Starting a med spa is a dream come true, but attracting clients can feel downright daunting — especially when you're up against well-established competitors with deeper pockets.

What’s the best way to promote your business? Should you spend big on social media? What about influencers? Should you give discounts?

The truth is, med spa promotions don't have to break the bank or require a marketing genius — they just need your personal touch.

Ready for a boost? Here are 15 creative and actionable med spa promotion ideas to attract more clients and kickstart your growth.

What is a med spa promotion?

Let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about promotions — the first thing that comes to mind is probably advertising. And while that’s part of it, promotion involves so much more.

Any activity that’s designed to bring clients into your med spa is called a promotion. Effective promotions drive new and repeat business by putting the spotlight on the value and quality of your services.

Top 15 creative med spa promotion ideas to grow your practice

#1 Send a personalized skincare quiz via website and email

Buzzfeed may be a thing of the past, but people still love taking a quiz.

The purpose of a skincare quiz is two-fold:

• First, it helps people identify what their skincare needs are. A quiz with the title ‘What’s your skin type?’ can help educate and inform potential clients about their skin.

• Second, the results of a quiz like this can help you cater to those specific needs in a personalized, resourceful manner.

• Don't just rely on your existing email list (although that's a great start if you have 50-100 addresses). Share the quiz on your website, social media platforms, and relevant online communities to capture leads beyond your current audience.

Here’s how you can execute it:

1. Craft a short, compelling quiz: Ask targeted questions about skin type, concerns (wrinkles, acne, etc.) and desired outcomes. Keep it concise and visually appealing. Use free tools like Typeform or Google Forms to do this.

2. Personalize recommendations: Based on their answers, suggest specific treatments, product lines, and at-home care routines.

3. Email capture and retargeting: At the end of the quiz, ask if they'd like to receive a free personalized skincare guide (or another enticing offer) via email. This captures their email address so you can stay in touch.

You can then send specific emails with relevant information like an infographic on tackling dry skin, or a special offer on wrinkle reduction treatments.

#2 Create a VIP text club with exclusive benefits

Text messaging isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of promotions, but it's a channel that people pay attention to — data from 2024 shows that 98% of people open a text they receive.

You can send out exclusive flash sales, early access to new treatments, and special birthday offers to incentivize repeat visits and encourage them to try your latest services.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Craft a compelling invitation: Announce the VIP Text Club on your website, social media, and email marketing.
  
  Highlight the exclusive benefits and how to join (typically by texting a keyword to your designated number).

• Deliver value: Focus on exclusive offers, appointment reminders, new treatment announcements, and valuable skincare tips.

Use Moxie Suite’s Membership and SMS features to run your VIP club.

#3 Partner with a local fitness studio

Team up with a wellness or fitness center that caters to your target demographic. Develop a collaborative challenge program that combines fitness classes with med spa treatments (think laser hair reduction or a rejuvenation facial).

This attracts a health-conscious audience and creates a results-oriented program.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Find your ideal partner: Search for fitness studios whose clientele aligns with your target audience. Whether it’s a high-end fitness center, a pilates studio, or even a local gym — choose an option where the clientele are more likely to have disposable income for beauty treatments.

• Develop a challenge: Co-create a program that caters to both fitness and post-workout recovery.
  This could be a weekly or monthly challenge with specific fitness goals and tailored spa treatments at discounted rates for participants.

• Track results and celebrate success: Monitor the program's progress and gather feedback from participants.

Make sure you talk about the success stories through social media posts and testimonials, to highlight the combined benefits of fitness and med spa treatments.

#4 Offer new clients a special experience package

People are naturally cautious about trying new things, especially when it comes to aesthetics and personal care. Med spas can help ease some worries by creating an experience package for new clients.

The goal is to give newcomers a chance to sample your expertise in a low-pressure environment.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Focus on value: Craft multiple packages at different price points to cater to a range of budgets and concerns.
  
  A basic package might include a complimentary consultation, a discounted introductory treatment (like a facial or chemical peel), and a sample-sized skincare product. 
  
  Higher-tier packages could offer a series of treatments at a reduced cost, additional consultations, and deluxe product sets.

• Emphasize the experience: Don't just highlight the treatments — highlight the entire experience. Mention the exceptional service, the professional staff, and the proven track record of treatments.

• Limited-time offers: Create a sense of urgency by offering the packages for a limited time. This can incentivize potential clients to book an appointment sooner rather than later.

• Track and analyze: Monitor the performance of your packages. See which ones resonate most with your target audience and adjust your offerings accordingly.

#5 Partner with a local high-end boutique

Med spas often cater to a clientele who appreciates premium experiences and a bit of luxury. Partnering with a local high-end boutique that aligns with your target audience can be a powerful way to expand your reach and attract new clients.

