Did you know that the wellness and massage sector in the United States generates over $16.3 billion in revenue? That's right - and the global market for massage and spa services is expected to grow from $95 billion in 2021 to more than $185 billion by 2030.
Want to develop an app like Soothe and tap into this booming market? You're making a smart choice. The massage therapy job market is projected to increase by 22% from 2014 to 2024, while the on-demand economy attracts over 23 million consumers globally who spend more than $57.6 billion annually. These numbers show why entrepreneurs are rushing to create an app like Soothe - the demand is real and growing.
How to build an app like Soothe might seem complex at first, but with the right approach, you can create a platform that connects massage therapists with clients seeking relaxation and wellness services. Additionally, a well-designed app can offer various massage types including sports, deep tissue, and Swedish massages.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about entering this profitable market - from understanding user needs to selecting the right tech stack and implementing smart monetization strategies.
Understanding the On-Demand Massage App Market
Mobile massage services are shaking up the traditional spa industry by disrupting conventional business models. The global mobile massage therapy market reached USD 5.2 billion in 2024. Experts project it will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% through 2032, reaching USD 9.5 billion. This represents a large piece of the broader wellness sector and creates fresh possibilities for tech entrepreneurs who want to develop an app like Soothe.
Growth of wellness and massage industry
The wellness and massage sector has grown remarkably over the last several years. Industry reports show the global spa industry expanded from USD 60.3 billion with 71,672 spas in 2007 to USD 94 billion with 105,591 spas by 2013. Recent estimates reveal 201,861 spas worldwide now earn USD 157 billion in revenues - showing a 7.4% annual revenue growth rate from 2007-2024.
The massage service market continues to thrive. The global massage therapy service market stands at USD 65.23 billion in 2024. Predictions suggest it will grow at a promising CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2034. The United States massage industry alone generates USD 16.25 billion with 22,852 spas.
Several factors fuel this growth:
- People focus more on health and wellness (43% of consumers got their last massage for health reasons)
- Medical professionals recognize massage's benefits for pain management more widely
- Consumers prefer at-home health solutions increasingly
- Middle-class population grows with higher disposable income
Why apps like Soothe are gaining popularity
On-demand massage apps are changing how people access wellness services. The global massage on-demand apps market currently stands at USD 1.25 billion. Growth expectations of 17.9% could push it to USD 3.85 billion by 2033.
These platforms attract users because they solve real problems. One industry expert puts it this way: "Even though the spa industry is a USD 12 billion annual market in the US, as it exists now, it's outdated and inefficient". These on-demand services offer several benefits:
Users enjoy convenience without travel, parking, or scheduling hassles. Apps like Soothe let people book just an hour before service and run from early morning until late night.
The pricing stays competitive. Soothe's services start at USD 99 for a 60-minute massage with tip and tax included. This makes luxury wellness more available to everyone.
Therapists earn better compensation through these platforms. They can make up to three times more compared to traditional employment. A therapist takes home USD 70 from Soothe's standard USD 99 price.
Opportunities for entrepreneurs
Tech founders who want to create an app like Soothe will find many opportunities in this growing market. Mobile massage therapy aligns perfectly with changing consumer behaviors - especially the rising need for flexible wellness options that fit busy lifestyles.
The expanding gig economy provides plenty of independent massage therapists looking for flexible work through digital platforms. Soothe has already tapped into this trend with over 3,200 independent contractors across multiple markets.
Investors show strong interest in this sector. Soothe raised USD 35 million in Series B funding, bringing their total to nearly USD 48 million. Their success proves this business model works, with revenue growing 20-30% month-over-month.
New entrants can explore these growth areas:
- Corporate wellness programs through enterprise contracts
- Hospitality sector partnerships
- Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East
- Specialized therapeutic services targeting specific populations
Turn Market Potential Into a Profitable Business
Join the on-demand revolution by creating a flexible solution for modern consumers. Let's discuss how you can enter this lucrative market.
How Does an App Like Soothe Work?
On-demand massage apps make it easy to book professional massage services with a few taps on your smartphone. The way apps like Soothe work helps entrepreneurs identify essential features they need to develop their own platform. Let's get into how these apps work from both user and therapist viewpoints.
