A strong customer base is the lifeblood of any business, including laundromats. Loyal customers provide the revenue you need to grow and expand your business. However, attracting new customers is a high priority, but typically a challenging one. If you’re like many of the laundromat owners we work with, you’re not even sure where to start. No worries! There are plenty of ways to get your name out in the community and connect with potential new customers. Here are five easy ways to attract more customers to your laundromat and continue to grow your business:

1. Host a special event.

Hosting an event at your laundromat is a great way to get new customers through the door and encourage old ones to return on a regular basis. Laundry-focused events, such as a Free Laundry Day or celebrating your store’s anniversary, are great options. However, many coin laundries have found success with community-focused events as well, such as summer reading programs or seminars on topics such as immigration or resume writing. We always encourage laundromat owners to get creative with the events they hold and really hone in on what might interest their target audience.

2. Join a community business group.

Getting active in various community groups, such as your local chamber of commerce or various committees, is always a good idea for small business owners. This involvement helps boost brand awareness and customer perception of your business. Plus, these groups often promote their members/partners throughout the community and provide helpful leadership, growth, and development opportunities that will benefit your laundry business long-term.

3. Sponsor a team or organization.

Plenty of local sports teams and non-profit organizations — including community theater groups, animal shelters, schools, alumni groups, and more —  look to community businesses to help cover costs. In exchange, they’ll usually wear your logo, provide free ad space in their printed materials or website, or allow you to speak at their events. Sponsorships are another great way to give back to the community while still increasing brand awareness and connecting with potential customers. Plus, people love to support businesses that give back to the community. 

4. Partner with other local businesses.

 Business partnerships can be incredibly beneficial and lucrative for both parties. You’ll instantly reach a whole new customer base and building long-term relationships with fellow business owners, such as small restaurants or cafes or gyms/fitness centers, in the community. Consider co-hosting an event, cross-promoting services online and in-store, or even offering discounts to shared customers. For example, a pizza delivery place may put fliers for your business on their pizza boxes in exchange for free access to machines to wash aprons and other linens, or a university may let you put coupons for your laundromat in a welcome packet for new students living around campus.

5. Increase your social presence and following.

Approximately 223 million Americans use social media on a regular basis. Chances are, your customers are on at least one, if not multiple, social platforms. Social media can be a powerful business tool for laundry businesses and a great way to reach new customers. Look for ways to improve your existing social media efforts, whether that means posting more consistently, dedicating more budget to social advertising, or expanding to a new platform (just be sure to not overextend yourself). Plus, social media is a great tool for customer service to help you retain existing customers. 

6. Improve your exterior look.

First impressions are so important. You only have a few seconds to make a positive impression on a potential customer, and that generally starts before they ever walk into your building. With that in mind, give your building exterior plenty of TLC. Here are a few tips that can help you spruce things up:

• Make sure signage is visible and an accurate representation of your brand. (If you’re looking for professional signage for your laundromat, be sure to check out our shop.)
• Keep the parking lot clear and free of garbage and debris.
• Trim plants, trees, and foliage.
• Wash windows regularly so they’re clear and bright.
• Pay attention to lighting and replace burned out bulbs quickly.

7. Freebies, rewards, and giveaways.

Everybody loves free stuff and feeling that their patronage is appreciated. Rewards and loyalty cards, raffle prices, coupons and goodie bags for new patrons, and other promotional efforts can be a great way to get new customers through the door. Plus, when you give away branded swag, like pens and t-shirts, you’re helping increase name recognition throughout the community. 

8. Upgrade your equipment and amenities. 

Upgrading your commercial laundry equipment and adding additional amenities (such as fluff and fold services) can be a great way to draw in additional patrons and reconnect with old ones. Today’s laundry customers are looking for convenience and advanced technology. The laundromats that offer that, along with great customer service, are going to win their business.

If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, learn more about partnering with Huebsch.

Got questions about growing your laundry business? The laundry experts at Huebsch are happy to help!