Getting a massage therapy business off the ground is challenging work – all the decisions, investments, and late nights spent wondering if you’ve made the right decisions and investments. Even once you’re up and running, there’s still plenty to do every single day to make sure clients stay happy, and that operations stay smooth and profitable. 

One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is your booking services. With the right massage business software, you can automate your booking process so clients can make an appointment anytime, anywhere. This article will explore the best online booking systems for massage therapists, including features to look for, and tips on choosing the right one for your needs. 

What Is a Massage Therapy Booking App?

A massage therapy booking app is a program designed to simplify the booking process by providing a convenient platform for clients to schedule appointments at your business. A comprehensive massage therapist app can do more than just book appointments, too. They can also send automated reminders, help you manage clients, and process payments all from one platform. 

4 Features to Look for in a Massage Therapy Booking App

There are several booking apps for massage therapists on the market, but not all of them will meet the specific needs of your business. Here, we highlight a few key features to look for in your massage therapy practice management software. 

1. Flexible calendar management 

Booking apps for massage therapists should allow you and your team to set your availability with specific work hours, including days off and breaks, ensuring clients know when they can book their favorite massage expert, and reduce the chance of any surprises come appointment time. 

Easily access client appointment info and quickly edit new appointments with GlossGenius’ Scheduling & Calendar features.

2. Client management and communication features

When considering massage business software to handle your booking needs, some of the most important features to look for include the ability to send booking confirmations (via email or text), appointment reminders, and marketing promos.

Send automated reminders with GlossGenius’ Client Management, or send irresistible deals with our Marketing features.

3. Payment processing 

Booking apps for massage therapists should also come with secure payment processing features that will allow clients to pay for appointment deposits and products online, plus the ability to make secure in-person transactions. 

GlossGenius Point of Sale features make processing transactions a breeze.

4. Waitlists

Avoid turning away clients or suffering through cancellations with an integrated waitlist feature. Waitlists let you quickly fill in calendar gaps so you can make time for appointment hopefuls and keep revenue flowing. 

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8 Best Massage Therapy Booking Apps

The proper massage therapy booking app for your business does exist – but finding it will take a bit of research. Read on to view our curated list of massage app contenders to consider. 

1. GlossGenius

GlossGenius is the best online booking system for massage therapists. Although it's designed for an array of businesses within the self-care industry (such as salons and spas), it can also serve as a necessary tool for massage business owners. GlossGenius provides easy online booking features so clients can schedule sessions through your website, social media, or the GlossGenius app. Utilize drag and drop scheduling on your desktop to simplify organizing your calendar, and access custom booking approvals so you can have more control over who gets your time. Automated appointment reminders and confirmations can keep clients informed about their upcoming services, while card-on-file deposits and customizable cancellation policies can help prevent you from losing out on profits. 

GlossGenius also goes beyond the standard booking experience by offering various other features like integrated marketing so you can send seamless promos and customizable websites to showcase your brand the way you want. GlossGenius also offers client insights so you can analyze your customer data and get the skinny on their satisfaction, along with forms and waivers to protect your business and your clients’ safety. Some users have noted a desire to have more control over the frequency of their appointment reminders – but GlossGenius is constantly working on ways to improve the user experience with their software.

2. Acuity

Acuity scheduling is an appointment management software that comes with several booking features. With Acuity, you can set maximum daily appointment limits, create recurring appointments, limit booking times, and offer virtual appointments. They offer text reminders with their more premium plans, card-on-file deposits, and custom intake forms, but rely on third-party apps like Stripe and PayPal for payment processing. Acuity lets you sync your calendars with staff members, access your schedules on the go via mobile, and get advanced reporting about business performance. 

However, because Acuity is mainly for scheduling and calendar management, it doesn’t come with an extensive list of extra features. Some users complain that the customer service is lacking, the software glitches often, and that the interface seems outdated. 

3. MassageBook

Another popular booking app for massage therapists, MassageBook also functions as an online directory of professionals that lets users schedule sessions from massage therapists in their area. MassageBook offers appointment scheduling, including reminders and recurring appointments. Plus, their paid subscription plans give users access to client management features, a portal, email marketing, and encrypted SOAP notes. 

Unfortunately, several users complain that MassageBook pricing isn’t as straightforward as it seems, and they’re often hit with hidden fees or surprise charges. Many also report negative interactions with the MassageBook customer service team, and the constant glitches and program errors require frequent troubleshooting. 

4. Vagaro

Vagaro is a wellness app that offers features like calendars, booking, client and inventory management, plus text and email marketing. With Vagaro, users can post their service list and offer memberships and bundles, send appointment reminders, and even create loyalty programs with rewards so users can increase their client retention. 

A potential drawback is that in order to book an appointment, clients must first download the Vagaro app, which can be annoying for new clients or frustrating for those who aren't as tech savvy. Other users report that the app has a confusing setup process, and many of their necessary forms fail to send properly or on time.