User flow from booking to service
The process starts when users download the app and create an account. The original setup needs simple registration through email, social media accounts, or phone numbers. After logging in, users follow these steps:
- Service selection - Users browse different massage types (Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal) and pick their preferred option
- Therapist selection - Users choose their massage professional based on ratings, location, and availability
- Booking details - Users pick the date, time, duration, and location (home, hotel, or office)
- Payment processing - Users pay through in-app methods (credit cards, digital wallets)
- Confirmation - The booking gets confirmed and waits for therapist acceptance
Apps like Soothe are convenient because they're flexible. Users can schedule appointments ahead of time or request services within an hour, depending on therapist availability. Users can also set their priorities like the therapist's gender, pressure level, and whether they want conversation during sessions.
Therapist onboarding and scheduling
Massage professionals can find flexible work opportunities with higher earning potential on these platforms. The therapist side of the app works through several key components:
Therapists go through a verification process that includes license validation and background checks to maintain quality standards. They then get access to a dedicated portal to manage their business.
A standout feature in apps like Soothe is the service area mapping capability. Therapists can "draw their preferred service area boundaries directly on a map". This lets professionals group locations into "Location Bundles", making it easy to manage multiple service areas.
The scheduling feature gives therapists control over their availability. They can block personal time, set working hours, and manage time between appointments. One case study mentions that "automatic buffer time after appointments ensures enough time to drive from one client to another".
Real-time tracking and notifications
Modern massage apps use location-based services to boost the experience for everyone involved. When a therapist accepts a booking request, live tracking starts. Users can see their therapist's arrival progress. Therapists receive detailed information about the appointment location, including "a map of the location, optimal driving route, and the client's full address".
Automated communication systems are crucial in these apps. They send appointment confirmations, reminders, and status updates to reduce no-shows and improve punctuality. A developer noted that these systems "alert clients to their appointments, reducing the likelihood of no-shows".
The apps show parking details, accessibility information, and other relevant notes that help therapists prepare for each appointment. Some platforms even indicate if pets are present or if there are stairs at the location - practical details that help therapists arrive prepared.
Key Features to Include in Your Massage App
A successful massage booking platform needs features that work well for both users and therapists. Building an app like Soothe requires you to focus on components that create an uninterrupted experience. Here are the must-have features for your massage app.
User registration and profile setup
User registration is where everything starts in a massage booking app. The onboarding process becomes simple with multiple sign-up options through email, phone numbers, and social media accounts. New users can create accounts by entering their name, contact details, and email address.
Your app should only collect information that matters for the service. This includes priorities about health conditions and any special requirements for massage sessions. A digital signature feature helps with legal compliance when users accept terms and conditions.
Users get a better experience with profile personalization that saves their priorities, wishlists, and booking history. This data lets them quickly rebook their favorite services. Note that sign-up URLs can handle 20 clients at most in 24 hours - this helps you plan your infrastructure as you build an app like Soothe.
Therapist directory and filters
The heart of your massage app is a well-organized therapist directory. Users should easily find professional profiles with details about specializations, experience, and availability. Add search options with filters for massage types, pricing, location, and ratings.
Users can find the right therapists with customizable filtering options. Data shows 92% of reviewers think online booking features are important or highly important. This shows how much users value this feature.
A location-based search helps users find nearby massage professionals. Many successful platforms use customizable schedules with availability blocks that make it easy to book convenient times.
In-app chat and notifications
Communication features keep everyone in the loop during the booking process. Push notifications tell users about appointments, promotions, and service changes. These notifications get a 90% open rate when used well.
Your app needs two types of chat features:
- Transaction-based messaging about specific bookings
- General communication for other questions
SMS and email reminders cut down on no-shows and make the experience better. Users can choose when and how they get notifications with customizable reminder settings.
Flexible payment options
A massage booking app should offer various ways to pay. You should include:
- Credit/debit card processing
- Digital wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Stored payment information for quick checkout
- Cash payment options for in-person services
- Installment payment plans
Security is crucial for financial transactions. Most mobile apps use payment functionality through established APIs like PayPal, Stripe, and Visa, which handle data protection.
