It’s estimated that nearly one in five small businesses fail within the first year of opening their doors, and local dry cleaners are no exception. Dry cleaner businesses are typically family-owned and operated in strip malls or shopping centers, offering residents a critical service to maintaining their clothing, bedding, and more. But to do more than just make ends meet, there are a variety of promotional strategies a dry cleaner may elect to implement to take their business to the next level.
Get on Social Media
You don’t need a full-time social media coordinator to have an active voice on a few platforms. Make an account on Instagram, Facebook, or even LinkedIn and post two to three times a week to help move the needle and keep your business in front of customers. This is also a great way to keep customers informed about business hours, deals, and updates.
Market to Neighborhoods
Services like Every Door Direct Mail can strategically get your dry cleaning business in front of a more targeted audience and increase customer volume and revenue.
Start a Blog
Blogging is great for search engine optimization purposes. It can also offer your current and prospective customers practical advice and information on dry cleaning topics.
Invest in Quality Equipment
The better your equipment, the better the end product. Invest in quality air vacuums, Burks pumps, and blowdown tanks from trusted providers like Rema Dri Vac. Be sure to promote this new state-of-the-art equipment on your social media and blog.
Set Up a Referral Program
Offer discounts on services for any current customers who refer your business to a friend or family member.
Start an Email Campaign
Compiling a list of customer emails and sending out a monthly newsletter with tips, news, coupons, and promotions can keep your business in front of the people you depend on.
Invest in Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Processes
It’s estimated that up to 75% of consumers make purchasing decisions based on how environmentally friendly a brand is. By implementing and promoting more sustainable practices in your professional dry cleaning business, you could establish a competitive advantage over other businesses.
Advertise
Advertising is a great way to increase brand awareness. Consult a local advertising agency or use more traditional methods like flyers and word-of-mouth marketing to promote your business.
Reward Loyalty
This is a great way to thank your customers. Even offering $5 off future cleaning services for every $100 spent is a gesture that makes customers feel valued.
Offer Pick-up and Drop-off
Your customers are busy and might not have time in their schedules to get to the dry cleaner. Offering pick-up and drop-off services can help relieve some of this pressure.
Get a Google Listing
This allows customers to not only find your business but rate it as well.
Give Back to the Local Community
Organize a toy drive, donate a portion of profits to a local charity and brainstorm other ways to give back. Giving back to the local community doesn’t just help the people in your business’s area, but it’s also good public relations.
As always, your business should offer top-notch dry cleaning machinery to keep customers happy. To learn more about Rema Dri Vac’s quality dry cleaning equipment, contact us.
