you apart in a competitive market.
Knowing client preferences in your area helps you target services effectively for better engagement.
2. Set Up Your Profile on Yada
Yada connects massage therapists to local clients without lead or success fees, ideal for those operating part-time.
The platform’s review system helps hardworking therapists boost their profile and attract steady bookings.
Its mobile-friendly interface makes managing appointments and client communication simple on the go.
3. Offer Flexible Appointment Options
Provide in-clinic sessions, home visits, or chair massages to meet diverse client needs and schedules.
A Wellington therapist found success by targeting office workers with lunchtime chair massage packages.
Being adaptable helps balance your side hustle with your full-time commitments.
4. Use Local Health and Wellness Directories
Besides Yada, list your services on Healthpoint, Localist, and community wellness boards to expand your presence.
Clear details on your qualifications, treatment types, and client testimonials build trust.
Local directory visibility increases client enquiries over time.
5. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials
Encourage satisfied clients to share reviews and testimonials to showcase the benefits of your treatments.
One Auckland therapist amplified her side hustle by regularly sharing client stories and feedback on social media.
Real testimonials encourage new clients to book your services confidently.
6. Network with Complementary Professionals
Partner with physiotherapists, gyms, and wellness centres for referrals and package deals.
A Dunedin massage therapist grew her bookings by collaborating closely with local fitness centres.
Networking builds a supportive client base and enhances business opportunities.
7. Create a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
Build a professional website using Wix, Google Sites, or Carrd that features your services, testimonials, and contact info.
Regularly update your site with new offerings and success stories to keep visitors engaged.
A polished online presence reassures potential clients and supports your reputation.
8. Share Wellness Tips and Content
Post practical self-care tips, stretches, and wellness advice on Facebook and Instagram to connect with your audience.
Weirdly enough, genuine, simple content often resonates more with NZ clients than flashy marketing.
Helpful posts nurture client relationships and boost referrals.
9. Manage Bookings and Client Communication
Use Yada’s internal messaging and scheduling tools or apps like Calendly to keep appointments streamlined.
Clear communication about availability reduces no-shows and builds client trust.
Efficient scheduling helps maintain balance between your side hustle and main job.
10. Keep Skills Updated and Relevant
Stay current with massage techniques, New Zealand health regulations, and industry standards through workshops and certifications.
Joining professional groups like Massage New Zealand offers networking and professional development.
Continuously improving your skills ensures high-quality care and client satisfaction.