"Card-on-file" features help enforce cancelation policies and make future bookings easier. This protects businesses and makes payments simple for returning customers.
Ratings and reviews system
User feedback builds trust and maintains quality on your massage platform. Ratings and reviews help keep service standards high and give valuable insights to therapists and platform administrators.
Clients can rate their experience and give detailed feedback after each session. These reviews help new users choose their therapists. The review system can also generate Google reviews, which helps more people find your app online.
Breaking Down the App Panels: User, Therapist, Admin
A massage booking app needs three connected panels to work. Each panel helps different user groups with features built just for them. Here's what goes into each panel when building an app like Soothe.
User panel features
The client interface serves as the main point of contact for customers looking for massage services. Users can sign up using their phone numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts. After logging in, they can access many useful features.
Smart search helps customers find massage therapists with specific filters that give better results. Customers can narrow down their choices based on their priorities. The interface shows therapists in clear categories, which makes choosing simple.
Customers can book services right from the app after checking detailed therapist profiles. The booking system lets clients change or cancel appointments when needed. Once the service ends, clients can pay through several payment methods and share their experience through ratings or reviews.
Clients and therapists can chat directly in the app after booking confirmation. This helps them discuss any special needs before the session. Regular clients see their appointment status on a personal dashboard - from requested and scheduled to in-progress, completed, or canceled.
Therapist panel features
Massage professionals use their own interface to run their business smoothly. The therapist panel has a simple login system and strong profile tools where they can add services, experience, and set their rates.
One key feature lets therapists manage their availability. They can set work hours, block personal time, and add breaks between appointments. Advanced platforms even let professionals "draw their preferred service area boundaries directly on a map" and create location groups to serve clients better.
Request management lets therapists see, accept, or decline service requests. The app shows the best driving routes and location details once they accept a request. Therapists can mark appointments complete after the service, which starts the payment process.
Therapists can check their earnings and payment history through the payment system. Advanced platforms also offer digital SOAP notes, so therapists can document client sessions and keep organized records.
Admin dashboard capabilities
The administrative control center manages both user and therapist panels. This strong dashboard gives complete oversight of the entire system.
Admins approve users, watch service listings, and track payouts from one place. The dashboard has detailed reports they can edit and export to spreadsheets. These reports show earnings, completed services, delays, and cancelations - key numbers for planning the business.
Payment tools help admins process transactions, solve disputes, and handle platform fees. They can also create and track special offers through promo codes to attract and keep users.
Admins can review and moderate both user and therapist profiles when needed. Many platforms also let admins manage ads and featured listings to earn extra revenue.
Build a Robust Platform for All Users
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Step-by-Step Guide to Build an App Like Soothe
Building a massage booking app requires several vital steps that determine its market success. This section provides a practical roadmap to help you build an app like Soothe without getting stuck in technical details.
1. Define your app idea and goals
Your massage app needs clear objectives from the start. Set measurable goals like target user numbers, booking volumes, or revenue projections. Know your target audience: corporate clients who need wellness solutions, individual users, or people seeking specialized therapy. Think about the problems your app will solve: missed bookings, scheduling issues, or finding qualified therapists. Meeting spa owners can give you great insights about their challenges with existing solutions. Write down your business goals, main features, and unique selling points before you start development.
2. Conduct market and competitor research
Look at existing massage apps like Fresha, GlossGenius, and StyleSeat to see what works and what doesn't. User reviews will show you what customers like and what problems still need solutions. Break down various business models, commission-based, subscription, or hybrid approaches. Research shows mobile massage businesses can offer services starting at $99 for hour-long sessions, giving you baseline pricing data. The therapist payment structure matters too, platforms like Soothe pay therapists $70 per hour, almost 3.8 times more than industry averages.
3. Choose the right tech stack
Technology choices affect your app's reliability and performance. Here are cross-platform development options:
- Frontend: React Native or Flutter for mobile apps, React for web interfaces
- Backend: Node.js with Express.js for immediate features, or Laravel/PHP for traditional hosting
- Database: MongoDB for flexibility or PostgreSQL for structured data
- Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud, or Firebase for scalability and data storage
A good development partner will help pick technologies that reduce bugs and support future growth. Note that starting with a minimal viable product (MVP) helps you launch faster and improve based on real user feedback.
