Whether you are just starting in the car wash industry or you’ve been around a while, marketing your car wash is always an important part of the business. You don’t need to spend a lot of money marketing your car wash to see results. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Signage
Your signage and curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of marketing your car wash. First, you need signage that draws customers to your business. Choose signage that is impactful, bright, and easy to read. The type of signage you choose depends greatly on your location. If you are located on a busy road with high speed limits for example, you’ll want something larger and flashier to grab attention at a higher speed. If you’re located at an intersection, you may want to consider some digital signage to feature catchy slogans and promote specials.
Curb Appeal
Your customer is in- they’ve decided they want a car wash and your bright, attractive signage got their attention. When they pull into your car wash, what do they see? Let’s hope it’s not a building in disrepair with overgrown landscaping and grounds littered with trash. Use an objective eye to look at your property and ask yourself if there are things you can do to spruce up your curb appeal. Trimming unruly shrubs, power washing and/or adding a fresh coat of paint to your building, and picking up garbage are all relatively inexpensive ways to improve your curb appeal and welcome your customers.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs, sometimes called membership or frequent customer programs, reward your customers for coming back to your car wash again and again. With many options out there for car washing, loyalty programs encourage your customers to return to your car wash versus one down the street. When your customers sign up, you get their contact information and may be able to communicate with them via email, mobile, direct mail, etc. (depending on their selected preferences, of course).
Some possible ideas for loyalty programs:
- Free or discounted car wash with sign up
- Buy 9 washes, get 1 free
- Earn points towards future car washes with each purchase
- Exclusive discounts only available for loyalty members
Think outside of the box and get creative with your ideas. That creativity will help you stand out from your competition.
Social Media Presence
If your car wash isn’t already on social media, make it a priority to set up your accounts. Social media is a relatively fast and inexpensive way to market your car wash.
Content ideas for social media:
- Advertise specials
- Promote your loyalty program
- Explain what the different wash cycles and options are at your car wash along with pictures
- Feature your employees
- Post pictures of the most interesting cars that have come through your car wash
- Offer a giveaway for your followers if they invite their friends, or tag a friend in a post
The more you post, the more you will stay top-of-mind for your followers. Posting pictures of beautifully washed vehicles may inspire your followers to go get their own car washed!
Get Involved in the Community
Finding ways to work with and give back to your community is a win-win: it’s a great way to get your name out there, and it’s an even better way to help local organizations. There are likely many organizations in your community that could benefit from your donations.
- Think local schools, youth sports, shelters, food shelves, etc.
- Host a day at your car wash where a percentage of sales are donated to the cause
- Participate in a local business discount card, typically sold by youth sports team to raise money
- Sponsor a local event, like a car show, carnival, or fair, or host a workshop on car maintenance.
Rely on Reliable Plus
You can spend all the money in the world marketing your car wash- but it won’t be worth it if your car wash isn’t operational. Our highly skilled technicians work seven days a week to minimize your downtime. As a result, our partners experience more than 99% uptime efficiency. We also deliver the best in car wash detergents, solutions and other products that provide your customers with the clean they expect. Need signage? Let us help you get the perfect sign to attract customers with our custom sign program.
Contact us today to learn more.