Think designer clothing stores, luxury jewelry shops, or high-end accessory boutiques.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Host an event: Design a joint event that offers a taste of both your services and the boutique's products.
  
  The event could include complimentary consultations, spin-the-wheel discounts, and some fun elements like prosecco or sangria.

• Cross-promotion: Promote the event jointly through your social media channels, email marketing blasts, and in-store signage at both locations.

#6 Team up with a high-end skincare or beauty brand

Partner with high-end skincare and beauty brands to offer a curated selection of products that aren’t readily available everywhere.

This caters to a clientele who appreciate unique and exclusive items.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Find brands that align with your spa's image and target your clientele. Look for exclusive brands not widely available.

• Craft a proposal outlining benefits for both parties. For example, you can emphasize increased brand awareness for them and access to a specific audience for you.

#7 Run a thoughtful referral program

Referral marketing is a powerful tool for med spas. By incentivizing existing clients to spread the word, you can tap into a network of trusted voices and acquire new customers who are more likely to convert.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Design a few tiers: For example, a client might receive a discount on their next service for referring one friend, and an even greater discount for referring two or more friends.
  
  ‍For example, you can create a special bonus offer for clients who refer a friend for Botox injections. This could be an additional discount on their next Botox treatment, a complimentary service like a facial, or a product gift set.

• Remind them often: Include a friendly reminder about the referral program in appointment confirmation emails and texts. Display clear and enticing information about the program in your waiting area and treatment rooms.

• Don’t be a miser: While you don’t need to lose money to launch a referral program, the best referral programs are generous to both the new customer and the referring customer.
  
  If there’s ever a time to factor in the lifetime value of a customer, it’s when you’re deciding on the rewards for a referral program. 

#8 Host an educational series with live Q&A on social media

With all the misinformation about skincare, having a qualified expert on your team can be a massive advantage. 

Use social media to educate viewers about skin concerns and establish your med spa as a trusted resource.

For example, you can host a Q&A session on Instagram Live, answering viewer questions about skin issues and treatments.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Pick a catchy title: Use a title like "Selfie Science: Understanding Your Skin Concerns" to keep the questions and answers focused.

• Pre-submitted questions: Encourage viewers to submit questions beforehand through comments or a designated form.

• Special discount: Offer a discount code exclusively for those who attend the live session to incentivize participation.

#9 Collaborate with nano-influencers in your area

Aim for micro- or nano-influencers with around 10,000 followers. Research shows that their followers are usually more engaged and loyal.

Their recommendations are seen as more authentic, because they tend to only work with brands they love and are willing to use.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Offer the influencer a complementary treatment, product package, or affiliate commission structure to incentivize their participation.

• Cross-promote the content on both your social media platforms and the influencer's channels to maximize reach.

• Idea to try: Partner with an influencer for a 24-hour Instagram story takeover. Let them showcase their favorite med spa treatments, document their experience, and answer follower questions about the spa and their personal skincare routine.

#10 Create a unique membership program

According to the American Med Spa Association, 65% of med spa patients are repeat clients. 

By rewarding clients for their loyalty, you can cultivate stronger relationships and turn them into brand advocates.

Here are some ways that med spas run successful membership programs:

• Beauty bank: Clients prepay a monthly amount for discounted services, ideal for spreading treatment costs.

• Tiered: Different price points with varying benefits, like monthly facials and discounts, to encourage exploring new services.

• Treatment-specific: Discounted pricing for recurring treatments like neurotoxins, appealing to clients who know treatment frequency and cost.

Avoid overcomplicating membership offerings. Stick to clear, concise options that are easy for clients to understand and for you to manage.

#11 Offer seasonal treatment bundles

Capitalize on seasonal trends and address common skincare concerns with strategically designed treatment packages.

This strategy increases booking rates by offering targeted solutions and incentivizes clients with bundled pricing.

Steal these ideas:

• Spring Skin Awakening: Usher in the season with treatments designed to rejuvenate and illuminate winter-weary skin. Introduce a package that combines a chemical peel to gently remove dead skin layers, followed by a vitamin-infused facial to brighten and hydrate.

• Summer Radiance Boost: Prepare for the summer with offerings focused on protecting and enhancing the skin’s natural glow. Feature a package that includes a laser photofacial to address pigmentation and enhance skin tone, alongside a light therapy session for collagen stimulation and sun damage repair.

• Autumn Rejuvenation: Transition into the cooler months with a focus on repairing and nourishing the skin after summer’s exposure. Propose a package incorporating microneedling to revitalize and boost the skin’s natural healing, paired with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to promote cellular regeneration and improve skin texture.

