If I were a laundromat, here are some of the ways I'd consider using social media to enhance my business:
As always, I'd first consider what my purpose and success measurement is, so that I can practice accordingly.
Let's talk about that for just a second. I'm a laundromat. What the heck would laundry service do with social media? Well, I'd want two things:
To be more findable in local and hyperlocal searches.
To get more customers coming in for my "fluff n fold" drop-off services.
Blog: I would build the business website using a blogging platform for my content and membership management. Most of the social/emerging media play will be video and possibly location-based services such as Foursquare, but with blogging helping build page depth in a central location – the blog becomes an agent for success in goal #1 above.
YouTube: Here's where most of my energy would exist. I'd have lessons on folding clothes, ironing, packing for travel, how-to get stains out, and an occasional testimonial from customers.
Location Based Services (Foursquare, Gowalla, Loopt, etc.): I'd start out giving everyone a discount for check-ins & drop-offs, and occasionally give the "mayor" a free "load." I'd probably offer first-time check-ins something as well. Get them used to checking in.
Twitter/Facebook: Two different tools and I'd use them differently – but probably not too often. I'd use twitter to share resourceful (Clean, Green and LifeHack type of stuff) and Facebook as more a community chit-chat type of conversation.
Entertainment: I might try to create Pandora stations, and allow a rotation of check-ins (see the LBS above) to pick the music or maybe Hulu or Netflix running all day.
Also, comment on other laundry service or dry cleaning sites (talking about their content, not yours) and link out generously to content relevant pages elsewhere.
What else should we do? If you were a laundromat, that is…
Believing that Blogs are Conversation Stations, I coach small business and solopreneurs to use Blogs and Social Media as platforms for conversations. Connect with customers & amplify your relationships.
