Six Creative Strategies to Help Boost Your Business Without Breaking the Bank
I love it when the brands I regularly interact with surprise me with deals on products from other businesses. It’s like a hidden treasure chest of options I never thought I’d explore.
Just recently, I ended up with some rugged, outdoorsy kitchen knives I bought through a coffee shop I frequent. The vibe matched perfectly with the coffee shop’s aesthetic, and to top it off, I scored a free cup of coffee with the purchase. These moments are golden – they make me happy as a customer and connect me with businesses I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Now, imagine if your laundromat could provide that kind of delightful, unexpected value to your customers. The key to expanding your business, especially if you’re running multiple stores, lies in intelligent, out-of-the-box marketing strategies that don’t drain your budget. Let’s dive into some cost-effective tactics to promote your laundromat, focusing on scaling smartly and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
1. Maximize Attendant Training for Promotion Delivery
While many businesses overlook this, your laundromat attendants are a valuable asset in promoting your services. Train them not only to greet customers warmly but also to subtly introduce promotions. Ensure they’re well-versed in the promotions you’re running, such as discounts on pickup-and-delivery services or a bonus offer for wash-dry-fold. Equip your team with simple scripts, so they can naturally integrate these promos into conversations.
For example, when a customer drops off laundry, the attendant can say, “Did you know we offer free delivery for first-time customers? It could save you a trip next time.” This type of personalized communication costs nothing, yet it creates an opportunity to showcase your services. With multiple locations, ensure consistency by setting up a quick monthly training or memo system that keeps everyone informed and engaged with the latest offers.
2. Create Cross-Promotions with Local Businesses
Partnering with nearby businesses can provide tremendous value without costing you a fortune. Your target audience – be it residential customers or commercial accounts – already patronizes other local businesses. So, leverage those existing relationships.
Consider reaching out to popular restaurants or cafés in the area to host small events like tastings or happy hours for their customers. Offer something like, “drop off your laundry during the event and get a voucher for a free dessert with your next pickup!” Not only does this drive foot traffic to your laundromat, but it also creates a win-win for both businesses.
For commercial accounts, think about how you can align with spas, gyms, or motels – businesses that might need regular towel or linen services. Cross-promote their services within your delivery bags. A simple card offering “10 percent off your first massage at [local spa] when you use our wash-dry-fold service” builds bridges and opens up conversations for long-term commercial partnerships.
3. Incorporate Value-Added Services for Pickup-and-Delivery Orders
Scaling your business involves building loyalty and ensuring your customers see ongoing value. One clever way to do this without heavy spending is by incorporating small, valuable items into your pickup-and-delivery service. For instance, you could partner with a local gym and include a free gym pass in your delivery bags. The cost to you is minimal – many small businesses are happy to provide freebies for exposure – and your customers enjoy a small, thoughtful gift.
This also sets the stage for further commercial account relationships. If the gym appreciates the exposure, they may look into outsourcing their towel or cleaning needs to your laundromat. The key is making the promotion feel like a surprise and a bonus to your customers, which enhances their perception of your brand.
4. Leverage Customer Testimonials and User-Generated Content
Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful (and free) forms of promotion. Encourage your loyal customers to share their positive experiences on social media or through testimonials. You can create a small monthly contest where anyone who posts about their experience at your laundromat and tags your business gets entered to win a free service or a local business gift card.
These genuine recommendations not only build trust with potential customers but also allow you to piggyback on the existing networks of your customers. To scale this across multiple locations, create a simple social media toolkit that your attendants can share with customers at checkout, explaining how to participate.
5. Host Community Events to Build Brand Awareness
Host small, local community events such as “Laundry Day” in collaboration with nearby businesses. Imagine a Sunday afternoon where customers can drop off their laundry, enjoy a complimentary beverage from the café next door, and browse through a local artisan market set up outside. The cost of this type of event is shared across businesses, and the payoff is a day filled with potential new customers and positive brand engagement.
6. Offer Subscription Services to Secure Long-Term Customers
If you’re looking to create a steady revenue stream, consider offering subscription services. For a flat monthly fee, customers can enjoy a certain amount of wash-dry-fold or discounted delivery services. This type of predictable, recurring income can help you plan for growth, especially across multiple stores. Plus, with a subscription, you’re creating a sense of loyalty and value that keeps customers coming back.
Scaling a laundromat business doesn’t mean you need a massive marketing budget. By thinking like a smart business owner and leveraging your community, training your staff to deliver consistent promotions, and cross-promoting with local businesses, you can effectively grow your customer base without spending an arm and a leg. Whether you’re managing one store or 10, these strategies provide a foundation for expansion while keeping your costs low and your customers happy.
