Consumers have a lot of options when it comes to getting their vehicles cleaned. There are attendant-operated car washes, fully automatic car washes, vehicle detailing services, and other options available, so you’ll want to up your game to get more vehicles to pull into your bays.
It is true that demand for car washes is heaviest during the spring and summer months after the harsh fall and winter seasons have done a number on cars, trucks, SUVs, minivan, and other types of vehicles. But any time of year is a good time for clients to keep their vehicles nice and clean, and the right strategy will help you to attract customers to your car wash operations.
So that you get ahead of the competition, here are 7 ideas to attract new customers to your wash any time of year.
1. Encourage Current Customers to Make Referrals to Family and Friends
It’s well known in the marketing industry that the most effective type of advertising is the word-of-mouth variety. The rationale for this is quite simple. People tend to place more faith in reviews that come from those they know and trust — rather than from corporate entities looking to sell their products and services. So take advantage of this by encouraging your faithful clients to refer your car wash services to their family, fellow church members, friends, co-workers, and associates. Make it worth their while by offering incentives for their referrals.
2. Encourage Customers to Write Online Reviews
Prospective customers will look for online reviews before deciding on where to spend their hard-earned dollar. You can, therefore, attract some of them if there are positive online reviews online about your car wash business and the customer service. Encourage current customers to post reviews by giving them a discount on their next car wash or by simply offering them a free service add-on as part of their regular car wash. Does your company have a Facebook page? If not, create one. It’s easy. Encourage customers to “like” your page and to leave a good review.
3. Don’t Ignore Bad Reviews
It’s almost unfair how much damage even a single bad review can have on a business’s reputation. If you see a bad review, don’t ignore it. Respond to the critical review right away, ask the reviewer to explain what the problem was and how you can make up for their disappointment, and then offer to make the situation right so that you keep a customer and mitigate any damage that a bad review can have on your car wash operations.
4. Stay Open Late
Consumers are used to having it their way. That means ensuring that your car wash business has hours of operation that meet the needs of your entire customer base. If you have a fully automated car wash business, you can probably remain open around the clock without any problems. But if yours is staffed by attendants, then consider your demographic and figure out how you can ensure that your hours of operation meet customer needs.
5. Start a Digital Loyalty Program
Everyone has a smartphone these days. One way to take advantage of this technology in a way that will resonate with your customers is to offer a digital loyalty program, such as the one you can create with Loopy Loyalty. You can use a digital stamp card to benefit current customers and to attract new customers with special offers, discounts, and promotions.
6. Get Social
When it comes to engaging with customers and would-be clients, social media is your friend. Your target market is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms — and so should you. Be sure to set up a presence on various social media sites, and use these accounts to engage with customers and would-be customers. Give them a reason to follow you and to check in from time to time.
7. Create Attractive Space
One way you can separate yourself from the pack is to create an environment that is simply different from other car wash operations in the area. Whether it’s the décor, the magazines in the waiting area, the coffee or light snacks available while they wait, or even free Wi-Fi access, there are things you can do to set your car wash business apart from the competition.
As you can see, there are various strategies available to increase your customer base. Try out any or all of these 7 recommendations to rev up your revenue.
