A really good friend of mine, Mike Davis, owns a fairly new real estate company here in Greensboro, Horizon Realty of the Triad. In the down real estate market our area has been experiencing of late, his company has actually grown and prospered. Why? Well for one thing he offers a competative product and innovative pricing structure that differs from what everyone else is doing.

But I think another key to his success is his willingness and persistance in marketing his company online through his web site and blog. (He also has a really great partner, Claudia Byrd, that makes sure all the details for each client and deal get taken care of so that clients are singing their praises!)

At any rate, Mike writes about real estate issues and challenges on his blog as well as things that might be of interest to the local market. As a result he has gotten noticed by others with well-known blogs and respected commentary. What does this mean? That his blog and web site have gotten linked to other sites that are read by thousands instead of tens or hundreds. And it has increased traffic to his website which should translate into more prospects, clients and profits for his business.

I recently wrote a few comments on Mike's blog about why our city is a great place to live. Click here to read what I wrote. And do you know what? Traffic to my web site and blog has increased as well!

So how how does this translate to marketing your business and making more money?You can do exactly the same things Mike and I are doing to improve and market your spa or practice. Here are some specifics:

• Create a web site for your business. Whether you are trying to get local, national or international clients, web sites are practically replacing other sales materials and marketing methods of information delivery. I've got some great resources for doing this if you need them - just email me at Felicia@spalutions.com.
• Start a blog that shares relevant information or thoughts with your clients and prospects. It's a little like a journal so it can be a little off the topic of your business and provides a way for people to learn about you, your company and industry. Be aware that you should only write in it what you don't mind the entire world knowing about you.
• Write on other people's blogs. Write from your professional perspective when appropriate or possible and include info about your business (name, web site and/or email address) so that people can follow up with you if they want to. Look for blogs that relate to your profession, area or subjects that interest you. The one you are reading now is a great place to start!

Here are some other blogs you can check out: 

Massage Collage by Laura Allen (on Massage Magazine's web site)
Spa Clientele Solutions by Heather Gallegos (marketing ideas for your spa)
The World of Massage by various authors including myself - it is client oriented
Spa College Blog by Vanessa Jensen and Liz Galloway - Spa business and training ideas

Happy Blogging!