4. Design wireframes and UI/UX
Design goes beyond looks, it creates intuitive flows. Users should book services in under a minute. Start by creating wireframes that show user paths from registration to post-service reviews. These wireframes help developers and spot potential usability issues early. Keep things simple and clear instead of flashy. Wellness apps need empathetic design with calming visuals and easy navigation since people often use them during stress.
5. Develop front-end and back-end
The front-end includes everything users see and use, from buttons and layouts to visual elements. The back-end handles core functions, processing requests, managing database operations, and working with third-party services. Add secure payment gateways, immediate scheduling, and therapist matching algorithms during development. Building both parts together through sprint-based approaches helps find integration issues early.
6. Test and refine the app
Real-life testing shows how your app actually works. You need multiple types of testing:
- User acceptance testing with real clients and therapists
- Performance testing with high traffic
- Security testing for payments and personal data
- Cross-platform compatibility checks
Share a beta version to get early feedback before the full launch. Fix bugs and usability issues found during testing, early fixes cost less than post-launch corrections.
7. Launch and gather feedback
Put your app on iOS and Android stores after quality checks. Have backup plans ready in case of rejection. Start with strong marketing across social media, influencer partnerships, and digital advertising to build your initial user base. Use analytics tools to watch user behavior and find ways to improve. Keep collecting feedback through in-app surveys and reviews to guide future updates.
Cost Factors in Developing a Massage App
The cost of developing an app like Soothe depends on several factors. You need to understand these factors to plan your budget. The final price tag changes based on your choices and requirements.
Development team and location
Your development team's location plays a big role in the overall cost. The hourly rates vary a lot between different regions:
- North America: $80-$150 per hour
- Western Europe: $60-$120 per hour
- Eastern Europe: $40-$80 per hour
- Southeast Asia: $25-$55 per hour
- India: $20-$50 per hour
The size of your team will shape your budget. A complete development team needs project managers, UI/UX designers, data analysts, database administrators, mobile app developers, and quality assurance professionals. A larger team speeds up the work but costs more.
Feature complexity and integrations
Your massage app's complexity drives the development costs. A simple app with basic features like registration systems costs $40,000-$80,000. Apps with advanced features such as real-time messaging and social media connections range from $80,000-$200,000. Complex applications with specialized functions cost more than $200,000.
Adding third-party tools for payments, tracking, and communication makes operations smoother but adds to the cost. Each integration needs special expertise and takes time to implement.
Platform choice: iOS, Android, or both
The choice of platforms affects your budget. Native development for both iOS and Android costs $50,000-$80,000. Cross-platform development with React Native or Flutter runs $35,000-$60,000. This approach saves 30-40% through shared code efficiency.
UI/UX design and branding
Good design gives you an edge over competitors. A straightforward app design with standard UI/UX elements costs $15,000-$20,000 and takes about 400 hours. More screens, custom animations, and visual elements increase design complexity. Skimping on design often results in poor user retention and eventual redesign expenses.
Ongoing maintenance and updates
Your budget should account for post-launch costs. App maintenance usually costs 15-20% of the original development expense each year. The first year's maintenance might reach 50% of the development cost as you address unexpected issues.
Monthly upkeep runs $2,000-$4,000 based on app complexity. This covers bug fixes, server costs, OS compatibility updates, and security patches.
Monetization Strategies for Your Massage App
Your massage app needs smart planning to make money. Several profit models can work alone or together to create steady income streams for your Soothe-like app.
Commission per booking
Commissions are the foundations of massage app monetization. Your platform earns a percentage from each completed service, typically 10-30% of the transaction value. This creates a win-win situation - your platform makes money only when therapists do. Here's a practical example: if your app handles 1,000 monthly bookings at $100 each with a 25% commission, you'll earn $25,000 monthly or $300,000 annually.
