Haunted Car Wash: Turning your Wash into a Tunnel of Terror

Here at Turtle Wax Pro, we understand the difficulty in succeeding within the car wash industry, and especially in trying to stand out in the market.

The car wash space has many substitutes available to consumers, ranging from self serve to full automated washes. This creates the need for your wash to stand out in the eye of consumers.

Advertising can be a great way to increase business as your potential audience can be attracted and enticed towards your car wash over another!

By targeting consumers with specific and different forms of ads, businesses can attract new customers and grow their business in ways they could not done before.

Advertisements are not only for gaining new customers, they can be essential for building general brand awareness and improving loyalty for your existing users.

In this article, we'll be walking you through why advertising is important, how you can use advertising to strengthen your business, and how you can start creating impactful advertisements.

The Car Wash market is a multi-billion dollar industry.

There are over 25,000 car washes in the United States alone. The industry employs over 150,000 people and generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.

Even now, growth is still occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, the industry is expected to grow by 3% every year.

This growth is driven by the rise in vehicle ownership, increase in per capita income, and the need for car owners to maintain their vehicles.

With the right car wash advertising strategy, businesses can tap into this growing market and improve their bottom line.

The Car Wash Market

Despite the large size of the market, the car wash industry is very fragmented.

The top 50 companies account for less than 20% of the total market share. This leaves a large opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to increase their market share.

There are many different types of car washes, from self-service to full-service. There are also a variety of different services that you can offer, from express wash to detailing.

No matter what type of car wash you have, there are plenty of things you can do to increase business and market share.

The Car Wash Industry is a Tough Market

If you run a car wash, you know that competition is fierce.

Many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

So how can you make sure that your car wash stays competitive?

Advertising is a way to help ensure that your wash stays competitive and has a consistent flow of customers.

Advertising allows your car wash business to attract new customers, customers from competing businesses and may even stop current customers from going elsewhere. .

Unfortunately, many local businesses are going out of business because they haven’t been able to keep up with the competition as there likely are many car wash options to choose from in any given area.

Standing out is difficult, but is a must to attract customers.

Quality services and reasonable prices are important for success in owning a car wash.

If you want your car wash to be successful, you need to offer quality services at reasonable prices.

Unfortunately, many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

In a competitive market like the car wash market, there are many substitutions present. That means for customers to choose your wash, you must provide a great wash at a great price.

Advertising a Car Wash

The first step to increasing business is to make sure that customers are aware of your car wash. Advertising can be a great way to do this.

There are many different ways to advertise and utilizing a mix of methods is the best way to ensure results.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, businesses should consider what type of ad would be most effective for reaching their market.

The type of car wash will dictate exactly what type of ad to use. For example, a self service car wash may have a different marketing strategy than a full service car wash.

Second, businesses should make sure that their ads are creative and attention-grabbing.

Attractive visuals, key words, free services (or discounted) will all be attention grabbing to your audience.

Finally, businesses should track the results of their car wash advertising campaigns to ensure that they are effective.

Trial and error is sometimes the only way to succeed.

An important thing to remember when it comes to advertising car washes is that not all methods will work for every business. If you want more customers, it is important to experiment with different types of ads and see what works best for your company.

Car Wash Marketing Ideas

There are a variety of different ways to advertise your car wash.

You can use print ads, radio spots, social media campaigns, and outdoor signage, just to name a few.

By using a variety of car wash marketing techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers who will appreciate the convenience and quality of your car wash service.

Print Ads

One way to advertise your car wash is through print ads. You can place ads in newspapers, magazines, or even direct mailers. Make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number so customers can easily find you.

Distributing flyers in the local area is also a great way to promote your car wash.

You can also include a coupon or special offer in your print ad to entice new business to try out your services. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or a free car wash with the purchase of a detailing package.

Radio Spots

Another way to reach customers is through radio spots. You can buy airtime on local radio stations and create ads that will play during drive time.

Like print ads, make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number in your radio spot so customers can easily find you. You can also include a sales promotion within it, to cause more listeners to act.

Social Media Campaigns

In today’s world, social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach customers. Other social media sites such as LinkedIn and TikTok could prove to be useful car wash marketing tools as well.

Social media accounts are crucial for car washes because they provide a way to connect with customers and promote deals or discounts.

