Attract New Customers and Keep Them Coming Back with a Simple, Repeatable Strategy
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn’t have to take months to get up and running. If you’re a laundromat owner looking to increase foot traffic, improve customer retention, and grow your revenue, a basic marketing funnel is one of the smartest investments you can make. The good news? You can build an effective funnel in just 7 days using everyday tools like Google, SMS messaging, digital ads, and basic automation.
Here’s how to structure your laundromat marketing funnel, step by step, so it starts working for you by the end of the week.
Day 1: Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression people have of your laundromat. When someone searches for “laundromat near me,” your listing can either draw them in or turn them away.
What to do:
- Claim your business listing on Google if you haven’t already.
- Add complete details: address, hours, contact info, website, and service descriptions.
- Upload high-quality photos of your storefront, machines, and interior.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
- Respond to all reviews promptly and professionally.
Your listing not only boosts search visibility but also builds trust before someone even steps inside your store.
Day 2: Launch a Basic Website or Landing Page
A full website is helpful but not essential when you’re just starting out. A one-page site or landing page can serve as your digital home base.
Include the following:
- Store address with clickable map
- A summary of your services
- Clear pricing (or sample pricing tiers)
- Special offers or first-visit discounts
- A form to collect phone numbers for your text list
Make the page mobile-friendly, since most of your traffic will come from phones.
Day 3: Set Up an SMS Marketing System
Text messaging is one of the most effective tools for laundromat marketing. It allows you to stay top of mind with past customers, promote time-sensitive offers, and gently nudge people to return.
Steps to take:
- Choose an SMS service provider with scheduling, segmentation, and automation features.
- Create a keyword for opt-in, like “Text CLEAN to 12345 for 10% off.”
- Display signage in-store and on your website encouraging people to join the list.
- Send messages once or twice a week with useful reminders, updates, or promotions.
Sample texts:
- “Quiet weekday? Come in before 5 PM and get 15% off. Just show this text.”
- “Missed you! Come back anytime this weekend and spin the wheel for a surprise prize.”
Keep it friendly, short, and clear—and always include value.
Day 4: Establish a Social Media Presence
Social media allows you to reach customers where they already spend time and to build trust through regular engagement.
Set up business accounts on:
- (Optionally) TikTok or Nextdoor depending on your community
Post 2–3 times per week:
- Behind-the-scenes photos or videos
- Machine availability updates
- Customer spotlights
- Announcements for promotions or closures
Social platforms also give you a space to interact with locals, respond to questions, and share positive reviews from customers.
Day 5: Run a Promotion to Attract Attention
To quickly bring in new faces, launch a short-term promotion. Use it to kick off your SMS list, test your ads, or encourage repeat visits.
Popular laundromat promo ideas:
- “Free Dry Fridays” with a qualifying wash
- “Spin to Win” discount game
- 20% off for students, seniors, or service workers
- “Bring a Friend” referral incentive
Make the promotion visible across your signage, website, social media, and SMS messages. Keep it simple to redeem, and track responses to see which channels work best.
Day 6: Launch Targeted Local Ads
Digital ads help fill the top of your funnel by reaching people in your area who haven’t visited yet. Even a small ad budget can generate solid local results.
Set up ads using:
- Google Ads (search-based intent like “laundromat open now”)
- Facebook and Instagram (interest-based targeting by location)
Tips for better results:
- Use eye-catching images of your laundromat
- Focus on one clear offer or benefit
- Add a call-to-action like “Visit Today” or “Tap to Get Directions”
Keep the target radius small, usually within 2 to 5 miles of your store.
Day 7: Connect and Automate Your Tools
Once everything is in place, your final step is making sure all parts of your funnel work together. This saves time and ensures customers are guided through the funnel from discovery to loyalty.
Integration tips:
- Link your Google profile to your website or landing page
- Make sure your website collects phone numbers for your text list
- Use your SMS tool to send follow-up offers or thank-you messages
- Set up weekly or monthly automation for promotions, reminders, or surveys
- Track performance data like ad clicks, foot traffic, redemption rates, and repeat visits
Over time, you can refine your strategy based on the data, but the key is to start simple and build momentum.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive marketing budget or an advanced degree to build a marketing funnel for your laundromat. With just one week of focused effort, you can set up an entire system that brings in new customers, re-engages existing ones, and grows your revenue.
From your Google listing to digital ads and SMS follow-ups, each piece of the funnel works together to create a smooth journey for your customer, and a sustainable growth engine for your business. Start now, stay consistent, and within a week, you’ll already be seeing results.
