Car washes are a business that can be marketed to most any group of people. Anyone who has a car is a prospect for your business. If services offered are equal to those offered by other similar businesses, it is the car wash company with a more effective marketing campaign that succeeds in the long run.
Coupons
Coupons for car washes can be included in grocery store receipts, newspapers, and bulk mailers. Beyond your own marketing, you can utilize your competition's marketing efforts as well. Accepting competitor coupons can drive in drive-by traffic who are looking for a convenient yet inexpensive car wash.. Creating your own coupon campaign and accepting all other reasonable coupons keeps cars driving up. Make it easy for people to come to you and they more than likely will.
Special Events
Open your doors to local non-profits and host fundraisers. Sports teams, parent organizations and kid's groups are always looking for an effective way to raise money. If a school has 500 students and thirty percent come for a fundraiser, not only will you help the community, but you will also have shown a large number of customers how great your car wash is. On top of that, the organization ends up doing marketing for you. So with scores of flyers they send out with their promotional efforts, your name is branded throughout the community.
Punch Cards
Give patrons of your car wash a punch card that marks each wash they receive. Reward them with a free service as ten punches. This gives customers an incentive to visit you exclusively. Loyalty comes with value. If you offer a great service and can provide it for a better value, you will improve return business numbers.
Cross Marketing
Talk to other local businesses and look for ways to work together. By keeping signs and coupons available at your car wash for your patrons to pick up while waiting for their car, you can gain reciprocation at restaurants, oil and lube shops and other small businesses that would be willing to leave your coupons out. The best cross-marketing works with companies that have the same target group as you do: mechanic shops, auto insurance agencies, and gas stations.
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