When creating social media posts, be sure to use attractive visuals and persuasive copy. You want to grab people’s attention and make them want to learn more about your car wash.

Make sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or showcasing particular services that customers will love to have done to their vehicles.

Outdoor Signage

Another way to reach potential customers is through outdoor signage. You can place banners, signs, and flags around your car wash to grab people’s attention.

Make sure your signage is visible and legible from a distance. You want people to be able to see it and read it easily so they know what your business is and what services you offer.

You can also use outdoor signage to promote special services such as your for top of the line package.

Many companies (including Turtle Wax Pro) have outdoor signages that are very appealing to the eye and showcase a premium nature to them, which cause customers to try them out.

By using a variety of advertising techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers to your car wash which will aid in succeeding even in the most competitive market.

What do you Write in a Car Wash Advertisement?

Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your car wash ad:

• Your business name
• Your logo
• A tagline or slogan
• Attractive visuals
• Information about your location
• Unique Aspects
• What services you offer
• Specials or promotions you are running
• A call to action note that entices consumers

Having a variety of these ideas can help your ad stand out from your competitors and help drive sales.

How to Create a Tagline or Slogan for a Car Wash?

Your tagline or slogan should be easily recognizable, so customers can remember it and associate it with your brand.

It should be reflective of what your company does or what you want your company to be known for. Whether it be affordable rates or the best cleaning job in town.

Also, your tagline or slogan should be reflective of your company’s values. (ex: environmentally focused)

What makes your Business Different?

The aspects that make your car wash different than the one down the road should be included in your advertisements.

You may be a local business, the only one using a specific brand of products, touchless as opposed to using brushes, an established brand, or vastly more experienced.

Small businesses have the opportunity to focus on community service or being more personal with their customers. Thus, many consumers choose to support small businesses over other options.

These are all examples of characteristics that make your car wash business stand out and are potential reasons why customers will choose you over another.

Unique Advertising Ideas for your Car Wash Business

The car wash marketing strategies mentioned before are significant in bringing awareness to your wash. But you might already have the basics covered, or maybe you want to try something different to set your business apart.

If that’s the case, here are some unique advertising ideas for your car wash business:

Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Another Popular Local Attraction

One way to get your car wash’s name out there is by sponsoring a local school sports team or another popular attraction in your area.

This could be anything from Little League to the local school. By having your name on their jerseys or arena, you’ll be getting great exposure to both new customers and existing customers.

Have a Grand Opening Event or Anniversary Event

Another way to advertise your business is by hosting a grand opening event (for a new business) or anniversary event. This is an exciting way to get new customers in the door and try out your car wash for the first time.

At special events, you can offer special pricing, freebies, free food, or other activities to bring in larger crowds. You can also use special events like these as an opportunity to introduce any new services or products you might be offering.

Get Involved in the Community

One way to endear your business to your target audience is by getting involved in the community. This could be anything from sponsoring a charity event to hosting a food drive.

By giving back to the community, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be gaining some good publicity for your business. This is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty among possible customers and your customer base.

Offer Free Washes

Not many people can turn down something free. By giving away a free wash for their first wash, you encourage customers to try out your service.

This way they can compare your car wash to the one they typically use, and if your service is of good quality, consumers will continue for paid washes.

Have a Rewards/Loyalty Program

A rewards program is a great way to encourage current customers to continue using your wash. By offering a discount coupon or freebies after a certain number of visits, you’ll be sure to see customers coming back.

Having a loyalty program is also a great way to upsell customers on other services or products you might offer.

You can promote your loyalty club on your business website, on social media, or through in-store signage. This is a great way to increase your number of returning customers and build customer loyalty.

Thinking outside the box can separate you from the rest of the competition, and get your car wash business out in a way no one else can.

Working with an experienced company like Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro

Implementing a strong marketing strategy to ultimately increase business for you car wash can be difficult.

Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro are not only car wash suppliers, we are companies dedicated in helping your business succeed.

We understand that just owning a car wash is only a small fraction behind operating a car wash, marketing it is a must.

We have decades of experience helping car washes of all types and sizes, and thus, can provide a superior level of guidance that can help your car wash business gain market share and increase customers.

It's obvious how important advertising is to suceeding in the car wash market. By utilizing some of the advertising ideas mentioned, you can increase brand awareness to your car wash and bring in more traffic.

