With the advancements in technology over the last few decades, laundromats have had many opportunities to upgrade. These updates have typically benefited both the business owner and the customer, improving the speed and efficiency of the process. Embracing change may also help you determine how to differentiate your laundry business from nearby competitors. Use our tips below to figure out how you can break away from the mold and attract new customers.
How to Differentiate Your Laundry Business
Create a brand.
Scott Goodson, the founder of advertising firm StrawberryFrog, said it best: “Branding is fundamental. Branding is basic. Branding is essential.” Goodson goes on to talk about some of America’s iconic brands, like Budweiser and Levi’s, in a column he penned for Forbes– but you don’t have to be a national player to harness the power of branding.
Branding is the face and voice of your business. Are you approachable or high-tech? Charmingly old-school or luxury? Kid-friendly or edgy? These are all questions upon which your brand should reflect. They should be reflected in your logo, in your interior design, your marketing content, your website layout, and your social media. Creating a brand is one of the easiest ways to stand out from your competition, so don’t underestimate the power of a strong brand.
Target your audience using social media.
If you find that college-age kids or young adults make up a large portion of your customer base, that’s important to keep in mind. This will change how you approach marketing. It’s no secret that millenials get their news from social media, but they also turn to online platforms like Facebook and Instagram to learn more about local businesses.
But it’s not just millennials using social media. According to the Pew Research Center, 68 percent of American adults use Facebook in 2018. So as you consider how to differentiate your laundry business, don’t ignore your online presence. Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram offer easy and effective ways to communicate with your audience about new amenities and loyalty programs so you can draw in new customers.
Find your edge.
Laundry services are nothing new. This is one industry that has managed to stand the test of time. But that doesn’t mean you have to blend into the pack. Learn how to differentiate your laundry business by finding an edge or hook. It’s common in college towns and larger cities to find laundromats equipped with pinball machines and arcade games. Some operations have even incorporated bars and coffee shops into the mix, so patrons can unwind and hangout while waiting for the dry cycle.
Embrace technology.
This is an easy fix. The key is to provide customers with services that make heading to the laundromat enjoyable. For starters, offer free Wi-Fi so your customers can get work done while waiting on their laundry. If it’s in the budget, offer an app that customers can download to let them know when their laundry is finished or when a machine frees up. While not essential, these features can certainly help if you’re wondering how to differentiate your laundry business.
Ditch the coins.
Laundromats are some of the few remaining places where you often still need quarters. This can be a big annoyance and deterrence for customers. If you offer a change machine, that’s a great start. But it might be time to upgrade to new machines equipped with credit card readers so that your customers no longer have to scrounge for quarters or cash before laundry day.
Consider security.
If your business is dirty or poorly lit, customers might take it as a warning sign, especially if they were hoping to knock out some laundry late at night. To create a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel safe, start by keeping the store clean and well lit. Installing security cameras you can access from your smartphone is another great way to increase safety and security.
Offer more amenities.
When you’re considering how to differentiate your laundry business, take a look at your available amenities. Do you offer a loyalty program for repeat customers? Could you provide a wash-and-fold service? What about a basic pressing service? These are just a few amenities in high demand, especially in larger cities and in college towns.
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Whether you update your machines or expand your list of services, there are ample opportunities to improve your business and stand out from the competition. And we should know. Laundry Solutions Company was founded in 1976, and we have been focused on providing the highest quality equipment and service on the laundry market ever since. From apartment laundry rooms and coin-operated laundromats to nursing homes, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, dry cleaners, and schools,Laundry Solutions Company has a solution. To learn more about how we can save you money in utility and maintenance costs, call us at 800-383-9274.