• Winter Restoration and Protection: Counteract the effects of harsh winter conditions with a focus on deep hydration and skin barrier repair. Offer a package that includes a hyaluronic acid-based skin booster injection for intense hydration, complemented by a non-invasive skin tightening treatment to restore firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

#12 Let your clients do the talking

Your clients are your best promoters. 

You can leverage their influence by dedicating a section on your social media platforms or website where you feature client selfies showcasing their radiant skin after visiting your med spa.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Focus on results, not procedures: Encourage clients to submit selfies that highlight overall improvements in texture, tone, or a newfound glow. Recommend specific treatments that might achieve these results.

• Offer incentives: Motivate participation by offering a discount or chance to win a product sample for submitting a selfie and using a branded hashtag.

• Prioritize client permission: Always get explicit permission from clients before featuring their selfies on your channels.

#13 Try some guerilla marketing tactics

Don’t be intimidated by the phrase. Guerilla marketing uses unconventional, low-cost methods to create surprise, generate buzz, and achieve maximum impact.

The goal is to grab attention in a creative and memorable way.

Try these ideas:

• Spa-themed parking spot takeover (low budget): Secure permission from local businesses with high customer traffic (high-end grocery stores, gyms) to temporarily "rent" a few parking spots.
  
  Place brightly colored cones with your logo and a catchy message like "Park Your Wrinkles Here - We'll Fix Them." or "Stressed? Relax & Rejuvenate at [Your Spa Name]."

• "Lunchtime Lip Refresh" pop-up (mid budget): Partner with a busy office building and set up a pop-up station in their lobby during lunchtime.
  
  Offer complimentary 5-minute lip treatments (exfoliation, gloss application) to busy professionals. Have brochures or a tablet showcasing your med spa's full range of services.

• "Post-Workout Glow Up" partnership (mid budget): Collaborate with a local yoga studio or fitness center. Offer discounted mini-services to members after their workout classes.

• "Mystery Gift Basket Giveaway" with local businesses (low budget): Partner with complementary businesses in your area (salons, boutiques).

Create a spa-themed gift basket filled with samples and coupons from each participating business and run a joint social media giveaway.

#14 Give back to the community

By volunteering your skills to those who need it, you not only give back to the community but also build brand awareness and showcase your passion for well-being.

This approach especially resonates with a younger, socially conscious demographic who value businesses that make a difference.

Here are some ideas you can try:

• A self-care day for communities in need: Partner with local shelters, women's centers, or senior citizen homes. Organize a workshop on skincare or self-care routines on a budget.

• Skincare workshop for educators: Teachers face a lot of stress that can impact their skin health. Partner with local schools to host workshops focused on combating stress-related skin issues, sharing effective anti-aging practices, and introducing simple, non-invasive med spa treatments for healthier skin.

• Spa day for caregivers: Recognize the tireless efforts of caregivers by organizing a dedicated spa day at your establishment.

Offer complimentary mini-treatments like facials to acknowledge their dedication and provide a much-needed moment of self-care.

#15 Jump on the celebrity-buzz train

People are curious about how celebrities maintain their youthful appearance. Analyzing their routines taps into this interest and positions your med spa as a trusted interpreter of these trends.

While celebrities may have access to expensive treatments, highlight how your med spa can provide effective, surgical and non-surgical options to achieve similar results.

Here’s how you can execute it:

• Decoded: Break down a celebrity's skincare routine, explaining each step and its benefits. You can get their skincare routines on Instagram channels like Vogue or their personal accounts.

• Spa dupes: Identify celebrity favorites and suggest similar, more affordable products or treatments available at your med spa.

• Myth or Magic?: Debunk celebrity skincare myths and promote evidence-based practices.

Need marketing help? Try Moxie

Moxie empowers med spa owners across the country to grow faster, bring in more profit, and achieve real success.

We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what you do best — providing exceptional care to your clients.

Here's how Moxie can help your med spa thrive:

• Marketing done for you: Moxie manages everything from website creation (under your brand) to targeted advertising that drives new clients through your doors.

• Increase your profit overnight: Thanks to our preferred pricing on key supplies like neurotoxins and fillers, you’ll have access to competitive pricing (up to 50%) on pharmaceuticals and supplies so you can keep more of what you earn.

• Hands-on, expert coaching: Our dedicated coaches meet with you regularly to support your growth, give you hands-on help, and guide you through the process of launching, managing, and growing your med spa.

• All-in-one software suite: From online appointment scheduling to charting to text marketing and memberships — we’ve got you covered. With Moxie, it’s easier than ever to run your business and wow your clients.

Book a Free Strategy Session Today and See How We Can Help