In a world where consumers are bombarded with ads every day, one thing still cuts through the noise: word of mouth. For laundromat owners, referral marketing remains one of the most effective ways to grow a loyal customer base. In 2025, however, the game has evolved. Modern referral strategies blend classic relationship-building with new digital tools that make it easier than ever to track, reward, and scale. If you want to grow your business through referrals, here are the best laundry service marketing strategies to use this year and beyond.
Launch a Digital Referral Program
Gone are the days of handing out paper coupons or telling customers to “bring a friend.” In 2025, successful laundromats use digital referral platforms that automate the process as part of their laundromat marketing plan. These programs generate unique referral codes customers can share via text, email, or social media. When someone new signs up or visits using the code, both the referrer and the new customer get a reward.
Whether you offer $5 off a wash-and-fold order or a free laundry cycle, digital platforms make it easy to track referrals and issue rewards instantly. Tools like Referrizer, TapMango, and even loyalty app integrations make setup simple.
Offer Irresistible Incentives
The best referral programs give customers a reason to share. Make your offer too good to ignore. Think beyond basic discounts—try giving a free pickup and delivery for one order, priority service, or a “skip the line” perk for repeat referrals. The key is to offer something that feels exclusive and valuable.
Tailor your rewards to your most popular services. If you’re known for fast turnaround times or eco-friendly wash options, make those the highlight of your incentive.
Make It Easy to Share
Referral programs should be simple, fast, and shareable. Add prominent “Refer a Friend” buttons on your website, in your mobile app, and within your customer emails or text campaigns. Provide shareable links or one-click options to post on social media. The easier you make it for customers to refer, the more likely they are to spread the word.
Also consider adding referral options at the end of online bookings or after service is complete—right when satisfaction is highest.
Leverage Influencer and Community Referrals
While regular customers are powerful, some voices carry more weight. In 2025, many laundromats are partnering with local influencers, community leaders, or neighborhood businesses to drive referrals. Consider offering local food delivery drivers, fitness instructors, or apartment leasing agents a special incentive for recommending your services to their networks.
You can also work with nearby businesses to form cross-promotions. For example, refer a customer to a local coffee shop, and they refer their patrons to your laundromat—with discounts for both.
Track and Measure Results
What gets measured gets improved. Use analytics tools to monitor how many new customers come from referrals, which channels are most effective, and which incentives perform best. If you see drop-off in participation, test new reward options or simplify your sign-up process.
Digital referral platforms often come with built-in dashboards, but even a simple spreadsheet can help you keep tabs on your program’s performance.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re running a single location or expanding into multiple neighborhoods, a well-run referral program can keep your machines full and your business thriving.
