One of the biggest obstacles massage therapists face with client retention is knowing client expectations, and many practitioners lack a system that can adequately capture this information. This is where a massage therapy client intake form comes in handy.

A client intake form is a questionnaire professionals use to collect client information, preferences, and concerns, ultimately giving massage therapists the power to tailor their services to client needs.

You can utilize a client intake form to streamline the intake process for both you and your client, and here are four ways the form can also help you build and improve client relations.

1. Set the Tone of Your Massage Practice Through Personalized Messaging

Your client intake form is an opportunity to connect with clients, introduce your practice, and showcase your professionalism. Transparency helps build trust and loyalty, and the intake form will let you show potential clients that your practice cares and is attentive to their needs.

You can also use the intake form to relay company values. So, if your practice is committed to comfort, use the intake questionnaire to highlight this.

2. A Chance to Ask the Client How You Can Help Them

Creating an intake questionnaire for new clients or updating the form for recurring clients will allow you to have the necessary insights on standby ahead of time.

The form will give clients a chance to share their goals, which will allow you to provide more targeted massage experiences.

For example, a common question on a massage therapy intake form asks how much pressure the client wants. With this information, you can tailor your techniques to their preferences without having to check in repeatedly during the session.

An intake form also tracks unique client information, such as medical history and current stressors. Having these details on hand helps you give each massage client the best care possible.

3. You Can Choose the Right Clientele for You

Before an appointment, a client intake form will alert you to exactly who you’re dealing with and what their unique needs are. When you understand what your client wants from the beginning, you can take on requests that are in line with your skill set and practice goals.

If a client’s goals and your expertise are not aligned, it is better to decline to provide the service rather than give a less-than-satisfactory experience.

4. Communicate Expectations

An intake form can also help the client better understand your practice and its policies. The form, which should ideally include a section for a signed waiver, can spell out your policies, fees, and liability in advance, which helps ensure that both sides know what they’re responsible for and what they’ll receive in return.

It also helps set boundaries for communication. For example, you can establish your working hours and preferred means of communication with clients ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion

A massage therapy client intake form is a great way to let clients know that you are mindful of their body, preferences, and needs.

If you’re ready to build client rapport and retention with the perfect client intake form, consider going digital to save time and resources. MassageBook makes it easy to streamline the process and give your practice a modern upgrade. Our automated practice management software makes intake forms painless for clients to fill out ahead of time at home and easy for you to manage and access from your phone or work computer.

Start using MassageBook’s digital client intake form today. You’ll be amazed at how much it improves your practice management and client relations!