When it comes to choosing a car wash, there is no shortage of options for your customers. From automatic tunnel washes to self-service car wash stations, there are dozens of other car wash owners in your area competing for the attention of customers. 

If you want to stand above the rest, it might be time for an innovative marketing strategy. Impeccable customer service matters, of course, but it also takes fresh ideas and marketing efforts to keep your business strong. 

Here are six unique car wash ideas you can use to maximize your sales. 

1. Themed Car Wash Events and Promotions

If you want to attract new customers, you need a reason for them to come to you. Themed car wash events and promotions can be very effective in building buzz. For customers who are on the fence or haven’t had the chance to try any local car wash options, an exciting event can be just the nudge they need to give your business a try.

Free car wash promotions often work well, to get people to try you for the first time or come back after an extended absence. A good experience will put your business top of mind for the next wash, and create word of mouth advertising. If you don’t want to go that far, offer 50% off. 

In the past, this promotion was often communicated via a postcard in the mail, with a redemption code. These days, digital promotions can be just as effective or more so. Create your promotion and post it on one or more social media platforms. 

If you’re a new business, try a 20% off grand opening party or host seasonal events, like a 4th of July barbecue or a Christmas cookie decorating contest. 

Other ideas include: 

• Inviting a local band to perform a concert
• Holding an on-site race car night with local racing teams
• Hosting a charity event with a local nonprofit or high school
• Participating in a free car wash night for veterans
• Celebrating an important anniversary related to your car wash business

2. Loyalty Programs and Customer Rewards

Loyalty programs are a great practice for almost all businesses. When you form a program for your loyal customer base, you can encourage repeat business from the people who love your services the most. Give your loyal customers something valuable, like special deals, discounts, gift cards or other rewards after a certain number of car washes. 

For your younger audience members, you’ll find the most success using a loyalty app or other online program. However, you can still use a more traditional loyalty or punch card to appeal to an older crowd. 

3. Upselling and Cross-Selling Strategies

A percentage of your customers opt for your top wash package. For all the rest, there is a huge potential for upselling and cross-selling strategies, allowing you to make more revenue. 

Upselling and cross-selling aren’t marketing tricks that deceive customers into paying more. You’re informing them of additional car wash options they don’t know about, whether it’s an upgraded car wash package or other services they can benefit from. 

You can try offering: 

• Scents and air fresheners for interior cleanings
• Premium and/or branded cleaning products 
• Wheel and tire cleanings
• Double or triple-foam packages
• Dry and shine services 
• Vacuuming or detailing services
• Windshield cleaning

4. Innovative Car Wash Services and Add-Ons

At the typical car wash, you’ll find basic services and add-ons – think exterior washes, interior cleanings, detailing and tire cleaning. But if you think outside the box, you can come up with innovative car wash marketing ideas to give you an advantage over the competition. 

Customers value speed and convenience and want the same from their car wash experience. Consider offering services that let them check multiple items off their to-do list.

For example, you can:

• Add a pet wash for dogs and cats 
• Offer simple maintenance services, like oil changes or wiper replacements
• Make freshly brewed coffee and snacks available in the lobby 
• Include concierge services
• Add a shop with simple car maintenance items, like air fresheners and interior cleaning wipes 
• Install massage chairs in the lobby 
• Create a play area or activity station for kids

5. Social Media Marketing and Influencer Partnerships

Engaging with customers goes beyond your local neighborhood and into the online community. A large chunk of your target market is spending time on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – so why not meet them where they’re at? 

Set up social media accounts on one or two popular platforms. There, you can advertise your business, showcase upgrades to your services, share coupons and promotions, and market your special events. Most importantly, you can engage with potential customers by answering their questions and responding to comments. 

You can even leverage influencer partnerships to generate buzz for your brand and increase your search engine rankings. Look for local influencers or creators in a similar car-related niche and reach out to collaborate on a marketing campaign.

6. Collaborations With Local Businesses and Organizations

Networking with other small businesses in your area can pay off. When you partner with other businesses for an event or special promotion, you both reap the rewards. You can use the hype of your event to attract new customers and make more revenue, and your partner will benefit, too. 

For example, try collaborating with a local restaurant or food truck to create a pop-up event. Customers can get a discounted car wash and enjoy local catering while they wait. 

Or you can partner with a local organization, like an animal shelter or nonprofit, to set up a charity event. These events can bring in revenue for your car wash while also putting money back into the community. The right events can help you build a positive reputation in the community and even get you local media coverage. 

Elevate Your Car Wash Business With National Carwash Solutions

Why should customers come to you if you offer what every other car wash operator offers? It takes both an innovative and strategic approach to get the upper hand on your car wash competitors. From equipment upgrades to special car wash promotions, you should always be brainstorming new car wash marketing to keep your business growing. 

Whether you’re hosting a fundraiser or adding something new to your car wash equipment, National Carwash Solutions has the premium equipment, products and expertise you need to make a powerful impression. Learn more about our brands or contact us today to start your partnership.