Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 19

If everything still feels a little too intimidating, there are also numerous professional web design services that can be employed to help.

impersonal. Perhaps AI is a starting point, not a finished product. Adding a little bit of your own voice, especially in an “About” section, can help create a positive, personal first impression that is engaging and showcases your strongest qualities. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) considerations. SEO can be one of the more intimidating aspects of creating a website because of its sometimes complicated and seemingly always-changing nature. But, you don’t necessarily need to get in the weeds or be an expert to make your website SEO-friendly. (See SEO Basics for Massage Therapists: A Beginner-Friendly Resource Guide to get started). “SEO changes frequently, and with AI, the changes will likely happen even faster,” Totten says. “Rather than trying to game the search engines, as a bodyworker, you’ll benefit from updating your site regularly with information that your ideal clients are searching for. That way you are being of service to your community while also bumping your site up in search.” What Should Not Be Included On a Massage Therapist Website? There are a few things that are going to serve as warning to some consumers, so think carefully as you’re considering what to include. You don’t want visitors to feel like a real person isn’t behind the website. Ravensong-Lawrence shared some massage specific precautions, like avoiding words like “happy,” “ending,” “tantric” and “goddess massage”; photos that show hot stones on a body without a protective sheet and towel between the body and the stones; photos that show the side of the breast; and photos that are more about a pretty photo than showing what the service actually is. One common problem with stock photography, too, is that many are not being taken by massage therapists and often contain problematic features, like improper draping, clients and massage therapists with jewelry on, hair not properly pulled back or poor body mechanics. So, be sure you’re choosing photos carefully.

Where Should a Massage Therapist Begin? The key is to start simple, include the necessities and don’t try to add too much. “Start with a simple one page site. You don’t need a ton of bells and whistles to have an effective site,” Totten says. “Be genuine and authentic as you build your website. Focus on the clients you want to work with and the results they want to achieve.” If everything still feels a little too intimidating, there are numerous professional web design services that can help. If you are going this route, however, make sure the company is legitimate. “If you do decide to use a professional, please be sure to get the terms in writing, sign a contract and don’t make the final payment until the site is complete,” Totten encourages. What it all comes down to is that a website is often the first contact you have with clients and potential clients, and a strong first impression can lead to real loyalty that helps you grow and sustain your practice.

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