Commission-based earnings scale naturally with growth. Your revenue increases as your user base expands without any fee structure changes. Take Soothe, a 5-year old platform - they collect about $29 from a standard $99 booking, while therapists get $70.
Subscription plans for users
Subscription models provide steady, predictable income. Here are effective tiered plans:
- Basic ($9.99/month): 5% off each booking
- Pro ($19.99/month): One free 30-minute service upgrade
- Elite ($49.99/month): Priority booking plus 10% discount
Recurring memberships now make up more than 40% of loyal user bases in successful massage apps. Regular users love these plans because they save money consistently.
Featured listings for therapists
Therapists can get more visibility through premium placements. This revenue stream lets massage professionals pay for better exposure through:
- Homepage banner placement: $100-$300 weekly
- Sponsored search results: $5-$15 per click
- Featured profiles in specialty categories
This approach gets more revenue without changing commission rates and gives therapists great marketing options.
In-app purchases and ads
The platform can earn extra money beyond just bookings through:
- Service add-ons (aromatherapy +$10, deep tissue upgrade +$20)
- Equipment sales through marketplace partnerships
- Third-party advertisements from wellness brands
These extra purchases usually boost average order value by 25-30%, which substantially increases platform revenue.
Why Hire a Mobile App Development Company Like CISIN
Professional partners can speed up your massage app's market entry and help you avoid getting pricey mistakes along the way. The right expert team makes all the difference in your development trip.
Expertise in on-demand app development
Mobile application development companies like CISIN are 10 years old and specialize in creating wellness platforms. Their technical teams know multiple cutting-edge technologies like React Native, Flutter, and other cross-platform frameworks. This knowledge leads to faster development without compromising quality. The Guardian recognizes Dev Technosys as a top On-Demand Massage App Development Company, which shows how industry recognition reflects product excellence.
End-to-end development and support
Professional development partners manage your entire project from start to finish. Their services cover:
- UI/UX design with user-focused experiences
- Backend development with flexible cloud infrastructure
- Secure payment gateway integrations
Support after launch is vital to your app's success. Quality teams provide maintenance, updates, and fix bugs - these are the foundations of long-term success. This complete approach lets you concentrate on growing your business instead of dealing with technical issues.
Proven track record with similar apps
Success with similar projects substantially cuts down risk. Companies with years of experience have portfolios that showcase achievements in related fields. To cite an instance, see how one company turned a struggling wellness platform from a 2.6-star app into a 4.6-star success by improving device connectivity and scalability. Another company created an appointment system that simplified booking processes and improved daily operations. These real-life examples show how good technical work drives business results.
Partner With Top-Tier Wellness App Developers
Leverage our proven expertise in on-demand development to launch a secure, bug-free app faster. Let us handle the tech while you focus on growth.
Conclusion
A massage app offers entrepreneurs a golden chance to enter the thriving wellness market. The numbers tell a compelling story - experts project the global massage therapy market to reach $185 billion by 2030. This shows substantial potential for success.
This piece covers every aspect you need to build your own massage booking platform. You now have the blueprint to turn your app idea into reality, from market analysis to ways to make money. Your app's success depends on understanding what users want and creating something that appeals to both clients and therapists.
The right features make your app stand out from average platforms. Successful massage apps need core elements like user registration, therapist directories, flexible payment options, and smooth communication tools. Your platform gains a competitive edge when you prioritize these during development.
Building an app might look tough at first. Breaking it down into smaller steps - from concept definition to testing and launch - makes the experience easier. Working with prominent software developers like CISIN helps you reach the market faster and avoid common mistakes.
Cost plays a significant role in planning. Looking at development as an investment instead of an expense gives you a better viewpoint. The right mix of features, design, and functionality helps create a platform that gets more and thus encourages more revenue through commissions, subscriptions, and premium listings.
The massage-on-demand market grows faster because it meets basic consumer needs for convenience, quality, and accessibility. You can grab your share of this growing market by using the roadmap in this piece.
Note that success takes time. Start with a focused MVP and keep gathering user feedback to improve your platform based on ground usage. Your massage booking app can become the next success story in the on-demand wellness economy with commitment and the right technical partner.