5. Cliniko

Cliniko is a massage therapy practice management software that offers online booking, appointment features, business management tools, and health record storage, plus performance tracking and reporting. Cliniko also has features to help manage your financial needs, such as invoices, expenses, and product inventory, all of which you can link to your client and appointment history. 

Some reported problems with Cliniko involve slow support response, issues sending emails, and confusing appointment scheduling processes. Cliniko also does not offer any ready-made forms and has limited notes templates, plus, there’s limited branding options and a lack of categorization for grouping clients which can make it hard to navigate for bigger practices. 

6. ClinicSense

This scheduling and management software comes with several features to streamline your day-to-day responsibilities. From online forms to customizable SOAP notes, ClinicSense is one of the top programs for massage therapy practice owners. Their easy online booking features make it simple for clients to secure appointments, with automated availability summaries and appointment reminders sent through SMS and email. They also offer no-show protection so your business doesn’t suffer when clients flake, with robust communication features so you can set up automated wellness check-ins and birthday emails to enhance the client experience and increase retention. 

Some users report various glitches with ClinicSense, such as missing text or email reminders that result in missed appointments. Others claim the invoice templates don’t look professional enough and that the mobile app can be clunky to use. Additionally, some feel as though the ClinicSense app doesn’t actually save them time at all, but instead increases administrative workload. 

7. Zeel

Zeel is a booking app that connects users with in-home massage therapists. This HIPAA-compliant software requires therapists to join their provider network, and offers simple online booking services and flexible appointment options for clients. Zeel lets providers customize their availability, as well as choose where they’d like to take their appointments (such as homes, hotels, or spas). Zeel gives therapists all the details about their potential bookings before the appointment is made so providers can choose whether or not they’d like to accept. There are also built-in safety features so you can stay protected during your sessions with clients. 

Unfortunately, some users dislike the initial provider application process, as well as the paperwork process for clients with insurance as they can be lengthy and confusing. Others claim that their “protections” don’t go far enough for massage therapists, and that customer service does not provide adequate support for those who voice their concerns. 

8. Zenoti

Zenoti is another app that can manage your daily massage business needs. With Zenoti, you can access appointment booking features like scheduling and alerts, plus attendance management and tracking for clients. Sync your calendars, track your waitlist status, and use automated scheduling to fill your books and keep business flowing. Plus, it comes with plenty of client management features such as a database with client profiles and appointment history. Zenoti offers marketing features through email and SMS, plus social media integration so you can seamlessly boost your brand. 

Users complain that the interface is not user-friendly, and many encounter errors with scheduling and inventory management. There are also several reviews claiming disappointment with the quality of their customer service, as it can take too much time to get solutions to pressing problems. Additionally, many dislike the high price point for the number of glitches they encounter, and feel as though they do not get the proper value for their dollar. 

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How to Choose the Right App as a Massage Therapist: 4 Tips

Finding the right massage therapist app doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Below are some tips to help steer you in the right direction. 

1. Identify your massage business needs

Before you choose an app, review your business needs and see where you could use the most assistance. Are you accidentally double-booking clients? Are your profits getting dinged with no-shows? Is your staff struggling to sync their schedules? An app that can handle many of your daily administrative tasks and more will be the best choice to help you organize and support your business. 

2. Compare the costs and features of each app 

Make your own checklist of features you’re looking for – such as automated booking confirmations, appointment reminders, and waitlists – and keep it handy as you compare and contrast the features and costs of each app you research. Make a separate list of apps that meet your necessary criteria, which you can then narrow down further until you settle on the perfect fit. 

3. Check the reviews

Read customer reviews or testimonials of each app option and pay close attention to the negative comments. If the software you’re considering has frequent crashes, poor customer service, or is too expensive for the value it provides, you may want to save yourself the time and frustration and investigate an alternative. 

4. Ensure the app has a mobile and user-friendly design

An overly-complex app or one with a confusing layout will only end up causing problems for you, your team, and your clients. No software is perfect, and while each app will come with its own learning curve, it’s best to find one with a simple interface and straightforward design so you can spend less time on the phone with customer service and give your clients the attention they deserve. 

Manage Your Massage Therapy Business with GlossGenius

Massage therapy apps can be a gamechanger for your business by managing your clients, handling admin, offering marketing tools, and providing secure payment processing. With one app that can do it all, you can take the guesswork and frustration out of running your business – for you and your team.

GlossGenius is the ultimate partner for your massage therapy business, with dozens of features designed to help you succeed. With Marketing, you can reach clients wherever they are with text and email blasts filled with discounts, deals, and other important information about your services. Reports and Analytics will provide valuable insights about your business so you can analyze data to understand customer behavior, identify trends, and see if you’re meeting your milestones. GlossGenius also offers Genius Loans, which will provide up to $250,000 in funding to keep your business moving.

Try GlossGenius for your massage therapy business today and get 14 days free!