Advertising is an incredible powerful tool that can skyrocket the success of your business. If you believe that your car wash business could improve it's advertising, don't hesitate to get in contact with us! We at Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro can provide some guidance on how to seperate yourself from the rest of the market.

Anyone familiar with car washes will know that there is a big emphasis on signage. Colorful arches, banners and neon-lit-up signs are all commonly seen at car washes.

These all play a special role in getting customers to look at your car wash business which turns into more customers.

What do we mean by Car Wash Signage?

Car wash signs are any kind of visual display that advertises or promotes your car wash business. This could be anything from a large sign outside the entrance to smaller signs, flags, or menu boards near your service bays and equipment.

How to Best Use Car Wash Signs?

The point of a car wash sign is to grab the attention of customers and make your car wash look more attractive!

Car Wash Theme

To best achieve that goal, you will want to be sure that your car wash signs are eye-catching and that they match the theme and brand of your car wash. Your vehicle wash may have a strict theme it follows such as having a mascot which you may want your signs to display or it may just be a certain set of colours.

Either way, you will want to be sure that your signs match the rest of your car wash in design.

Attractive Design

Your car wash signs should also be attractive and readable. The design of the message on the sign should be easy to read while still being visually appealing.

It's important that potential customers can quickly understand what your business is offering, so make sure important information such as deals or services stands out clearly.

High Visibility

Position them at the entrance of your community car wash or near any active service bays. You may even consider placing signs along the road leading up to your business so passing cars can see them.

Variety of Signs

Signs come in all shapes and sizes so you can get creative and create yours!

Using different types of car wash signs can also help draw potential customers in. From flags to banners, your car wash is sure to stand out with the right mix of signage.

Remind the Customer About Memberships

You can use car wash sign real estate to promote your monthly membership packages. This can be crucial for getting customers to join loyalty programs. You could even attract them to sign up for an account while they wait from inside their vehicle using cleverly placed QR codes. Car wash memberships are one of the best ways to increase sales for your business.

Different Types of Car Wash Signs

There are many different types of car wash signs, so we will focus on the main ones.

Arches

Arches are great for adding a visual experience to your car wash. They should be colourful, and pleasing to look at, and they will be something that your customers will remember about you.

Menu Boards

Menu boards are essential tools for car washes as they display what services you offer and your prices. These should be easy to read and make sure that they stand out from the rest of your signs.

They also should be pleasing to look at, they will be one of the most viewed car wash signs for your business.

Small Signs

Smaller car wash signs can be placed around your car wash, near your vacuums, in the line where the cars sit and wait, or even at the entrance of the lot.

They should display some key information about your brand, services or a promotion offer, such as a free upgrade with the purchase of two basic washes. This way customers may see it and choose to purchase it.

Road Signs

This will be the first car wash sign people see when they approach your business. It should be eye-catching yet simple enough for people to understand quickly.

Road signs are perfect for drawing attention to your car wash from a distance. This way you can promote your car wash to those driving by.

These should be placed along the road leading up to your car wash, and they should include photos and information on what services you offer and how to find them.

Be Creative!

As a site owner, when choosing material for your car wash signs or designing them, try and be creative. Add lights, reflective strips, buzzwords, or anything else that can help grab the attention of people just passing by.

Where to find Car Wash Signage?

Signage can be made through a variety of different methods such as a local sign shop but we would recommend leveraging help from your own company or car wash supplier.

At Turtle Wax Pro, we emphasize the importance of signage and marketing. That is why we work with all of our operators for feedback on how they can improve their marketing and support them on different signage options and design efforts.

Car Wash Marketing

Signage is all part of the marketing and advertising of your car wash. But it does not have to stop there. A site owner will want to try and implement more marketing efforts, to gain access to more customers and a presence in the market. Some other forms of advertising you will want to think about using are social media, print ads, and radio.

Looking at Signage Options? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

With over 75 years in professional car care, Turtle Wax is the industry leader in cleaning cars and making them look their best. Added to our experience in supporting car wash businesses of all types, we understand just how important of a role signage can play in the success of any car wash facility.

It is an aspect of maintenance you will want to be sure is done right and to do so, you will want to ensure your car wash supplier can help.

The car wash industry is great space to be in. With no single car wash company owning more than 5% of the market share, there is lots of room for local car washes to operate.

