Loyal customers are the lifeblood of any business, but every tried-and-true patron was a hesitant newcomer once. If you want to run a successful laundromat with a strong customer base, it’s essential that you reach out to your community from time to time to forge relationships with potential new customers. How can you do this? Scroll down to learn how to attract new customers to your laundromat.
Tips for Finding New Customers
Create a Google Business Profile.
If you don’t already have a free Google Business Profile, that should be your first order of business. It will ensure that people can find you on Google Search and Google Maps.
Increase your social media presence.
Where are your potential new customers hanging out in their free time? No matter where they’re physically located, chances are they’re online. Social media can be a powerful tool, even for small brick-and-mortar businesses like laundromats. Try to post consistently using attractive photos and branding. Be sure to include all of your important contact info on your profile, including your address, hours, and phone number. In addition, be sure to check your notifications and messages so that you can answer customers’ questions and get them in the door.
Partner with other local businesses.
Explore other businesses in your community (gyms, restaurants, retail shops, universities, etc.), and consider reaching out about a partnership that could be lucrative for you both. You could co-host an event, promote each other’s services in-store or online, or offer discount coupons for each other’s businesses. For example, perhaps you could put coupons for a local pizza place on your bulletin board. They, in return, could put coupons for your laundromat on their counter. If you’re a good fit for each other, it could be a win-win situation.
Revamp your signage and curb appeal.
A first impression can be crucial for a small business. Does your laundromat attract people’s attention through its signage and exterior design? Or do they pass by without noticing it at all? The following tips can help you spruce up the place:
- Hire someone to improve your branding.
- Keep the exterior free of garbage and debris.
- Trim any obstructing grass, bushes, or trees.
- Wash the windows regularly.
- Replace burned-out lightbulbs promptly.
Get involved in your community.
How can you get your name out there? Look for opportunities in your community. For example, you could sponsor a local sports team or nonprofit, participate in fairs and festivals, join the local Chamber of Commerce, find a networking group, or donate to a local charity. Not only will this increase your name recognition, but also it may help you build relationships with potential customers and fellow business owners.
Encourage online reviews.
These days, most people rely on Google to find a new laundromat. And if a few different laundromats are located nearby, they’ll likely base their final decision on customer reviews. How can you get people to leave reviews? Try the following tips:
- Post a sign in-store conveying how much you appreciate reviews and asking customers to leave a review when they have a free moment. Sometimes a simple reminder and thank you is all it takes!
- Ask for reviews and feedback via social media.
- Go above and beyond, providing an exceptional experience that customers will be eager to talk about.
- Offer a discount or other incentive to customers who post an online review.
Provide an exceptional experience.
If you’re wondering how to attract new customers, don’t forget about word-of-mouth recommendations, which are one of the most effective strategies due to their personal nature. Keep your laundromat clean, maintain the equipment properly, and offer friendly customer service so that anyone who stops by has a positive experience. Not only will this increase the likelihood that your patrons will return, but also they might recommend your laundromat to a friend.
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Now that you know how to attract new customers to your laundromat, it’s time to get out there and make your plans a reality. Good luck!
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