Executing the Basics to Promote Your Laundromat
Digital marketing can get complicated.
Really complicated – really quickly.
So, this article is dedicated to all of those laundromat owners and managers out there who could use some help executing just a basic digital marketing strategy.
The goal? To keep it simple so that you can execute digital marketing consistently.
What exactly is digital marketing? It’s marketing that occurs online to reach your target market and to promote your brand and services. When you’re using digital marketing, you’re trying to reach customers and potential customers through the internet, a website, email and social media.
Let’s get started:
Your Website
The first and most basic step to digital marketing is to create a great website. Think of it as the mothership. It offers critical information about your brand; helps visitors find your location; allows you to capture customer information, such as email addresses; and gives your laundry business credibility. Content on your website is important, as it will facilitate search engine optimization (SEO), as well as engagement. Let an experienced professional develop your website. It should be mobile-friendly, have a contact page for capturing customer information, offer a blog that’s regularly refreshed, link directly to your social media platforms, and cover everything from services to store specials using key words for effective SEO.
Yelp and Google My Business
Yelp and Google My Business connect people with local businesses. So, once your website is established, list your laundromat on both sites. It’s free and simple. Doing so makes it fast and easy to find your laundry with a quick online search for “laundries in Boston,” for example. They also offer customer ratings, which can help set you apart from your competition.
Social Media Platforms
Set up Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram accounts for your business – and post regularly. Monitor your accounts for questions and comments, and then be sure respond quickly. Link each account back to your website… and post, post, post.
What should you post? Promotions, specials, services, videos, images, etc.
Email Marketing
Directly contact your target market via emails that announce store specials, services, interesting laundry factoids and more. Your website works to capture email addresses and contact information, as does your electronic payment system (if you have one). Use that to your advantage and reward customers and potential customers with email incentives and content messages that build customer loyalty.
Videos
Don’t forget videos. Keep them super short and post them on YouTube and your website. They can be instructional (use of your store’s card system), build credibility (show your clean, modern laundromat and its efficient, high-tech equipment), highlight services (showcase your wash-dry-fold service), or spotlight customers and their comments about the store. The sky is the limit.
Although there are several ways to digitally market your laundromat – including paying for digital ads – the methods outlined above are relatively simple and inexpensive. Use them to your advantage. If you do, you’ll likely outperform your competitors for a hefty customer base and stronger sales.
