Most people don’t automatically think of peace and relaxation when it comes to starting a business. However, the wellness industry is currently valued at more than 4.2 trillion dollars- with the spa economy weighing in at approximately $118.8 billion.
Obviously, these self-care parlors are still a growing staple in a lot of people’s beauty and health routines. Keep reading to learn how to open a spa if you’re interested in joining this quick moving industry.
Choose Services & Business Model
Before you learn how to open a spa, you should consider the exact services you would like to offer to people. In this case, you need to be thinking about who your spa caters to and what type of things you should include there. For instance, will you have “extra” amenities, such as pools and saunas?
This is also the time to flesh out your business model and other fine details. Are you giving the option of a la carte services, package deals or memberships? Of course, you can combine various methods but these are important factors to think about when it comes to narrowing down your pricing.
Do Legal Paperwork
The difference between having a hobby and running a legitimate business will come down to legalities. If you want to figure out how to open a spa and function as a recognizable business entity to the government, you’ll need to register your business with the secretary of state.
Hire a legal expert to assist with selecting a business structure best for you, such as LLC (limited liability company), S-corp, C-corp, etc. Then, do your research on paying taxes for your business. If you decide to choose LLC as your ideal business structure, you will need to create an LLC operating agreement. Don’t worry, while this seems complicated, there is a great HTSALLC guide that will give you all the information that you need to properly finish this process.
Find the Perfect Location
You’ll never learn how to open a spa if you don’t settle on a great location to put your plan into action. For starters, starting a business with a spa as an LLC in California is a very different experience from starting one in Wyoming. Look for places that have good foot traffic and are in neighborhoods where your demographic lives.
This is one of the most important steps in setting up your business, so take your time and don’t rush into signing a lease. There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for a spa location:
– you want it to be easily accessible and visible to potential customers,
– you want it to be in a safe neighborhood,
– and you want it to have the right atmosphere.
Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to start setting up your spa. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and furniture.
Write out a budget before you begin searching for places so that you can narrow down the options. Partner with a realtor to help you locate a commercial building that is appropriate for your type of business.
Establish a Brand
Once you’ve moved in and got everything up and running, it’s time to build a brand that will attract new customers. Tighten up your branding by making sure your colors, logo, message and overall aesthetic are consistent.
Building a brand will help you to stand out from other spas and will allow your clientele to become familiar with your business specifically. Show your uniqueness by broadcasting your expertise and specialties, such as reflexology or beauty services. Check out TheLaserTrader.com for an example of this.
Master Marketing
Now you need to get the word out to people so the crowds can start to roll in. Start advertising using free and/or paid marketing via social media platforms. Build a website and push traffic via blogs, videos, and other educational content.
You can also print flyers to pass out in the area and put on events to make the community aware of your presence. The most important part about advertising your business is developing a marketing strategy and remaining consistent.
Want More Information on How to Open a Spa and Grow Your Business?
Creating an overnight success often takes months or even years. Learning how to open a spa is just the first step- you also to put all the right foundational basics into action to build a firm base for your company.
Be patient and continue to provide quality services to help your wellness business grow. Check out our site if you want to find out more ways that you can market your spa online.
