Let’s be real: most laundromat owners are leaving easy money on the table.

They’re focusing on machines, cleanliness, signage - which all matter - but they’re completely ignoring the simplest, fastest, most direct way to drive more traffic into their store and grow their wash & fold business.

That’s SMS marketing. And if you’re not using it, your competitor will. Simple as that.

So… What Is SMS Marketing?

SMS marketing is exactly what it sounds like: marketing through text messages. You build a customer list (more on that in a second), and then you send those customers messages that drive action.

We’re talking:

• Limited-time wash & fold discounts
• “Haven’t seen you in a while” re-engagement texts
• Birthday freebies
• Referral rewards
• And even service reminders (like “Your order’s ready!”) 

It’s personal. It’s immediate. And it’s insanely effective.

Why?

Because everyone checks their texts. In fact, 98% of SMS messages are opened within minutes. Good luck getting that kind of attention with email or social media.

The Gold Is in the Data: Why Customer Info Matters 

Here’s where the magic starts: collecting the right customer information.

At a minimum, you should be gathering:

• First Name (so you can personalize your messages)
• Phone Number (duh)
• Email Address (for deeper campaigns or backups)
• Date of Birth (so you can send birthday promos and feel like a rockstar)
• Zip Code (great for segmenting your messages by delivery zones)

You can gather this info:

• At the point of sale (use your POS system to prompt staff)
• In your pickup & delivery app
• Through digital loyalty programs
• Or by offering a bribe — I mean, incentive. Example: “Get $5 off your next wash & fold when you sign up!”

The more quality data you have, the more power you have to connect.

How Laundromats Can Use SMS Marketing (Without Being Annoying)

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about blasting customers daily with coupons. It’s about strategic, timely, and helpful communication.

Here are some winning strategies:

1. The “We Miss You” Campaign

Send a message to customers who haven’t visited in 3–4 weeks:

“Hey [First Name], it’s been a minute! We miss you at Wash Bar. Drop off your laundry this week and get $5 off. Just show this text!”

Why it works: You’re targeting dormant customers with a reason to come back.

2. Birthday Texts That Actually Matter

“Happy Birthday, [First Name]! 🎉 Treat yourself to clean clothes on us — enjoy $10 off your next wash & fold this week. Just show this text.”

Why it works: Everyone loves free stuff on their birthday, and it builds loyalty.

3. Flash Sales and Happy Hours

Got a slow day? Fire off a flash promo.

“FLASH SALE: Today only! 20% off all wash & fold drop-offs before 3pm. No code needed — just show this text!”

 
Why it works: It creates urgency and fills the dead hours.

4. Pickup & Delivery Nudges

“Too busy for laundry this week? Let us come to you. Schedule FREE pickup & delivery at [your website].”

 
Why it works: You’re offering convenience at just the right time — especially for busy parents and professionals.

5. Referral Texts That Drive New Business 

“Love Wash Bar? Refer a friend and you both get $10 off! Just have them show this text with your name.”

 
Why it works: It turns your best customers into your best marketers.

Pro Tips to Level Up Your SMS Game

• Keep it short and clear: You’re not writing a novel. 1–2 sentences, max.
• Use your brand voice: If your store is fun and playful, your texts should be too.
• Don’t over-send: 2–4 texts per month is plenty. Make them count.
• Always include an action: “Show this text,” “Tap here to book,” or “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
• Track your results: Use link tracking or a tool like CleanCloud’s built-in SMS system to see what works.

Why You Can’t Ignore SMS Any Longer

Look, I get it. Running a laundromat is already a full-time hustle. But here’s the hard truth:

If you’re not collecting customer data and texting your audience, you’re relying on hope. And hope isn’t a strategy.

SMS marketing isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore. It’s a must-have if you want to:

• Re-engage lost customers
• Increase loyalty
• Promote high-margin services like wash & fold
• Grow your delivery routes
• And dominate your zip code

Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re a Laundry Advisors subscriber, we’ve got plug-and-play SMS campaign templates, insider case studies, and tech stack guides ready for you.

We’ve even got screenshots of our most successful campaigns to copy and tweak for your own shop. (Seriously, just copy what works. No shame in that game.)

SMS is the most powerful tool you’re not using. Get it set up, start collecting that golden customer data, and watch your repeat business climb.

It’s time to text your way to more profit.