But with so many car washes around, how can you stand out? That is the topic we will be discussing today, how your car wash can be different, attract new consumers, and retain old ones!

Car Wash Competition is Fierce - Be Prepared

Competition in the car wash industry is fierce and car wash owners need to come up with creative ways to stand out from the crowd. While traditional car washes are still popular, there are also plenty of innovative car wash ideas that can help you attract new customers and keep your business running smoothly.

Car Wash Ideas: How to Stand Out

Offer Specialty Services

One of the best car wash ideas is to offer specialty services that are not typically offered at a car wash, like auto detailing services. These services can help you attract new customers and increase your revenue.

Go Mobile

Going mobile is becoming a more and more common service for car washes. It allows you to serve a completely different and 'new age' market as you take your services to them.

Technology

Technology is getting better and better, and your car wash can implement that into its operations.

Whether it's making payment faster or easier, offering free wi-fi or developing an app for customers to view their washing history/sign up for subscriptions, there are many ways you can add technology to improve your business.

Reward Programs (Also called a Loyalty Program)

Rewarding loyal customers with discounts or free washes is a great way to get repeat business!

A free car wash is a popular example of a reward customers can receive. It is effective, not many people can walk away from free services.

Marketing

Marketing your car wash business is essential to getting new customers and getting your name out there. Implementing your own marketing strategies can seem difficult but it will pay off with the influx of new and old customers coming to your car wash. Alternatively, you can lean on your car wash supplier for marketing help as they may have signs, banners, arches, and more available that can do the work for you!

Car Wash Marketing Ideas

Your marketing strategy can differ in many ways, these are just some ideas you can focus on.

Attractive Car Wash Signage

Attractive, eye catching, informative signage can really draw consumers into your car wash. Whether you build your signage or order them from your supplier, the right signage can make a large difference to the outside public. Best part is, its low maintenance!

Modern and Functional Website

A website is one of the first things consumers expect to see once they look up your car wash. Not having one can deter customers from going to your car wash as they might have trouble finding key information such as your locations, services, or hours of operations.

An ancient looking or non functional website can also deter potential consumers from visiting your car wash.

Social Media

Digital marketing in the form of social media is an opportunity to showcase yourself. Whether you use it as a news platform for business changes, new promotions, or you upload content for people to see, it is an opportunity for potential customers to see what your business is and then become a customer.

You can have social media accounts across different platforms to help you reach a wide range of people, social media is also a great way to launch a marketing campaign.

Promotions

Everyone loves a good deal, so your car wash business running some promotions on its services is a great way to encourage customers to return or find new ones.

Partner with Local Business

Talk to your fellow local businesses in the area!

This is an opportunity to put your minds together on how you can help each other.

A local business based in your area (even if it is a completely different type of business) will understand and experience similar challenges as you are.

Maybe it will be as simple as putting each other's business cards or flyers at reception, or some type of event can be collaborated on. These are some examples that can attract customers for both of you.

Advertisements

Local radio, tv, online ads can also be a great car wash idea to draw in new customers and bring back old ones.

Advertisements can be information, catchy, funny, eye catching, and differ in many more ways. It gives you the chance to showcase how unique your car wash is over another, and could be the difference maker in someone choosing your business.

How to Retain Customers

Once you get new car wash customers, the next step is to retain them. To do this, car washes should have a friendly and knowledgeable staff, quality car wash services, and excellent customer service. Existing customers want to feel valued and receive a great wash for a price they like.

Don't Forget the Basics for Car Washes

While implementing new ideas, initiatives, and marketing might help you grab the attention of your consumer base, you still need to have a great service to be successful.

Your car wash equipment and chemistry both need to be tuned effectively to get the results both you and your customers want. Clean, shiny, and dry vehicles is what we're all looking for and to achieve that you will want to ensure your car wash is offering the best quality it can. Ensure you are happy with your wash quality by talking with your car wash supplier.

Got Car Wash Ideas of your own? Need a Supplier? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

Planning and implementing ideas such as these can affect your car wash greatly! But doing so is sometimes difficult without the right kind of support. That's why we've got your back!

Get in touch with Turtle Wax Pro who have been supporting car wash business of all kinds for decades! With a 97% brand recognition and some of the best car wash chemistry on the market, we have the tools that can help your business achieve the 'perfect' wash.